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The nation’s 3rd largest fine arts festival will feature 215 world-class artists, two stages with live music, the family-friendly ‘TCC Makers Zone’, food, drinks, and more

FORT WORTH, Texas (February 28, 2023) — The MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival (MAIN ST.) presented by PNC Bank will soon return to Downtown Fort Worth for its 36th year on April 20-23, 2023. As the No.3 ranked fine arts event in the U.S., the always-free-to-attend MAIN ST. will cater to the whole family, showcasing 215 jury-selected visual artists, live music on two stages, authentic local cuisine, the family-friendly “TCC Makers Zone,” craft beer, wine tastings, and more, across 18 square blocks throughout Downtown.

This year, MAIN ST.’s unique outdoor gallery will feature 215 artists who were hand-selected to exhibit their work from nearly 1,000 applications. An estimated $4 million worth of art is expected to be sold from local, regional, and national 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 Karen Libecap (painting), Best Emerging Artist Jeribai Andrew-jaja (drawing), and Merit Award-winners Richard Wilson (drawing), Adam Crowell (wood), James Pearce (wood), Kina Crow (mixed media), Steven & Beth Radtke (mixed media), Marge Margulies (ceramics), and Robin Lauersdorf (drawing). In addition, nearly 30 artists hailing from Tarrant County were selected to exhibit at MAIN ST. 2023, including Anne Cubbage, Christopher Curtis, Thomas Diel, Sarah Murphy, Ralinda Owens, Pamela Summers, Tyler Wagner, and more. For more information, visit MAIN ST.’s “Fine Art Showcase.”

With two different stages and entertainers ranging from southern rock bands and jazz keyboardists to R&B groups and Tejano vocalists, the musical lineup for MAIN ST. 2023 is packed to the brim. Headliners include New Orleans’ funk & RB quintet Galactic with special guest Anjelika Jelly Joseph, Southern rock band Them Dirty Roses, Harlem-based blues artist King Soloman Hicks, alternative roots rock artist Bones Owens, jazz vocalist Tatiana “LadyMay” Mayfield, 80s rock band DadRock, Tejano powerhouse vocalist Monica Saldivar, Fort Worth’s favorite cover band Poo Live Crew, and many more. For more information, visit “Music on MAIN.”

MAIN ST. also features an unparalleled culinary experience, showcasing a range of tantalizing dishes prepared by top local chefs and long-standing festival vendors across five food courts daily. Whether it’s authentic Texas barbeque, spicy fried chicken, zesty steak fajitas, or original corn dogs, foodies can explore and enjoy flavors and spices from around the world. In addition, mojitos, craft brews, and the ever-popular “Wine Experience” hosted by City Center will be back for 2023, offering curated wines-by-the-glass from Chloe and Imagery wines. For more information, visit “Culinary Arts.”

MAIN ST. will offer plenty of hands-on activities for families at the “TCC Makers Zone.” Located at the north end of Main Street, children of all ages will be able to embrace their creative side through invention, innovation, technology, creativity, and curiosity. Live demonstrations on themes such as space, pottery, robotics, clay, photography, art, and more will be presented, along with other activities such as invention stations, sand art, caricatures, face painting, and more. New for 2023 will be the PNC Bank Mobile Learning Center. Visit the “TCC Makers Zone” for more information.

MAIN ST. is produced annually by Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc., and is free and open to the public. The official hashtag for 2023 is #MainSt2023. Festival dates and hours for 2023 are:

• Thursday, April 20: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Friday, April 21: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Saturday, April 22: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Sunday, April 23: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, visit/follow MAIN ST. online at:

• mainstreetartsfest.org
• facebook.com/MainStreetArtsFest
• instagram.com/MainStreetArtsFest

ABOUT MAIN ST. FORT WORTH ARTS FESTIVAL

The MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival presented by PNC Bank is celebrating its 36th year in 2023 on April 20-23.  Ranked as the #3 fine arts event in the U.S., the always-free-to-attend MAIN ST. will feature 215 jury-selected visual artists, live music on four stages, authentic local cuisine, a revamped family-friendly “Makers Zone,” craft beer pavilions, wine tastings, and more across 18 square blocks throughout Downtown Fort Worth. In addition to presenting sponsor PNC Bank, official sponsors include Tarrant County College and The University of Texas at Arlington. Media sponsors are 92.1 HANK FM (KTFW-FM) and 95.9 The Ranch (KFWR-FM). Supporting sponsors are Alcon Foundation, Chloe Wine Collection, City Center Fort Worth, Frost, Hear Fort Worth, Imagery Winery, Music Performance Trust Fund, Pinnacle Bank, and Trinity Metro. Hotel sponsors are Aloft Fort Worth Downtown, The Ashton Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Fort Worth Downtown/Blackstone, the Kimpton Harper Hotel, and The Sinclair Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel. For more information, visit www.mainstreetartsfest.org.

ABOUT PNC BANK

PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.

ABOUT DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH INITIATIVES, INC.

Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization formed in 1988 to complement the work of Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. by providing a funding pathway for charitable, educational, and public-purpose activities, such as community festivals, affordable residential development, park improvements, and management. Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. produces the annual MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival and the GM Financial Parade of Lights, which have an economic impact of more than $28 million annually and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Downtown Fort Worth each year. For more information, visit www.DFWI.org.

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Updates on what’s new and getting to and from #MainSt2023 in Downtown Fort Worth, April 20-23

FORT WORTH, Texas (April 17, 2023) – The 2023 MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival (MAIN ST.), presented by PNC Bank, is back for its 36^th year on April 20-23, where tens of thousands are expected in Downtown Fort Worth to enjoy art, music, food, and culture.

Throughout the four-day event, 215 juried artists will sell an estimated $4 million worth of art, nearly 100 musical acts will perform on three stages, and dozens of restaurants and food vendors will serve up local cuisine. With MAIN ST. crowds growing larger every year, here’s a rundown of what’s new for #MainSt2023 and other important tips to “know before you go,” including public transportation and parking options, street closures, volunteer opportunities, and more.

