The snow has long melted, the sun is shining and daffodils and tulips have emerged from the grass.
Summer is here (finally), and it makes for a beautiful time of year to explore Fort Wayne, Indiana and appreciate all it has to offer.
Whether you want to head to downtown Fort Wayne or venture beyond the limits, there’s plenty to during this season of rebirth. Here are 10 summer activities in the state’s second largest city.
Zesto
Nothing says warm weather like a razzle from Zesto. Or a cone, if that’s your thing. Even if you have to huddle up for that first trip, stopping by the family-owned shops that dot the city is a great way to celebrate the season change.
Outdoor Dining
As the weather improves, the city’s vibrant dining scene is full of opportunities to eat outside. The Deck at Don Hall’s is the place in the summer, where patrons can enjoy signature cocktails while looking at the city’s riverfront.
The Friendly Fox on South Wayne Avenue, in the popular neighborhood, has a newly built pergola and is neighborhood favorite for outdoor dining.
Botanical Conservatory
The Botanical Conservatory is a welcomed retreat any time of the year. However, the summer is the perfect time to enjoy a stroll through its three indoor gardens, and four outdoor gardens lush. The annual butterflies exhibit will also be making its appearance in the spring. Lose your coat and enjoy a stroll through the Botanical Conservatory’s summer flower displays, and exhibits for a fun indoor summer activity.
Fort Wayne TinCaps
Fort Wayne TinCaps. Baseball might seem like a summer’s game, but Parkview Field hosts 70 games for the Fort Wayne TinCaps. So grab a nice blanket (maybe a plush one from Fort Wayne’s own Vera Bradley) and head to the game.
Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
Summer is the perfect time to visit the award-winning Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. It’s not too hot, and the children are excited to see the animals after a long winter’s break.
Metea’s Earth Night
After being cooped up in the house all winter, there’s no better time to get out and enjoy nature. Metea County Park offers an evening of hiking and star gazing. For more information or to register, email bdispenza@allencountyparks.org.
Lakeside Park & Foster Park
Whether it’s landscaped gardens or wildflowers, the city’s parks offer visitors a chance to stop and smell the roses. Lakeside Park, just east of downtown, is known for its roses and the city’s boulevards are home to colorful daffodils and tulips. My personal favorite, though, might be a stretch of Foster Parkwhere lilac bushes perfume the stretch of rivergreenway between Bluffton Road and the entrance off Old Mill Road.
Fort Wayne Bike Share
The city of Fort Wayne partnered with Zagster to offer a bike share program. With six downtown stations to pick up a bike, recreational cyclists can use the App to rent a bike and explore the rivergreenway or downtown for an afternoon. Might we suggest picking up a bike near the arts campus, riding down to Parkview Field (check out the indoor farmers market on Saturday) and then head to the Hoppy Gnome for brunch.
To learn more, go to www.visitFortWayne.com
Celebrate summer with festivals in Fort Wayne
Looking for something different to do this summer? Ready for go for a drive? Consider going to Fort Wayne, Indiana’s second largest city. Here is a listing of 2019 summer festivals in Fort Wayne.
Greekfest
June 27 – 30
Come celebrate and enjoy a large variety of Greek cuisine and entertainment including live music, dancing, and other activities each day.
Buskerfest
June 29
Join the fun and celebration of the street performer. Enjoy quirky and unexpected live art including staged acts, buskers, mimes, face painters and stilt walkers roaming the crowd.
Three Rivers Festival
July 12 – 20
Don’t miss Fort Wayne’s favorite summer party since 1969 complete with family-friendly fun with arts, crafts, amusement rides, food vendors and much more.
St. Joe Pickle Festival
July 18 – 20
An old-time festival that was one of Food Network’s All American Festivals. Featuring food, music, a parade, fireworks, pickle factory tours, and more!
Allen County Fair
July 23 – 28
In addition to 4-H festivities, the fair offers a full food court, carnival rides, and family fun events.
Pride Fest
July 26 – 27
This two-day event celebrates diversity in Fort Wayne and the surrounding area. Featuring a vendor market, beer tent, kidspace, tournaments, and live entertainment from local, regional, and national singers and bands.
Latino Festival
Aug. 16 – 17
Experience the best of Latino and Hispanic culture downtown at Headwaters Park.
Dragon Boat Races
Aug. 17
Teams of 20 paddlers will race 300 meters down the river in these exciting races.
Taste of the Arts
Aug. 23 – 24
Indulge in Downtown Fort Wayne’s premiere arts and food festival held at the Arts United Campus and surrounding four-block area.
Grabill Country Fair
Sept. 5 – 7
Enjoy Grabill’s country-style fair that highlights the area’s Amish heritage with food, crafts, kids events, and much more.
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