FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Downtown Fort Wayne is celebrating the success of Art This Way Fest, held October 2–3, 2026, along the Broadway corridor. The free, two-day event welcomed an estimated 15,000 attendees to celebrate 10 years of Art This Way transforming Downtown Fort Wayne through public art, creativity, and community engagement.
Downtown Fort Wayne and its Art This Way program extend their sincere appreciation to everyone who joined the celebration, the volunteers who dedicated their time, the participating artists and businesses, and the generous sponsors and community partners who made the event possible.
“Celebrating 10 years of Art This Way alongside thousands of people who came together on Broadway was an incredible reminder of why this work matters,” said Alex Hall, Director of Art This Way. “Public art has the power to transform spaces, bring people together, and create a stronger sense of community. We're incredibly grateful to the artists, businesses, volunteers, sponsors, and everyone who helped make this celebration possible.”
A Weekend of Art, Music, and Community
Art This Way Fest brought together a diverse lineup of free programming, including an art fair, live mural installations, a hip-hop dance competition, fashion showcase, silent disco, projection mapping, family-friendly activities, live music, and more.
The celebration also highlighted businesses throughout the Broadway corridor, building upon and amplifying the area's existing First Friday programming while introducing visitors to the district's growing creative community. With the Broadway corridor officially becoming part of Downtown Fort Wayne's expanded district in January 2026, the festival provided an opportunity to showcase the businesses, artists, and creative energy that contribute to the area's identity and vibrancy.
The Fort Wayne Arts Festival on Broadway featured more than 60 regional artist booths, while the Creative Kids Market provided more than 36 young entrepreneurs with an opportunity to showcase and sell their handmade creations.
Guests also enjoyed a Silent Disco made possible by a grant from the WindSwell Foundation. Through additional support from the foundation, American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation was provided during both national headlining performances by The Strumbellas and Tank and the Bangas, helping make the festival's live music experience more accessible and inclusive.
The Art of Freestyle hip-hop dance competition welcomed judges from across the country and talented dancers competing to showcase their skills. The Bill Blass Legacy Art of Fashion showcase featured 10 local fashion designers, celebrating creativity and innovation through fashion.
The Cincinnati Circus entertained crowds with its thrilling Wheel of Death & Fire Show, while pony rides and performances by the Dumpster Drummers brought additional family-friendly entertainment to McCulloch Park.
Lutheran Health Network provided children's activities and first aid kits throughout the celebration. Its on-site EMS team also supported the health and safety of attendees throughout the event.
Live music was another highlight of the weekend, with free performances by The Debutants, Whoa, Man!, Legendary Trainhoppers, DJ Arora, DJ Trend, DJ SheCutIt, Los Electro, Casual Friday, and Cougar Hunter. The celebration culminated in performances by nationally recognized headliners The Strumbellas and Tank and the Bangas, bringing two nights of live entertainment to the Broadway corridor.
Community Support for the Future of Public Art
In conjunction with the anniversary celebration, Art This Way is also pleased to announce that the Amplify Art Campaign, organized in partnership with Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne, raised nearly $4,000 over the past two months. Downtown Fort Wayne matched the funds raised, bringing the campaign's total impact to nearly $8,000.
Contributions will directly support Art This Way's ongoing programming, public art projects, and community events, helping to continue the program's impact throughout Downtown Fort Wayne. Downtown Fort Wayne and Art This Way extend their appreciation to everyone who contributed to the campaign and invested in the future of public art in the community.
Continuing the Legacy of Public Art
As Art This Way celebrates a decade of bringing public art to Downtown Fort Wayne, the festival also served as an opportunity to introduce new public art projects along the Broadway corridor.
Three new mural projects began during Art This Way Fest at 1122 Broadway and 1121 Broadway, with artists Anna Dugan, Terry Ratliff, and Chris Catalogna continuing their work throughout the week following the celebration.
These projects are made possible through a City of Fort Wayne Neighborhood Improvement Grant, matching funds from Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne, funding from Downtown Fort Wayne, and an Arts Project Support Grant from the Indiana Arts Commission.
Upon completion, the murals will also feature 3D tactile signage, made possible by a grant from the WindSwell Foundation, further supporting accessibility and creating additional opportunities for visitors to experience and engage with public art.
Downtown Fort Wayne and Art This Way also extend their appreciation to the West Central Neighborhood Association for its involvement and partnership in bringing these projects to life.
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Community Partners
Art This Way Fest was made possible by a grant from the WindSwell Foundation. The event was also powered by the generous support of Downtown Fort Wayne, OUTFRONT Media, 3Rivers Federal Credit Union, Lutheran Health Network, Visit Fort Wayne, Bill Blass Legacy, Centier Bank, Lake City Bank, Jess Lewis Transmission, Nowak, Fort Wayne TinCaps, Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne, Hedge Studios, ARC Document Solutions, Weigand Construction, Elevatus Architecture, Old Mill Arboretum, Wendy Stein, Jeff Crane, BFA Studios, Mollie Middleton, Sean O'Leary, Katy Silliman, Melissa Twitchell, Meijer, and Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
Additional support for 2026 public art projects was provided by Downtown Fort Wayne, Barrett Realty Investments, Knight Foundation, Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne City Utilities, City of Fort Wayne Community Development through its Neighborhood Improvement Grant, Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne, and the Indiana Arts Commission.
Downtown Fort Wayne and Art This Way are grateful for the continued investment of these organizations, businesses, and individuals in making public art accessible, strengthening community connections, and creating vibrant public spaces throughout Downtown Fort Wayne.
Art This Way Fest Photos
Photos from the 2026 Art This Way Fest are available for media use through Downtown Fort Wayne's Art This Way Fest Photo Gallery.
Media outlets are encouraged to use these images in their coverage of the event, with appropriate photographer credit as indicated in the gallery.
For Immediate Release: Friday, October 9, 2026
Contact: Alexandra Hall, Director of Art This Way, 260-417-5925, Alex@DowntownFortWayne.com
Preston Wallace, Director of Marketing, 260-203-1291, Preston@DowntownFortWayne.com