What's Happening in November

Gather the family and come out for these festive events:

$1 Night

November 3, 5 – 8 pm

Botanical Conservatory

On the first Thursday of the month we offer $1 admissions, 5-8 pm, for adults and children. Babies and up to age 2 are still admitted free. Enjoy our evening hours and a special discount once a month. For more info, call (260) 427-6440.

Santa’s Workshop at the Community Center

Wednesday, November 23, 4 – 7 pm, Free Admission

Community Center

233 W. Main Street

Start off your downtown celebration at the Community Center with free holiday activities for the kids. There will be crafts, refreshments and movies. Kids can shop for inexpensive holiday gifts for $1 or less at the North Pole Stop-n-Shop. Mom and Dad can shop that night, too. Community Center patrons have been crafting holiday items to sell on Candy Cane Lane. The money raised from the crafts will be donated to the Community Center’s wellness classes.

Holiday Kick-Off Party

November 23, 5 – 9 pm

Botanical Conservatory

Enjoy free hot chocolate and a cookie, meet Mrs. Claus, and get a photo with Santa. You can also meet two live reindeer that know all about the North Pole. While you are waiting, you can explore the holiday garden exhibits, including Night Before Christmas, Piñata Paradise, and the animated light show. Don’t forget to partici­pate in the Fort Wayne Downtown Lighting Cer­emony either before or after your visit to our beautiful holiday garden and displays. No reser­vations required. Sponsored by PBS 39, WAJI Majic 95.1 FM, and Media 401. For more info, visit http://www.botanicalconservatory.org/ or call (260) 427-6440. Admission is $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17, free for children 2 and under.

Christmas on the Farm

Saturday, December 3, 6 – 9 pm

Salomon Farm Park,

817 W. Dupont Road

Free Admission, free-will donations welcomed

Mark your calendar now and join us for a traditional Christmas celebration on the farm with a live nativity scene, horse and tractor drawn wagon rides, stories from St. Nicho­las and refreshments.

Have fun!

What's Happening in October

October is a month filled with frightful fun!

Fall Festival

Historic Old Fort

1201 Spy Run Ave.

October 22, 12:00-8:00 p.m.

Free Admission

Take a guided tour of the fort and watch as re-enactors bring to life the daily activities of the fort’s citizens during the 1800s. Live demon­strations will include period cooking, food pres­ervation, military procedures and more! Food and period crafts will be available for purchase. Visit www.oldfortwayne.org or call (260) 437-2836 for a complete list of activities.

Halloween Haunt

Community Center,

233 W. Main St

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Saturday, October 22, 2:00-5:00 p.m.

Downtown Fort Wayne becomes a haven for monsters, ghosts, vampires and zombies on October 22. Bring your little spooks and goblins to the Community Center for an afternoon of frightful fun. There will be games for kids and fun for the whole family. Enjoy Halloween cornhole, pumpkin relays, pumpkin bowling and Pick the Pumpkin. We will also have face painting, a scarecrow con­test, a skeleton scavenger hunt and Scooby Doo movies. There will be seasonal crafts and refreshments. Best of all . . . it’s FREE

Pumpkin Zone

Botanical Conservatory

Saturday, October 22, 12:00-5:00 pm

Adults $5/ Children age 3 – 17 $3/ Ages 2 and under FREE

Pumpkins are one of the best things about the fall season and we’re going show you why! This squash family member was cultivated in Mexico as long ago as 7000 B.C. and is used today for decoration and food. See creative things to make and do with pumpkins, get fun pumpkin facts, and watch pumpkin carving demonstrations. The Conservatory is proud to be a part of the Downtown Improvement District’s Fright Night festivities.

Have fun!

What's Happening in August

After experiencing those sizzling July temperatures, we deserve some good weather along with some exceptional entertainment! Here's what we have going on the month of August.

