It's officially fall in DTFW, and there’s no shortage of festivities, no matter what you’re into. Family fun. Night life. Artful performances. Cultural experiences. You name it!
Whether you're looking to celebrate the spirit of Halloween or just all things autumnal, there's something for everyone this October (and a little into November).
Cozy up and start planning your favorite fall activities. Here's our guide for fall festivities in Downtown Fort Wayne:
YLNI Farmers Market: Outdoor Season
What: Savor the flavors of the fall harvest with YLNI's extended outdoor market. While you're there, enjoy the crisp autumn air and scope out the market's unique vendors, offering everything from seasonal produce to arts and crafts. It's the perfect occasion to debut your favorite sweater, best accompanied by a PSL or hot apple cider.
When: Every Saturday in September and October; 9am-1pm
Where: Barr and Berry Street
More info: Open to the public. Visit their website for more details!
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory's Pumpkin Path Display
What: This time of year, the Botanical Conservatory transforms into an autumnal paradise with their annual Pumpkin Path Display. Bring along your friends or family and enjoy fall foliage and harvested, seasonal displays—with plenty of photo ops and hands-on activities for the kiddos.
When: September 29-October 25; Regular business hours
Where: Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
More info: Standard admission required—free for members. Visit their website for more details!
Botanical Brew
What: Nothing says "fall" like a festive bevvy. Celebrate autumn sipping on your favorite brewed beverage, courtesy of local makers—coffee, tea, cider, craft beer, wine, and more—plus food trucks, entertainers, and local artists busking throughout the gardens.
When: Friday, October 2; 5-10pm
Where: Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
More info: $10 admission. Visit their website for more details!
Sci-Fi Central at Science Central
What: The 11th annual Sci-Fi Central is a celebration of all things Sci-Fi and Fantasy, with special demonstrations, entertainment, and a cosplay contest for kids and adults. Come dressed in your best fantasy cosplay—bonus points if you're already thinking ahead to next year's theme for the poster design contest.
When: Saturday, October 3; 10am-5pm
Where: Science Central
More info: General admission required. Visit their website for more details!
Sidecar's Nightmare Before Miracle
What: Nightmare Before Miracle returns for its 6th season, where you'll find yourself surrounded by macabre music, the kitschiest Halloween decor, and plenty of petrified patrons. Imbibe in this immersive Halloween-inspired cocktail pop-up created by the good folks at Sidecar!
When: Reopens October 9; Wed/Thurs 5pm-12am, Fri/Sat 5pm-1am
Where: Sidecar (outside of Copper Spoon)
More info: Must be 21 or older. $5 cover on weekends. Visit their website for more details!
Night Train’s Black Lagoon
What: Night Train is bringing the Black Lagoon cocktail pop-up back to Fort Wayne for the third year in a row. You can find Black Lagoon’s famous pop-ups all across North America at some of the best bars around. Prepare yourself to enter Night Train’s dungeon of darkness for a ghoulishly good time!
When: October 9 – 31; Regular business hours
Where: Night Train (below Dana’s)
More info: Must be 21 or older. Visit their website for more details!
Día de los Muertos at FWMoA
What: Celebrate the culture and native Mexican traditions of Día de los Muertos with this special community exhibit, featuring ofrendas (memorial altars) curated with mementos and symbolic objects—sugar skulls, candles, marigolds, and monarch butterflies.
When: Exhibition runs October 10-November 15 during regular gallery hours; A special family celebration will be held November 1 from 1-5pm with dancing, music, food, and children’s activities.
Where: Fort Wayne Museum of Art
More info: Standard admission—free for members. Visit their website for more details!
Little Shop of Horrors by Three Rivers Music Theatre
What: The cult classic comes to life on stage—a nebbish florist, a mysterious plant with a taste for blood, and one seriously catchy score. A Halloween-season staple for local theater fans.
When: Various showtimes between October 16 and November 1
Where: Three Rivers Music Theatre
More info: Tickets required. Visit their website for more details!
Something Is Out There: Fort Wayne Dance Collective's 17th Annual Halloween Show
What: Fort Wayne Dance Collective's beloved annual Halloween tradition dives into the strange, mysterious, and unexplained—ghosts, spirits, eerie encounters, and mysteries that defy the laws of nature—told through an exciting mix of dance styles and original choreography.
When: October 16 (8pm), October 17 (2pm & 8pm), October 18 (2pm)
Where: Parkview Physicians Group ArtsLab
More info: Recommended for ages 12 and up. Tickets required. Visit their website for more details!
2026 Fright Night
What: Fright Night has been going strong for 17 seasons—and is easily the biggest local celebration for all things that go bump in the night. Head Downtown as Fright Night takes over the city, with the legendary Zombie Walk, costume contest, brain-eating contest, and activities throughout.
When: October 17; noon-11pm
Where: Various locations throughout Downtown Fort Wayne
Spells & Slashers Double Feature: Hocus Pocus & Friday the 13th
What: This double feature is double the trouble. See Hocus Pocus and Friday the 13th on the big screen at the Embassy—choose one showing or both, if you dare. Come early for a costume contest and lobby activities before each movie.
When: October 23; Hocus Pocus at 6:30pm, Friday the 13th (Rated R) at 8:30pm
Where: The Embassy Theatre
More info: $10 for one movie, $15 for both. Visit their website for more details!
Garden Trick or Treat
What: Celebrate Halloween with an afternoon of family-friendly, boo-tanical fun! Bring your little ghouls and goblins dressed in their favorite costumes for a trick-or-treat adventure at the Botanical Conservatory, complete with treat stations, seasonal photo ops, and not-so-spooky garden ghosts hiding about.
When: Saturday, October 24; 12-3pm
Where: Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
More info: Standard admission fees apply. Visit their website for more details!
Expedition: Mixology! Spirit Trail
What: Looking for one more occasion to play dress up? Saddle up for a night of Western-inspired fun, food, science, and adventure at Science Central. Set out on the Spirit Trail, a gamified expedition filled with challenges, craft cocktails (and mocktails), entertainment, food and more—all supporting Science Central's mission.
When: Friday, November 6; 6:30-9:30pm (VIPs get early access at 5:30pm)
Where: Science Central
More info: 21+. Tickets required. Visit their website for more details!
Downtown Fort Wayne has the fall season covered from every angle this year. Whether you're breathing in the autumn air at the farmers market by day or enjoying a Halloween-themed cocktail by night, there's no shortage of ways to soak up the season right here in #DTFW.
