Fortress Festival is back for its second year this weekend with new artists, a new layout and more changes you need to know about. We've put together a guide for you to navigate your way through the festival, so all you have to worry about is jamming out.
The Pre-parties
On Thursday, local boutique Esther Penn will host a shopping event with complimentary food and cocktails by Dripping Springs Vodka and Gin and Republic Tequila, as well as music by Pop Boy Etc. Shoppers can also get discounted Fortress Festival tickets with an in-store purchase.
Then on Friday, two parties for general admission guests and VIP ticket holders will take place. The GA pre-party is being held at the Fort Worth Blackhouse from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets to the party are $14 in advance and $17 the day of. Partygoers can enjoy complimentary drinks and music from Dallas-based DJ, Christy Ray.
Artspace111 is hosting the VIP cocktail reception from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Friday night. There will be complimentary drinks, light bites and several DJs performing.
Parking
Parking for the festival is at Farrington Field and free for VIP ticket holders. Parking passes can be bought online beforehand or at the box office for $15 per car or $25 for the weekend. If you don’t want to worry about parking, think about taking an Uber or Lyft.
Navigating
This year, no two acts will play at the same time, allowing festival-goers to see every set at both stages. The stages, the CG Northern Stage and the Wildcatter Network Stage, will be located on the lawn directly in front of the Will Rogers Memorial Center.
Performers
This year's lineup is intentionally female heavy with Courtney Barnett headlining the festival. Other headliners are Chromeo and Father John Misty. Rapsody, another female act performing Saturday, was nominated for “Best Rap Song” and “Best Rap Album” at the 2018 Grammy Awards. RZA, a '90s hip-hop artist, is sharing the stage with funk and soul group, Stone Mecca. For the full lineup, visit the Fortress Festival website.
Don't forget the local artists — on Saturday, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is hosting three local acts (Juma Spears, Sammy Kidd and Francine Thirteen) in its auditorium starting at noon before the festival begins. Those who are interested must RSVP.
Food Vendors
VIP ticket holders have the chance to try festival-only meals like Magdalena's paella on Saturday or Taco Heads' whole pig roast on Sunday for $19 in advance or $23 the day of.
Other food vendors who will be there include Micklethwait Craft Meats, Salsa Limón, Papa Luke's Gravy Balls, Doom Street Eats, Avoca, Shawarma Point, Rollin'n'Bowlin and Crazy Burger.
Other Vendors
Non-food vendors will be at the festival as well, like Fort Worth Locals, Windfall, Grav/Labs, Holistic Hemp Company, Soulful Gypsy, To the Moon, Eva Lena Hair Extensions Salon, KXT and Art Tooth.