WHAT’S NEW FOR #MAINST2023

• Headlining Entertainment – 2023 MAIN ST. headliners include New Orleans’ funk & RB quintet Galactic with special guest Anjelika Jelly Joseph, Southern rock band Them Dirty Roses, Harlem-based blues artist King Soloman Hicks, alternative roots rock artist Bones Owens, jazz vocalist Tatiana “LadyMay” Mayfield, 80s rock band DadRock, Tejano powerhouse vocalist Monica Saldivar, Fort Worth’s favorite cover band Poo Live Crew, and many more.
• 1^st Street Stage – MAIN ST. is adding a third stage for 2023 – the 1^st Street Stage – located at 1^st and Main Streets, which will feature live performances by Javier Gutiérrez, Island Boogie, Tap That Jazz, and Toni Ortiz on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
• Toni Ortiz’ “CUBIART” and “TOTEMS” experience – Internationally renowned Barcelona artist Toni Ortiz will perform his “CUBIART” live speed-painting show and “TOTEMS” anamorphic art illusion show 12 different times throughout the weekend, which involve creating visual tricks that fool the brain.
• 2023 Commemorative Poster – Designed by Colorado-based award-winning mixed-media artist Dolan Geiman, the MAIN ST. 2023 Commemorative Poster reflects ideas about man and nature and the struggle that exists between the two. It can be purchased at the online festival store for $20, or at the on-site Festival Store located at 5th and Main Streets.
• YMCA Hydration Stations – To help support and raise awareness for fitness and the environment, the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth is sponsoring free water stations throughout the festival. Festivalgoers can bring their own water bottles or purchase a commemorative bottle to refill throughout the day and take home as a souvenir.
• Texas Rangers Experience – On Saturday, April 22, the Texas Rangers will be live at MAIN ST. on the corner of 2^nd and Main Streets to unveil their new Nike MLB “City Connect” uniforms, which were designed to celebrate the connection between the team and the cities of Fort Worth-Dallas. The entire City Connect collection will be available for purchase, giveaways and prizes will be offered, and National Baseball Hall of Famer Ivan Rodriguez will be making a special appearance from 6-7 p.m.
• Wine Pavilion – Hosted by City Center Fort Worth and presented by Chloe Wine Collection, the Wine Pavilion (located at 2^nd and Main Streets) will offer curated selections of Chloe and Imagery wines available to purchase by the glass, bottle, or sample, along with live music.
• BMW Experience – Stop by the BMW Exhibit at 5^th and Main Streets for the chance to win a hand-painted BMW Engine Hood by internationally renowned Barcelona artist Toni Ortiz, along with other giveaways.
• 2023 Festival Store – Featuring brand-new items in a store-like setting, the Festival Store will be set up at 5^th and Main Streets. Merchandise and gifts for sale include hats, shirts, silk scarves, puzzles, and more, with exclusive designs created by Fort Worth-based ad agency, PAVLOV, and award-winning artist Dolan Geiman; and printed by Fort Worth-based Printed Threads.
• TCC Makers Zone – Located at the north end of Main Street, children of all ages will be able to embrace their creative side through invention, innovation, technology, creativity, and curiosity at the TCC Makers Zone. Live demonstrations on themes such as space, pottery, robotics, clay, photography, and art will be presented, along with other activities such as invention stations, sand art, caricatures, face painting, and more. Experiences new for 2023 include:
  • PNC “Grow Up Great” Mobile Learning Adventure – PNC Bank’s Mobile Learning Adventure will be set up, allowing young children to engage in unique interactive activities, and parents to obtain educational resources that help prepare children for success in school and life.
  • Fort Worth ISD – VR and STEM labs – Fort Worth ISD is hosting a 40’ virtual reality (VR) lab, where kids can try out different skills using 3D VR, as well as a 38’ Mobile Innovation Lab, offering individuals and families a glimpse at the extensive STEM programs the district offers at all grade levels.
  • Fort Worth ISD’s “Fort Worth Beauty” Art Contest – Fort Worth ISD will also present its “Fort Worth Beauty” art contest, an exhibit featuring the very best art created by FWISD students and awarding over $2,250 in scholarships to the top three-ranked artists.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

With thousands expected and street closures in effect, MAIN ST. attendees are encouraged to take public transportation to get to and from #MainSt2023. Options include:

• Molly The Trolley – Trinity Metro will operate its Molly the Trolley shuttle from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. all four days of the festival, transporting attendees from one end of the festival to the other for free. Visit https://ridetrinitymetro.org/rider-services/molly-the-trolley/.
• TEXRail and Trinity Railway Express (TRE) – Both TEXRail and the TRE commuter rail lines will operate all four days of the festival, including a special TRE Sunday train, dropping off and picking up passengers at Fort Worth Central Station, located just two blocks from the festival at 9^th and Jones Streets. Day passes start at just $5 for adults and $2.50 for youth. Visit https://trinityrailwayexpress.org/alert/special-event-schedule/.
• Trinity Metro – Bus routes 1, 2, 5, 6, 11, 12, 15, 46, 89, and The Dash will operate normal service schedules to and from Fort Worth Central Station. Round-trip fares cost $4 for adults and $2 for youth. Visit https://ridetrinitymetro.org/routes-schedules/.
• Fort Worth Bike Sharing – North Texas’ first bike-sharing system, Fort Worth Bike Sharing, has 14 bike-sharing stations within walking distance of the festival. Rates start at $8. For more info, visit https://fortworthbikesharing.com/.
• Ridesharing – Houston, Commerce, and Throckmorton Streets provide the best opportunities for rideshare drop-off and pick-up during MAIN ST.

STREET CLOSURES

Various streets throughout Downtown will be closed throughout the week to accommodate set-up and operations, including:

• Monday, April 17, at 6 a.m. through Monday, April 24, at 6 a.m.: Main, 1^st, 2^nd, 9^th, and a portion of Houston Street between 9^th and 11^th Streets
• Tuesday, April 18 through Monday, April 24: 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th Streets
• Wednesday, April 19 through Monday, April 24: 8^th Street
• Friday, April 21, at 6 p.m. through Monday, April 24: 6^th and 7^th Streets

For a list of all street closures, visit www.mainstreetartsfest.org/festival-guide/street-closures/. NOTE: Hotels throughout Downtown, as well as many restaurants, may be relocating their guest check-in and valet parking stands due to street closures.

PARKING

For a list of all free and paid parking options in Downtown Fort Worth, visit https://www.fortworthparking.com/downtown.

