The Kickstart Festival Planning Committee is pleased to present the Kickstart Festival in May in Fort Wayne. The Kickstart Festival is a month-long celebration of bikes, music, art and theatre, ushering in a summer filled with activity in our community.

The Kickstart Festival is presented by Parkview Health and participating organizations include the City of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation, Fort4Fitness, Fort Wayne Trails, Arts United, Visit Fort Wayne, Operation Fight for a Fitter Fort, the Downtown Improvement District, Fort Wayne Youtheatre, Bicycle Friendly Fort Wayne and Le Tour de Fort, Inc.

All of the events presented through the Kickstart Festival are either free or carry a very modest ticket or registration price. The events are listed on the Kickstart Festival Calendar at the Kickstart Festival Website, www.kickstartfortwayne.com.

Kickstart began in 2014 as a one-day event held in conjunction with the unveiling of IPFW's "Sculptures with a Purpose" bike rack sculptures in honor of the University's 50th anniversary. In 2015, the Kickstart Festival becomes a month-long celebration of the end of winter and the beginning of a summer filled with exciting events and activities throughout the community.

One of the holdovers and highlights of the Festival is Kickstart Saturday on May 16, which includes the Fort4Fitness Spring Cycle, Kickstart for Kids (a free interactive event for children), Fort Wayne Youtheatre's Second Annual Fairy Tale Fest, Arts United's Entertainment Stage, opening day for the YLNI Barr Street Market with Spring Trolley rides provided by the Downtown Improvement District, and more.

"When I travel and speak to other political and business leaders, I always emphasize what an active and vibrant community we have here in Fort Wayne," said Mayor Tom Henry. "The new Kickstart Festival is further proof that our City is leading the way in efforts to spotlight and take advantage of our community's strengths."

"The Kickstart Festival provides a great opportunity for area residents to take part in events aimed at improving their health and well-being," said Mike Packnett, President and CEO of Parkview Health. "We're proud to support the festival and encourage area residents to participate in the many activities available throughout the month of May."

"Fort4Fitness is thrilled to be a part of Kickstart Festival and we look forward to our 4th Annual Spring Cycle on May 16, on the Arts United Campus on Kickstart Saturday," said Tim Kenesey, CEO of MedPro Group and Chairman of the Fort4Fitness Board of Directors.

"Fort Wayne Trails, Inc. will bring a state of the trails presentation, as well as trail ride and party to the historic Wells Street Bridge on May 12," Greg O'Daniel, President of the Fort Wayne Trails Board, said, "We are very excited to be a collaborator in the Kickstart Festival and we look forward to a great season of Trek the Trails rides this year."

Perry Ehresman of Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation stated that, "We are looking forward to entertaining lots of kids at our Trike the Trails event on May 9 and our Family Fitness Bike Ride on May 16, as a part of Kickstart Saturday."

Leslie Hormann of Fort Wayne Yourtheatre stated, "Our Second Annual Fairy Tale Fest will be bigger and better than ever on Kickstart Saturday, May 16. Families and children can look forward to the best in children's theater on stage and you never know what fairy tale characters will be wandering around downtown that day. With face painting, arts and crafts, costume playground, and four different performances, you'll be able to enjoy the ever growing Arts United campus!"

"Arts United will present the Kickstart Saturday Entertainment Stage and people will really enjoy the variety of music and entertainment our partners will bring to the Arts United Center Plaza," said Dan Ross of Arts United.

Kickstart Festival in May in Fort Wayne is an unprecedented collaboration between government, medical, health and fitness, and arts organizations to provide a month-long celebration of our active and healthy community, a testament to our community's physical and cultural fitness.
The Kickstart Festival invites you to throw off the shackles of our long winter and come outside to Kickstart your summer. Look for a month's worth of activities in May celebrating bikes, art music and theatre.