Returning for the fourth year in a row, the Downtown Wabash Cookie Walk will feature delicious holiday treats to sample from various businesses while you cross off your holiday shopping to-do-list.
Wabash First Fridays in 2024 are presented by MetalX and Bowen Health Clinic. Additional support for Wabash First Fridays come from Event Partners: Indiana Plain Dealer, Pettit Printing, Wabash Furniture and Flooring, 95.9 KISS FM, Wabash Domino’s and Dynamic Designs by Dyson.
Wabash First Fridays are events made possible by Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a downtown district that is vibrant every day and night.
You won’t want to miss this memorable weekend in Downtown Wabash, Indiana! From shopping sprees to classic cars, and everything in between, August 16-17 promises a sweet summertime event with fun for the whole family to enjoy. Keep reading to discover weekend festivities and plan your itinerary today!
Summer Sidewalk Sales
August 16 & 17
Snag sizzling summer deals while supporting your favorite downtown businesses during this unique shopping experience! Stroll the iconic streets of Downtown Wabash while perusing clothing racks, home decor, artwork and more. During Summer Sidewalk Sales, several charming boutiques, unique shops and local restaurants are ready to welcome you with irresistible sales. We’re proud to say that Downtown Wabash, Indiana is home to more than 20 independent retail businesses within the 2.5-mile district. Plus, when you shop local, you support our community! Stay tuned for upcoming details regarding participating businesses.
Summer Sidewalk Sales are made possible with support from Event Partners: Downtown Nutrition and Terrell Realty Group.
What could be better than a weekend-long shopping spree? One that is in conjunction with the 25th Annual Dave Kunkel Cruise-In! With classic cars lining the beautiful Honeywell Center, the Cruise-In will be a true spectacle. From shiny hot rods to elegant convertibles, this FREE event is a paradise for car enthusiasts of all ages. Admire more than 400 early and late model cars, with all proceeds going toward a great cause – ALS research. Check out the schedule:
Friday, August 16th (3 pm – 9 pm) – Open Car & Truck Show – Top 100+ Awards
Saturday, August 17th (9 am – 3 pm) – 67 Classes Car & Trucks, Top 2 in each class – 135+ Awards
Interested in showing off your sweet ride? Register your car for one day ($25 each) or both days ($40)! All pre-registered for both days receive a free t-shirt.
For one day only, The Downtown Wabash Farmers Market will move to a new, lush location in the heart of downtown! Peruse all things handmade, homemade and homegrown at Paradise Spring Park with more than 35 local vendors. Expect to find local fresh produce, meats, dairy products, homegoods, plants, arts and artisan wares and more! Shoppers are invited to experience more than just vendor offerings at the Market including live music, food trucks, Kids Corner activities and more.
PLUS, the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market is proud to partner with Double Up Indiana, a program providing SNAP customers free fruits and vegetables when they use their SNAP/EBT card with a dollar for dollar match. Shop the Farmers Market on Saturday, Aug. 17 from 8 a.m. to noon. Then, embark on the rest of your Saturday adventures with shopping, classic cars and plenty of downtown dining options!
Experience More in Downtown Wabash
While enjoying weekend festivities, make plans to visit some of downtown’s finest establishments! From unique shopping spots to tasty local cuisine, and vibrant arts & culture to memorable things to do, Downtown Wabash is the place to be! And did you know that downtown is home to the lively Wabash Cultural District? If you’re looking to pack this weekend with even more fun, check out the Top 15 Ways to Experience the Wabash Cultural District this summer. No matter how you plan your weekend excursion, you won’t regret spending time supporting beloved downtown businesses!
Without the diverse small business offerings, community pride and downtown collaboration, these three events wouldn’t be possible. Summer Sidewalk Sales are made possible with support from Event Partners: Downtown Nutrition and Terrell Realty Group. The Downtown Wabash Farmers Market is presented by Bowen Health Clinic. Additional Support for the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market comes from Event Partner: Grow Wabash County.
