New in Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne Football Club's new stadium.
New in Fort Wayne
There are always new things to see and do in Fort Wayne! Take a look at a few of the exciting new additions below.
Fort Wayne Zoo
Explore what’s new at the Fort Wayne Zoo! After a successful inaugural year, Glo Wild returns to kick off the Zoo season! March 5-May 31, the Zoo will be transformed by larger-than-life light displays of glowing animals and scenery. From spring to fall, visit the new Coastal Cove area, explore Red Panda Ridge, and ride a paddleboat through the pond in Central Zoo. End the year with the new Wild Lights at the Zoo during the holidays!
Science of the Stars
Science Central’s Planetarium opened in March 2026 – the only public planetarium in the region! The planetarium simulates the cosmos using a Digistar digital projection system and a classic Spitz starball projector.
Downtown Duckpins
Check out two newly opened duckpin bowling spots in downtown Fort Wayne! Head to Ducky’s for a redefined sports bar atmosphere — featuring classic American eats with a gourmet twist, refreshing cocktails, and duckpin bowling in the Pearl District. Or grab a lane at Pinhouse Social inside The Fairfield, where good vibes and delicious eats and drinks await. In the same building just one floor up, play the best courses in the world with Urban Golf’s simulated golf bays.
Fort Wayne Football Club
Fort Wayne Football Club will move to its new stadium, Ruoff Mortgage Stadium, with a home opening match on May 2 against the Charlotte Independence. The new Ruoff Mortgage Stadium (top of page) will have a capacity of 9,200, making it the largest outdoor stadium in Northeast Indiana. The 2026 season also marks Fort Wayne FC’s move up to the fully professional level of USL League One. Ruoff Mortgage Stadium is located at Bass Road and Interstate 69. Grab your black and gold team gear and catch a match!
America 250
Celebrate America 250 events throughout the year. The History Center will feature the rotating gallery of "Commemorating Milestones" featuring past and current celebrations of the centennial, bicentennial, and sesquicentennial in and around Fort Wayne and Allen County, as well as around the region. The gallery runs through July 31, 2026. Additionally, an historian from the Miami tribe will present a lecture on the Miami perspective of America 250 on June 7.
Riverfront Fort Wayne Phase II-B
Construction on the second phase of Riverfront Fort Wayne should be completed in 2026. This new phase will feature new public spaces open to the public. Check out all the latest on Riverfront events and initiatives at RiverfrontFW.org.
Art This Way Fest
Celebrate a decade of transforming downtown Fort Wayne through vibrant public art! The two-day Art This Way Fest will take place on Broadway, October 2-3. Highlights of the festival include a large-scale mural festival unveiling new public art, live music performances from local and national acts, 70 fine art booths as part of the Fort Wayne Arts Festival, activations at Electric Works, buskers, food trucks, kids’ activities, and more!
Driving Lessons
Fort Wayne will soon host a new advanced technology, multilevel driving range and entertainment complex on the north side of the city, near Clinton Street and Interstate 469. The new venue will offer technology to practice golf skills, offer drinks and food, and host parties for personal and corporate gatherings.
Coliseum Rooftop Lounge
In addition to premium suites and club seats, the Memorial Coliseum will be adding a new Rooftop Lounge experience to enjoy a pre-event party before a game or concert. Get more information on premium seating here.
New Improvements at Local Attractions
Arts United Center
The recently completed renovation of the Arts United Center downtown features all new seating and accessibility features. All the enhancements have also preserved the intent of the original architect, the revered Louis Khan. The new features offer improved elevators, which offer the chance for access to backstage and office areas, for people of all abilities.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
Experience your favorite exhibits in 2026, along with new surprises. The magical "Fern's Fairylight Express" runs through April 12. The Sweetheart Orchid Display runs February 5 through March 5, and is perfect for romantic selfies. The butterflies return with Color In Motion on April 21, and the summer features the new exhibit, Pueblo Garden, featuring styles of the Southwest. Don't forget to check out the delicious new Cafe Flora, a full-service cafe with beverages and bites, along with grab and go items.
Learn more about the conservatory here.
Fort Wayne Trails
In 2026, Fort Wayne Trails will have a new bridge across Coliseum Blvd. The Vonn Family Crossing, just west of Glenbrook Square, will connect the Pufferbelly Trail, and allow pedestrians and cyclists to safely walk and roll over the heavy traffic of the highway. This adds to major improvements for Pufferbelly in 2025 and will strengthen access to the more than 160 miles of trails throughout the community. Additionally, the Pufferbelly Trail is one segment of the 82-mile Poka-Bache Connector trail from Pokagon State Park in Angola to Ouabache State Park in Bluffton.
Fort Wayne International Airport
Accessibility continues to be a top priority for Fort Wayne, and many of our attractions are centered around being accessible for people of all abilities, including the Fort Wayne Zoo, Pearl Street Arts Center, and the Fort Wayne Curling Club. The Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) will soon complete its $122 million renovations featuring universal design as a top priority throughout the terminals, check-in, baggage claim, and new onsite restaurant.
The Old Fort
Renovations at the Old Fort continue and 2026 features a full schedule of events, beginning with the annual celebration of the New Year, Nouvelle Anne, on January 24 an 25.
Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum
In summer of 2026, the museum will dedicate a new memorial, "A Tribute to Women in the Military."
Our Fort Wayne Insiders have assembled their recommendations for you on the Getaway Guide Blog. Each day offers a new post with insider information on what to do in Fort Wayne this season!
Find your fun with unique local flair!
Build an itinerary customized for your unique tastes.
