An iconic event and the heart of the Northeast Indiana festival scene — the annual Three Rivers Festival in Fort Wayne takes place this year from Friday, July 13 through Saturday, July 21.
This unique nine-day festival has been a Fort Wayne tradition since 1969, is the second largest festival in the state, and is eagerly anticipated by not only locals but out of town visitors alike. Events are family friendly and this event annually draws about half a million visitors over the unique nine-day period.
Highlights include Art in the Park (a display of work for sale by local and regional artists), the Bed Race event, Children’s Fest just for the kids, the Crafters Market, the Downtown Midway featuring rides and the notorious Junk Food Alley with all of your favorite fair foods at your fingertips!
Daily festival events take place from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (some events starting earlier will be noted on the schedule), and happen not only downtown, but across the city. Other annual favorites include the Runners on Parade 5K race, parade and antique show. Local businesses and establishments routinely partner on events and showcase their own sales and special happenings during the festival — drawing even more crowds downtown.
But don’t fret. In Fort Wayne parking is still readily available for the festival event. Numerous spots are available downtown in paved lots and on city streets. The festival is just large enough for you to make a weekend trip of it — but small enough to not feel crowded or overwhelmed.
Learn More: The Three Rivers Festival is named after the three rivers (St. Marys, St. Joseph and Maumee) that converge in Fort Wayne. A daily festival schedule is posted online. Also, visit the festival on Facebook to stay in the loop on festival events. The festival Midway is located at the north portion of South Clinton Street, where U.S. Highway 27 intersects with Headwaters Park in the heart of downtown.
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