Also note several garages and Downtown parking meters are free after 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and all-day Saturday and Sunday:

• City Center Garage #2 – 400 Jones Street
• The Tower Garage – 400 Taylor Street
• 777 Main Parking Garage – 601 Commerce Street
• Sundance Square Garage #3 – 345 W. 3rd Street
• Resident Lot at City Hall – 200 Texas Street

VOLUNTEER

MAIN ST. still seeks lively and outgoing volunteers to help with festival operations, hospitality, merchandise sales, and more, especially on Sunday and during the evenings. Volunteers receive perks, including free t-shirts, free food and drinks, and merchandise discounts. Online signups close on Sunday, April 16. To volunteer, visit www.mainstreetartsfest.org.

2023 HOURS / HASHTAG / SOCIALS

MAIN ST. is produced annually by Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc., and is free and open to the public. The official hashtag for 2023 is #MainSt2023. Festival dates and hours for 2023 are:

• Thursday, April 20: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Friday, April 21: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Saturday, April 22: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Sunday, April 23: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

For more information, visit/follow MAIN ST.:

• Online at mainstreetartsfest.org
• On Facebook at: facebook.com/MainStreetArtsFest
• On Instagram at: instagram.com/MainStreetArtsFest

ABOUT MAIN ST. FORT WORTH ARTS FESTIVAL, PRESENTED BY PNC BANK

The MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival is celebrating its 36th year in 2023 on April 20-23.  Ranked as the #3 fine arts event in the U.S., the always-free-to-attend MAIN ST. will feature 215 jury-selected visual artists, live music on two stages, authentic local cuisine, the family-friendly “TCC Makers Zone,” craft beer pavilions, wine tastings, and more across 18 square blocks throughout downtown. In addition to presenting sponsor PNC Bank, official sponsors include BMW, Tarrant County College, and The University of Texas at Arlington. Media sponsors are 92.1 HANK FM (KTFW-FM), and 95.9 The Ranch (KFWR-FM). Supporting sponsors are Chloe Wine, City Center Fort Worth, Frost, Hear Fort Worth, Imagery Wine Collection, Music Professionals Trust Fund, Pinnacle Bank, Trinity Metro, and YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth. Hotel sponsors are AC Hotel Fort Worth Downtown, Aloft Fort Worth Downtown, The Ashton Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Fort Worth Downtown/Blackstone, Kimpton Harper Hotel, Omni Fort Worth Hotel, Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown Hotel, and The Sinclair. For more information, visit www.mainstreetartsfest.org.

ABOUT PNC BANK

PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking, including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance, and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.

ABOUT DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH INITIATIVES, INC.

Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization formed in 1988 to complement the work of Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. by providing a funding pathway for charitable, educational, and public-purpose activities, such as community festivals, affordable residential development, park improvements, and management. Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. produces the annual MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival and the GM Financial Parade of Lights, which have an economic impact of more than $28 million annually and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Downtown Fort Worth each year. For more information, visit www.DFWI.org.

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Updates on what’s new for #MainSt2022, street closures, public transportation options, and parking/travel tips to Fort Worth’s largest arts and music festival

FORT WORTH, Texas (April 4, 2022) – Back after a two-year hiatus, the 2022 MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival (MAIN ST.), presented by PNC Bank, is back for its 35^th year on April 7-10, where tens of thousands are expected in Downtown Fort Worth to enjoy art, music, food, and culture.

Throughout the four-day event, over 200 juried artists will sell an estimated $4 million worth of art, nearly 100 musical acts will perform on four stages, and dozens of restaurants and food vendors will serve up local cuisine. With MAIN ST. crowds growing larger every year, here’s a rundown of what’s new for #MainSt2022 and other important tips to “know before you go,” including public transportation options, street closures, parking options, volunteer opportunities, and more.

WHAT’S NEW FOR #MAINST2022

• TCC Makers Zone – Adventures for families will come to life at MAIN ST.’s revamped “TCC Makers Zone.” Located at the north end of Main Street across from the Tarrant County Courthouse, children of all ages will have the opportunity to embrace their creative side with a focus on invention, innovation, technology, creativity, and curiosity. Families can expect invention stations, sand art, caricatures, face painting and state-of-the-art technology displays from the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, The Welman Project, and Fort Worth ISD.
• Credit Cards Only – Also new for 2022 is the elimination of coupons. Credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay will be accepted at all food, beverage, and merchandise locations. As in previous years, both cash and credit cards can be used for artwork purchases.
• Wine Pavilion – Hosted by City Center Fort Worth and presented by Chloe Wine Collection, the Wine Pavilion, located at 2^nd and Main Streets, will offer curated selections of Chloe and Imagery wines, available to purchase by the glass, bottle, or sample throughout event hours.
• Free Water Stations – To help support and raise awareness for water conservation, Frost Bank is sponsoring free water stations that will be set up throughout the festival. Festivalgoers can bring their own water bottles or buy a commemorative, 28-oz aluminum bottle to refill throughout the day and take home as a souvenir.
• Free vision screenings – On Friday, April 8, the Alcon Foundation will conduct free eye vision screening sessions at the Alcon Foundation tent located at 5th and Main Streets.
• Free health screenings – On Saturday and Sunday, April 9-10, Baylor Scott & White will conduct free health screenings, including blood pressure, glucose, cardiovascular risk assessments, stroke risk assessments, and more, at its interactive tent located at 5^th and Main Streets.
• 2022 Commemorative Poster — Designed by Fort Worth-native exhibiting artist Gregory Story, the MAIN ST. 2022 Commemorative Poster can be purchased at the online festival store for $20, or at the on-site merchandise booth located at 5th and Main Streets.
• Three new stages – In addition to the UTA Main Stage at 9^th and Main Streets, #MainSt2022 features three brand-new stages, including:
  • The Hear Fort Worth Stage, presented by Pinnacle Bank, located at Main and 7th Streets, where Fort Worth’s most popular singer-songwriters and aspiring musicians – such as Van Darien, Matthew McNeal, Panther City Riots, Armond Vance, and Olemano – will perform live concerts during all four days of the festival
  • The Courthouse Stage, located at Weatherford and Main Streets, which will host 12 performances of multimedia troupe Squonk Opera’s acclaimed “Hand to Hand” show, praised by The New York Times as “ingenious, hallucinatory, and hypnotic”
  • The 1^st Street Stage, located at 1^st and Main Streets, featuring live performances from South African Grammy-nominated jazz guitarist Jonathan Butler, soulful Southern singer/songwriter Tanner Usrey, and Grammy Award-winning quintet Brave Combo

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

With hundreds of street closures, all MAIN ST. attendees are encouraged to take public transportation to get to and from #MainSt2022.

