Ft Wayne Times

The City’s Public Works Department announced today that Open Streets Fort Wayne will return on Sunday, August 18, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., for its seventh year. This free community event is "people-powered" and offers participants a safe space to bike, walk, and play along more than 20 blocks on Calhoun Street. The event will feature activities for all ages and cultures, including games, music, food, and more. 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 during Open Streets this year, the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory will offer 1,000 free admission tickets where patrons can enjoy their 40th anniversary garden exhibit titled "Raise a Glass!" Tickets will be distributed along the Open Streets route as an encouragement for attendees to explore all booths and offerings along Calhoun Street.

“Beat of the Street” returns this year with musical performers providing a live "soundtrack" in partnership with 95.7 WELT. Other popular features include a bubble machine, BMX show, blender bikes, and more.

Volunteers are needed for 2½-hour time slots before, during, and after the event. For available time slots and tasks involved or to sign up as a 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 showcase safe accessibility improvements in Fort Wayne’s sidewalks and trails along with pedestrian and bicycle safety enhancements.

For activity hub updates and all latest information visit www.openstreetsfw.org.