June 24, 2024 - The City’s Public Works Department announced today that Open Streets Fort Wayne will return on Sunday, August 18, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m., for the seventh year. This free community event is “people-powered” and provides participants with a safe space to bike, walk and play along more than 20 blocks on Calhoun Street. There will be activities for people of all ages and cultures to enjoy together with games, music, food and much more planned. The Knight Foundation is the presenting sponsor of this year’s Open Streets Fort Wayne.
“Open Streets provides residents and visitors with an opportunity to explore the unique quality of life amenities our community has to offer,” said Mayor Sharon Tucker. “I’m encouraged by the collaboration, partnerships, and enthusiasm that this event brings to Fort Wayne each year.”
“We are thrilled that Open Streets is returning for the seventh year to downtown Fort Wayne and the historic Calhoun Street corridor,” said Greenways Program Manager Rick Zolman. “Open Streets is one of Fort Wayne’s most memorable events with more than 20 blocks of activities. It is such a cool opportunity to invite individuals, families, neighbors and the community together to play in the streets, if only for four hours. We look forward to connecting, by wheel, by heel, by roll or by stroll, on Sunday August 18.”
To further encourage a sense of community and enrichment during Open Streets this year, the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory will offer 1,000 free admission tickets to the Conservatory, where patrons can enjoy their 40th anniversary garden exhibit, Raise a Glass! Tickets will be distributed along the Open Streets route as an encouragement for attendees to explore all the booths and offerings along Calhoun Street.
“Beat of the Street” is returning again this year, with musical performers and a live “soundtrack” of the event provided in partnership with 95.7 WELT. Attendees can feel the energy of music as they explore the corridor. Other returning favorites include the bubble machine, BMX show, blender bikes, and more.
Volunteers are needed for 2 ½ hour time slots, before, during and after the event. For available time slots, tasks involved and to sign up to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E4FAEAC2DA64-49688914-open
Each year, the Public Works Division hosts Open Streets Fort Wayne to highlight their commitment to Active Transportation and to showcase the safe accessibility of Fort Wayne’s sidewalks and trails along with pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements.
Visit www.openstreetsfw.org for activity hub updates and all the latest information.
Volunteer registration