• Molly The Trolley – Trinity Metro will operate its Molly the Trolley shuttle from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. all four days of the festival, transporting MAIN ST. attendees from one end of the festival to the other free-of-charge with ease. For more info, visit https://ridetrinitymetro.org/rider-services/molly-the-trolley/
• TEXRail and Trinity Railway Express (TRE) – Both TEXRail and the TRE commuter rail lines will operate all four days of the festival, including a special TRE Sunday train, dropping off and picking up passengers at Fort Worth Central Station. Dubbed as the “Welcome Center for MAIN ST.,” Fort Worth Central Station is located only two blocks from the festival at 9th and Jones Street. Day passes start at just $5 for adults and $2.50 for youth. For more info, visit https://trinityrailwayexpress.org/alert/special-event-schedule/.
• Trinity Metro – Bus routes 1, 2, 5, 6, 11, 12, 15, 46, 89 and The Dash will operate normal service schedules to and from Fort Worth Central Station. Round-trip fares cost $4 for adults and $2 for youth. For more info, visit https://ridetrinitymetro.org/routes-schedules/.
• Fort Worth B-Cycle – North Texas’ first bike sharing system, Fort Worth B-Cycle, has 14 bike-sharing stations within walking distance to the festival. Rates start at $8. For more info, visit https://fortworthbikesharing.com/.
• Rideshare – Houston, Commerce and Throckmorton Streets provide the best opportunities for rideshare drop-off and pick-up during MAIN ST.

STREET CLOSURES

Various streets throughout Downtown will be closed throughout the week to accommodate set-up and operations, including:

• Monday, April 4, at 6 a.m. through Monday, April 11, at 6 a.m.: Main, 1^st, 2^nd, 9^th and a portion of Houston Street between 9^th and 11^th Streets
• Tuesday, April 5 through Monday, April 11: 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th Streets
• Wednesday, April 6 through Monday, April 11: 8^th Street
• Friday, April 8, at 6 p.m. through Monday, April 11: 6^th and 7^th Streets

For a list of all street closures, visit www.mainstreetartsfest.org/festival-guide/street-closures/. NOTE: Hotels throughout Downtown, as well as many restaurants, may be relocating their guest check-in and valet parking stands due to street closures.

PARKING

For those planning to drive to MAIN ST. and park downtown, there are several free parking options available, including:

• City Center Garage #2 – 400 Jones Street
• The Tower Garage – 400 Taylor Street
• 777 Main Parking Garage – 601 Commerce Street
• Sundance Square Garage #3 – 345 W. 3rd Street
• Resident Lot at City Hall – 200 Texas Street
• Downtown parking meters — Free after 6 p.m. on Thursday & Friday; Free all day on Saturday & Sunday

For a list of all free and paid parking options in Downtown Fort Worth, visit https://www.fortworthparking.com/downtown.

VOLUNTEER

MAIN ST. is still in-need of volunteers to help with festival operations, hospitality, merchandise sales, and more. Volunteers receive perks including free t-shirts, food and beverages, merchandise discounts, and more. To volunteer, email [email protected].

2022 HOURS / HASHTAG / SOCIALS

MAIN ST. is produced annually by Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc., and is free and open to the public. The official hashtag for 2022 is #MainSt2022. Festival dates and hours for 2022 are:

• Thursday, April 7: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Friday, April 8: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Saturday, April 9: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Sunday, April 10: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, visit/follow MAIN ST. online at:

• mainstreetartsfest.org
• facebook.com/MainStreetArtsFest
• Instagram.com/MainStreetArtsFest

ABOUT MAIN ST. FORT WORTH ARTS FESTIVAL, PRESENTED BY PNC BANK

The MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival is celebrating its 35th year in 2022 on April 7-10.  Ranked as the #3 fine arts event in the U.S., the always-free-to-attend MAIN ST. will feature 212 jury-selected visual artists, live music on four stages, authentic local cuisine, a revamped family-friendly “Makers Zone,” craft beer pavilions, wine tastings, and more across 18 square blocks throughout downtown. In addition to presenting sponsor PNC Bank, official sponsors include Michelob Ultra, Tarrant County College, and The University of Texas at Arlington. Media sponsors are 92.1 HANK FM (KTFW-FM), and 95.9 The Ranch (KFWR-FM). Supporting sponsors are Alcon Foundation, Baylor Scott & White Health, Chloe Wine Collection, City Center Fort Worth, Frost, Music Performance Trust Fund, Pinnacle Bank, Trinity Metro, and Visit Fort Worth. Hotel sponsors are Aloft Fort Worth Downtown, The Ashton Hotel, The Sinclair Hotel, the Harper Kimpton Hotel, the AC Hotel and the Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown/Blackstone. For more information, visit www.mainstreetartsfest.org.

ABOUT PNC BANK

PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.

ABOUT DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH INITIATIVES, INC.

Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization formed in 1988 to complement the work of Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. by providing a funding pathway for charitable, educational, and public-purpose activities, such as community festivals, affordable residential development, park improvements, and management. Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. produces the annual MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival and the GM Financial Parade of Lights, which have an economic impact of more than $28 million annually and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Downtown Fort Worth each year. For more information, visit www.DFWI.org

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FORT WORTH, Texas, Feb. 24, 2022 – PNC Bank announced today that it is the presenting sponsor of the longstanding MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival (MAIN ST.), returning after a two-year hiatus, to be held in downtown Fort Worth April 7-10.

The sponsorship represents another significant naming rights deal for the bank’s portfolio in Fort Worth following the addition last year of the Ben Hogan Award presented by PNC Bank. The 2022 PNC Bank MAIN ST. Arts Festival marks the first time PNC has been the 35-year-old event’s presenting sponsor, with a deal that includes naming rights entitlement, advertising and marketing, brand activation, digital and social media, client entertainment and more. Through this effort and others planned in Fort Worth, the bank will activate its stalwart support of community engagement and advocacy for the performing,visual and cultural arts.

“The opportunity for PNC Bank to serve as presenting sponsor of the MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival is one we couldn’t pass up,” said Dale Klose, PNC Southwest and Mountain territory executive. “PNC has a significant legacy of investing in the communities we serve through support of the arts, as we understand the economic, social, and civic impact a thriving arts and culture community brings to a city. There’s no better place to further engage our Main Street Bank approach than a thriving Fort Worth, alongside an event with a fitting Main Street name and mission, and an organization like Downtown Fort Worth, Inc.”

