Downtown Fort Wayne has just about anything you could ever want from a city. But right outside Downtown’s 99 blocks, you’ll find something a little different: the Broadway district, a gateway between Downtown Fort Wayne and the ‘07 neighborhoods. It’s home to an eclectic mix of artist studios, historic landmarks, music venues, boutiques, and eateries, making it a hub for creativity, nurturing an artistic community where folks are free to “get weird” (a turn-of-phrase often used in cities to promote individuality, expressionism, and local art).
In the Broadway district, you can catch an exhibit at one of the many studios, gaze at murals, grab dinner and drinks, and check out some live music—all within a one-mile stretch. And since Electric Works opened last November, Broadway is more energetic than ever.
Whether you’re a creative-type or just curious about the culture, there’s enough to fill multiple days and nights of exploration. With Art on Broadway (an annual art crawl) on July 22, and the Broadway Street Stroll (an annual family-friendly event) on July 23, it’s an ideal time to experience all that Broadway has to offer.
Come down for the festivities or plan a trip on your own time! Regardless of when you visit, here’s what you can expect from the Broadway district:
Studios and Galleries
Many of Fort Wayne’s finest artists call Broadway home. Here’s a list of art studios and galleries located in the Broadway district:
Boutique Shops
Broadway boasts a handful of expertly-curated boutique and vintage shops. Check them out:
Restaurants
Mexican mom-and-pops, craft beer, custom cakes, a state-of-the-art food hall…Broadway has it all:
Taqueria Salsa Grille (in George’s International Grocery)
Union Street Market (at Electric Works)
Public Art and Murals
From Jerrod Tobias’s mural on the side of the Brass Rail, to all the public art lining the walls and tunnels of the Electric Works campus, scope out some of the city’s most iconic installations on Broadway.
Music
The Brass Rail has long been a popular spot to hear local bands, national acts, and everything in between. One-part dive bar, one-part music venue, and 100% sure to deliver a memorable experience.
Events
Electric Works and Union Street Market (the food hall and public market located on Electric Works’ campus) regularly host live music, farmers markets, and pop-up events.
One of the biggest events on Broadway each year is the annual Art on Broadway—a local art and gallery crawl spanning across multiple businesses on Broadway. During Art on Broadway, the district’s neighboring businesses work together to host special pop-up art exhibitions, artist showcases, live music, and special experiences.
Another major event on Broadway is the annual Broadway Street Stroll, designed to showcase the art, cuisine, breweries, shops, and venues along Broadway. The Street Stroll is family-friendly, with hands-on activities, art demonstrations, and live music.
Both Art on Broadway and the Broadway Street Stroll offer excellent opportunities to immerse yourself in the Broadway district experience.
Learn more about this year’s Art on Broadway.
Molly Conner is a Fort Wayne native and freelance writer. Having lived in Downtown Fort Wayne throughout her twenties, she loves watching her stomping grounds grow. With her love of storytelling and community in tow, she’s eager to tell Downtown Fort Wayne’s story piece-by-piece—exploring the people, spaces, and organizations that make it thrive.