Botanical Roots Concert Series

Doors Open 7:30 pm / Opening Act 8:30 pm

The Botanical Roots Concert series is back for a 6th year! Concerts are held on the Terrace Garden, rain or shine. Seating is limited so please feel free to bring your own chair. Food and beverage will be available for purchase from Mad Anthony Brewing; no outside food or beverage is allowed.

August 5--The New Familiars (Americana)

August 12--Country Joe McDonald (Folk)

August 19--The Tossers (Celtic Rock)

August 26--John Primer and the Real Deal Blues Band (Blues)

Botanical Roots is sponsored by The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department, Rock 104 The Home of Rock and Roll, Whatzup, Champions Restaurant and Sports Bar, Fort Wayne Metals Research, Media 401, the Downtown Improvement District, and Mad Anthony Brewing Company, and supported by Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. For more information visit www.botanicalconservatory.org or call

Air Supply

Saturday, August 6, 8 pm, $25

Foellinger Outdoor Theatre, Franke Park

This early 80’s soft rock group from Australia is known for their beautifully orchestrated, sweet ballads. In 1980, their first hit single “Lost in Love” became the fastest selling single in the world, leaping to the top of all the charts. Other hits by Air Supply include “All Out of Love,” “Even the Nights are Better,” “Making Love Out of Nothing At All,” and “Here I Am.” Sponsored by Fun 101.7 WLDE, Sweetwater Sound and MedPartners. Reserve tickets on-line at www.fortwayneparks.org, or call 427-6000.

Children’s Gently Used Book Swap and Sale

August 9 – 10,

Community Center,

233 W. Main Street

Used books for toddlers through teenagers will be available for swapping or purchase at our 2^nd annual swap and sale. The first sale was a HUGE success! You may swap up to 5 books per day while purchasing is unlimited. We are now accepting donations of gently used or new books for this event. Books may be dropped off at the Community Center any time 8 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday. If you have a large quantity of books we will gladly pick them up. Call 427-6467 for more information or to arrange a pick up.

Fall Fun Times
The Fall Fun Times will be released on August 11. If you receive Fort Wayne Newspapers, the Fun Times will be inserted in the News Sentinel on August 11 and in the Journal Gazette on August 12. Or you can download the Fun Times at www.fortwayneparks.org. Take a look. We’ve got loads of fun classes, activities and events scheduled!

Cherish the Ladies

Friday, August 12, 8 pm, $10

Foellinger Outdoor Theatre, Franke Park

Described as absolutely unique in their spectacular blend of instrumental talents, beautiful female vocals, captivating arrangements and stunning step dancing, this all female Irish music ensemble has become one of the most successful and sought after Irish-American groups in Celtic music. One of their honors includes being invited to the All-Ireland Championships event "Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2011." Sponsored by PBS39 and NIPR. Reserve tickets on-line at www.fortwayneparks.org, or call 427-6000.

Rick Springfield

Sunday, August 28, 7 pm, $25 - $50

Foellinger Outdoor Theatre, Franke Park

Eighties superstar, pop music icon and Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Rick Springfield will grace the Foellinger Outdoor Theatre stage.

Have fun!

What's Happening in July

There's so much going on in July, let's get right to it:

Wednesday Night Movies at Foellinger Theatre—Free Admission

• July 6, 8:30 p.m., Megamind
• July 13, 8:30 p.m., Despicable Me
• July 20, 8:30 p.m.,How to Train Your Dragon
• July 27, 8:30 p.m., Nanny McPhee Returns
• August 3, 8:30 p.m., Toy Story 3
• August 10, 8:30 p.m., Tangled

Tuesday, July 12, 10 am – 3 pm

Family Fun Day

Botanical Conservatory

Don’t miss the Three River’s Festival fun at the Conservatory! Make crafts, get a balloon animal, have your face painted and win prizes at games of skill and chance. Enjoy lunch or a snack. Hot dogs and other items will be available for 50¢. Your fun will include a bubble dance party, giant slide, moonwalk, and inflatable paddle pond (some height and/or age restrictions may apply). Explore our gardens indoors and out while exploring the color and mood of Flower Power: Summer of Love. No reservations required; regular admission applies. A responsible adult must accompany children. Wear your TRF button to receive an admission discount. Regular admission: $5/adult, $3/child ages 3-17.

