Weekend Fun in the Fort - May 31-June 1

Last Saturdays are always full of special events downtown.  Start at the Barr Street Market, take a ride on the river at Riverpalooza, play I Spy at the Library and end the day with the first Rock the Plaza concert of the summer.

Saturday, May 31
Spring Bonsai Show at the Botanical Conservatory - Explore a forest of miniature trees cultivated by our local bonsai club.  Admission is reduced to the entire Conservatory today, adults $3, kids $2, free for 2 and under.  10am-3pm.

Sounds of the City, A Downtown Scavenger Hunt - Celebrate the 3rd annual Hearing Awareness Day by searching for sounds on a scavenger hunt around downtown.  Freiman Square, 11am-2pm.

I Spy at the Main Library - On the last Saturday of each month, the library has special activities for children of all ages and their grown-ups.  This month play I Spy around the entire department, and make a game to take home.  2pm, Main Library.

Northern Imperial Garrison Weekend at the Old Fort - French and Russian troops from the Seven Years War era will be going through a variety of drills and exercises.  10am-5pm, donations accepted.  Parking available at Headwaters and Lawton Parks.

Riverpalooza - Take a boat ride down the river, build your own cardboard boat, and watch local teens compete in Fort Wayne's Almost Famous talent show.  Wells Street bridge downtown, 11am-6pm.

Tincaps vs. West Michigan - 7:05.  BirdZerk provides entertainment and there are post-game fireworks.

Rock the Plaza starts up for the summer.  Bring a blanket or lawn chairs, food and drinks will be for sale. Tonight featuring Walkin' Papers, URB, and Orange Opera.  Outside of the Main Library, under big red tent.  6-10pm.

Sunday, June 1
Tincaps vs. West Michigan - 3:05.  It's Bark at the Park day!  You can bring your dog along to the ballpark IF you register them ahead of time.  It's a Sunday afternoon game, so fans are invited to get the player's autographs after the game.

Sculpture with Purpose - IPFW Edition

I've been watching the Sculpture with Purpose bike racks pop up around downtown, and I love how they are becoming a part of our everyday landscape.  I wanted to see their sister-sculptures around IPFW, too -- and a visit from the grandparents became a good excuse to get the family all onto campus for a walk and a picnic over the holiday weekend.

To start off, we picked up a map of the sculptures from the Fort Wayne Visitors Center (927 Harrison Street) downtown.  I haven't been able to find the map online anywhere, and it was useful enough to make the extra stop worthwhile.  Parking is free and plentiful on evenings and weekends all around IPFW, and over the holiday weekend we nearly had the place to ourselves.  We managed to see all the sculptures on the main campus -- we'll need to make another stop sometime to see the one sculpture that lives across Crescent over by the dorms.

You know what's great about kids on college campuses?  Christer and I noticed this at our own reunion last year.  Everything is designed to be indestructible.  So go ahead, run around through the gardens, climb on the artwork, walk on the benches.  Whatever damage your 5-year-old can attempt, I guarantee its been tried before by a tipsy college student three times his size.  Toby loved racing ahead to find the sculptures, running in circles through the twisting sidewalks, and exploring the various little gathering spaces around campus.  The grown ups on our hike hadn't spent much time wandering IPFW either, so we all enjoyed exploring and taking in the beautiful spring day.

If you're going to search out all the sculptures, make sure to find the hidden (sometimes not-so-hidden) triangle on each one.  Take a picture of you pointing at the triangle, and you can enter each picture in a raffle.  Take a picture at each sculpture and you can enter 50 times (although, I'll admit, some of the downtown bike racks still have us stumped).

This cute mastodon was the last stop on our tour -- and he was the only sculpture we saw who was fulfilling his purpose as a bike rack.

Get Out and Play - May 27-30

Tuesday - Bring boots if you have them and head out to Eagle Marsh to observe the life in a dipper full of pond water.  Two more land-based mini-bioblitzes are happening on Wednesday and Thursday at the same times, if you'd rather not wade through the marsh.  5:30-6:30pm, meet at the Eagle Marsh barn.  6801 Engle Road.

Wednesday - If the weather stays warm and dry, head out to Shoaff Park to splash in the splash pad.  6401 St. Joe Road.

