Downtown's biggest festival of the year has a slew of new activities for the kids — as well as something for the adults — planned for this year's run on Main Street.
The 34th annual MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival starts Thursday and lasts through Sunday, with thousands expected to converge downtown to enjoy art, music, food and culture. Throughout the weekend, 223 juried artists will sell an estimated $4 million worth of art. More than 50 musical acts will take the stage as well, and dozens of restaurants will serve up a sampling of local cuisine.
Here's what's new for 2019:
- MAIN ST. Creates! Maker Zone – A revamped kids’ area will feature invention stations, a LEGO zone, butterfly habitat and other activities.
- Cliburn in the Classroom – The Van Cliburn Foundation will offer its Cliburn in the Classroom program, which introduces young audiences to classical music. In addition, the Cliburn’s grand piano will be brought outside for festival-goers to play.
- Wine Experience – Presented by Chloe Wine Collection and Sundance Square, the new Wine Experience will offer stand-up flights of Chloe and Imagery wines hand-selected by a veteran sommelier. Tasting sessions will take place all four days, and those who purchase a flight will receive a free wine glass. Individual glasses of wine will also be available for purchase.
Festival-goers can navigate the event using the MAIN ST. Arts Festival mobile app, which has features like live event updates, booth numbers and parking/transportation details. With crowds growing larger every year, MAIN ST. is encouraging festival-goers to plan ahead by reviewing the street closures and taking advantage of the recommended public transportation options.
Festival hours 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.; and Sunday, April 14, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.