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 25 are free or nearly free, and include activities like live ice carvings, crafts, special exhibits, ice skating, and hiking.
Indoor attractions are also celebrating Winterval, so warm up inside at places like 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 fun 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 25) is open to all ages this year, with activities throughout Promenade Park.
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. Winter Cozy: Fire & Ice offers unique opportunity to embrace the season, with everything from cozy firepits to the coolest ice sculptures.
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 in February 2025.
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.
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. Last revised December 2024.
