What We Learned at IDA’s Place Matters 2026
This May, members of our team traveled to Madison, Wisconsin for the International Downtown Association (IDA)’s Place Matters conference—and came back energized, challenged, and full of ideas.
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This May, members of our team traveled to Madison, Wisconsin for the International Downtown Association (IDA)’s Place Matters conference—and came back energized, challenged, and full of ideas.
Middle Waves returns to Headwaters Park with a lineup spanning indie pop, pop-punk, regional Mexican, and experimental rock. Here’s why the festival still matters — and why showing up this year means more than ever.
Say hello to the DTFW Summer Series!
In 2026, DTFW is bringing back a beloved Downtown tradition, and introducing two exciting new experiences as part of this new event series. Whether you’re sneaking out of the office for a midday break, looking for a fun evening with the family, or just want to explore the best of what Downtown has to offer, this series was made for you.
Check out DTFW’s spring and summer festival guide, and don’t forget to save the dates!
As the days get longer, so does the list of ways you can get outside in Downtown Fort Wayne. From riverfront mornings to ballpark nights, DTFW’s spring calendar is stacked with activities for everyone.
With locations already established in Angola and Middlebury, illumé has brought its full suite of aesthetic and wellness services to the heart of DTFW. We sat down with owner and medical aesthetician Amanda Taylor to learn more about the philosophy behind the brand, what makes them stand out, and why Downtown felt like the right fit.
If you’re looking to start a regular breakfast routine, Downtown has you covered. Whether you’re looking for a cozy diner to settle into, a grab-n-go option for those hectic mornings, or a brunch-worthy spot to start off your weekend, there are so many places to rise and dine!
Downtown Fort Wayne is having quite the year. In addition to a 42% expansion of the Downtown district itself, the city just welcomed an upgraded DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) on January 15, creating one seamless, walkable zone—with more places to grab a drink and more freedom to roam.
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Downtown Fort Wayne and Art This Way announce that internationally recognized artist duo Studio Giftig will create a large-scale mural at 206 Pearl Street on The Landing. Installation will begin in mid-May,
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – We thank the Mayor and City of Fort Wayne for their work to address homelessness in our community, and our organization will continue to advocate to the City on behalf of our downtown property
A little box with big heart, the Downtown Favorites gift box celebrates our community by showcasing local makers and small businesses that bring Downtown Fort Wayne to life—perfectly packaged for gifting and spreading local love.
Thanks for checking out the 2026 Fort Wayne Garden Party window display contest! Voting has concluded and our winners are: People’s Choice – Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory Most Instagram-able – Sassie Cakes First runner up
Select dates all summer long: The DTFW Summer Series is packed with summer fun for everyone, featuring the return of Lunch on the Square and two NEW exciting events: Movie Night and Night Market.
October 2, 2026 from 5:00 PM - 10:00PM ┃ October 3, 2026 from 10:00 AM - 10:00PM : This two-day arts festival celebrates 10 years of Art This Way programming with an art fair, live art demonstrations, local and national performing arts, buskers, food trucks, mural dedications, kid-friendly events, and more.