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 12 days of meal deals so I can enjoy our local restaurants and try new menu items!
— Zoe
Komets Hockey
October–March
If you haven’t been to a Komets game in a while (or ever), you’re missing out on a fun atmosphere where it seems like the stands are filled with longtime local hockey supporters. There’s always a great buzz from the moment you walk into the Coliseum, and it continues through the crowd bursts of “HE SHOOTS. HE SCORES” alongside interactions with mascot, Icy. LET’S GO KOMETS!
Game season is October–March at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
— Jake
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
Middle Waves Music Festival
June
Fort Wayne’s unpredictable music festival is filled to the brim with music, art activities, food and drinks. I love that Middle Waves works hard to invite exciting headliners from a range of genres, while also showcasing our community’s home-grown talent. Middle Waves usually takes place in June.
— Matt
Arcola Truck and Tractor Pull
June
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 year. It’s thrilling, loud and a staple summer event.
— Michelle
Taste of the Arts
August
Taste of the Arts is a one-day event held in August that is rich with local food and entertainment.
The event has grown over the years, and now spans Arts Campus Fort Wayne, 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’s plenty to do all day—interactive stations for kids, art vendors, live music, dance performances and much more. Also, it (almost) never rains on Taste day.
— Matt
Black Pine Animal Sanctuary
September
Black Pine Animal Sanctuary‘s annual fundraiser—Lions, Tigers & Beer—is a 21 and over event that combines craft beer sampling, live music, food and a silent auction to support the care of the sanctuary’s exotic animal residents. Located in Albion, Indiana, Black Pine’s mission is to provide lifelong refuge for displaced and captive-raised exotic animals, helping to cover costs such as food, veterinary care and shelter. It’s a great cause—and the beer’s tasty too!
— Emily
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
Indiana Trail 100
October
The Indiana Trail 100 is the only 100-mile ultramarathon in the state, held at Chain O’ Lakes State Park. Whether or not you’re crazy enough to run it, the atmosphere is unreal—powered by some of the best volunteers you’ll ever meet. Come out, cheer on the runners, and you might just catch the running bug.
— John
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
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
Thanks for reading! If you’re interested in discovering more of our local favorites, check out where to get the best tacos in town and our local gift-giving guide!
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