When summer rolls in, that means the Three Rivers Festival is right around the bend. 

Fort Wayne’s annual Three Rivers Festival is back for nine days of festivities. From July 7-15, Headwaters Park will be filled with family fun. From awesome rides to the local art all around, this truly is an event for all. 

This festival is a great way to celebrate multiple Midwest states coming together to remember their heritage. The three rivers it is named after — Maumee, St. Marys, and St. Joseph — bring community members from Ohio, Michigan, and of course Indiana all to Indiana’s second-largest festival of the year since 1969. 

Something for everyone

Among the plethora of activities that will be taking place at Headwaters Park, as well as Freimann Square and other spots around town include the band Joseph, Addison Agen, Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience, TRF Gospel Show, the beloved Waiter & Waitress Contest followed by the Drag Show, Trivia Night, The Heart & Soul Affair concert, Hubie Ashcraft, and the Sweetwater All Stars closing things out before the fireworks finale from atop the I&M Building. 

While this is a family festival, certain events are geared toward specific age ranges. Children’s Fest will take place on July 15 with “fun activities, free samples, and interactive experiences including crafts, storytelling, magic show, and face-painting.”

Seniors will also get their day with Young at Heart on July 11 that is geared for community members 60 and over where they can play bingo, card games, and more at Promenade Park. 

A couple of events are reserved for those 18 and over, including the Drag Show on Monday, July 10. Make sure to go to threeriversfestival.org to find information on all events. 

Beginning has an end

The festival kicks off with the fan-favorite parade at 10 a.m. on July 8. 

The parade begins on Rockhill and West Wayne streets, working its way along West Wayne until heading north on Calhoun Street. From there it head over to Superior Street, where it ends. 

With 50 companies celebrating this year’s theme “United Through Arts,” the festival will wrap up with its annual fireworks display on Saturday, July 15. 

“One of Northeast Indiana’s largest fireworks displays will launch from the top of Indiana Michigan Power Center, wrapping up nine days of festival fun,” the website says. “The Fort Wayne Community Band entertains in Freimann Square prior to fireworks.”

Supplying the music

The band Joseph will be traveling from Portland, Oregon, to bring their beautiful American folk music to the main stage on Friday, July 7.  

Comprised of sisters Natalie Closner, Meegan Closner, and Allison Closner, Joseph have been making music for about a decade and traveling all over the world to share their eccentric sound. Focusing on mental health and empowerment, their music is sure to get you off your feet. 

Fort Wayne’s own Addison Agen will be opening up this main event, bringing out local and widespread fans that have followed her journey since she was a finalist on NBC’s The Voice. Tickets for the show are $25.

The following night, Who’s Bad will give you a Michael Jackson tribute show, with local group Good Night Gracie opening. Tickets are $15.

The music continues Sunday, July 9, with the TRF Gospel Show.

On Tuesday, July 11, The Taj Maholics and The Y’s Guys will perform during $2 night, which will also have Beer, Bands, & Bingo.

R&B takes over on Thursday, July 13, as Chris Worth opens the night at 7 p.m., followed by Music Lover’s Lounge and Ty Causey Band. Tickets are $10.

Things get a little bit country when Off the Edge and Hubie Ashcraft take the stage on Friday, July 14. Tickets are $10.

On the final night of the festival, Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra sets the tone ahead of Sweetwater All Stars. Tickets are $10.

Daily entertainment

One of the events that has caught the attention of many festivalgoers is the third annual drag show on Monday, July 10. 

Hosted by Della Licious, Fort Wayne will be celebrating pride and inclusivity with an array of drag performances during a two-hour show. 

The drag show follows the ever-entertaining Waiter & Waitress contest, where local restaurants enter with their strongest servers to see who really has the fastest service in town. You would be surprised how many obstacles you have to go around being a server. This is just a slightly elevated (and hilarious) competition that tests the servers’ abilities to the highest extent. 

If you are looking for a more slow-paced event, I would recommend Art in the Park on Saturday-Sunday, July 8-9. 

“Art in the Park is a two-day, juried fine art show in the heart of beautiful downtown Fort Wayne,” a release on the art show says. “Located in Freimann Square on Main Street, Art in the Park celebrates artists from near and far in the center of our city’s arts campus. It is here that anyone, from the seasoned art buyer to someone looking to add someone flair to their jewelry collection, can find just the right piece at the right price. Visit more than 100 artist and artisan exhibitors from across the country. Surrounded by trees in a beautiful park setting, enjoy live music and home-made treats while you peruse artistic talent.”

While browsing Art in the Park, be sure to wander over to Fort Wayne Museum of Art’s Chalk Walk which will also be taking place on Main Street.