PNC’s MAIN ST. support also marks the first major community investment the bank has made since Klose relocated to Fort Worth to serve in his current role. In June 2021, PNC announced Klose’s move to the area to signal the company’s commitment to Fort Worth and the region as it expanded significantly across the state and nationally through its acquisition of BBVA USA. Klose is tasked with coordinating efforts with market leadership and locally based Fort Worth bankers to provide customers and clients in the nation’s 12th largest city with access to PNC’s full range of products and capabilities, as well as strong community support such as the MAIN ST. sponsorship.

This year’s festival, which spans 18 square blocks throughout downtown, will include both a variety of features from previous iterations and a handful of revamped aspects. MAIN ST.’s unique outdoor gallery will be brimming with 212 artists who were hand-selected from more than 1,000 applications to exhibit their work. Fort Worth’s largest arts festival is also the city’s largest music festival, with more than 100 local, regional and national musicians performing on four stages. In addition, attendees will experience culinary fare from a wide range of local establishments and festival favorites.

“We are so proud that PNC Bank chose the MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival as one of their key community sponsorships in Fort Worth through their support of the arts,” said Nina Petty, chairman of the Festivals and Events Committee for Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. “We are aware all businesses are still rebounding from the pandemic, and so the timing of this sponsorship is especially impactful — for MAIN ST. and for all of Downtown Fort Worth.”

Ranked by the Art Fair Sourcebook as the number 3 fine art event in the U.S., MAIN ST. attracts both local and national recognition year-after-year. The annual, free event is a three-time recipient of the “Grand Pinnacle” award and back-to-back winner of the “Zenith” award from the International Festivals and Events Association over the past several years. MAIN ST. has also received Fort Worth Magazine’s Best of Fort Worth “Readers’ Choice – Festival” award multiple times and was listed as one of InStyle’s “under-the-radar arts festivals you need to start planning for now.”

“MAIN ST. and PNC Bank are very pleased to welcome thousands back to downtown after two years of cancellations,” said Larry Anfin, board chairman of Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. “Our downtown restaurants, hotels, and merchants are looking forward to this important return of customers and foot traffic.”

Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization formed in 1988 to complement the work of Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. by providing a funding pathway for charitable, educational, and public-purpose activities, such as community festivals, affordable residential development, park improvements, and management. Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. produces the annual MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival and the GM Financial Parade of Lights, which have an economic impact of more than $28 million annually and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Downtown Fort Worth each year. For more information, visit www.DFWI.org.

PNC Bank, N.A., is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.

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FORT WORTH, Texas (February 28, 2022) — The MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival (MAIN ST.) is returning to Downtown Fort Worth for its 35^th year on April 7-10, 2022, after taking a two-year COVID hiatus. Ranked as the #3 fine arts event in the U.S., the always-free-to-attend MAIN ST. will feature jury-selected local, regional and national visual artists, live music on four stages, authentic local cuisine, a revamped family-friendly “Makers Zone,” craft beer pavilions, wine tastings, and more across 18 square blocks throughout downtown. PNC Bank, which has 14 bank branches throughout Fort Worth, has also signed on as MAIN ST.’s new long-term presenting sponsor.

This year, MAIN ST.’s unique outdoor gallery will feature over 200 juried artists selected from more than 1,000 applications to exhibit their work. An estimated $4 million worth of art is expected to be sold across 15 artistic media categories, including sculpture, painting, photography, wood, glass, jewelry, metalwork, printmaking, mixed media, and more. Among the artists appearing include back-to-back Best of Show-winner Richard Wilson from Greenville, North Carolina; metalsmith Dan McCabe from Prescott, Arizona; printmaker Marina Terauds from North Branch, Michigan; and over 20 local “emerging artists” who are exhibiting at MAIN ST. for the first time. For more information, visit MAIN ST.’s “Fine Art Showcase.”

With four different stages and entertainers ranging from country music headliners and jazz keyboardists to R&B groups and swing bands, MAIN ST. 2022’s musical lineup is packed to the brim. Headliners include South African Grammy-nominated jazz guitarist Jonathan Butler, soulful Southern singer/songwriter Tanner Usrey, Texas singer/songwriting powerhouse Josh Weathers, jazz vocalist Tatiana “LadyMay” Mayfield, Latin rock band Del Castillo, Fort Worth’s own Grady Spencer & The Work, and multiple performances from multimedia troupe Squonk Opera. Also, back by popular demand is the “Hear Fort Worth Stage,” where Fort Worth’s most popular singer-songwriters and aspiring musicians – such as Van Darien, Matthew McNeal, Panther City Riots, Armond Vance, and Olemano – will perform live concerts during all four days of the festival. For the latest updates on MAIN ST. music, visit “Music on MAIN.”

MAIN ST. will offer plenty of hands-on activities for families at the revamped “TCC Makers Zone.” Located at the north end of Main Street across from the Tarrant County Courthouse, children of all ages will have the opportunity to embrace their creative side with a focus on invention, innovation, technology, creativity, and curiosity. Families can expect invention stations, LEGO building, sand art, caricatures, face painting and state-of-the-art technology displays from the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, Bell Helicopter, and Lockheed Martin. Visit the “TCC Makers Zone” for more information.

The culinary arts are also a can’t-miss staple at MAIN ST., with both local chefs and longtime festival vendors cooking up daily at five different festival food courts. Whether its authentic Texas barbeque, spicy fried chicken, Louisiana crawfish, German bratwurst, handmade crepes, zesty steak fajitas or original corn dogs, festival-goers have choices to satisfy almost any taste bud. In addition, the ever-popular Imagery Wine Experience hosted by City Center is back for 2022 offering wines-by-the-glass and daily wine tastings, while multiple Craft Brew Pavilions will be set up serving award-winning craft beers throughout the weekend. Visit “Culinary Arts” for the latest updates.

Also new for 2022 is the elimination of coupons. Credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay will be accepted at all food, beverage and merchandise locations. As in previous years, both cash and credit cards can be used for artwork purchases.

MAIN ST.’s “Friends of the Festival” program has also been enhanced for 2022. 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 UT Arlington 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. Learn more at “Friends of the Festival.”

