Northeast Indiana is full of events all year round! For this Dial post, we’ve rounded up our favorite annual events. Put ‘em on your calendar now, so you don’t forget all of the fun to be had in the coming year.
Savor Fort Wayne
January
I love saving money, and I love food, and I love that Savor Fort Wayne brings those things together with a week of meal deals so I can enjoy our local restaurants and try new menu items!
– Zoe
Komets Hockey
October–March
At Komets Hockey games, you will be greeted by Guns ‘N’ Roses’ Welcome to the Jungle and most likely witness a fight; our mascot, Icy D. Eagle, dancing around and heckling the visiting team; and, if you’re lucky, an excited fan accidentally spilling his beer after a goal. (Hopefully from a safe distance)
Game season is October-March at the Memorial Coliseum.
– Angie
TinCaps Baseball
April–September
I grew up playing softball and attending Chicago White Sox games, so it’s only natural that once I moved to Fort Wayne I started attending TinCaps Baseball games. Baseball is my favorite sport, and watching a game at one of Minor League’s best ballparks right in my backyard is a treat for any day of the week from April to September.
– Jasmine
Allen County Fair
June
So much of my life revolves around the Allen County Fair—just ask my family! I’m a board member, 4-H mom and director for Miss Allen County. This six-day event in June is a time for the community to come together and celebrate the accomplishments of 4-H youth and, most importantly, enjoy Timeless Fun. It’s the highlight of my summer and a family favorite.
– Michelle
Germanfest
June
Germanfest is a several-day celebration of German heritage, mostly taking place at Headwaters Park, downtown Fort Wayne. It usually happens at the beginning of June and therefore it’s a great opportunity to be outside with friends and family in typically great weather with “Oktoberfest” vibes. There’s often some German beers on tap too.
– Jake
Greek Fest
June
Greek Fest is multi-day festival in June at Headwaters Park that immerses you in Greek culture. Greek food, music and vendors are everywhere in the festival. Go at dinner time to see the Greek dancing show, and then stick around to jump in line and dance yourself!
Dancing with friends and fam is so much fun, and it’s easy to just follow along. Make sure to wear comfy shoes. 🙂
– Olivia
Middle Waves Music Festival
June
Fort Wayne’s growing music festival that is filled to the brim with music, art activities, food and drink. I love that Middle Waves works hard to invite exciting headliners while also giving local acts the opportunity to perform! Middle Waves usually takes place in June.
– Zach
Arcola Truck and Tractor Pull
July
I’ve been attending the Arcola Truck and Tractor Pulls since I was a kid. I recall family time at this event fondly, and I’m happy our extended family keeps this tradition alive each July. It’s thrilling, loud and a summer staple event.
– Michelle
Demolition Derbies
June, August
Derbies are loud events where old, spray-painted cars ram into each other until only one car is still running and declared the winner. Attending demolition derbies in Hoagland and Monroeville near our family farm has been a long-standing Hoffman tradition. You can experience the mayhem first-hand in June at Hoagland Days and in August at the Allen County Fair or the Monroeville Harvest Festival.
– Angie
Taste of the Arts
August
Taste of the Arts is a one-day event held in August that is packed full of local food and entertainment.
The event has grown a ton—the main festivities take place on Arts Campus Fort Wayne and then sprawl to The Landing, Promenade Park and nearby side streets.
With dozens of food and drink vendors, it’s fun to stay for lunch and dinner and there is plenty to do all day. Interactive stations for kids, art vendors, live music, dance performances and beyond. I’d consider it a must-do event.
– Olivia
Johnny Appleseed Festival
September
Johnny Appleseed Festival is two-day family festival celebrating the life of John Chapman aka Johnny Appleseed. This event unofficially marks the start of fall, with seasonal crafts, antiques, 1800s period dress and demonstrations and delicious food. It’s an event my family looks forward to every September, making sure to sample the essentials: chicken ‘n’ dumplings, caramel apples, root beer and apple dumplings (before they sell out).
– Erin
All Hallows Eve Weekend
October
Each October at Chain-o-Lakes State Park, every single campsite is booked for a long weekend of community and fall fun. We run into family and friends galore and enjoy partaking in the family costume contest. Who doesn’t love chili, safe trick-or-treating and bonfires?!?!?
– Michelle
Hobnobben Film Festival
October
Hobnobben is a multi-day film festival hosted by Cinema Center. Hobnobben attracts filmmakers and film lovers from all over the world and dives into the human experience through storytelling. I love seeing all the variety of film blocks and special events throughout the weekend. Hobnobben usually takes place in October, and I would highly recommend getting tickets.
– Zach
River City Rat Race
October
The River City Rat Race is my favorite 5/10K in Fort Wayne. This beauty—called “One of the most scenic 10K’s I’ve ever run” by Runner’s World‘s Hal Higdon—winds its way through Downtown Fort Wayne, out to Lindenwood, along Promenade Park and finishing at the Old Fort. The run occurs on a Sunday afternoon in the middle of October, and it’s an approachable event for runners and walkers at every stage of fitness. Best of all, the race is a fundraiser for the Central branch of YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne, providing membership opportunities for financially challenged kids and adults in our community. The race vibes carry through the after-party, which is always a celebratory and uplifting experience for all.
– Matt
The Nutcracker
December
Fort Wayne Ballet’s The Nutcracker tells the story of Clara and her toy Nutcracker brought to life in a whimsical land of sweets, sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers. The music we all know brings me back to childhood memories, dancing together in our living room. It’s a special family tradition to see the ballet each year, to celebrate the start of the holiday season.
– Erin
