Memorial Day is here, and it's the unofficial start to summer fun. Celebrate this special day in Fort Wayne with the following activities and events. Plan a weekend of fun or an afternoon celebrating summer and those who've served.  

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Parade through Fort Wayne honoring those who have served our country.

Fort Wayne Memorial Day Celebrations

Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony

The Allen County War Memorial Coliseum will be hosting its annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony. The procession will begin at 11 a.m. on May 25th. 

The parade will begin in the eastern corner of the Memorial Coliseum parking lot and follow Harry W Baals Drive to Parnell Ave, then turn right, proceeding north back to the western entrance of the Memorial Coliseum. 

Immediately following, enjoy the placement of wreaths and playing of taps at the Memorial Coliseum, honoring and remembering fallen brothers and sisters-in-arms.

Veteran's Shrine Memorial Vietnam Wall

Events at the Veterans National Memorial Shrine & Museum

Honor the Fallen at the 24-Hour Watch Fire

Friday, May 22 at 6 p.m. to Saturday, May 23 at 6 p.m. | ​Veteran’s National Memorial Shrine

The fire will be lit at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 22 and continue until Saturday at 6 p.m. Logs will be placed on the fire to honor all veterans who served for our freedom and died. Names of the fallen will also be read aloud, and family members may also come read their names aloud in-person at the event.

The tradition of the Watch Fire goes back to 1735 when it was initiated to alert troops to enemy positions. In the Revolutionary War, the Watch Fire was used to help guide the wounded soldiers back to find medical help and friendly shelter after battles. This event is open to veterans, their families, and the general public — to join in paying their respects. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs to sit on during the event.

Peace Pole Memorial Dedication

Saturday, May 23, 11:30  a.m. | ​Veteran’s National Memorial Shrine

The museum will hold a Peace Pole Memorial Dedication. This new memorial is inscribed with the universal message: “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in different languages, serving as a symbol for global harmony and a silent prayer for peace. Created by Japanese activist Masahisa Goi after World War II, these poles act as reminders to foster peace in thought, word, and deed.

Vietnam War Memorial Wall

When visiting, walk the length of the 360-ft. Vietnam War Memorial Wall located on the grounds. The wall — an 80% size replica of the original Vietnam Wall in Washington D.C. — is a lasting tribute to those who served and lost their lives in the Vietnam War, with thousands of names etched into the wall as far as the eye can see.

Lakeside Park Rose Garden at Night

America 250 Celebrations at the Library

American Revolution - America 250th Event

Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Allen County Public Library Main Branch

Join for a showing of the Ken Burns Documentary on the American Revolution, information tables from participating organizations and museums related to America 250, and other activities. After the showing, view the America 250th Display Cases to participate in a scavenger hunt for all ages.

Additional Events This Memorial Day Weekend

Enjoy Fort Wayne's Parks

Fort Wayne is home to many beautiful parks and trails perfect for a walk or picnic! 

Make a Splash

The splash pads at various Fort Wayne parks will open Saturday, May 23 with hours from 9am-9pm, weather depending.

Aerial view of downtown Fort Wayne at night during fireworks
Photo Credit: @jdmcgauley

Find a Special Event

Enjoy the long weekend with one of the many events happening around Fort Wayne!

  • Stroll the Farmer's Market Saturdays from 9am-1pm
  • Visit the Botanical Conservatory's Live Butterfly Exhibit
  • Grab your tickets for a TinCaps Baseball homestand from May 22 - 24 (with post-game fireworks on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!)
  • Wander through Glo Wild at the Fort Wayne Zoo during this stunning night-time lantern festival
  • Take a canal boat tour of Fort Wayne's rivers aboard Sweet Breeze for 60-minute or 90-minute sessions
  • Tickets are selling out fast for WWE Saturday Night's Main Event at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, may 23
  • Excavate dinosaur fossils at Dinosaurs - Fossils Exposed at the Allen County Public Library's Main Branch. Happening daily through July 31.

Planning to visit a number of our attractions? Check out the Fort Wayne Adventure Pass — and receive admission to 7 of Fort Wayne's top attractions for ONE low price!

See the full Calendar of Events for more.

This post was originally published in April 2018 and has been updated. Last Updated: May 2026