Invisible Vets invites the public to attend the yearly VetFest, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 16 at Headwaters Park in downtown Fort Wayne. Photo from Invisible Vets.

News Release

FORT WAYNE — Invisible Vets will host its annual VetFest on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Headwaters Park in downtown Fort Wayne. The free, family-friendly festival is open to the public and aims to honor veterans while connecting the community with local support resources.

The event will feature live music, including a performance by “Tribute — An Arena Rock Experience,” as well as sets by the all-veteran band Section 8 and DJ CEO of JMB Music.

Attendees can enjoy food from local vendors, including the Whip n’ Chill Fire Engine, and entertainment such as balloon artists, body art from Boho StudioArts, and military static displays.

VetFest will also include a silent auction with items such as Fort Wayne TinCaps season tickets, designer handbags, children’s ride-on toys, and signed sports memorabilia. A wine pull will offer 100 bottles valued between $25 and $599. Prize drawings will take place every 15 minutes from noon to 5:30 p.m.

Additional programming includes veteran testimonials, a VA resource booth, and an ’80s-themed after-party, which is open to all festival attendees. Mascots from local organizations, including Johnny TinCap, are expected to appear.

The festival represents a milestone for Invisible Vets, a Fort Wayne-based nonprofit led by veterans. The organization supports underserved veterans through services such as food and supply assistance, benefit navigation, holiday outreach, and mental health advocacy.

Invisible Vets has donated vendor space to 17 veteran-serving and community-based organizations, including Stars 4 Our Troops, Honor Flight Northeast Indiana, Warrior Breed, and the Community Harvest Food Bank.

Central Supply Company of Fort Wayne is the title sponsor of this year’s event. The company has supported Invisible Vets since 2017 and continues to lead internal initiatives to aid veteran families.

Other sponsors include Village Caregiving and Dave Baker Agency Lighting & Controls at the platinum level, along with support from companies such as Korte Does It All, Nibco, and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Fort Wayne.

Vendor applications remain open through Aug. 8. For more information about sponsorships, volunteering, or participation, contact Invisible Vets at [email protected] or (260) 440-1779. Updates and announcements are available at facebook.com/ServingOurVeteranCommunity.