Hiking, ice skating, ice sculptures, and fire dancers are just a few things to enjoy during Fort Wayne, Indiana's best winter festivals.
So, have fun, drink some cocoa, and chase away those winter blues with the fun and entertainment that these festivals have to offer.
Fort Wayne's Top Winter Festivals
Pictured: Ice Skating at Headwaters Park
Winterval
Downtown Fort Wayne goes all out for Winterval, with plenty of downtown activities for the whole family. Many of the daytime events on January 27 are free or nearly free, and include activities like live ice carvings, crafts, special exhibits, ice skating, and hiking.
If you’re looking for an indoor place to go with the kids, consider the events at Science Central, the Botanical Conservatory, and the Allen County Public Library. Anyone ages 8+ can also try the Olympic sport of Curling at the Fort Wayne Curling Club!
For those wanting to enjoy the outdoors, some of the best activities include:
- A guided hike through Lindenwood Nature Preserve followed by a warm and cozy bonfire
- Ice skating at Headwater Park — with special exhibitions throughout the day
- Sled dog demonstrations at Headwaters Park
- Nouvelle Annee at the Historic Old Fort
- Winter Carnival at the Community Center
Most activities go on for several hours, so going to more than one site for your winter fun is easy.
See the full Winterval Guide.
Winter Cozy
If you’re not done having fun after Winterval, wind down for the night at Winter Cozy. This nighttime event (also on January 27) is for the 21+ crowd, featuring an 80's aprés ski theme!
During your time at Winter Cozy, enjoy the festivities inside the warm, enclosed Pavilion at Promenade Park — Fort Wayne's downtown riverfront park. Immerse yourself in Hygge, a calm, comfortable atmosphere with friends, drinks, food, and all things cozy. Throw on your retro 80's party gear, dance along to the music of Ty Causey, and grab food and drinks from teds Snack + Bar! You can also head outside to warm up by the firepits and roast a delicious s'more!
The $10 admission is worth all the fun you’ll be having.
Learn more
Pictured: Fire dancers at Weather the Fort
Weather the Fort
If you couldn’t make it to Winterval or Winter Cozy, or just want to attend another winter festival, don’t miss out on Weather the Fort on February 8.
Embrace the fun of winter during this FREE annual celebration. Weather the Fort offers an afternoon and evening of fun on The Landing — a historic downtown street designed for pedestrians. This festival is open to all ages.
During the festival, experience the joys of winter with live bands, fire dancers, and ice carvers. Warm up with delicious food, while guests 21+ enjoy an adult beverage or two.
Learn more about Weather the Fort.
Bundle up and discover a winter getaway to Fort Wayne including some of the best winter festivals!
*This post was originally published in 2018 and has been updated.