Good morning, Fort Wayne.

Fort Wayne Zoo is holding Wild Zoo Spring Preview week from Saturday to April 5 with discounted admission and select attractions, and it will open its 2026 season on April 24 — offering families a sneak peek at new animals and experiences in its 61st year.

After Dark will host its 35th annual AIDS Benefit in support of Positive Resource Connection tomorrow.

The event will begin at 8 p.m. with a live auction, cabaret show, 20 drag performances and dancing to raise funds and awareness locally.

Fort Wayne Assembly celebrated its 11 millionth vehicle when GM employee Ken Zawisa bought a black 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country + Governor Mike Braun joined the milestone event at the plant.

At the plant on March 25, a black 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country became the 11 millionth vehicle produced by GM, driven off by employee Ken Zawisa and his father — Governor Mike Braun praised the 4,100 workers as GM plans a $632 million upgrade for future pickups.

Visitors can enjoy new plants at the reopened Desert House at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, now open for public viewing.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for Fort Wayne until midnight — residents should plan outdoor visits accordingly.

Local farmers are bracing for higher costs as diesel nears $5 per gallon in surrounding states – rising fuel prices threaten planting margins and may force reduced acreage and delayed fieldwork.

Analysts warn that these increases could eventually push up food costs at local grocery stores.

Larry Lee, a local businessman, has pledged $100,000 a year along with a $4 million endowment for Pearl Arts — supporting up to 220 annual music scholarships for Fort Wayne Community Schools students to enhance their skills.

Allen County’s population grew 4.4% to nearly 402,330 in July, according to Census estimates, making it the state’s third largest county.

An 11-county northeast Indiana region also increased 2.9%, reaching 820,313 residents between 2020 and July.

Foster, Shoaff, and McMillen Park golf courses opened on Thursday at 10 a.m., weather permitting, to kick off the 2026 season.

The announcement noted temporary changes at Foster Park due to construction recovery and that reservations + season passes are now available.

Thirty-three former TinCaps now appear on MLB Opening Day rosters, spanning 15 teams.

The minor league team, which produced 235 major leaguers since 1993, will open its 2026 season at the Great Lakes Loons on April 3 and host Opening Night at Parkview Field on April 7.

Spring Craft Bazaar at Allen County Fairgrounds

9 a.m.-2 p.m. — Allen County Fairgrounds — Free entry — Experience unique finds from over 90 local vendors with food, raffles, and more.

Iowa Heartlanders at Fort Wayne Komets

7:30-8:35 p.m. — Allen County War Memorial Coliseum — Kids seat free with adult ticket — Enjoy a thrilling hockey match featuring the Heartlanders and Komets.

Komets Superhero Night

7:30-10:35 p.m. — Allen County War Memorial Coliseum — Free capes for kids — Celebrate Superhero Night with meet and greets, mental health awareness, and fun contests.

Musical Mornings with Freimann Quartet

10 a.m. — Crescendo Coffee And More — Free entry — Experience a delightful morning of live music with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic at your local coffee shop.

Lansing Lugnuts at Fort Wayne Tincaps

6:59-8:05 p.m. — Parkview Field — Tickets required — Experience exciting family-friendly baseball action with the Fort Wayne TinCaps taking on the Lansing Lugnuts.

North American Brass Band Championships

8 AM – 12 PM — Embassy Theatre — Check event page for pricing — Experience the thunderous power and shimmering precision of the ultimate showdown of musical mastery.

Fort Wayne Tincaps vs. Lansing Lugnuts

1:05 – 2:05 PM — Parkview Field — Family-friendly fun — Enjoy a thrilling baseball game at the award-winning Parkview Field in Fort Wayne.

Fort Wayne Komets vs. Toledo Walleye

5-8:05 p.m. — Allen County War Memorial Coliseum — $60 for 4 tickets — Experience a thrilling hockey game with family activities and post-game skate on the ice.

Fort Wayne Komets vs. Toledo Walleye

7:30 p.m. — Allen County War Memorial Coliseum — Ticket availability varies — Come watch an exciting rematch between the Komets and Walleye in this rescheduled game.

Gary Owen: No Hard Feelings Tour

8-11 PM — Embassy Theatre — Tickets from $49 — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedian Gary Owen as part of his tour.