Good morning, Fort Wayne.

Invisible Vets will host VetFest 2025 on Aug.

16 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Headwaters Park. This free, family-friendly event features live music, food trucks, veteran testimonials, prize drawings every 15 minutes, and a silent auction — all designed to honor veterans and engage the community.

Fort Wayne officials celebrated the opening of Packard Park Thursday after its redesign added two playgrounds with safety surfacing for preschool and elementary kids, an event lawn, landscaping improvements, and a new walking path.

An official celebration will be held October 4 — led by the Packard Area Planning Alliance and the City of Fort Wayne Department of Neighborhoods.

A 21-year-old soldier pleaded not guilty to killing Sergeant Sarah Roque from Ligonier and his trial will begin January 26 at Fort Leonard Wood—he is held at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas—to face charges.

A 22-year-old Fort Wayne man is facing murder and robbery charges after allegedly fatally shooting 67-year-old Roger Marvin Swedzinski in the 700 block of Hathaway Road and trading gold coins—he reportedly called a pawn shop to swap them for a gold bar—while phone data placed him near the scene.

Today at 5:00 p.m., Promenade Park hosts the 2025 Fort Wayne Dragon Boat Races with free family activities, dance and drum performances by the Chinese Friends and Family Association and a live set by Los Electros at 7:00 p.m. The event will continue Saturday with 250-meter races along the St Marys River and a Dotting of the Eyes Ceremony at 9:30 a.m.—followed by an awards ceremony at 3:30 p.m.—while craft activities and food trucks add to the celebration.

Purdue Fort Wayne (PFW) is waiving application and enrollment fees for new freshmen and transfer students starting today until Aug.

18 to help students deciding on college plans. Students with a 2.5 GPA or higher will be automatically considered for merit-based scholarships, and fall classes begin on Aug. 25.

Science Central named Mandee Mikulski as its new executive director effective August 18 + she will lead the museum in offering hands-on science education for all ages.

Mayor Tucker said on Jul.

31 at 9:37 p.m. EDT that the city has followed a practice of listening to residents before offering solutions.

Fort Wayne Dragon Boat Races

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Promenade Park — Free entry — Experience the excitement of 21-person teams racing down the St. Marys river at the annual Dragon Boat Races.

2025 Pet Resource Expo

12-4 p.m. — Charlie’s Place — Free entry — Discover top pet professionals and premium products at this community-focused pet expo.

Summer Nights with Chris Worth

5:30-7 p.m. — Embassy Theatre — Free entry — Enjoy local musicians and stunning city views from the rooftop patio.

Wild Edibles Foraging Workshop

10:00 AM – 12:30 PM — LC Nature Park — $20 per person, $18 for members — Learn to forage for wild plants and enjoy a cooking demo featuring your finds.

Josh Johnson Stand-Up Comedy Show

6:00 – 8:30 PM — Clyde Theatre — Starting at $35 — Enjoy a night of laughs with Emmy-nominated comedian and YouTube sensation Josh Johnson.

Fort Wayne Tincaps vs. West Michigan Whitecaps

6:35 p.m. — Parkview Field — Family entertainment — Experience exciting minor league baseball with the Fort Wayne TinCaps at the award-winning Parkview Field.

Ty Causey Concert

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Embassy Theatre — Enjoy an evening with local musicians in a beautiful setting while savoring stunning city views from the rooftop.

Tacarra Williams Live

7-8:30 p.m. — Summit City Comedy Club — Tickets available — Experience the comedic brilliance of Tacarra Williams, a rising star in the comedy scene.

1st Annual VetFest Celebration

11 a.m.-6 p.m. — Headwaters Park — Free entry with donations accepted — Celebrate our veterans with live music, food, games, and family activities before the 80s Night concert.

Summit City Vintage Fest 6

12-6 p.m. — Night Train — Drinks available for purchase — Explore 25 vintage clothing vendors in the heart of the city.