MAIN ST. couldn’t take place without the tremendous support and dedication of its 1,000+ volunteers, who assist with festival operations, hospitality, merchandise sales, and more. Volunteers receive perks including free t-shirts, food and beverages, merchandise discounts, and more. To volunteer, simply register on the MAIN ST. “Volunteer” webpage.

“PNC Bank’s culture is based on strengthening the communities where we live and work, which aligns with MAIN ST.’s mission of bringing people together in the spirit of community,” said Dale Klose, Southwest territory executive for PNC Bank. “As we continue to expand our presence in Fort Worth and greater Tarrant County, we are thrilled to support MAIN ST. and further signal our unwavering commitment to the great city of Fort Worth.”

“The original hope that MAIN ST. would someday become a multi-faceted festival that would transform Downtown Fort Worth into an outdoor gallery and concert stage has not only come to life, but has exceeded what anyone thought was possible,” said Nina Petty, chairman of the Festivals and Events Committee for Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. “At the same time, MAIN ST. would not be possible if it were not for sponsors like PNC Bank who put community first. We are thankful for their support and are thrilled to bring world-class art, music, food and fun to the streets of Downtown for the 35^th year.”

MAIN ST. is produced annually by Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc., and is free and open to the public. The official hashtag for 2022 is #MainSt2022. Festival dates and hours for 2022 are:

• Thursday, April 7: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Friday, April 8: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Saturday, April 9: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Sunday, April 10: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, visit/follow MAIN ST. online at:

• mainstreetartsfest.org
• facebook.com/MainStreetArtsFest
• Instagram.com/MainStreetArtsFest

ABOUT MAIN ST. FORT WORTH ARTS FESTIVAL

The MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival, presented by PNC Bank, is celebrating its 35th year in 2022 on April 7-10.  Ranked as the #3 fine arts event in the U.S., the always-free-to-attend MAIN ST. will feature 212 jury-selected visual artists, live music on four stages, authentic local cuisine, a revamped family-friendly “Makers Zone,” craft beer pavilions, wine tastings, and more across 18 square blocks throughout downtown. In addition to presenting sponsor PNC Bank, official sponsors include Michelob Ultra, Tarrant County College, and The University of Texas at Arlington. Media sponsors are 92.1 HANK FM (KTFW-FM), and 95.9 The Ranch (KFWR-FM). Supporting sponsors are Alcon Foundation, Baylor Scott & White Health, Chloe Wine Collection, City Center Fort Worth, Frost, Music Performance Trust Fund, Pinnacle Bank, Trinity Metro, and Visit Fort Worth. Hotel sponsors are Aloft Fort Worth Downtown, The Ashton Hotel, and Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown/Blackstone. For more information, visit www.mainstreetartsfest.org.

ABOUT DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH INITIATIVES, INC.

Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization formed in 1988 to complement the work of Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. by providing a funding pathway for charitable, educational, and public-purpose activities, such as community festivals, affordable residential development, park improvements, and management. Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. produces the annual MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival and the GM Financial Parade of Lights, which have an economic impact of more than $28 million annually and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Downtown Fort Worth each year. For more information, visit www.DFWI.org.

ABOUT PNC BANK

PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.

Transportation tips, street closures, new attractions, updated MAIN ST. app, and more

FORT WORTH, Texas (April 8, 2019) – On April 11-14, 2019, tens of thousands will arrive in Downtown for the 34^th annual MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival (MAIN ST.) to enjoy art, music, food and culture. Throughout the weekend, nearly 230 juried artists will sell an estimated $4 million worth of art, more than 50 musical acts will take the stage, and dozens of restaurants will serve up local cuisine. With MAIN ST. crowds growing larger every year, festivalgoers are encouraged to plan ahead by reviewing the street closures, taking advantage of the recommended public transportation options, and downloading the MAIN ST. mobile app.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

• Trinity Metro – Bus routes 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 46, 89, TEXRail, and Molly The Trolley will operate normal service schedules to Fort Worth Central Station, previously named the Intermodal Transportation Center. Dubbed as the “Welcome Center for MAIN ST.,” Fort Worth Central Station is located only two blocks from the festival at 9th and Jones Street. Adult round-trip fares cost $4, and youth round-trip fares cost $2. Molly The Trolley is complimentary. For more info, visit ridetrinitymetro.org.
• Trinity Railway Express (TRE) – The TRE train will operate all four days of the festival, including a special Sunday service. Adult round-trip fares start at $5, and youth round-trip fares cost $2.50. Traveling on TRE from Dallas County will require a regional pass. Train passengers can be dropped off at the Fort Worth Central Station. For more info, visit TrinityRailwayExpress.org.
• Fort Worth B-Cycle – North Texas’ first bike sharing system, Fort Worth B-Cycle, has 14 bike-sharing stations within walking distance to the festival. Rates start at $8. For more info, visit BCycle.com.

MAIN ST. 2019 APP

The MAIN ST. app, available for both Android and iPhone users, allows festivalgoers to access entertainment schedules, bookmark favorite artists, and read artists’ bios. The app also contains navigation tools to help patrons find performance stages, booth numbers, family-friendly activities, and food and beverage vendors. Live event updates and general information, including times, locations, and parking/transportation details, are also available on the app. Download the updated-and-free MAIN ST. app, here: iPhone / Android.

NEW FOR 2019

• MAIN ST. Creates! Maker Zone – A revamped kids’ area with a new maker-focus is 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.
• Cliburn in the Classroom – Located between 1st and 2nd Streets, 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 festivalgoers 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 of the festival in the Sundance Square Pavilion, and those who purchase a flight will receive a free wine glass. Individual glasses of wine will be available for purchase.  To further enhance the experience, participants are welcome to have food delivered from the Flying Saucer.
• Sundance Game Off Main – For a chance to win Sundance Square gift cards, festivalgoers can compete in the first-ever Sundance Game Off Main. Participants will pick up a game card at the Sundance Square information tent in Sundance Square Plaza and visit four of the listed retailers to receive a stamp. Winners will be drawn each hour throughout the festival.
• Free eye health screening – On Friday, April 12, the Alcon Foundation will conduct one-day-only, free eye vision screening sessions at the Alcon Foundation tent on 5th and Main Street.
• WeWork raffles – At various points during the weekend, Downtown Fort Worth’s newest coworking space will be raffling off free office space packages at its new Sundance Square location. Register in their tent in the Sundance Square Plaza.

