The MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival is returning to Downtown Fort Worth for its 34th year on April 11-14, 2019.
Spanning more than 27 city blocks, the free arts and music festival will showcase 223 juried artists, a world-class music lineup, sweet and savory cuisine, and family-friendly arts and crafts.
“MAIN ST. is considered the crown jewel of Fort Worth’s spring event calendar,” said Nina Petty, chairman of the Festivals and Events Committee for Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives Inc. “First-time artists and visitors are always amazed that the festival is surrounded by the picturesque Downtown Fort Worth, with its red-bricked streets, turn-of-the-century buildings, modern skyscrapers, and endless shopping and dining options. There’s no question why MAIN ST. has become a ‘can’t-miss’ tradition drawing thousands from near and far to revel in a weekend filled with art, music and food.”
THE ESSENTIALS
This year, MAIN ST.’s outdoor gallery will consist of 223 artists who were hand-selected to exhibit their work from nearly 1,300 applications. An estimated $4 million worth of art is expected to be sold from artists representing 15 artistic media, including sculpture, painting, photography, wood, glass, jewelry, metalwork, printmaking, mixed media, and more. Among the artists appearing include last year’s Best of Show-winner Richard Wilson and Best Emerging Artist Darrell Dulaney, as well as other festival favorites. For more information, visit MAIN ST.’s “Fine Art Showcase.”
With three different stages and entertainers ranging from country music headliners and jazz keyboardists to R&B groups and swing bands, MAIN ST. 2019’s musical lineup is packed to the brim. Headliners include country rock band Reckless Kelly, multinational indie band Jenny and the Mexicats, Fort Worth native and “The Voice” finalist Austin Allsup, soul-funk singer/songwriter Larry gEE, soul-blues band The James Hunter Six, Americana singer-songwriter Jason Eady, and many more. For more information, visit “Music on MAIN.”
Food courts located throughout the festival will feature fan-favorite cuisine, including smoked turkey legs, authentic Texas barbeque, New Orleans gumbo, German bratwurst, world famous corn dogs, frozen treats, funnel cakes and more. In addition, the ever-popular “Wine Experience” and “Craft Brew Pavilion” will offer wines-by-the-glass and award-winning craft beers throughout the weekend. For more information, visit “Culinary Arts.”
THE UPDATES
Making its debut at MAIN ST. 2019 is the new “Hear Fort Worth” stage, presented by Visit Fort Worth. Located at 7th and Commerce Streets, Fort Worth’s favorite local singer/songwriters and bands will perform, such as Danni & Kris, Chris Watson’s Retrophonics, Kylie Rae Harris, Joey Green Band, and more.
A revamped kids’ area with a new maker-focus is also in store for 2019. Now called, “MAIN ST. Creates – Maker Zone!,” it offers children of all ages opportunities to embrace their creative side with a focus on invention, innovation, creativity, and curiosity. Located at the northern end of Main Street across from the Tarrant County Courthouse, the outdoor arts, crafts, and makers studio will offer invention stations, a LEGO zone, a butterfly habitat, happy city design activity, face painting, and more. This area will also be home to Tarrant County College’s “Young People’s Art Fair,” where festivalgoers can buy art from more than 200 emerging, young artists in grades 6-12. For more information, visit “MAIN ST. Creates – Maker Zone!”
Lastly, MAIN ST.’s “Friends of the Festival” program has been enhanced for 2019. Designed to elevate the MAIN ST. experience while connecting business associates, family and friends, the program’s centerpiece is unlimited access to the exclusive and expanded VIP hospitality tent located at the south end of Main Street overlooking the UTA Main Stage. Access includes prime viewing of the headlining entertainment, cocktails, and cuisine curated by the chef at The Capital Grille. Other perks include artist receptions, happy hours, discounts on merchandise, food, and beverages, and more. Sign up online or for more information, visit “Friends of the Festival.”
THE INFO
MAIN ST. is annually produced by Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives Inc., and is free to the public. The official hashtag for 2019 is #MainSt2019. Festival dates and hours for 2019 are:
• Thursday, April 11: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Friday, April 12: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Saturday, April 13: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Sunday, April 14: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
For more information, download the updated-and-free MAIN ST. iPhone or Android mobile app, or visit / follow MAIN ST. online at:
• www.MainStreetArtsFest.org
• www.Facebook.com/MainStreetArtsFest
• www.Twitter.com/MainStreetArts
• www.Instagram.com/MainStreetArtsFest