Winterval Returning Next Week01/16/2026An annual winter event returns to downtown Fort Wayne next week. The 15th annual Winterval will take place at several sites downtown with activities for the whole family. This a chance to celebrate some frosty fun and coziness of the season by taking a hike, hunting for a penguin that has prizes to give, play minigolf or check out numerous ice sculptures. The wide array of fun takes place at various locations from 10 am to 7 pm on Saturday, January 24th. More details are available on the WBCL news webpage. 15th Annual Winterval Saturday, January 24, 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Multiple locations in downtown Fort Wayne Celebrate the frosty fun and coziness of the season with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. Take a hike, make a craft, play miniature golf, shop at the Warm Heart Market, visit sled dogs, learn how to curl, engage with Fort Wayne history, get cozy and watch live ice sculpture carving at five different locations between 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. New in 2026: · Penguin on the Run offers a not too difficult treasure hunt to find the inflatable Winterval Penguin as it visits various sites in downtown Fort Wayne. Once per hour, clues to its location can be found on the Winterval Facebook page. Find the inflatable Winterval Penguin between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and receive a gift card prize while supplies last. · Penguins Rock provides another element of fun. During Winterval events, keep a look out for painted rock penguins. Small stones will be hidden outdoors around Winterval event properties. When found, bring the rock to the Community Center information desk between 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. or to the Park Foundation Pavilion during Winter Cozy from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. to exchange it for a prize. · Inflatable Nation features free inflatables from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. on the lawn at Promenade Park near Harrison Street. Winterval is hosted by the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department in conjunction with partners, Botanical Conservatory, Riverfront Fort Wayne, Historic Fort Wayne, Allen County Public Library, Science Central and Fort Wayne Curling Club. Event sponsors: Google, Goodwill Industries of NE Indiana, Xfinity, Indiana Donor Network and Life Care Center Fort Wayne.