1969 was a year for firsts. The Temptations won Motown Record’s first Grammy. It was the first year of Woodstock, Led Zeppelin released their first album, and Neil Armstrong took humankind’s first steps on the moon. During the same week as the Apollo 11 mission, another historic event was wrapping up its first week ever: Fort Wayne’s Three Rivers Festival.
Fast forward to 2025. It’s our city’s first summer without the iconic festival. The longest running festival in town would’ve celebrated its 56th anniversary this year. As with anything that spans more than five decades, the festival went through a lot of changes over the years. Some were popular, some weren’t. But no matter how you felt about the Three Rivers Festival as it hobbled along in its final chapter, if you’re a Fort Wayne native, then it’s likely you had at least one joyful childhood memory there during its heyday.
In its prime, the Three Rivers Festival (known affectionately to many as the TRF) was the ultimate Midwestern gathering. The community would flock to the streets of Downtown Fort Wayne, no matter how hot the summer day. Picture sweat dripping down the cheeks of happy festival goers as they share elephant ears and lemon shake-ups, while children’s laughter emanates from Headwaters Park. Music thumping. Sun blazing. The memory evokes warmth, in temperature and in sentiment. There was an air of camaraderie as crowds of Hoosiers came together in the thick, humid air to enjoy the sights of the Chalk Walk, the sounds of the parade, and the tastes of Junk Food Alley. What a legacy to leave behind.
If you find yourself missing the Three Rivers Festival this year, you’re not alone. Luckily, dozens of local organizers are working to keep the most beloved festivities (like the FWMoA’s Chalk Walk) of Three Rivers alive—and one in particular who’s hoping to fill the void with a totally new festival tradition.
Here’s what you can expect from this “new wave of Three Rivers,” and an interview with Jake Farris, co-founder of the Big Fort Fest:
July 10-12 ┃ Freimann Square
Fort Wayne heART of the City, a local artist-led collective, is continuing the Three Rivers Festival tradition of Art in the Park. This year, though, they’re expanding, adding an art-focused market full of unique finds from regional artists and makers.
July 12-13 ┃ Main Street (Outside the FWMoA)
The Fort Wayne Museum of Art Chalk Walk has been a trademark piece of the Three Rivers Festival since 2000. The event is based on an Italian tradition of street painting that dates to the 16th century, known as i madonnari (street painters). Using pastels, artists reproduce existing artworks or create their own in their designated street square. It’s a spectacular event for all ages!
July 12-13 ┃ Lawton Park
The Lawton Park Flea Market is a Fort Wayne favorite, offering a scenic outdoor shopping experience where shoppers can browse antiques, vintage goods, collectibles, tools, books, and more. With its eclectic mix of treasures, every visit brings something new. It’s a staple that captures the spirit and charm of our region.
July 10-12 ┃ Headwaters Park
This brand new festival is all about celebrating summer in the Summit City, promising national music acts, food, markets, children’s activities, and more. Be a part of this inaugural event that has the potential to become a new city tradition!
And for more details on what to expect at the newest addition, Big Fort Fest, here’s our chat with co-founder, Jake Farris:
Molly: What inspired y’all to create the Big Fort Fest?
Jake: With the vacancy left by the former festival, we knew we didn’t want Fort Wayne to miss out on their summer fun. Fort Wayne residents all have nostalgic memories of summers past, and we don’t want that to change.
One of our main goals was to focus much more on Fort Wayne than some other events. We didn’t want a traveling carnival and food vendors; we wanted it to be filled with your friends and neighbors. We want to keep the festival money right here in the community. Instead of the food vendor rolling onto the next county fair or festival, we chose vendors who are a part of our community. They shop at your stores, eat at your restaurants, and pay a mortgage or rent right here in the area. We wanted people who truly care about Fort Wayne in our markets and on our grounds.
It really has been a labor of love. So many people have donated so much time. Without the support of friends and community members, there is no way this could have all come together.
Molly: What are some highlights of this year’s inaugural event?
Jake: We have four main portions of Big Fort Fest:
- Concerts: Bone Thugs-n-Harmony & Saxsquatch on Thursday 07/10, Bubba Sparxxx & Sankofa for FREE on Friday 07/11, and Theory of a Deadman with Downstait on Saturday 07/12.
- Big Fork Fest (our version of Junk Food Alley)
- Big Fort Forum with makers and artisans
- Big Fun Fest, our FREE children’s event on Saturday 07/12.
Molly: Exciting! I know part of the inspiration behind Big Fort Fest was to fill a gap that Three Rivers Festival left in its absence. What can festival goers expect from this festival versus the Three Rivers Festival?
Jake: I think they should expect a new, modern take and updated look on what a festival downtown can be in 2025.
They should expect to see their friends and neighbors and feel like they are attending an event that is community-driven.
Lastly, we are hoping they feel the savings. Instead of kids throwing $10 worth of darts at a balloon to win a 25-cent prize, they will see an entire day of FREE activities for kids, like a dunk tank, inflatables, wiffle ball, face painting, hot dogs, mini golf, dance parties, and more. We have also worked with our food vendors to keep prices at everyday costs, rather than being inflated because they are at a festival.
Molly: That’s great! I love that you’re making this an accessible event for folks. How do you see the festival evolving into future years?
Jake: Our ultimate goal is to grow in number of days, events, and attendees. Through sponsorship and community involvement, we would like to continue to make more FREE and low-cost events. We want to move summer in Fort Wayne into the future while still preserving what is great about Fort Wayne.
Molly: Is there anything else you want readers to know about Big Fort Fest?
Jake: Download the Big Fort Fest App on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store (links below). They will be able to see an entire schedule, list of events, performers, artisans, food vendors, community supporters, and more!
- Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/big-fort-fest/id6746877297
- Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bigfortfest.bff&pcampaignid=web_share
To learn more about the Big Fort Fest, check out their website or follow them on social media:
Website: bigfortfest.com
Facebook: facebook.com/bigfortfest
Instagram: instagram.com/bigfortfest/
About the writer
Molly Conner is a Fort Wayne native, freelance writer, and digital marketer. Having lived in Downtown Fort Wayne throughout her twenties, she loves watching her stomping grounds grow. Passionate about storytelling and community, she’s eager to tell Downtown Fort Wayne’s story piece-by-piece—exploring the people and places that make it unique.
Have a story to share? Shoot her an email!