Friday, July 15, 8:00 p.m., $25

Three Dog Night

Foellinger Outdoor Theatre, Franke Park

Three Dog Night rocked the 60’s and 70’s with 13 gold albums and 21 top 40 hits including “One,” “Mama Told Me Not To Come,” “Joy to the World,” and “Black and White.”  The Foellinger Theatre is proud to bring this group back to rock the house! Sponsored by Fun 101.7 WLDE, Whatzup and MedPartners. Reserve tickets on-line at www.fortwayneparks.org, or call 427-6000.

Saturday, July 16, 7 – 10 pm

Jazz Under the Stars

Botanical Conservatory

Bring a lawn chair for an evening in the outdoor gardens enjoying Vintage jazz band and vocalist Francie Zucco. Settle into a spot on the Terrace or in the Exploration Garden, wander through the display gardens, enjoy the summer evening, and dance to the music. Food and beverage will be available for purchase from Mad Anthony Brewing Company. Please do not carry in food or beverage. The Festival finale fireworks are beautifully visible from the Terrace right after the concert. Doors open at 6 pm. No reservations needed. Wear your TRF button for a discount. Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child ages 3 - 17. For more information, call 427-6440. 

Saturday, July 23, 8:00 p.m., $10

Hotel California

Foellinger Outdoor Theatre, Franke Park

Hotel California “A Salute to the Eagles,” was founded with the intent of filling the void left by the demise of The Eagles in 1982. By blending extraordinary vocal and musical talents, Hotel California faithfully and accurately reproduces the sound of the Eagles studio recordings, while recreating a classic sound which undeniably transcends the boundaries of Rock, R&B, and Country. All this while delivering a modern, action packed performance that brings this timeless music into the new millennium. Sponsored by Fun 101.7 WLDE, MedPartners and Champions Sports Bar. Reserve tickets on-line at www.fortwayneparks.org, or call 427-6000.

Friday, July 29, Doors Open 7:30 pm / Opening Act 8:30 pm

Botanical Roots Concert Series: The Ark Band (Reggae)

Botanical Conservatory

The Botanical Roots Concert series is back for a 6th year! Concerts are held on the Terrace Garden, rain or shine. Seating is limited so please feel free to bring your own chair. Food and beverage will be available for purchase from Mad Anthony Brewing; no outside food or beverage is allowed. The Ark Band is a St. Lucian reggae band, based in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 1987 by Terry and Eustace Bobb, (The St. Lucian Riddim Twins) The Ark Band has continually toured across the United States, Canada and Jamaica sharing its roots reggae, calypso and soca music. 

Saturday, July 30, 8:00 p.m., $10

Revolution

Foellinger Outdoor Theatre, Franke Park

Here’s your chance to relive the music of one of the greatest rock ‘n roll groups of all time. Revolution captures the Beatles with authentic instruments, costumes, visual impact, sound and excitement that can only be described as “incredible!”  This four-man group of Beatles’ impersonators delivers a concert that takes the audience time-traveling through the 60’s. Sponsored by Fun 101.7 WLDE, MedPartners and Champions Sports Bar. Reserve tickets on-line at www.fortwayneparks.org, or call 427-6000.

Have fun!

What's Happening in June

The weather is FINALLY cooperating, between rain storms, just in time for all of our summer activities.

Have you entered the Senior Games yet? If you're an adult 50 years or older, you can join the fun anytime June 6 - 23. The entry fee is only $1.50 for each event and we've got 20 to choose from--miniature golf, bowling, cornhole, pickleball, table tennis, bocce, horseshoes, billiards, euchre, softball throw, basketball and more! Call 427-6461 to register or stop by the Community Center, 233 W. Main Street.