Summer Sidewalk Sales and the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market are events are made possible by Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a vibrant downtown district every day and night.
Summertime is made for exploring the Wabash Cultural District, nestled in the heart of Downtown Wabash! The Wabash Cultural District was designated an Indiana Cultural District by the Indiana Arts Commission in 2021 and is one of only twelve in the state. The 2.5-mile district is brimming with cultural assets such as a world-class performing arts center, miles of community bike trails, numerous public art pieces, new housing developments and boutiques. Keep reading for the ultimate list of how to experience the beloved cultural district this summer!
If you’re in search of must-do activities to add to your summer bucket list, this is the list for you! Get ready to discover vibrant public art installations, enjoy outdoor recreation, get creative with hands-on art experiences, and maybe even go on a shopping spree to support local businesses. We can’t think of anything better than soaking up some sun while strolling amidst the Wabash Cultural District. Ready to check off all fifteen? Let’s dive in!
1. Check Out June’s First Friday
If you are looking for exciting Friday night plans and are interested in exploring the Wabash Cultural District, this is the event for you! June’s First Friday will celebrate the lively arts and culture within the Wabash Cultural District. The free community event promises a night of immersive art experiences, the return of Paint the Plow presented by the City of Wabash Street Department, a Coloring Contest for ages 18 & under, family-friendly fun, Food Truck Plaza, music performances and so much more.
Wabash First Fridays in 2024 are presented by MetalX and Bowen Health Clinic. Additional support for Wabash First Fridays comes Event Partners: Indiana Plain Dealer, Pettit Printing, 95.9 KISS FM and Wabash Dominos.
2. Embark on a Public Art Adventure
You can find vibrant murals, sculptures, public art installations and picture spots around every corner of the Wabash Cultural District. You have to check out these breath-taking public art pieces that showcase the talented work of local artists and the rich culture of Wabash.
3. Get Creative at Make it Your Own Art Studio
Celebrate arts and culture by leaning into your artistic side at Make it Your Own Art Studio! This charming art studio has been in business for over 20 years and offers studio time, workshops, classes, art camps, make and take canvas painting, glass mosaic, slab work, wheel throwing and more! Choose from a wide variety of classes including Guided Canvas Painting, Custom Boards, Pottery Lessons, Custom Creations and more. Plus if you are looking for a space to celebrate a birthday party or private event, booking with Make it Your Own Art Studio will ensure a very memorable experience for all.
4. Honor History at the Wabash County Museum
You will be blown away from the very moment you step into the Wabash County Museum! The whole family will love learning about our community’s historical and cultural impact through engaging exhibits and interactive displays. Not to mention the charming play areas and relaxing sensory-friendly space for children to enjoy. The museum offers individual museum tours, field trip options, rental spaces for parties, memberships and several community events.
5. Experience Honeywell Arts Academy at Eagles Theatre
Every summer, the best and brightest emerging musicians from around the globe come together in Downtown Wabash for weeks of collaboration and innovation. The Honeywell Arts Academy is a life-changing experience and often serves as a launching pad for a career in the music industry. Get your tickets today to witness first-hand their new musical perspectives as they perform for LIVE at Eagles Theatre. Want complimentary tickets? You got it! To claim your tickets, simply choose your seats to the performance(s) of your choice and use the discount code of LOCAL at check out to redeem your ticket(s).
6. Browse Local Art Galleries
The Wabash Cultural District is teeming with local art on display throughout Downtown Wabash. Celebrate the brilliant work of local artists by visiting several art galleries within the district, and maybe even purchase a new piece of artwork for your home while you’re there! The Clark Gallery, located inside the Honeywell Center’s Porter Lobby, hosts a variety of exhibits each year. From emerging art students to professional artists, the displays are different every month. Borders & Beyond Gallery has a wonderful gallery of local artwork for purchase and occasionally hosts featured exhibits. They also offer creative custom framing, unique greeting cards and more. And finally, Filament Tattoo Co. is home to a diverse collection of artwork, including a majority of pieces made by their talented tattoo artists! The space has the most vibrant atmosphere with something to see around every corner. While you’re there, consider getting that tattoo you’ve been dreaming of!
