5 Affordable Family-Fun Outings Before School Starts FEATURE

5th Annual Dragon Boat Races

One must-see event, taking place from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 10, is the 5th Annual Dragon Boat Races. Originally used as a war exercise in China, this event is a thrilling race. Each enormous boat includes the head and tail of a dragon and a team made up of a steersman, 20 paddlers and a drummer. On shore, there will be more activities for adults and children.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

– $33 for adults, $28 for seniors, $20 for kids

ALLEN COUNTY FAIR – $5 per person

Quench your thirst for carnival rides, live animals, creative projects and fair food by visiting the Allen County Fairgrounds from July 23 through July 28. There are plenty of exciting activities scheduled from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. In addition to 4-H animals, projects and events, there will be a free ice-cream social, a hot air balloon glow, a 4x4 truck pull, demo derbies, kids’ day, live music and peddle truck races. Parking and children under 5 are free. allencountyfairgroundsin.com

This delightful musical, based on the 1968 film, is filled with beloved songs, adventure and family-friendly fun. The charming story includes an inventor and his children, a magical car and a team of villains who plot to steal the enchanted car. This high-voltage musical will only be at the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre for a limited time. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., July 27 through Aug. 10, and Sundays at 2 p.m. on Aug. 4th and 11 fwcivic.org

PROMENADE PARK GRAND OPENING – FREE

Tap into your adventurous side and check out the grand opening of Promenade Park, happening Aug. 9 through 11. On the north and south banks of the St. Mary’s River, nestled between Harrison Street and the Old Wells Street, this new park will be the grounds for a myriad of family-friendly activities. There will be a floating band performance, community art projects, a lighted boat parade, butterfly release, boat rides and more. riverfrontfw.org

TASTE OF THE ARTS – FREE

Another free event later in August is the 11th Annual Taste of the Arts at the Arts Campus in Fort Wayne. This family-friendly event features local dancers, musicians, actors and buskers. There will be hands-on activities, food and drinks, and the opportunity to buy art from local artists. Experience the art, culture and cuisine that makes up our Fort Wayne Community from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23 and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24 artsunited.org/tasteofthearts

Check out CurrentFortWayne.com for more specific details about each of these events. Don’t let the fun stop there. Visit the site anytime for more fun events happening in Fort Wayne.

July

August