Thursday - Reading to pets can help kids, especially new readers and uncertain readers, build confidence in their reading skills.  Young readers can stop by Paws to Read at the Pontiac Library at 5pm today to share stories with borrowed pups.  2215 S Hanna Street.

Friday - It's time for the Toddler Play Day at the Main Library.  Come for storytime (Babies at 10am, Toddlers at 10:30 and 11) and stay for sensory activities that engage your toddler's hands, feet, ears, eyes and nose.  Main Library, 900 Library Plaza, 11am, ages 1-3.

Weekend Fun in the Fort - May 24-26

Sculpture with Purpose bike rack outside of Arts United.

After last weekend's flurry of festivals, Memorial Day weekend is looking decidedly lazy around the Fort.  It's a good chance to check in on some of the old favorites -- Science Central is opening a new exhibit about bats, the butterflies are still fluttering at the Botanical (reduced admission this Sunday), the Art Museum has some kid-friendly exhibits (always free on Sundays), you couldn't ask for better weather for a trip to the Zoo, and the Tincaps are in town (and starting this weekend there are fireworks at most weekend evening games).

In addition, splash pads and pools are opening up around town.  And on Monday the Memorial Day Parade is a good introduction to the holiday for kids.

Many Allen County Public Library branches change to their summer schedule this weekend.  The Main Library is now closed on Sundays, and several other branches will be closed on Saturdays.

Water Openings this Weekend
Many of the city's water features open this Saturday, including Fort Wayne's Splash Pads, Fort Wayne's Northside Pool, and New Haven's Jury Pool.  The Pocahontas Swim Club (Poco Pool) is open to non-members this Saturday only ($3 per person).  The YMCA's pool at the Jorgensen branch opens on Saturday, and the Parkview branch splash pad opens on Monday -- both are for Y members and their guests only.  Make sure to check the times & rates before you go, as many of the pools have shortened hours for these first few weeks.

Saturday, May 24
"In The Dark" begins at Science Central. Through September 7. Ages 3+ $8, 0-2 free, 10am-5pm.

Family Garden Close Up: Intriguing Insects - Each Month the Botanical Conservatory hosts activities for families and their young children.  This month learn about insects.  11am-1pm.  Included in regular admission, $5 for adults, $3 for kids, ages 2 and under free.  1100 S Calhoun Street.

Tincaps vs. Lansing - Tonight's entertainment features the Russian Bar Trio performing aerial acrobatics and fireworks after the game.  (If your littles aren't fans of the noise, we recommend watching from the King Gyros parking lot across the street.) 7:05

Sunday, May 25
Iris Show at the Botanical Conservatory - View a variety of irises at this annual competition.  Admission to the entire Conservatory is reduced today, adults $3, kids $2, free for 2 and under.  Noon-3pm.

Memorial Day Observance at the Old Fort - Remember veterans of past wars with historic reenactors.  Noon-5pm, donations accepted.  Parking available at Headwaters and Lawton Parks.

Tincaps vs. Dayton - Stick around for post-game fireworks!  7:05

Memorial Day, Monday, May 26
Memorial Day Parade - The public is invited to support the Allen County Council of Veterans during this annual parade and ceremony.  The Parade follows Parnell from State north to the Memorial Coliseum.  Parking and seating are generally plentiful in the neighborhoods along Parnell.  A Memorial Day Ceremony at the Coliseum begins after the parade.  Parade starts at 11am.

Tincaps vs. Dayton - 1:05

Get Out and Play May 19-23

Monday - Sail away at the playground at Johnny Appleseed Park.  Enjoy the riverfront park before the mosquitoes realize it's summer.  1500 E Coliseum Blvd.

Tuesday - Pack the kids into the bike trailers and get ready for a 7 mile ride with Trek the Trails.  Tonight's ride starts at the Deer Ridge Elementary parking lot (1515 S Scott Road).  Rides continue every Tuesday evening, the locations and distances are posted on the link.  6pm.

Wednesday - It's Letter O Play Day in the Early Learning Center at the Main Library.  O-themed activities and crafts will be set out in the ELC all day.  Visit for preschool storytime at 10:30, or stop by anytime from 9am-8pm.  Ages 0-6.