The Lifetime Sports Academy kicks off its fun for kids Tuesday, June 14th at McMillen Park. No pre-registration is required. Just drop in. Kids 8 - 18 can learn the lifetime sports of tennis, golf or swimming--all for free! And at the end of the program, they can win cool prizes like golf clubs and tennis rackets. The program runs until July 29th.

The Foellinger Outdoor Theatre season is underway with some amazing acts this summer. On Saturday, June 25 at 8 pm, come out to the Theatre located in Franke Park for Herman's Hermits, starring Peter Noone. Tickets are only $20 to hear such classic hits as "I'm Into Something Good," "Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter," and "I'm Henry the Eighth, I Am." Tickets are available on-line at http://www.fortwayneparks.org/ or call 427-6000. And don't forget, starting June 15, free Wednesday night movies are back at the Theatre. We've got great selections like The Last Airbender, Tangled, Toy Story 3 and the Sorcerer's Apprentice. Check out the schedule at http://www.fortwayneparks.org/.

Have fun!

What's Happening in May

Soon we’ll be able to enjoy all the May flowers these gloomy April showers have produced. But for now, isn’t the deep green color of the grass refreshing? And the trees are blooming beautifully! We’re gearing up for our busiest time of the year. Here are some of the many activities we have going on in May:

Mother's Day Specials at Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation

Treat your mom to a game of golf on Mother’s Day! Moms play free with a paid admission on May 8 at any of the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation golf courses. Book your tee-time today on line at www.fortwayneparks.org or by calling the golf course of your choice:

McMillen Park Golf Course: 427-6710

Shoaff Park Golf Course: 427-6745

Foster Park Golf Course: 427-6735

Your mom deserves a special outing. Take her to Mother's Day in the Gardens at the Botanical Conservatory. Her admission is free from noon - 4 pm. By “Mom” we mean your mother, of course, but also grandmas, aunts, and anyone else who means “Mom” to you! Your mom will not only enjoy the beautiful displays of flowers but our Butterflies of Belize exhibit. Each mom will receive a special Mother’s Day plant while supplies last. Admission is $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17, free for children 2 and under.

Mother’s Day Plant Sale

Friday, May 6, 4:00-7:00 pm

Saturday, May 7, 10:00 am-5:00 pm

Sunday, May 8, 12:00-4:00 pm

FREE Admission

WE’RE MOVING! That's right! The Mother's Day Plant Sale will be held at the McMillen Ice Arena at 3901 Abbott Street. There will be plenty of room to shop and a drive-up area to load your purchase. About 600 varieties of plants will be available for purchase at our three-day public plant extravaganza. You’ll find specialty herbs, tomato plants, and foliage perennials along with the usual great quality annuals, perennials, tropicals, vegetable plants, color bowls, mixed containers, and hanging baskets. These sturdy plants are grown by the fine folks at the Lawton Park Greenhouse and sold as a fundraiser to support quality public programming at Fort Wayne’s botanical garden. The supply is replenished throughout the weekend, but come early for the best selection. Volunteers will be on hand to assist you in plant selection and loading. Conservatory members are invited to shop early at our preview sale on Thursday May 5, 4 – 7 pm. Memberships will be available for purchase that evening if you want to beat the crowd and get the first choice. Please check our website at http://www.botanicalconservatory.org/ for a list of plants. Admission is FREE! For more information please call 260-427-6440. Sponsored by Majic 95.1 FM and Media 401.

Kids’ Swap & Shop Soiree

Friday, May 13 (12 – 6pm)

Saturday, May 14 (10 am – 3 pm)
Conklin Pavilion, Shoaff Park,

6401 St. Joe Road

FREE Admission to Shop
Shoaff Park is the place for family fun this weekend! On Saturday, enjoy messy games and hands-on crafts, animals to pet and food to eat and even model rocket launching with the Summit City Aerospace Modelers Club ($10 per kit to launch your own rocket). The Book Swap will be open on Friday and Saturday for kids who love to read (limit 5 books per child per day). Bring books you’ve already read and trade them for ones you haven’t. Finally, for the young shoppers in the family . . . there will be booths filled with gently used kids’ toys, games, puzzles and other items our young vendors have outgrown or no longer want to keep.

