Summer of Music

As the opportunities for free shows continues to increase, so do shows at area paid venues. Below is just a sampling of some summertime options.

Clyde Theater

1808 Bluffton Road

By Jaclyn Youhana Garver

On any given day or night during Fort Wayne’s warm months, Hoosiers can find free, live music perfect for date night, friends or family outings.

Over the last five to ten years, the city’s music scene has become more vibrant, with more and more opportunities for musicians, said Rick Zolman, the Downtown Improvement District’s events and programming manager.

“In many ways, art and music are the heartbeat of a city,” he said. “(They) play an immense part in attracting and retaining top talent that fuels the growth and momentum Fort Wayne is currently experiencing.”

Here are some of our favorite free music opportunities to check out this summer. (All events are in Fort Wayne unless otherwise noted.)

Summer Concert Series

6 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday nights through Sept. 7

Country Heritage Winery, 0185 CR 68, LaOtto Enjoy local wine tasting, food trucks and music on the expansive lawn at Country Heritage Winery. Bring a blanket and the entire family.

Drink local wine, dine at area food trucks and enjoy the live music. Don’t forget your lawn chairs or picnic blankets. Note: Winery tastings stop at 7 p.m., but you can still purchase by the bottle or glass.

Fort Wayne’s newest concert venue’s upcoming shows range from Brian McKnight to Rick Springfield.

Foellinger Theater Concert Series

3411 Sherman Blvd.

This outdoor venue is perfect for a summertime concert. Don’t miss classics like Weird Al Yankovic (July 2), Collective Soul (July 12) or Joan Jett and the Blackhearts (July 19).

Allen County War Memorial Coliseum

4000 Parnell Ave.

LUNCH ON THE SQUARE

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Thursdays, June 6, to Aug. 29 Freimann Square, 200 E. Main St. Grab a bite from a nearby restaurant or food trucks, and check out area musicians, including Mike Conley, Blue Pluto and Jen & the Foggy Creek Band. Visit downtownfortwayne.com/ lunch-on-the-square for the full lineup.

FRIDAY NIGHTS LIVE

6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Fridays from June 7 to Aug. 30 Jefferson Pointe, 4130 W. Jefferson Blvd. Due to construction, concerts will be held in the large grassy area next to AMC Theaters. Bring blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy the summer’s new stage.

ROCK THE PLAZA

6 p.m. Saturdays from June 8 to Aug. 24

Allen County Public Library, 900 Library Plaza

Each lineup of four bands features music from adult contemporary to country, acoustic to cover bands. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and grab some drinks and a slice of pizza from 816 Pint & Slice.

Perhaps Fort Wayne’s largest venue, with 13,000 seats, the coliseum has a summer schedule that kicked off with Paul McCartney in early June, ushers in some Willie Nelson in early July and ends in mid-August with Twins of Evil: Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson.

Summer Nights at the Embassy Wednesdays through August 30 of musicians including guitarist Brian Konig, the Gregg Bender Band and Adam Baker & the HeartAche. Visit downtownfortwayne.com/buskerfest for the full schedule.

125 W. Jefferson Blvd.

The rooftop venue is a perfect spot for a drink and some tunes—with a can’t-be-beat view. Tickets are just $5, and upcoming artists include Fatima Washington and Chris Worth.

LIVING FORT WAYNE CONCERT SERIES

6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, July 31 to Aug. 28

Headwaters Park Pavilion West

Bring your lawn chairs or a blanket for a perfect family night, complete with food trucks.

TASTE OF THE ARTS

Aug. 23 and 24

Arts Campus, 300 E. Main St.

UNCORKED

7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday nights, April to September

Two-EE’s Winery, 6808 N. US Highway 24 E., Huntington

BUSKERFEST

4 to 10 p.m. June 29

Intersection of Wayne and Calhoun streets

In addition to fire dancers, jugglers, living statues, magicians and stilt walkers, there’s a lineup

Take a bite from your favorite local restaurants or try something new at this two-day food fest. Live bands play throughout. Last year, performers included Sunny Taylor with the Alicia Pyle Quartet, Heartland Sings and Overlook. Visit artsunited.org/tasteofthearts for more info. a

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