Thursday - I mentioned Lindenwood Nature Preserve when it opened for the season on a cold and rainy day.  Now that the weather is a bit warmer it's time to enjoy the trails, search for early wildflowers, and visit the pond. Open today 9am-6pm, 600 Lindenwood Avenue.

Friday - It's Star Wars Night at the Tincaps!  Stick around for the post-game fireworks! 7:05.

Weekend Fun in the Fort - May 17-18

It's the weekend for festivals in Fort Wayne!  Take your pick from comic books, theater performances, bike rides, community art displays, farmer's markets, roller derby or Japanese culture.  Even the sheep get their own festival this weekend.

(Pictures will return by Monday, I hope.  Until then, keep following us on Instagram.)

Saturday, May 17

Kickstart Fort Wayne - IPFW launches their Sculpture with Purpose exhibit of bike racks around town.  The bike racks will become a permanent part of our city, but the decorated bikes attached to them -- many made by local school groups -- will only be up this weekend.  If you're checking out the bikes, make sure to take a picture of yourself pointing out the hidden triangles on each sculpture so you can enter the Find the Triangle Contest.

Kickstart4Kids - Fort 4 Fitness hosts a morning of bike safety activities including bike & helmet fittings, an obstacle course, build-your-own trail mix, and a family bike ride at noon.  No registration is necessary, but you will need to sign a waiver to participate.  10am-3pm, Arts United Campus, 300 E Main.

Barr Street Market opens for the season!  Pick out early season local vegetables, listen to live music, and join in children's art projects each week hosted by the Allen County Public Library.  Free parking is available in the History Center parking lot, and admission to the History Center is free during market hours. (Saturday mornings 9am-1pm through Sept 27.)

Salomon Farm Fiber Festival - Demonstrations of how fiber moves from a sheep to a sweater.  Visit animals, try your hand at spinning, and browse vendors of wool, yarn, and finished fiber products.  Free admission, Salomon Farm Park, 817 W Dupont Road, 10am-3pm.

Historic Old Fort: Muster on the St. Mary's - Historical re-enactors representing times from the early Romans through WWI will demonstrate period cooking, gardening, military life, and more.  Historic Old Fort, 1201 Spy Run, 10am-6pm.

Science Fun at the Botanical Conservatory – Butterflies 101.  45 minute long program for ages 5 and up.  At 11 and 1.  Included in regular admission, $5 for adults, $3 for kids, ages 2 and under free.
Barr Street Market Opens - Make sure to check out the children's activities, hosted by the Allen County Public Library.  9am-1pm.

Appleseed Comic Con - 11am-6pm, Grand Wayne Convention Center. Adults $10 one day or $15 for both days, children under 12 free.

Snow White - A la carte tickets are available to the Youtheatre's mainstage production at the Arts United Center.  Adults $15, children $10. 12pm and 3pm.

Fairy Tale Festival - One $20 ticket gets you in to Youtheatre's Snow White, Fort Wayne Ballet's Ferdinand the Bull and Peter and the Wolf, Dance Collective's "Elves and the Shoemaker" and a "Grimm Game Show" hosted by Youtheatre at the Museum of Art.  Between shows check out crafts and other pop-up acts on the Arts United Plaza.

Bike to the B-Side at One Lucky Guitar - It's a family-friendly Kickstart After-Party, featuring music from The Final Hurrahs (they're also playing in front of the Arts United Center at 3pm this afternoon.) Free admission, 1301 Lafayette Street, 6:30pm.

Derby Girls Spring Roll - Three days of men's and women's roller derby bouts featuring teams from across the Midwest.  Memorial Coliseum, kids $23, adults $33, 8am-10pm.

Sunday, May 18

Cherry Blossom Festival -  Local & visiting artists share music, dance, and marshal arts.  Japanese food & snacks for sale.  Anime fans can dress up for the CosPlay competition (and your kids might recognize a few of the costumed characters roaming the festival.)  And make sure to stop in Children's Services at the library to make a craft to take home.  Allen County Public Library Main Branch, 900 Library Plaza, admission is free, noon-5pm.

Historic Old Fort: Muster on the St. Mary's - Historical re-enactors representing times from the early Romans through WWI will demonstrate period cooking, gardening, military life, and more.  Historic Old Fort, 1201 Spy Run, 10am-4pm.

