An exhibit talk series called [hap-ee-nis]definitions explores how each of us defines what it means to be happy. Curated by Sara Fieldholtz with portraits by Steve Vorderman, the series will take place Thursdays from Sept. 30 to Oct. 21 from 6:45-7:45 p.m. in the Globe Room at the Allen County Public Library Main Branch.

Sept. 30: [hap-ee-nis]definitions

The exhibit’s curator, Sara Fieldholtz, shares her efforts to bring a better understanding to our unalienable right to the “pursuit of happiness.”

Oct. 7: happiness declared

Huntington University history professor Dr. Jeffrey Webb explores the intent of including “the pursuit of happiness” in the Declaration of Independence.

Oct. 14: your happy place

Principal of MKM Architecture + Design Zach Benedict explores how our happiness may be affected by how and where we live

Oct. 21: happiness as muse

Creator of the syndicated radio program Folktales, Julia Meek, shares how happiness is a universal theme in music from around the globe.

Oct. 2 and 16: Special Events

From 1-3 p.m. on Oct. 2 and 16, you can see the exhibit and record your own definition of happiness.

Visit hub260.com for more information

Take a stroll along Fort Wayne’s Broadway

The fifth annual Broadway Street Stroll will take place on Sunday, Sept. 26, from 1-6 p.m. The event highlights the energy along this historic street and presents Fort Wayne’s unique art, music, food, and brew during a one-day special event at various locations along Broadway. 

Visitors can pick up a passport at any participating venue: West Central Coffee, Sassie Cakes/Madison Ave. Chocolates, The Hedge, Fancy & Staple, Terry Ratliff Fine Art, Hopscotch House, Gallery K, Trubble Brewing, 07 Pub, Hall’s Original, Crescendo Coffee & More, and Club Room at The Clyde. 

If you visit all 12 locations and obtain a signature, you can submit it at the 07 Pub after party to be entered into a drawing for a chance to win more than $150 in gift cards to businesses on Broadway.

Community chess at Promenade

On Sundays, Sept. 26 and Oct. 31, from noon-6 p.m., local chess clubs Fort Chess and Take a Stan Chess Club are offering free opportunities to learn and play chess at Promenade Park. 

These events are free and open to all ages and skill levels. Experienced chess players will be on site to teach the game to anyone interested. Players can bring their own board or use a bord provided. No registration is required.

Free concert celebrates arts campus

On Sept. 27 at 7 p.m., Arts United, Fort Wayne Ballet, and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic will hold a free performance at Freimann Square, 200 E. Main St. 

In case of inclement weather, the performance will be moved to the Arts United Center. 

Included on the program will be Falla: El amor brujo: Ritual Fire Dance (Orchestra), Tchaikovsky: Selections from Sleeping Beauty, Act III (Ballet and Orchestra), Offenbach: Orpheus in the Underworld (Orchestra), Copland: “Hoe-Down” from Rodeo (Orchestra), Khachaturian: “Adagio” from Spartacus (Ballet and Orchestra), and Stravinsky: “Infernal Dance” and “Finale” from The Firebird (Orchestra).

James Dean Festival marks the birth of cool

The 45th Annual James Dean Festival will take place in Fairmount — one hour south of Fort Wayne on I-69 — from Sept. 23 to 26. The festival has been organized and sponsored by the Fairmount Historical Museum for the past 44 years. 

Events include a custom and hot rod car show hosted by the Ninth Street Gang Car Club, the grand parade, a James Dean look-alike contest, a 1950s dance contest, carnival rides, a street fair, vendors, food, games, and free live entertainment all weekend in the park and in downtown Fairmount.