Lunch on the Square is entering its 17th season. The series returns to Freimann on June 5, beckoning al fresco diners to come together for some fresh air, Fort Wayne’s finest food vendors, and a selection of the community’s best musical performers.
What started as a humble lunchtime meetup has become a staple summer gathering, encouraging folks to step out of the office (or the home) for a midday social with friends, colleagues, or family—fur babies included. It’s the perfect way to celebrate community and the summer season, and to combat any chance of an afternoon slump.
Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned regular, here’s what you can expect from this year’s Lunch on the Square:
Good Eats
Lunch on the Square is known for its assembly of local food trucks, where you can find anything from burgers and hotdogs to Jamaican and Mexican, and so much more. Food trucks may vary by the date, but you’re always certain to find something top-notch.
Don’t forget about your takeout options either! DTFW’s 99 blocks are brimming with the best dining spots: French, Italian, Thai, Mexican, Irish, Chinese, Japanese, pizza—no matter the fare, chances are you’ll find what you’re craving here. Check out our full guide to dining Downtown.
Good Tunes
Lunch on the Square’s music lineup is packed with Fort Wayne favorites, offering a variety of genres from jazz to cumbia. There’s truly something for everyone. Take a look at this year’s schedule, and mark your calendars for some unforgettable performances!
- June 5: Alicia Pyle & The Locals – Pop, Rock, Jazz, Funk, & Soul
- June 12: Los Electros – Latin Rock & Psychedelic Cumbia
- June 19: DJ J. Tubbs – Hip-hop & DJ
- June 26: Sunny Taylor Band – Rock, Folk, Pop, & Americana
- July 3: Heartland Sings – Choral ensemble
- July 10: Ta’Korei – Vocalist
- July 17: Jackson Vibe – Covers / Variety
- July 24: Aleena York Band – Vocalist
- July 31: Sun Dyle – Jazz, Neo-soul, and R&B
- August 7: Todd Harrold Band – Classic Rock, Soul, Blues & Jazz
Good Cause
Lunch on the Square offers more than just a moment to connect or unwind. It also offers an opportunity to give back to the community. Lunch Means More, an initiative now in its fourth season, raises funds for local nonprofits. Here’s how it works:
Each year, a new beneficiary is chosen to be the Lunch Means More recipient. Throughout the Lunch on the Square season, 15% of sales from a weekly featured food provider will be matched by Barnes & Thornburg. The featured food provider changes every week, and will be announced on social media via Downtown Fort Wayne’s stories (@downtownfortwayne). At the end of the series, a check will be presented to this year’s nonprofit—Road to Recovery.
More on Road to Recovery from Justin Calloway, Program Manager:
At Road to Recovery, our mission is to break down barriers, so that our residents can discover the recovery path that works best for them. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive space, where everyone is empowered to find their own way to healing.
We are honored to be this year’s Lunch Means More recipient. This recognition is a reminder that recovery is not a journey we walk alone—it takes a community. Your support means the world to us.
And more from Randy Brown at Barnes & Thornburg, Lunch Means More’s sponsor:
Sponsoring the Lunch Means More program is a meaningful way for us to engage with the Fort Wayne community, and contribute to a long-standing downtown tradition. We are honored to partner with Road to Recovery this year, an organization whose mission deeply resonates with our commitment to making a positive impact. By helping amplify their work during Lunch on the Square, we’re proud to support both the nonprofit and the vibrant community that comes together each week.
Join the Downtown community every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., beginning June 5, through August 7! Make some summer memories right here in DTFW with another sunny season of Lunch on the Square!
For all things Lunch on the Square—including featured food trucks and weather updates—follow Downtown Fort Wayne on Facebook and Instagram!