STREET CLOSURES

Parking will be available throughout Downtown for those who choose to drive. Visit www.FortWorthParking.com to view all available parking prior to arriving at MAIN ST. In addition, many streets will be closed beginning Monday, April 8, through Monday, April 15. Monday – Monday closures will include:

• Main Street from 2nd to 3rd Street
• Main Street from 5th to 9th Street
• 9th Street from Houston to Commerce Street
• 9th Street from Commerce to Calhoun Street
• Houston Street northbound lane from 9th to 11th Street (closed to all but local traffic)

For more information on street closures, visit www.MainStreetArtsFest.org/festival-guide/street-closures/.

FESTIVAL GUIDE

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 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.

Tips to remember when heading to Downtown Fort Worth for MAIN ST.:

• Artist booths close at 8 p.m. Thursday – Saturday, and at 6 p.m. Sunday, so festivalgoers are encouraged to come early.
• Pets, including dogs, are not allowed (with the exception of service dogs).
• Coupons are required for festival food and beverages, and some MAIN ST. Creates! Maker Zone activities. Coupons cost $10 for a strip of 10, and festivalgoers can purchase coupons in advance, online and in-bulk at a reduced price.
• Over 70 Downtown restaurants are open throughout the week with breakfast, lunch and dinner options, at all price ranges.
• People’s Choice Award: Festivalgoers can vote for their favorite Merit Award-winning artist on MAIN ST.’s Facebook page starting April 12.
• MAIN ST.’s commemorative poster, designed by Dolan Geiman, can be purchased at the online festival store for $20, or at the merchandise booth in Sundance Square Plaza.
• Attendees are encouraged to stay hydrated by filling up at one of the festival’s three free water stations, presented by Frost. Attendees can bring their own water bottles or purchase the MAIN ST. commemorative bottle for 10 coupons.
• The festival map and Downtown parking map can be downloaded off the MAIN ST. website. The maps are also accessible through the MAIN ST. app.

For more information, visit / follow MAIN ST. online at:

• MainStreetArtsFest.org
• Facebook.com/MainStreetArtsFest
• Twitter.com/MainStreetArts
• Instagram.com/MainStreetArtsFest

ABOUT MAIN ST. FORT WORTH ARTS FESTIVAL

The MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival is celebrating its 34th year in 2019. Official sponsors include Michelob Ultra, Sundance Square, Tarrant County College, and The University of Texas at Arlington. Media sponsors include 360 West and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Radio sponsors include 92.1 HANK FM (KTFW-FM) and 95.9 The Ranch (KFWR-FM). Supporting sponsors are Alcon Foundation, Chloe Wine Collection, Frost Bank, Music Performance Trust Fund, Trinity Metro, and Visit Fort Worth. Hotel sponsors are Aloft Fort Worth Downtown, Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown/Blackstone, Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown Hotel, The Ashton Hotel, and TownePlace Suites Fort Worth Downtown. For more information, visit www.MainStreetArtsFest.org.

ABOUT DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH INITIATIVES, INC.

Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization formed in 1988 to complement the work of Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. by providing a funding pathway for charitable, educational and public-purpose activities, such as community festivals, affordable residential development, park improvements and management. Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. produces the MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival each fall and GM Financial Parade of Lights during the holidays. These events have an economic impact of more than $28 million annually and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Downtown Fort Worth each year. For more information, visit www.DFWI.org.

 

# # #

Only 1 in 7 artists who applied were accepted to showcase their work at this year’s event

FORT WORTH, Texas (March XX, 2019) – The 34^th annual MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts festival will bring 223 of the nation’s finest artists from across the U.S. to Downtown Fort Worth on April 11-14. An estimated $4 million worth of art is expected to be sold during the four-day event, which also features live music from a variety of genres, authentic local cuisine, and interactive arts-and-crafts activities for the entire family

Ranked as the #3 fine arts event in the U.S., MAIN ST. represents a diverse blend of artists and mediums, ranging from sculpture to painting to leatherwork. As a juried arts festival, MAIN ST. practices a thorough selection process, prioritizing quality of workmanship, originality and artistic concept. Out of the 1,300 artists that applied, only 223 were selected to exhibit their work at this year’s event.

Awards totaling up to $10,500 are given to artists every year, including one “Best of Show” winner, one “Best Emerging Artist” winner, six “Merit Award” winners, and 24 “Juror Award” winners. Once the awards are announced, festivalgoers and fans have the chance to elect MAIN ST.’s “People’s Choice Award” by voting for their favorite award-winning artist on Facebook.

Award winners from 2018 returning in 2019 include “Best of Show” winner, Richard Wilson, from Greenville, North Carolina, and “Emerging Best of Show” winner, Darrell Dulaney, from Arlington, Texas. Wilson is known for creating figurative, southern landscapes that are nostalgic and expressive of human connections found through family. He and his drawings can be found in booth 528 at this year’s event. Dulaney is recognized for creating forms of art out of paper through eye-catching “paper illustrations.” He and his cardboard sculptures can be found in booth 433. Other 2018 award-winning artists returning in 2019 include:

Merit Award Winners:

• Sally Craig (Amherst, Massachusetts) – Jewelry – Booth 413
• Adam Crowell (Bonneau, South Carolina) – Wood – Booth 449
• Clifton Henri (Chicago, Illinois) – Photography – Booth 408
• William Kidd (Lakeland, Florida) – Ceramics – Booth 306
• Karen Libecap (Birmingham, Alabama) – Painting – Booth 613
• Gena Ollendieck (Cresco, Iowa) – Leather – Booth 412

Juror Award Winners:

