What's On in Fort Wayne
Next 2 Weeks: Jul 10–Jul 23
Fort Wayne has a packed two weeks ahead. Big Fort Fest kicks things off this weekend at Headwaters Park with three days of music, food, and community events downtown. The Summit City Carnival runs through July 18 at the Coliseum, and there are free outdoor concerts, an art festival, and a farewell show for a 19-year concert series all landing before the window closes. Most of what's here is confirmed from official city, venue, and tourism sources.
Best Bets
- 1
Big Fort Fest
FestivalJul 10–12 | Headwaters Park, 333 S Clinton St | 4 PM Fri, 11 AM Sat–Sun
A multi-day flagship festival at Headwaters Park running July 10–12. Music, food, and community programming across the weekend, with evening hours Friday and full days Saturday and Sunday. Confirmed by NEI Indiana and Downtown Fort Wayne, with community buzz on Reddit backing it up.
- 2
The Summit City Carnival
FamilyJul 10–18 | Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave | Opens 5 PM daily
A traveling carnival set up at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum through July 18. Opens at 5 PM daily. Buy ride armbands online in advance to save up to $5. Good for families looking for something to do on a weeknight or weekend.
- 3
Rock the Plaza – Final Season Farewell Show
ConcertJul 18 | Downtown Fort Wayne | 4 PM–10 PM
The last Rock the Plaza concert ever, closing out a 19-year run of free downtown summer shows. July 18 at the Allen County Public Library plaza, 4–10 PM. Worth showing up for if you've been going to these over the years.
- 4
Chalk Walk 2026
ArtsJul 11–12 | Fort Wayne Museum of Art, 311 E Main St
Fort Wayne Museum of Art's annual sidewalk chalk art event, running since 2000. Artists and visitors fill the area around 311 E Main St on July 11–12. Free to watch, and the finished work is worth seeing.
- 5
Dude Perfect: Squad Games Tour
FamilyJul 22 | Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave | 7 PM
The YouTube and touring sports-entertainment group brings their live show to the Coliseum on July 22 at 7 PM. Nationally recognized act with a strong following among kids and families.
All Events
Next 2 Weeks: Jul 10–Jul 23 · Sources linked throughout.
Big Fort Fest
✓ confirmedThree-day community festival at Headwaters Park with music, food, and evening programming. Runs Friday evening through Sunday. Confirmed by NEI Indiana and Downtown Fort Wayne sources.
The Summit City Carnival
✓ confirmedTraveling carnival at the Coliseum grounds through July 18. Opens at 5 PM each day. Save up to $5 on ride armbands when purchased online in advance.
Rock & Roar at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
✓ confirmedAfter-hours event at the zoo with live music and drinks, running 7:30–10:30 PM. Zoo members get free admission with advance registration. Tonight only.
Pueblo Garden: Styles of the Southwest
✓ confirmedOngoing garden exhibition at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory through July 23. Open 10 AM–5 PM. A good low-key option for the full two-week window.
Riverfest: A Local Music Showcase
✓ confirmedFree outdoor music event at Promenade Park, 202 W Superior St. Local acts performing along the riverfront from 5–10 PM. No admission charge.
Chalk Walk 2026
✓ confirmedAnnual sidewalk chalk art festival at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, 311 E Main St. Running since 2000. Free to attend and open both Saturday and Sunday.
Wabash Riverfest at Tapawingo Park
✓ confirmedFree outdoor festival with rock climbing, canoe races, art classes, and more. Runs 9 AM–4 PM at Tapawingo Park. Good option for families with kids.
Free weekend art event at Freimann Square, 10 AM–5 PM Saturday and Sunday. Source is social media, so confirm details before heading out.
Two shows at Foellinger Theatre this week: Fort Wayne Area Community Band plays free on July 14 at 7:30 PM, and Three Dog Night takes the stage July 17 at 7:30 PM with tickets from $57.
DTFW Summer Series: Lunch on the Square
✓ confirmedMidday gathering at Freimann Square in downtown Fort Wayne, 11:30 AM–1:30 PM. Part of the Downtown Fort Wayne summer series. Good for a weekday lunch break.
Two installments of the Embassy's Wednesday summer series: a Yacht Party on July 15 (5:30–9 PM) and singer-songwriter Connor Christian on July 22 (6 PM). Tickets are $5 each.
Rock the Plaza – Final Season Farewell Show
✓ confirmedThe last Rock the Plaza concert after 19 years, held at the Allen County Public Library plaza downtown. Free outdoor show running 4–10 PM. A notable moment for Fort Wayne's summer concert scene.
VetFest 2026 at Headwaters Park
✓ confirmedCommunity event at Headwaters Park honoring veterans, starting at 1 PM on July 18. Confirmed by Visit Fort Wayne.
90s Night at Headwaters Park
✓ confirmedThemed evening event at the Lincoln Pavilion inside Headwaters Park, running 7–11 PM on July 18. A separate offering from VetFest earlier that afternoon at the same park.
Afternoon organ concert at the Embassy Theatre at 3 PM on July 19. Tickets are $10, with free admission for members, children 12 and under, and seniors 65 and older.
Dude Perfect: Squad Games Tour
✓ confirmedLive touring show from the Dude Perfect crew at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Starts at 7 PM. Strong draw for families and younger audiences.
Deals & Finds
Summit City Carnival – Advance Ride Armband Discount
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave, Fort Wayne, IN
Save up to $5 on ride armbands when purchased online before you go. Valid through the carnival's run at the Coliseum through July 18.
Rock & Roar – Free Admission for Zoo Members
Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, 3411 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN
Zoo members get free admission to the July 10 Rock & Roar after-hours event with advance registration. New for 2026.
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