Big Fort Fest Kicks Off This Week — But Organizers Say Volunteers Still Needed

Fort Wayne’s brand new Big Fort Fest is set to light up Headwaters Park starting Thursday, but the folks running the show are sending out an SOS: they still need volunteers to help keep the fun rolling.

New Festival, Familiar Challenge

Addie Farris, one of the festival organizers, says they got plenty of early interest when they announced Big Fort Fest back in February. But when it came time to nail down actual sign-ups? Crickets.

“We got the ball rolling,” Farris said. “We just need some people to help make sure everything runs smooth.”

One line: No volunteers, no vibe.

What Still Needs Covered

So, where do they need the extra hands? Here’s the quick rundown straight from the organizers:

Forum + Fork Fest: Thursday, plus Friday and Saturday
Concert set up and tear down: Saturday
Big Fun Fest: Saturday

Anyone with a couple hours to spare — or more — can sign up through Big Fort Fest’s website, Facebook page, or the festival’s mobile app.

Filling the Gap Left by Three Rivers

Jake and Jes Farris, the festival’s founders, came up with Big Fort Fest as a fresh take after the beloved Three Rivers Festival declared bankruptcy in February. That event had been a Fort Wayne summer staple since 1969.

“There was a lot of heartbreak when we lost the Three Rivers Festival,” Addie said. “We wanted to step in and provide the community with a fun festival.”

One short sentence: No one wants to see the park sit empty in July.

Why Volunteering Matters

It’s easy to underestimate just how many people it takes to run an event like this. Beyond setting up tents and hauling gear, volunteers help direct crowds, keep things clean, and make sure performers have what they need.

Local event veteran Mike Jenkins said, “A festival without volunteers is like a car with no gas. It’s just not going anywhere.”

Fort Wayne Wants a Fest

Despite the scramble for volunteers, buzz for Big Fort Fest is strong. After a gloomy winter and a bit of heartbreak over the loss of Three Rivers, the city’s ready to party again.

One sentence: You can feel it in every conversation downtown — folks want something big to rally around.

And if you’re looking for a way to get involved, you could do worse than spending a summer weekend at Headwaters Park, surrounded by food trucks, local bands, and neighbors you haven’t seen in a while.