Derby Girls Spring Roll - Three days of men's and women's roller derby bouts featuring teams from across the Midwest.  Memorial Coliseum, kids $23, adults $33, 8am-10pm.

Appleseed Comic Con - 11am-5pm, Grand Wayne Convention Center.  Adults $10 one day or $15 for both days, children under 12 free.

Fort Wayne Philharmonic Youth Symphony & Concert Orchestra - Foellinger Theater, 3411 Sherman Avenue, 4pm, free.

Get Out and Play - May 12-16

Monday - Kids ages 2-5 can try out a free gymnastics class at the newly opened Java Mama.  Check out the link for a schedule of other free classes during this opening week.  5916 Covington Road.  10-11am.

Tuesday - Comic Book Art: A Workshop - Comic book creators Matt Gross and Jeremy McFarren are in town for the Appleseed Comic Convention, and tonight they're at the Main Library.  Hear how they write and draw their comics, and design your own comic.  (And adults are invited back tomorrow to "Comic Books Are for Reading," a discussion about the value of comics.)  Ages 6-11, 6-7:30pm.

Wednesday - Princess Party at the Woodburn Library.  Princesses ages 3 and up are invited to dress in their royal best for games, crafts, and refreshments.  3pm.

Thursday - Slide down the really big slide at Lawton Park.  1900 N Clinton.

Friday - Visit sheep, watch spinning demonstrations, and try your hand at some simple fiber crafts for kids at the Salomon Farm Fiber Arts Celebration.  Admission free, donations encouraged.  817 W Dupont Road, 10am-3pm.  Then, this evening, take in Youtheatre's production of Snow White.  Adults $15, children $10, Arts United Center, 7pm (also showing tomorrow at noon and 3pm).

Weekend Fun in the Fort - May 10-11

This weekend we're looking forward to checking our our first (Fort Wayne's 5th) DisAbilities Expo and then spending a relaxing Mother's Day away from anything resembling a buffet.  (I like buffets, but I don't consider them relaxing with small children.)  Maybe we'll check out the brand new Earth Fare grocery store or Java Mama coffee shop & play area.  If you haven't been to Science Central recently, this weekend is your last chance to play at the "My Plate" traveling exhibit.

No pictures this week because of computer problems.  But we'll try to put up a few shots on Instagram--and you're welcome to join in at #playfortwayne.

Saturday, May 10

Grand Opening of Java Mama.  Check out this new coffee shop with a kids play area, and take a look at their schedule of kids activities, crafts & classes.  Free play and entertainment all day.  5916 Covington Road.  9am-6pm.

DisAbilities Expo - Explore adaptive services available in our area.  Along with displays from vendors there will be an art show & sale, demonstrations of adaptive sports, and dance & theater performances.  Follow the link for times & descriptions of performances.  10am-4pm, admission is free, parking $4.  Memorial Coliseum.

Games! Dogs! Play! - Compete with your pup at a variety of come-as-you-are games.  Meet with vendors, rescue dogs, and adoptable dogs.  Watching is free, dogs must be registered to compete, $12 per dog.  Franke Park, 3411 Sherman Blvd.  9-11am

Lego Club at the Main Library.  Meet in the Globe Room to sift through buckets and buckets of lego bricks.  2-3:30pm.

Hot Wheel Races at the Waynedale Library - Kids ages 4-12 can race their cars on Waynedale's track.  2:30pm.

New American Youth Ballet Spring Performance - Featuring performances of Peter and the Wolf, George Balanchine's Valse-Fantaisie, and other mixed repertory.  Tickets $20, 6pm, St. Francis Performing Arts Center, 431 W Berry.

Komets play in the Conference Semi-Finals against the Cincinnati Cyclones.  7:30pm.  Memorial Coliseum.

Sunday, May 11

Mother's Day in the Garden.  Each mom receives a free plant, while supplies last.  Noon-4pm.  Regular admission applies, adults $5, children $3, 2 and under free.

Last day to check out the traveling "My Plate" exhibit at Science Central.  Learn about healthy eating by digging in a garden, serving up food in a restaurant, dancing through a quiz computer game and more.  Ages 3+ $8, 0-2 free, noon-5pm.

Komets play in the Conference Semi-Finals against the Cincinnati Cyclones.  6pm.  Memorial Coliseum.

