The West Central Neighborhood is a popular area in Fort Wayne that is home to some of the most well-preserved historic houses in the city. 

With their annual ArtsFest right around the corner, the downtown neighborhood invites everyone to learn about the history of our town and to check out some incredible art. 

Set for Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 7-8, ArtsFest is a celebration of local art, crafts, and music. There will be more than 30 booths filled with different mediums of art. There will also be seven art spaces which include homes, studios, and businesses that are open for visitors to come and explore. 

While you are walking around the booths, make sure to check out music from Jessie Mae, Dave & Carolyn Martin, Mike Neglia & The Nobles, Todd Harrold & Eric Clancy, Dave & Rae, 2 Before Noon, Alicia Pyle, and West Central Quartet. 

And, of course, there will tons of food vendors. Eight different food trucks will be available throughout the weekend.

Make sure to check out the website at westcentralneighborhood.org/artsfest to see all that will be available.

Historic area

The West Central Neighborhood holds a lot of history in the foundations of their homes, 10 of which you can check out during the coinciding Home & Garden Tour each day from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. for $20.

“As Fort Wayne grew through the 19th century and transportation systems improved, the West Central Neighborhood became favored as a residential area for the middle and upper class,” a description on their website reads. “Small, vernacular homes were replaced by larger homes that displayed the fashionable architectural styles of the time, eventually representing virtually all the styles that were popular between 1830 and 1950. 

“The area is home to early Greek Revival-style homes and a rare Gothic Revival residence. The district also contains the largest collection of homes designed by John F. Wing and Marshall Mahurin who formed one of the most successful architectural firms in Indiana in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.” 

Kelly Benton, vice president of the West Central Neighborhood Association, said the area was Fort Wayne’s first arts district. Originally home to Fort Wayne Art School and Fort Wayne Museum of Art, it’s always been a magnet for artists and makers. 

“While a lot has changed over the years, we like to honor that part of our history and keep it alive by welcoming artists to exhibit along West Wayne Street and showcasing those that still live and create here as they open their Art Spaces to the public,” she said. 

“We’re adamant that ArtsFest remains free so that members of the wider community can join us and experience the magic of this event and the hospitality of our neighborhood.”

‘A Total vibe’

Benton explained ArtsFest as a fun time and wonderful opportunity for our community. 

“ArtsFest is a total vibe,” Benton said. “It’s a small but mighty festival that showcases some of the best artists and musicians the region has to offer. 

“Personally, I just love being there and soaking up the atmosphere. We’ll have live music in the afternoons, wafting down the streets as thousands of visitors shop from the artist booths. We have a covered seating area where visitors can enjoy the music or lunch from one of our many food trucks. Everyone is out enjoying the neighborhood, the art, and the music, and we couldn’t ask for anything better.” 

ArtsFest is meant for the community to come together and embrace this beautiful thing we call life. It is not very often you get the opportunity to go back in time and see old homes while viewing new art that is reflected from all areas of life. 

This event is free and also offers free trolley rides around the neighborhood so you can truly get a good look at the history of Fort Wayne.