Vendor Information for Kids’ Sale

Do you have toys you no longer play with, books you won’t read again, kid stuff you just don’t need any more? For just $9 you can purchase a table in the Swap & Shop and sell your items (no clothing, please) for cash or trade them for something you want. It’s like a big garage sale, but just for kids. You will need to work your own table, but you can have an adult help you. Call 427-6467 for more information or to reserve your booth.

Book Donations

Contributions of new and gently used children’s and young adult books for the Book Swap are now being accepted. Books may be dropped off at the Community Center (233 W. Main Street) between 8 am and 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday, or you may call 427-6467 to arrange for pick up.

Salomon Farm Fiber Arts Celebration
Friday and Saturday, May 20 & 21, 10 am – 5 pm
Salomon Farm Park,

817 W. Dupont Road

FREE Admission
Join us at Salomon Farm for a two-day celebration of fiber arts. The focus of this festival is education through hands-on participation and demonstrations of the processes of making natural fiber products--wool dyeing, spinning, weaving and more.

B. J. Thomas Concert
Saturday, May 21, 8 pm
Foellinger Outdoor Theatre in Franke Park,

3411 Sherman Blvd.

Admission: $15
The 1960’s and ‘70’s American pop singer known for such hits as “Hooked on a Feeling”, and “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head”, will perform. Reserve your tickets on line at www.fortwayneparks.org or call 427-6000.

For more information on any of these events, call 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.

Have fun!

What's Happening in April

Warm weather will be here soon! It has to be, right? Well, we should all be prepared to have fun when it arrives and sticks around. On that note, here are some of the activities the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department has lined up for April and early May:

The 2011 Local Shutterbugs Photography Show & Sale will be Saturday, April 9, noon – 5 pm at Franke Park Pavilion #1.  Amateur photographers from around the area will display and sell their best work. Vote for your favorite in the “Best of Show” contest while you browse through the displays. Admission is free.

The Community Center (233 West Main Street) is having a book sale to benefit their Wellness Program on April 12 - 14, 8 am - 7:30 pm. You'll find a large variety of great books and DVD's for low prices.

Hop on down to the Botanical Conservatory for Easter in the Garden, Friday, April 22, 10 am – 3 pm. Meet the Easter Bunny, enjoy our Butterflies of Belize exhibit, play games for prizes, make crafts, pot a plant and enjoy light refreshments. From 10:30 – 2:30, look for eggs in the annual Easter Egg Hunt. Regular Conservatory admission applies.

The Mother's Day Plant Sale is moving to a new, larger, indoor location--the McMillen Ice Arena (3901 Abbott Street) on May 6 - 8. You’ll find specialty herbs, tomato plants, and foliage perennials along with the usual great quality annuals, perennials, tropicals, vegetable plants, mixed planters, and hanging baskets. These sturdy plants are grown locally by the Parks & Recreation Department and sold as a fundraiser to support quality public programming at the Botanical Conservatory.

For more information about any of these events, call 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.

Have fun!

What's Happening in March

If spring fever is driving you crazy, check out some of the activities the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department has in store for March and early April:

Register by March 4 for the “Car-rugated” Drive-In at the Community Center. Our drive-in theatre is like no other! On Friday, March 11, 6 – 9 pm, families or groups (maximum 6 per car) will be given two 80” x 120” cardboard pieces and a supply kit to use to design a car. A list of the items in the supply kit will be sent to you upon registration. You may bring additional materials if you like. At about 7:30 pm, we’ll award prizes for the most original, most futuristic and the most “green” vehicle. (Winning vehicles will be displayed at Preferred Auto locations.) Then we’ll pile in and watch the movie. And, since a movie is not a movie without popcorn, concessions will be available. Fee: $16 per family/group. Register on-line at www.fortwayneparks.org or call 427-6000.

