The calendar has flipped, and with the holidays behind us, many are just trying to get through the next few months until the flowers begin to bloom.

As you await those sunny days and warmer temperatures, you can also look forward to festivals, music, and arts events. While some will take part before spring and summer arrive, it’s the warmer-month events that really get us excited.

Looking ahead, many festivals and venues have dates set, while many are still putting the final touches on such details.

So, without further ado, here’s some the events that you can mark on your 2024 calendar.

Mizpah Shrine Circus, Jan. 26-28 — High-flying displays, animals, and clowns return to Memorial Coliseum.

Winterval, Jan. 27 — This annual celebration of winter might not be for the faint of heart, but if you’re willing to embrace the cold, there’s fun to be had. Events are mostly centered downtown, but they are also held at other locales around the city.

Winter Jam, Feb. 15 — This annual Christian rock tour returns to Memorial Coliseum with acts such as Crowder, LeCrae, and Cain.

Weather the Fort, Feb. 17 — If Winterval was not enough, you can celebrate winter in a more centralized spot when Downtown Fort Wayne host this event at The Landing. Warm up with a beverage, live music, and take in some fire dancing at this family-friendly gathering.

Fort Wayne TinCaps Home Opener, April 9 — For many, the official start of spring is Opening Day. Well, the TinCaps open their season on the road but welcome crowds back to Parkview Field for this series.

Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo Opening Day, April 27 — They recently wrapped up their Wild Zoo Wonderland, but the animals and facility are eager to kick off their 59th year.

Buskerfest, May 18 — Live music and talented buskers take to the downtown streets for this event that always draws a crowd.

Cherry Blossom Festival, May 19 — One of the first festivals that lets you know summer is approaching returns to Purdue University Fort Wayne with anime, dances, and live music.

Eco Fest, May 19 — Learn what you can do to protect and promote the environment at Headwaters Park.

Northern Indiana Tri-State Bluegrass Festival, May 23-26 and Aug. 29-Sept. 1 — Bluegrass fans unite at this festival, which will feature local favorites Debutants over Memorial Day weekend.

Arab Fest, June 1-2 — Headwaters Park comes alive with the smell of delicious food and sounds of music.

Germanfest, June 5-9 — One of Fort Wayne’s longest running festivals is also one of its favorites. The bratwurst and adult beverages will be in abundance, alongside the Dachshund races and polka.

Middle Waves, June 15 — Following last year’s trimmed down music festival at Parkview Field, the music returns with local and national acts.

Allen County Fair, June 18-23 — Check out the 4-H animals, take in some rides, and of course grab an elephant ear at the Allen County Fairgrounds.

RibFest, June 20-23 — Mouth-watering barbecue takes over Headwaters Park again with some blues music as a tasty side.

Solfest, June 22 — Last year’s move to Metea Park was such a success that the festival of local music, food, and art vendors returns this year.

Covington Art Fair, June 22-23 — Fine art returns to Covington Plaza for this two-day show that draws artists from across the nation.

Three Rivers Festival, July 12-20 — The largest festival of the year takes over Headwaters Park with live music, carnival rides, and the famous Junk Food Alley.

Fort Wayne Pride, July 26-27 — Celebrate diversity during this annual event that features a parade on opening night.

River, Set, Go!, Aug. 2-3 — Riverfront Fort Wayne event takes advantage of our rivers at Promenade Park, highlighted by the Dragon Boat Races.

Fort Wayne Tattoo Festival, Aug. 16-18 — More than 250 artists from across the country create a serious buzz at Grand Wayne Convention Center.

Taste of the Arts, Aug. 24 — Arts United shines a light on local musicians and artists during this event that spans Promenade Park to the Arts Campus.

Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival, Aug. 29-31 — The city of Auburn celebrates its automotive history with car shows, parades, and music.

Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown, Sept. 8 — Visit Fort Wayne’s event features museums and other facilities opening their doors for you to tour free of charge.

Johnny Appleseed Festival, Sept. 21-22 — The city celebrates the man with the tin hat during this festival that features re-enactors, apple-themed foods, music, and plenty of vendors.

Hobnobben Film Festival, Oct. 3-6 — Cinephiles rejoice for this three-day festival at Cinema Center, which will offer online screenings through Oct. 14.

Fright Night, Oct. 19 — Downtown once again comes “alive” during this family friendly activity. There’s plenty of Halloween fun to be had all day, with the popular Zombie Walk through the streets always drawing a crowd.

Night of Lights, Nov. 27 — If you thought things got crowded during Fright Night, this pre-Thanksgiving gathering takes things up a notch. Come out for see Santa & His Reindeer get illuminated, along with the Merry Christmas Wreath and more on the celebratory night.

This gives you an idea of what to expect from the coming year. Of course, as time goes by, more events will get locked in and Whatzup will be there to let you know about them. 

Among those to keep an eye out for will be Deer Park’s Clover Classic, Fort Wayne Greek Fest, Germanfest, the Art Crawl, Harvester Homecoming Festival, Open Streets, Fiesta Fort Wayne, Fright Night, Night of Lights, and Festival of Trees.