7. Construct Your Favorite Fragrance at JoJo’s Olfactory & Co.
Make your space feel like home by curating the perfect fragrance at JoJo’s Olfactory & Co. When you visit this quaint fragrance bar, you will be greeted by their talented and friendly team ready to help you customize your very own candles, room sprays, sugar scrubs, diffusers and more. With over 90 individual scents, the opportunities are endless. The whole process is quick and simple, but more than anything, incredibly fun! Need some scent inspo to get started? These are some of our team’s favorite summer scents; agave, watermelon, peach, mango, vanilla, patchouli and pomegranate!
8. Enjoy Community Bike Trails
Whether biking, running or walking, the community bike trails throughout the Wabash Cultural District are one of the most serene places to be! The Wabash Riverfront trailhead is truly an iconic downtown spot. While strolling along the scenic Wabash River, you can stop by Alley Cat Outfitters for all things outdoor recreation, or swing by Paradise Spring Park to learn more about the historic landmark. Following a relaxing bike ride, top off your trip with a refreshing ice cream cone at White Rock Recreation, and book a paddling adventure along the Wabash River for your next visit.
9. Conquer Your Reading Goals
If you’re a self-proclaimed bookworm, then you will love perusing the endless selection of reading materials at Wabash Carnegie Public Library and Reading Room Books. Find your next addiction within a wide variety of fiction novels, fan-favorite series, poetry, children’s books, cookbooks, history literature, mystery and so much more. Sign up for your library card for countless repeat visits, or add to your collection by taking home a book (or twelve) from Reading Room Books.
10. Book a Session with Kaleigh M. Photography and Nicole A. Howard Photography
All smiles for these incredibly talented Downtown Wabash photographers! When you book with Kaleigh M. Photography and Nicole A. Howard Photography, you’ll get to experience the Wabash Cultural District’s lively arts and culture in a unique way. These passionate artists will make you feel confident and comfortable as they strive to capture your memories and bring your vision to life. They are outstanding to work with and will deliver quality photos you’ll cherish forever!
11. Embrace Lively Arts & Culture at Honeywell Arts & Entertainment
Discover Honeywell Arts & Entertainment, a world-class performing arts center that could be considered the heartbeat of the Wabash Cultural District. Throughout the years, Honeywell Arts & Entertainment has cultivated arts-based opportunities such as live concerts, visual art programs, family festivals, recreational events and so much more. Returning this summer, the Honeywell Summer Plaza Music Series offers FREE outdoor concerts on Thursdays from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on the Carpenter Plaza at the Honeywell Center. The Plaza will be full of activity including a live band, a craft project for kids, local food trucks, and a beer garden. Don’t forget a lawn chair or blanket! Additional programming, cultural experiences and community events are endless, so you have to check out what’s coming up at Honeywell Arts & Entertainment.
12. Find Handmade, Homemade and Homegrown Goods at the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market
Start your Saturday mornings in the heart of the Wabash Cultural District all summer long! With a vision of creating quality of place and livability for our community, the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market specifically caters to local and regional vendors who exclusively sell all things handmade, homemade and homegrown. Along with fresh food, produce and artisan goods, you can expect to see live music and kids activities. Our family-friendly environment includes every member of the family, even your furry friends!
13. Lace up for a Historical Walking Tour
Grab some headphones and your favorite pair of walking shoes for a free Historical Walking Tour! Learn about Wabash’s rich history as you stroll through the iconic streets of Downtown Wabash. It will feel like you stepped into a time machine when you participate in this interactive and immersive experience brought to you by The Hometown History podcast! The tour lasts 35 minutes and spans a little over half of a mile. There are no hills involved, and the route is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
14. Grab a Wabash Cultural District Map
Fresh off the printer, the Wabash Cultural District Map is your go-to guide for all things arts & culture, shopping, food & drink, outdoor recreation and public art throughout downtown. With visitors and community members in mind, the map was curated as a resource for exploring the Wabash Cultural District while taking advantage of all that Downtown Wabash has to offer. Stop by Downtown Wabash, Inc.’s office at 189 S. Miami St. to snag your free map!