Are you trying to plan ahead and schedule summer activities for your kids? Registration for Summer Youth Programs begins Friday, March 18 by mail, fax, drop box and on-line. Walk-in and phone-in registrations will be accepted starting Wednesday, March 23. Program brochures containing registration forms and detailed information about our summer youth programs and day camps will be distributed in early March through the Parks and Recreation Department, Allen County Public Libraries and local elementary schools. You may call 427-6000 beginning March 11 to request a brochure be mailed to you. Brochures will also be available on-line.

The Community Center (233 W. Main Street) is having a Video, Record, CD and DVD sale on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 22 & 23, 8 am – 7:30 pm. Donation of videos, records, CD’s and DVD’s will be accepted through Wednesday, March 16.

The 2011 Local Shutterbugs Photography Show & Sale will be Saturday, April 9. noon – 5 pm at Franke Park Pavilion #1.  Amateur photographers from around the area will display and sell their best work. Vote for your favorite in the “Best of Show” contest while you browse through the displays. Admission is free. Photographers – If you would like to display your own photos, please call Renee Baines at 427-6005 by March 23 for fees and other information. All photographs must be family friendly and ready for on-site sale (if you wish to sell them). You are responsible for the sale of your own work. One photograph per artist must be displayed in the “Best of Show” contest and can only be sold after the show. “Best of Show” will receive a special prize.

Have fun!

What's Happening in February

Wait until you see what we have in store for 2011! The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department has a mission to be stewards of our parklands and facilities, but we also have a mission to provide leisure activities to the public. We take that mission very seriously, and as a result, we’re serving up another year of fun, low-cost (and often FREE) family-friendly entertainment.

Check out the Peter Pan Exhibit at the Botanical Conservatory,

1100 S. Calhoun Street

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Join Peter as he whisks Wendy, John and Michael Darling away to Neverland. There they meet Peter's loyal Lost Boys and the tiny fairy Tinker Bell, have adventures with the Indian princess Tiger Lily, and battle the evil Captain Hook. Explore the Lost Boys' camp, the Indian Tribe's village, and the Pirates' ship--a sort of playground in the midst of the winter gardens. Watch out for the Croc! And join us for Peter Pan Day, Saturday, February 5, 10 am - 3 pm. Put a happy thought in your heart and search for Peter Pan's shadow, join Captain Hook's crew, get a tattoo, make an edible fairy wand covered in pixie dust, and play Lost Boy Games. Dress like a fairy, pirate, Peter Pan, or wear your pajamas. Take your picture with the nefarious inhabitants of Neverland. Have a little faith, get some pixie dust, and head for the first glass house where there's fun for the entire family! Pirate drinks and refreshments will be available for purchase! Conservatory admission is only $5 for adults, $3 for children 3 - 17 and ages 2 and under are free.

While you’re visiting the Conservatory, stop in for a deli sandwich, handrolled bagels, mouth watering desserts, soups, salads and more at the new café—The Bagel Station Uptown. You won’t be disappointed. Open Tuesday – Friday, 7 am – 5 pm (Thursday until 8 pm); Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday 12 – 4 pm.

Did you know if you’re 50 years or older you can join drop-in activities for just $1 at the Community Center Monday – Friday? You can play pool, ping pong, crochet, Wii, billiards, Mah Jongg, cornhole, or even join in on an exercise class. The Community Center is located downtown at

233 W. Main Street.

Go to this link for a complete schedule of drop-in activities: http://www.fortwayneparks.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=140

If the gloom of winter is getting you down, sign up for a class to lift your spirits. We offer sports, crafts and self improvement classes for all ages and the prices are very reasonable. Check out the Winter Fun Times at http://www.fortwayneparks.org/ to see what catches your eye.The Spring Fun Times will be available on February 10.

Have fun!