Tag: Shopping in Wabash

20 things to do this holiday season in Downtown Wabash, Indiana

Posted on by Downtown Wabash

There’s a little bit of holiday magic for everyone to discover in Downtown Wabash! To help you experience the most you can, we’ve compiled a top-twenty list of must-dos this season. Explore Christmas lights, excursions & events, holiday shopping and more.

P.S.: We suggest turning on some Christmas music while you read!

1. Kick off the holiday season at Jingle Jubilee

Kick off the hometown holiday season with the whole family and all your friends! Jingle Jubilee returns to Downtown Wabash in 2024 as the district’s decades-old tradition of officially kicking off the holiday season on November 15 from 4-8 p.m.

Jingle Jubilee is FREE and open to the public complete with the competitive Jingle Jubilee Stamping Map, the traditional lighting of the Wabash County Courthouse, a live nativity scene on Miami Street provided by Bachelor Creek Church, lots of hot cocoa, holiday shopping specials, Santa, twinkling lights galore and so much more!

2. Meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Wabash Friends Church

Join 95.9 KISS FM – WKUZ Radio with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Wabash Friends Church, on December 7 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. There will be a bounce house, crafts and giveaways!

3. Stroll through a winter wonderland at ‘Lights at Paradise’ 

There’s nothing better than gazing at Christmas lights! Starting on November 14, explore more than 24 light displays at Paradise Spring Park. Lighted photo-ops are available throughout the park. 

4. Shop for Christmas gifts locally

Check off every item on your holiday shopping list with more than 100 small businesses in Downtown! We encourage you to #ShopSmall every day, but especially during this season. You won’t want to miss out on spreading holiday cheer by supporting local business owners and taking advantage of great holiday deals. 

Black Friday: November 29, 2024 
Small Business Saturday: Our favorite holiday: the Saturday after Thanksgiving, meant for supporting small, local businesses for holiday shopping and more on November 30, 2024!
Cyber Monday: December 2, 2024

5. Give back to your community 

Spread joy through giving back and supporting your community this holiday season! Consider donating to local charities and nonprofit organizations or volunteering your time. Participate in Giving Tuesday, the global day of giving on December 3, 2024.

6. Take a s(elf)ie with Santa 

Grab your crew and head to Veterans Plaza to take a photo with the Holiday Greetings Santa Mural!

7. Make a homemade gift at Make It Your Own Art Studio

Paint a pottery piece, create a canvas painting and more to add a personal touch to someone on your list’s gift this year. Let your creativity flow at Make it Your Own! 

Pro Tip: If painting a pottery piece, make sure to visit Make it Your Own early in the holiday season to have your masterpiece back before Christmas. The pieces have to be fired in the kiln! 

8. Create your own holiday scent at JoJo’s Olfactory & Co. 

Embrace the holidays through every sense, including smell! Visit JoJo’s Olfactory & Co. and make a holiday-scented candle, reed diffuser, car freshener, wax cubes, etc. to freshen up every space you own with the season’s tidings. 

9. Schedule your Christmas card portraits 

Book a seasonal session with Nicole A. Howard Photography or Kaleigh M Photography to get an updated photo of the fam to send as your Christmas card this year! Be sure to bring your jolliest smile, and leave the resting grinch face at home. 

Contact: Nicole A. Howard Photography 

Contact: Kaleigh M. Photography

10. Spend a night in ‘Wabash Winterland’ with Holiday Shopping & a Cookie Walk on December’s First Friday 

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. Hop from business to business in Downtown Wabash for a tasty holiday treat and a chance to win a holiday gift basket with local goodies!

11. Aboard Trolley No. 85 for a Holiday Trolley Tour around Wabash County

Explore holiday activities and festivities in Downtown Wabash and Beyond on Visit Wabash County’s Jolly Trolley Tour on Saturday, December 14. Festivities include a hot cocoa bar, a Holiday Puppet Show, Storytime and Christmas Caroling with Mrs. Claus, Christmas crafts and photos with Santa! Purchase tickets for the family for this fan-favorite holiday excursion. 

12. Find a good book to read at Reading Room Books 

Winter is the perfect time to cozy up by the fireplace with a good book. Make a trip to Reading Room Books to explore hundreds of titles. Your options are endless (it’s the largest bookstore in Indiana!)

13. Drink hot cocoa with friends at Modoc’s Market

Need we say more? Sip and savor quality time over a warm cup of coffee, hot cocoa, eggnog or your favorite holiday drink with your dearest friends and family. 

14. Check out the holiday window displays & lights 

Craving more Christmas light attractions after a night at Lights at Paradise? The rest of downtown is sparkling with holiday displays, too! Stroll through the district and admire storefront decorations, lights in the alley walkway, trees at the Honeywell Center & the skyline of lights hanging above Market Street! 

15. Celebrate the holidays with your favorite throwback movies. 

Spend an evening at Eagles Theatre watching your favorite holiday classics! There’s a movie title for everyone, with selections of movies from the nice list (rated G & PG) and the naughty list (rated PG-13 & R). Check out the full holiday movie schedule and buy your tickets in advance here.

16. Enjoy a winter weekend with the family at the Wabash County Museum  

The Wabash County Museum is filled with family activities during the holiday season! Check out what’s happening at the Museum on Facebook. Aside from extra holiday activities, the museum is a perfect place to explore while on Christmas break! 