15. Support Local Businesses
Last but certainly not least, Downtown Wabash is overflowing with local boutiques, restaurants, creative spaces and businesses just waiting for you to explore! These dynamic businesses add to the vibrancy of the Wabash Cultural District and offer unique products and services for the whole family to enjoy. Plus, when you support local, you support Wabash.
The Wabash Cultural District is waiting for YOU! This list is only a glimpse into the endless arts and culture throughout our beloved downtown district, check out more information on The Wabash Cultural District and browse Downtown Wabash Businesses to plan your visit today!
Downtown districts are vital to a community’s culture, identity and quality of place. Downtown Wabash, Inc. strives to advance quality of place with efforts such as Wabash First Fridays, the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market, small business support, economic revitalization, building improvements and overall promotion of the district. Downtown Wabash, Inc. is thrilled to have recently launched a new Investor Guide, as Investors and Event Partners are essential to the success of these efforts.
“Rolling out the Investor Guide is more than just an exciting opportunity for us – it’s a powerful way to uplift and enhance the entire community,” says Downtown Wabash, Inc. Executive Director, Kristen Petruniw. “Together, we can shape the future of Downtown Wabash! Let’s get excited for what’s to come!”
With the new investor model in place, stakeholders have the opportunity to become an Investor or Event Partner. Investors will contribute toward strategic plan initiatives, while Event Partners will assist in the execution of Downtown Wabash, Inc.’s 40+ lively events. Keep reading to find out more!
Become an Investor
Investors of Downtown Wabash, Inc. support our mission of being a catalyst for community and economic revitalization, as a nonprofit organization utilizing the Main Street Approach™ in Downtown Wabash. During 2024, we are devoted to several initiatives within the Main Street Four Point Approach in alignment with our strategic plan. Check out how your investment will impact Downtown Wabash in 2024 through these projects and initiatives:
Economic Vitality:
Continue downtown revitalization by promoting vacant real estate in our downtown district.
Increase facade programming to advance beautification and historic preservation efforts.
Provide tools for building owners to promote the use of underutilized spaces.
Design:
Continue to drive innovative placemaking efforts throughout the district with projects such as the beautification of Mammoth Park & Rock City Lofts Walkway in 2024.
Foster quality of place through the enhancement of arts & culture spaces in the district.
Organization:
Engage community leaders in contributing to the economic advancement of Downtown Wabash.
Sustain ongoing collaboration with local businesses and residents to achieve community objectives.
Enhance impact of board of directors, staff and volunteer capabilities through professional development, nonprofit management, engagement and advancement.
Promotion:
Increase visual awareness of the Wabash Cultural District footprint by launching the Wabash Cultural District Map in 2024.
Promotion of our unique downtown’s amenities through marketing efforts.
Curate a Food Truck Plaza to promote a family dining experience during Wabash First Fridays.
Continue to attract over 40,000 people to downtown each year through our 40+ events.
Event Partners help Downtown Wabash, Inc. attract over 40,000 people to downtown during 40+ lively community events. Partnering with our organization allows us to offer these events free to the public, foster quality of place and increase foot traffic in downtown. Plus, Event Partners will receive Partnership Perks that ensure your business is in front of thousands of people during 2024.
If you’re interested in becoming an Event Partner, you will select which Downtown Wabash, Inc. event you would like to partner on, as well as your desired Partnership Level. Events include Wabash First Fridays, Downtown Wabash Farmers Market, Summer Sidewalk Sales, Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza, Jingle Jubilee and Shop Small Weekend. You may also choose to partner on a month-specific First Friday! If you invest $500 on a month-specific First Friday, you will receive premiere level perks for that month. (Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza Premiere Level reserved for Wabash Trucking.)
