Good morning, Fort Wayne.

Visit Fort Wayne launched new accessibility maps on July 22 to help residents and visitors navigate local attractions with icons indicating mobility (hearing, vision, sensory, and cognitive) features.

The maps are available online and for pickup at the Visitors Center.

Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation officials dedicated the new Shoaff Park Playground on Thursday, July 22 at 6402 Shoaff Park Drive.

The playground is one of six projects funded with $1.86 million to improve local parks and includes accessible towers, sensory panels, tunnels, and more (designed for inclusive play).

The 29th annual Pride Festival kicks off today at Headwaters Park with live performances + food, drink tents and vendor booths.

A Pride March will begin Saturday at 2 p.m. with a drag show set for 9 p.m.

The 38th annual duck race benefiting Iris Family Support Center will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Promenade Park in Fort Wayne, featuring food trucks, music and kids’ activities (free trolley rides from the Iris Family Support Center office available).

The Girls Research Committee has launched a Dignity Drive to collect essential personal care items for youth at the Allen County Juvenile Justice Center, with local businesses and community centers serving as drop-off sites.

The Salvation Army reports its Tools for School campaign still needs 300 backpacks as donations are accepted through July 29.

Two Stuff the Bus events at Walmart on Lima Road are planned for Saturday and Monday to help ensure kids are ready for school.

Bell’s Skating Rink in New Haven launches its centennial celebration by offering free admission for the first 100 skaters plus themed events and historical photo displays, following Mayor McMichael’s proclamation naming the day Bell’s Roller Skating Rink Day.

Paulding Putnam received $13.1 million in federal funding to expand fiber-to-the-home services for 1,464 eligible Indiana locations (including Allen, Adams, DeKalb and Noble counties).

The cooperative will begin construction in spring and expects service to be available by spring 2029, boosting high-speed internet access for education, healthcare and business.

Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana launched Legacy Quest, a free scavenger hunt at JA Legacy Park on E.

Wallen Road in July as part of Summer Fun Starts Here; families scan QR codes to learn local history + entrepreneurship and win prizes, including a $500 award.

The Indiana Conservation Partnership released its record-breaking 2025 annual report showing over $110 million in public funding helped 44,800 new conservation practices protect soil and water; Indiana farmers used cover crops and no-till practices to improve water quality—efforts that earned national EPA recognition.

Data from the Indiana Family and Social Services Agency shows that the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline saw a rise from nearly 9,000 to over 13,000 calls per month between June 2025 and May 2026 statewide, and the agency launched the new 988 Indiana Crisis Dashboard to provide insights on call volume and response times.

Neighborhood Health opened its new Oxford Clinic on Warsaw Street yesterday to address care gaps in Southeast Fort Wayne.

Housed in a repurposed Ward Elementary School building, the clinic provides affordable medical, prenatal, and behavioral care and will add dental and pharmacy services later this year.

East Central Fire & EMS expanded its community AED initiative on Thursday by partnering with New Haven Police Department, donating seven devices that will soon equip patrol vehicles across New Haven to boost rapid emergency cardiac care.

Birge & Held has received preliminary rezoning approval to develop Northpoint Apartments on 38.26 acres in northwest Fort Wayne, planning four three-story buildings with 144 units and amenities such as a clubhouse and pool — final council approval is expected next week.

2026 Race for Independence

9:00 – 11:00 a.m. — Purdue University Fort Wayne — Supportive event for disabilities — A run promoting independence and potential for individuals with disabilities.

For Heaven's Sake - Organist Mark Herman

3-6 p.m. — Embassy Theatre — $5 non-members; $10 all others — Enjoy a romantic comedy classic featuring a millionaire playboy and a mission pastor's daughter with an unforgettable chase scene.

IJA Welcome Show

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Embassy Theatre — Cost info not specified — Experience a delightful showcase of juggling talent from around the world at the annual IJA festival.

Tony Dabas Stand-Up Comedy Show

7-10 p.m. — Summit City Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening with New York stand-up comedian Tony Dabas, known for his engaging performances and viral sketches.

Ron Funches Stand-Up Performance

7-10 p.m. — Summit City Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of heartwarming comedy with masterful jokes from Ron Funches.

FW Sports Car Club of America Autocross

Rain or Shine — Aug 1-2 — Allen County War Memorial Coliseum — $8-$16 — Experience the thrill of autocross racing with various parking options available.

GREASE Musical Performance

Evening — Arts United Center — Check venue for pricing — Experience a time-traveling, hip-shaking, heart-pounding extravaganza with unforgettable songs and electrifying dance numbers.

West Michigan Whitecaps at Fort Wayne TinCaps

6:35 – 7:35 PM — Parkview Field — Enjoy family-friendly entertainment at a thrilling baseball matchup.

West Central Quartet

6-9 p.m. — Embassy Theatre — $5 admission — Experience live music, local food, and cocktails during Summer Nights at the Embassy.

2026 Chamber Golf Expo

9 a.m. — Brookwood Golf Club — Check website for fees — Participate in a fun scramble format tournament with prizes in a community-focused atmosphere.