17. Catch a live holiday show at The Honeywell Center

Gift an experience this year with live shows at the Honeywell Center! From A Magical Cirque Christmas to the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Holiday Pops, there’s a show for everyone. See a full list of live shows here.

18. Cozy up by the fire with a holiday cocktail at 4 Partners in Crime 

Experience homemade tapas, sweet treats and festive cocktails & mocktails in the warmth of the vibrant, charming space that is 4 Partners in Crime. Call for reservations or simply walk-in during business hours, Friday and Saturday from 5-10 p.m.

19. Dress up for a holiday dinner date at more than 7 restaurants 

Dress your best for a night on the town! Explore dining options in the downtown district and plan a date night with your special someone or a group of friends! 

20. Have a snowball fight at Paradise Spring Park 

Kids from one to ninety-two are encouraged to have fun and enjoy all holiday traditions. Have a (friendly) snowball fight, make a snow angel or build a snowman when fresh powder hits the ground at Paradise Spring Park.

November First Friday: Give Thanks

Downtown Wabash, Inc. is Grateful for You!

As we enter the season of giving, Downtown Wabash, Inc. wants to express our heartfelt gratitude for everything our local businesses bring to our downtown district. For November’s First Friday, we’re celebrating that appreciation with a fun and rewarding event!

Complete the ‘Give Thanks’ Stamping Map by visiting participating businesses, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win! Two lucky winners will receive $100 in Downtown Dollars, and two children will win $25 in Downtown Dollars, all redeemable at local stores.

In the spirit of the season, we’re encouraging businesses to give back by hosting a nonprofit, organizing a canned food drive, or collecting donations for a local charity of their choice. Be sure to check our social media channels to see which stores are partnering with nonprofits and how you can support their efforts!

The event will also feature numerous shopping & dining specials, things to do in downtown, event-related festivities and so much more!

Join us in celebrating community, gratitude, and generosity this November!

Wabash First Fridays in 2024 are presented by MetalX and Bowen Health. 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.

October First Friday: Wizardly Wabash

Downtown Wabash will transform into a wizardly oasis during October’s First Friday! Embark on a magical downtown adventure complete with wizard-themed festivities, spooky shopping & dining specials and more, all inspired by the enchanting world of Harry Potter! From Harry Potter music filling the streets to butterbeer specials, there’s sure to be “Mischief Managed” around every corner!

The free event will also feature the return of Food Truck Plaza for the last time in 2024, Miami Street community vendor booths and so much more!

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.

September First Friday: Bark in the Bash

Who let the dogs out?! We did! If you’re looking to add a special member to your family, this exciting First Friday is the event for you! The Wabash Animal Shelter will bring adoptable dogs & cats to the event for people to play with and begin the adoption process.

The free event will also feature pup-inspired shopping & dining specials, the return of Food Truck Plaza, Miami Street community vendor booths and so much more!

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.

December First Friday: Annual Downtown Cookie Walk

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.

The Best August Weekend in Downtown Wabash

Posted on by Adrianna Town

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.

Ready for a Shopping Spree?

25th Annual Dave Kunkel Cruise-In

August 16 & 17

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.

Tell Me More!

Downtown Wabash Farmers Market

August 17 from 8 a.m.-noon

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!

Explore Downtown

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.

Jingle Jubilee

Kick off the hometown holiday season with the whole family and all your friends! Jingle Jubilee returns to Downtown Wabash in 2024 as the district’s decades-old tradition of officially kicking off the holiday season.

Jingle Jubilee is FREE and open to the public complete with the competitive Jingle Jubilee Stamping Map, the traditional lighting of the Wabash County Courthouse, winter-themed festivities on Miami Street provided by Bachelor Creek Church, lots of hot cocoa, holiday shopping specials, live reindeer, Santa, twinkling lights galore and so much more!

Stay tuned for more details to come!

Jingle Jubilee is made possible by Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a downtown district that is vibrant every day and night.

Small Business Saturday in Downtown Wabash, Indiana

Shop small this holiday season on Small Business Saturday! The Saturday after Thanksgiving meant for supporting small, local businesses for holiday shopping and more. Take advantage of shopping specials, all while supporting your favorite downtown businesses!

Small Business Saturday promotions in Downtown Wabash, Indiana are made possible by Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a downtown district that is vibrant every day and night.

Summer Sidewalk Sales

Snag sizzling summer deals while supporting your favorite local downtown businesses during Summer Sidewalk Sales! This free event offers a weekend-long shopping spree in conjunction with the 25th Annual Dave Kunkel Cruise-In at the Honeywell Center and the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market at Paradise Spring Park. This weekend will be overflowing with exciting downtown events for the whole family to enjoy – you won’t want to miss it!

Summer Sidewalk Sales are made possible with support from Event Partners: Downtown Nutrition and Terrell Realty Group.

August First Friday: Downtown Throwdown

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to Miami Street… THE DOWNTOWN THROWDOWN, presented by the Apache Wrestling Club! This event, formerly known as Thrash in the Bash, is a fan-favorite community spectacle. Gather on Miami Street for a friendship format, folk-style wrestling tournament open to all age brackets. The event will also feature numerous shopping & dining specials, the return of Food Truck Plaza, Miami Street community vendor booths and so much more!

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.