Downtown Wabash is not just a destination in Indiana, it’s also a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization leading the way for economic revitalization in Downtown Wabash while respecting the rich history of the district.
“I am excited to roll out our new Community Investor Guide to our downtown supporters,” says Petruniw. “The investor guide details our organization’s accomplishments, milestones and successes. We encourage our community to invest, as their annual support will allow us to further grow our thriving downtown district.”
When you become an Investor or Event Partner, you’re supporting Downtown Wabash, Inc.’s vision of downtown district that is vibrant, every day and night.
Want more information? Check out the 2024 Community Investor Guide!
In conjunction with the Downtown Wabash Summer Sidewalk Sales and 25th Annual Dave Kunkel Cruise-In car show on Saturday, Aug. 17, the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market will move to Paradise Spring Park for a lush, full market!
More than 35 vendors will feature handmade, homemade and homegrown items including fresh produce, meats, dairy products, homegoods, plants, arts and artisan wares. Shoppers are invited to experience more than vendor offerings at the 2024 Market including live music, food trucks, Kids Corner activities, demonstrations and more.
Spend your Saturday mornings at the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market in Downtown Wabash, Indiana! Start your weekend with wholesome, enriching, locally sourced products from some of our most unique vendors in Wabash and surrounding counties.
Find handmade, homemade & homegrown products like fresh produce, organic meats, homemade ice cream, hand-poured candles & soaps, cotton candy, pottery, wood & metal works and so much more.
All dogs welcome!
The 2024 Downtown Wabash Farmers Market is presented by Bowen Health Clinic. Additional support comes from Level 3 Event Partner: Grow Wabash County.
Spend your Saturday mornings at the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market in Downtown Wabash, Indiana! Start your weekend with wholesome, enriching, locally sourced products from some of our most unique vendors in Wabash and surrounding counties.
Find handmade, homemade & homegrown products like fresh produce, organic meats, homemade ice cream, hand-poured candles & soaps, cotton candy, pottery, wood & metal works and so much more.
All dogs welcome!
The 2024 Downtown Wabash Farmers Market is presented by Bowen Health Clinic. Additional support comes from Level 3 Event Partner: Grow Wabash County.
Spend your Saturday mornings at the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market in Downtown Wabash, Indiana! Start your weekend with wholesome, enriching, locally sourced products from some of our most unique vendors in Wabash and surrounding counties.
Find handmade, homemade & homegrown products like fresh produce, organic meats, homemade ice cream, hand-poured candles & soaps, cotton candy, pottery, wood & metal works and so much more.
All dogs welcome!
The Downtown Wabash Farmers Market in 2024 are presented by Bowen Health Clinic. Additional support comes from Level 2 Event Partner: Grow Wabash County.
Spend your Saturday mornings at the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market in Downtown Wabash, Indiana! Start your weekend with wholesome, enriching, locally sourced products from some of our most unique vendors in Wabash and surrounding counties.
Find handmade, homemade & homegrown products like fresh produce, organic meats, homemade ice cream, hand-poured candles & soaps, cotton candy, pottery, wood & metal works and so much more.
All dogs welcome!
The 2024 Downtown Wabash Farmers Market is presented by Bowen Health Clinic. Additional support comes from Level 3 Event Partner: Grow Wabash County.
Spend your Saturday mornings at the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market in Downtown Wabash, Indiana! Start your weekend with wholesome, enriching, locally sourced products from some of our most unique vendors in Wabash and surrounding counties.
Find handmade, homemade & homegrown products like fresh produce, organic meats, homemade ice cream, hand-poured candles & soaps, cotton candy, pottery, wood & metal works and so much more.
All dogs welcome!
The Downtown Wabash Farmers Market in 2024 are presented by Bowen Health Clinic. Additional support comes from Level 2 Event Partner: Grow Wabash County.
Become a Supporter of Downtown Wabash, Inc.
Love what’s happening in Downtown Wabash? So do we! Become a supporter to help us achieve our mission.