Get Out and Play - May 5-9

Monday - Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the Dupont Library with activities in Spanish and English.  Ages 3-5, 2:00pm.  536 E Dupont Rd.

Tuesday - Vote!  There won't be lines for the primary, so it's a great time to bring the kids along and show them democracy in action.  Not sure what's on your ballot today?  Check type in your address to check out your sample ballot here.

Wednesday - Pick up a half price Frappuccino at any Starbucks.  This deal is good May 1-10, only from 3-5pm.  And yes, Toby can recommend several flavors that contain no coffee.

Thursday - Marvel at Mark Phencie's "Spaceships from Found Objects" now showing at the First Presbyterian Art Gallery.  These steampunk spaceships are amazing.  Your little rocket fan will get a kick out of them, but I promise you'll stare at them even longer.  The free gallery is open weekdays from 9-5, enter through the church's west entrance.

Friday - Take a trip to the Little Free Library in front of Haverhill Elementary School.  4725 Weatherside Run.

Weekend Fun in the Fort - May 3-4

The Jug Huffers playing at Sol Fest 2013.

Whatever else you're doing this weekend, get out to Sol Fest, okay?  Two days of music and food and hoping for summer.  And the cover charge goes to scholarships & school programs at the Allen County Parks.  Bring a blanket or some lawn chairs and settle in for the groovy-est celebration of the season.  If the weather is even a little bit warm bring along a change of clothes, because your kids will end up in the lake.

Saturday, May 3
Free Comic Book Day - Several area comic stores are celebrating this nation-wide promotion.  Stop in and pick up one of this year's free comics.  (There will be several titles to choose from, and some are appropriate for even the youngest comic fans.)  Hours vary by location.

Shoaff Park Family Fun Day - Outdoor games, crafts, inflatables, petting zoo, used book & toy sales.  3-5 year olds can "Trike the Trails", and kid from 6-11 can race in the "Spring Sprint."  Admission is free, follow the link for race registration times and fees.  Conklin Pavilion at Shoaff Park, 6401 St. Joe Road.  9:30am-3pm

Northern Indiana Pet Expo - The Allen County SPCA hosts their annual celebration of pets.  Meet pets ready for adoption, watch dog trick performances, bounce and play through children's activities, and pick up lots of free swag for your pet.  Adults $5, children 6-12 $3, 5 and under free, pets $1.  Memorial Coliseum, 11am-4pm.

Sol Fest at Fox Island County Park - Two days of music, children's activities, hayrides, nature hikes and activities, food vendors and a beer garden.  Adults $5, kids 11 & under are free (annual passes are not honored).  11am-7pm (kids activities end at 5pm).  7324 Yohne Road.

Miami Indiana Heritage Days -  From May to November the History Center sponsors events on the first Saturday of each month.  Local artists, performers, and representatives of Native American groups demonstrate aspects of their culture.  This month features "Medicine Woman Drum."  Adults $7, Students $5.  Fee includes programming and a tour of the Chief's home.  1-4pm, Chief Richardville House, 5705 Bluffton Road.

Fun in the Early Learning Center: Making Music - One Saturday a month the Main Library hosts activities for kids 6 and under and their adults.  This month come to sing songs and make an instrument to take home.  2-2:30pm.  900 Library Plaza.

Tincaps vs. South Bend at 5:05.

Sunday, May 4 
Northern Indiana Pet Expo - The Allen County SPCA hosts their annual celebration of pets.  Meet pets ready for adoption, watch dog trick performances, bounce and play through children's activities, and pick up lots of free swag for your pet.  Adults $5, children 6-12 $3, 5 and under free, pets $1.  Memorial Coliseum, 11am-4pm.

Sol Fest at Fox Island County Park - Two days of music, children's activities, hayrides, nature hikes and activities, food vendors and a beer garden.  Adults $5, kids 11 & under are free (annual passes are not honored).  11am-7pm (kids activities end at 5pm).

Cinco de Mayo at el Azteca Mexican Restaurant - Start off Cinco de Mayo a day early with face painting and balloons from Sweetcakes Entertainment.  2-4pm, 535 East State.

Tincaps vs. South Bend at 3:05 - It's an autograph Sunday.  After the game, fans are invited on the field to get autographs from their favorite Tincaps players.