
DTFW’s Festival Guide: Spring & Summer 2026
Check out DTFW’s spring and summer festival guide, and don’t forget to save the dates!

Check out DTFW’s spring and summer festival guide, and don’t forget to save the dates!

A little box with big heart, the Downtown Favorites gift box celebrates our community by showcasing local makers and small businesses that bring Downtown Fort Wayne to life—perfectly packaged for gifting and spreading local love.

As the days get longer, so does the list of ways you can get outside in Downtown Fort Wayne. From riverfront mornings to ballpark nights, DTFW’s spring calendar is stacked with activities for everyone.

With locations already established in Angola and Middlebury, illumé has brought its full suite of aesthetic and wellness services to the heart of DTFW. We sat down with owner and medical aesthetician Amanda Taylor to learn more about the philosophy behind the brand, what makes them stand out, and why Downtown felt like the right fit.

Cast your 2026 Fort Wayne in Bloom vote for your favorite Garden Party window display! Voting for the People’s Choice Award will

If you’re looking to start a regular breakfast routine, Downtown has you covered. Whether you’re looking for a cozy diner to settle into, a grab-n-go option for those hectic mornings, or a brunch-worthy spot to start off your weekend, there are so many places to rise and dine!

Downtown Fort Wayne is having quite the year. In addition to a 42% expansion of the Downtown district itself, the city just welcomed an upgraded DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) on January 15, creating one seamless, walkable zone—with more places to grab a drink and more freedom to roam.

Downtown is officially growing. After years of thoughtful planning and conversations with property owners across the city, Downtown Fort Wayne has expanded by a whopping 42%. We asked the DTFW team what they’re most excited about as they grow into this next chapter. Here’s what they had to say!

Whether you’re celebrating romance, friendship, or just treating yourself to something special, here’s your guide to making amazing Valentine’s and Galentine’s experiences that don’t require reservations made three weeks ago—plus a few still-available events that’ll make you look like you totally had it together all along!

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – In 2026, Art This Way, a program of Downtown Fort Wayne, proudly celebrates a decade of

A little box with big heart, the Downtown Favorites gift box celebrates our community by showcasing local makers and small businesses that bring Downtown Fort Wayne to life—perfectly packaged for gifting and spreading local love.

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Downtown Fort Wayne, in partnership with the City of Fort Wayne, announced today the expansion of

From precision haircuts and permanent makeup to luxury spa treatments and classic barbershop experiences, DTFW is home to some of the most talented beauty professionals in the region.

For this installment of our Bartender Spotlight series, we head to Mercado. Equally known for their celebrated Mexi-cali fare, Mercado boasts an extensive list of agave spirits and an exciting cocktail menu. We chatted with Victoria Lopez about some of her favorite spirits and cocktails—and we raided her personal recipe book to learn how to make the perfect mole regio.

A little box with big heart, the Downtown Favorites gift box celebrates our community by showcasing local makers and small businesses that bring Downtown Fort Wayne to life—perfectly packaged for gifting and spreading local love.

Through DTFW’s Yiftee gift card, giftees can shop at over 45 Downtown retailers, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Here’s why you should consider this local gift card for your holiday shopping!

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Shop local during Holly Shopping, presented by ProFed Credit Union and Downtown Fort Wayne, on Small

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – HolidayFest featuring the Night of Lights, presented by Lutheran Health Network and Downtown Fort Wayne, returns

Whether you’re looking for a magical outing with the kids, a fun date night, or a chance to shop local for one-of-a-kind gifts, there’s something for everyone this season. Dive in and discover all the holiday festivities Downtown Fort Wayne has to offer!

Last month, staff members from the DTFW team attended the International Downtown Association’s 71st Annual Conference & Marketplace in Washington D.C., where they gathered with other urban leaders to discuss trends, challenges, and solutions seen in cities across the globe. Here are their top takeaways!

Hobnobben—the region’s only independent film festival—is back, thanks to the good folks at the Fort Wayne Cinema Center. And this year is extra special. Not only did Hobnobben receive a record amount of film submissions, but it’s celebrating its 10 year anniversary.

Cozy up and start planning your favorite fall activities. Here’s our guide for fall festivities in Downtown Fort Wayne!

For this installment of our Bartender Spotlight series, we head to Conner’s Rooftop—the perfect retreat for those looking to enjoy some views with their vermouth. We chatted with Ryce Warren about some of her favorite spirits, cocktails, and more.