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Fort Wayne, the second-largest city in Indiana and the fastest-growing city in the Midwest, continues to capture visitors’ hearts with its robust offerings, family affordability and universal accessibility.
The first in Indiana to be designated “certified welcoming” through Welcoming America, Fort Wayne is quickly becoming a hub for universal design and adaptive sports, adding to an already vibrant destination.
Fort Wayne Story Ideas
Below are highlights of what’s new and noteworthy in Fort Wayne, Indiana for 2026. Whether you’re gathering information, working on a story, or interested in researching in person, we’d love to work with you and host you on a custom tour!
Quick Resources
- Our Media Sheet provides highlights for 2026
- For Fort Wayne imagery and photos, explore our Media Gallery
- Interested in filming in Fort Wayne or need b-roll footage? Please contact Jessa Campbell
Leading Universal Design Destination
Fort Wayne is transforming itself into a Midwest leader in accessibility and Universal Design.
- In 2026, the Fort Wayne International Airport will unveil its $122 million renovation, emphasizing accessibility features such as low-profile baggage scales, hearing loops, rolled curbs, a Sensory Room, family restrooms, and a tactile cane trail.
- Designed by Louis Kahn, the Arts United Center underwent a $41.5 million renovation completed in October 2025. Although the theatre predates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and originally fell short of modern standards, Kahn’s forward-thinking design included a ramp and wider aisles at the rear of the auditorium. Today, the renovated theatre sets a new benchmark for inclusive design in the arts, featuring universally designed restrooms, a cane trail, seating that exceeds ADA standards, and accessible technical infrastructure—ensuring inclusivity for performers, production teams, and theatregoers alike
Indiana's First Urban Riverfront Renewal
Home to three rivers—the St. Marys, St. Joseph, and Maumee— that shape the city's landscape, Fort Wayne offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and scenic canal boat tours, alongside miles of riverside trails for walking and biking.
In 2026, riverfront development will extend the public spaces of Promenade Park to include “The Summit,” a structure that can be climbed by a wheelchair and provides a higher view of the river, accessible trails, a hammock grove, and an extension of the tree canopy trail offering views over the river.
Promenade Park has been a catalyst for universal design. The 2026 expansion will build on its existing features, including a tactile ribbon for vision-impaired individuals, wheelchair-accessible grassy areas, sensory-friendly spaces, a wheelchair-accessible kayak launch, and family restrooms.
A Heart for Families
Ranked #1 as the Best City to Raise a Family, Fort Wayne continues to raise the bar with our high quality attractions. In 2026, the city will welcome:
These additions round out a beloved collection of attractions, including the Fort Wayne Zoo that continues to be recognized as one of the nation’s “Top Ten Zoos for Kids.”
Four Decades of Quilted Celebrations
What began as a small tent on a lawn has grown into a 100,000-square-foot event that draws 35,000 attendees from across the country every year. In 2026, the Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a five-day event offering up to 70% off retail prices on Vera Bradley handbags, purses, totes, luggage, stationery, and accessories.
Visitors can stay in style at The Bradley, a boutique hotel that captures the essence of Vera Bradley through comfort and warmth, offering a hotel experience unlike any other in the city.
