A Hipster Hotspot

We’re hipster? – That’s right, you might have heard it mentioned in conversation or even read an article about it and doubted, but it’s true as blue. Even if the term, “hipster” isn’t commonly used these days, one can’t deny that our city is luring in a young crowd. We’re talking art and culture. We’re talking music and food. We’re talking unique places you can only find in this distinct, mid-sized, Midwestern city.

If you don’t believe me, you might believe Buzzfeed, Food and Wine, or Realtor.com. These websites (and more) cite our city’s ability to not succumb to the typical sharp decline of a Rust Belt city in the post-industrial era. While our city does show the marks of other rust belt cities, it also is one of the more interesting cities in the United States. According to realtor.com, Fort Wayne has the 4^th hottest hipster market in the nation! Still think that doesn’t make sense?

Our art scene is huge and ever-expanding. Take a drive, ride, or walk through Downtown, and you’re likely to spot at least 1 of the 25 public art displays. Whether it’s a mural, creative bike rack, statue, or incredible architecture, Downtown and the surrounding area are sure to appeal to anyone looking for art inspiration. If you want to see even more art, then you can visit one of several art galleries in Fort Wayne, or purchase a piece at a local coffee shop.

Speaking of coffee, millenials love a good coffee shop, and Fort Wayne has no shortage of the unique and delectable. Conjure Coffee, Fortezza Coffee, Firefly Coffee Shop, Friendly Fox, and Old Crown each have to be on a hipster’s list of shops to visit and enjoy.

From local breweries to sports and entertainment, Fort Wayne’s night life is never dull. Parkview Field has brought in big crowds to the center of the city, and Downtown is growing and improving to cater to the influx of younger people. The Landing is just one example of present construction promising to bring in even more local businesses, entrepreneurs, and apartment living to a historic spot in Downtown.

What else do millennials love? Good food. From quality taco places to delicious pizza to unique ice cream to fabulous food trucks, Fort Wayne keeps it delicious and interesting. Have you ever had eaten ice cream held between two donut halves? Well, you can in Fort Wayne.

The city’s music scene is thriving, as well. Think of the new Clive Theater and the dozens of local bands and concert opportunities. Of course, music is a big part of this city; we’re home to the nation’s #1 online music instrument and pro audio gear retailer, Sweetwater. They even host an annual celebration of music, called Gearfest, with free performances, hot new music gear, and awesome workshops.

Festivals are a big part of Fort Wayne summers. Buskerfest is a celebration of local, regional, and national street performers. What sounds cooler than seeing people do incredible stunts all evening long? There are several festivals celebrating international cultures, like Arabfest and Greekfest. If you're a hipster wanting to get a feel for all the culture abundant in Fort Wayne, then fan favorite, the Three Rivers Festival, will not disappoint.

Fort Wayne is a hipster city, no doubt about it. The list of reasons and places could go on forever, so I would recommend checking out what makes Fort Wayne hipster to you.