Art This Way Fest celebrates 10 years of vibrant public art, community connection, and cultural growth in Downtown Fort Wayne

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – In 2026, Art This Way, a program of Downtown Fort Wayne, proudly celebrates a decade of transforming Downtown through vibrant public art. Since its inception, Art This Way has enlivened a 99-block district, attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, enhancing safety, and strengthening the city’s cultural fabric.

With Downtown Fort Wayne’s recent expansion to include the Wells Street and Broadway corridor, this year’s milestone celebration will take place along Broadway from Jefferson Boulevard to Swinney Avenue. Join us for Art This Way Fest, a lively two-day festival on October 2 and 3, featuring murals, music, art, and community celebration.

Art This Way Fest highlights include:

• A large-scale mural festival unveiling new public art along the Broadway corridor
• Live music performances by local and national acts on the main stage both days
• The relocated Fort Wayne Arts Festival on Broadway, showcasing 70 fine art booths
• Live art demonstrations and interactive experiences
• Buskers and street performers energizing the festival atmosphere
• Food trucks and family-friendly activities
• Partnerships with Broadway businesses, Electric Works, and The Elex
• Mural dedications celebrating new artworks and the program’s 10-year legacy

“Art This Way has leveraged public art to connect cultural assets throughout our city,” said Alex Hall, director of Art This Way. “From Promenade Park to The Landing and the TinCaps stadium, we’ve strategically placed artwork to enhance the pedestrian experience between cultural centers. By expanding along the Broadway corridor, we strengthen connectivity from Downtown to Electric Works.”

Aligned with Visit Fort Wayne’s Tourism Master Plan and Greater Fort Wayne Inc.’s Allen County Together (ACT) initiative, this festival supports Fort Wayne’s growing reputation as a vibrant music and arts city. Known for its welcoming environment for artists and creative professionals, the city boasts a flourishing music scene, including the Embassy’s Middle Waves festival and many other venues.

Musicians interested in performing on Saturday’s lineup are encouraged to apply via the Downtown Fort Wayne website. Local acts will be announced soon.

The Fort Wayne Arts Festival, a beloved annual art fair formerly held at Jefferson Pointe, will move to Broadway for this special occasion. The festival will take place on Friday, October 2, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., coinciding with First Fridays, and Saturday, October 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Broadway will be fully closed between Jefferson Boulevard and Swinney Avenue during the event, with convenient parking available at the Electric Works Parking Garage.

Artists interested in participating in the fine art fair or in public art projects along Broadway are encouraged to apply through the website and to watch for upcoming Open Calls.

This event is made possible through the support of Downtown Fort Wayne, Art This Way sponsors, the Knight Foundation, and numerous community partners.

For more information and to apply as a music or art vendor, go to ArtThisWayFW.com.