• Kathrine Allen-Coleman (Jackson, Georgia) – Printmaking – Booth 519
• William Armstrong (Richmond, Virginia) – Drawing – Booth 615
• Marvin Blackmore (Durango, Colorado) – Ceramics – Booth 434
• Don & Serena David (Palm Coast, Florida) – Jewelry – Booth 407
• Thomas Diel (Fort Worth, Texas) – Mixed Media – Booth 428
• Thomas Dumke (Oconomowoc, Wisconsin) – Wood – Booth 518
• Dolan Geiman (Englewood, Colorado) – Mixed Media – Booth 514
• Matthew Hatala (Danielsville, Georgia) – Wood – Booth 308
• Matthew Hemminghaus (Vandalia, Missouri) – Photography – Booth 516
• Robin Kittleson (Geneva, Illinois) – Glass – Booth 506
• Ryan Kvande (Thornton, Colorado) – Sculpture – Booth 319
• Robin Lauersdorf (Monona, Wisconsin) – Drawing – Booth 614
• Amber Marshall (Spruce Pine, North Carolina) – Glass – Booth 510
• Teresa Merriman (Westcliffe, Colorado) – Leather – Booth 520
• Hetty & Norman Metzger (Cedar Park, Texas) – Fiber – Booth 604
• Lou Michaels (Ocala, Florida) – Mixed Media – Booth 426
• Steve Nowatzki (Minneapolis, Minnesota) – Printmaking – Booth 326
• Erik Saulitis (Minneapolis, Minnesota) – Photography – Booth 811
• Melissa Stiles (Portland, Oregon) – Jewelry – Booth 603
• Pamela Summers (Fort Worth, Texas) – Ceramics – Booth 303
• Taman VanScoy (Long Beach, California) – Painting – Booth 436
• Samuel Yao (Ann Arbor, Michigan) – Fiber – Booth 617
• Carl Zachmann (Fergus Falls, Minnesota) – Metalwork – Booth 701

In addition to the juried artists, MAIN ST.’s “Growing Young Artists” program, presented by Tarrant County College, is returning for its 11^th year on Saturday, April 13, and Sunday, April 14. Approximately 200 young artists from the Fort Worth community will be exhibiting and selling their artwork at the Young People’s Art Fair, located at the north end of MAIN ST. in the “MAIN ST. Creates – Maker Zone!” area. These young artists sold more than $9,000 worth of art in 2018.

Festivalgoers can also expect the return of MAIN ST.’s expanded “Emerging Artist” section, sponsored by Frost, featuring 18 budding, new artists along 3^rd and 4^th Streets. This section is dedicated to artists based in Texas who have never juried into a large art show.

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 hours for 2019 are:

• Thursday, April 11, 2019: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Friday, April 12, 2019: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Saturday, April 13, 2019: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Sunday, April 14, 2019: 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:

• MainStreetArtsFest.org
• Facebook.com/MainStreetArtsFest
• Twitter.com/MainStreetArts
• Instagram.com/MainStreetArtsFest

ABOUT MAIN ST. FORT WORTH ARTS FESTIVAL

The MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival is celebrating its 34th year in 2019. Official sponsors include Sundance Square, The University of Texas at Arlington, Tarrant County College, and Michelob Ultra. Media sponsors include the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and 360 West. Radio sponsors include 92.1 HANK FM (KTFW-FM) and 95.9 The Ranch (KFWR-FM). Supporting sponsors are Trinity Metro, Chloe Wine Collection, Frost Bank, Visit Fort Worth, Alcon Foundation, and the Music Performance Trust Fund. Hotel sponsors are Aloft Fort Worth Downtown, The Ashton Hotel, Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown/Blackstone, Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown Hotel, and TownePlace Suites Fort Worth Downtown. For more information, visit www.MainStreetArtsFest.org.

ABOUT DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH INITIATIVES, INC.

Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization formed in 1988 to complement the work of Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. by providing a funding pathway for charitable, educational and public-purpose activities, such as community festivals, affordable residential development, park improvements and management. Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. produces the MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival each fall and Parade of Lights during the holidays. These events have an economic impact of more than $28 million annually and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Downtown Fort Worth each year. For more information, visit www.DFWI.org.

Numerous renowned entertainers will take the stage April 11-14 at Texas’ largest arts festival in Downtown Fort Worth.

FORT WORTH, Texas (March 4, 2019) – Every spring, MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival (MAIN ST.) draws thousands of live music enthusiasts to Downtown Fort Worth with its lineup of chart-topping entertainers. Throughout the four-day festival, more than 50 acts will perform from a variety of genres including blues, jazz, country, rock ‘n’ roll, Latin, funk, R&B, soul, folk, Americana, classical and more.

MAIN ST. 2019 will be held April 11-14 and feature three stages: the University of Texas at Arlington Main Stage, located at 9th and Main Street, and the Sundance Square Stage, located in Sundance Square Plaza, and the brand-new “Hear Fort Worth” locals-only stage, presented by Visit Fort Worth and located at 7th and Commerce Street.

Festival headliners on Thursday, April 11, include Greece-native blues singer Abraham Alexander, critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter Larry gEE, local R&B group Legacy 4, and 70s disco band Le Freak.

On Friday, April 12, the entertainment lineup features Americana/blues entertainer Paul Thorn, country singer and former “Voice” contestant Austin Allsup, Colombian funk band Superfonicos, pop/Latin group Jenny and the Mexicats, singer-songwriter duo Danni & Kris, retro soul musician Chris Watson’s Retrophonics, and fan-favorite Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.

Saturday, April 13, highlights performances by Grammy Award-winning Brave Combo, British blues guitarist The James Hunter Six, scat jazz singer Jazzmeia Horn, Texas country band Reckless Kelly, Fort Worth-native country singer Kylie Rae Harris, and Americana/alternative rock group Joey Green Band.

MAIN ST. 2019 will wrap up on Sunday, April 14, with performances by Van Cliburn Junior International Competition award-winners Youlan Ji and Clayton Stephenson, swing-jazz group Andy Meadows Big Band, husband-and-wife Americana duo Jason Eady & Courtney Patton, the classical UT-Arlington Flute Ensemble, and the highly-anticipated Texas Red Dirt Roads (TXRDR) show.

MAIN ST. 2019 entertainers take the stage as early as 11 a.m. and carry on through the afternoon before the headlining performances in the evening. The entertainment schedule, musician biographies, and more can be found online at MAIN ST.’s “Music on MAIN” page.

GENERAL INFORMATION
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 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

ABOUT MAIN ST. FORT WORTH ARTS FESTIVAL
The MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival is celebrating its 34th year in 2019. Official sponsors include Sundance Square, The University of Texas at Arlington, Tarrant County College, and Michelob Ultra. 360 West and the Fort Worth Arts Festival are media sponsors. Radio sponsors include 92.1 HANK FM (KTFW-FM) and 95.9 The Ranch (KFWR-FM). Supporting sponsors are The Alcon Foundation, Chloe Wine Collection, Frost Bank, the Music Performance Trust Fund and Trinity Metro. Hotel sponsors are Aloft Fort Worth Downtown, The Ashton Hotel, Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown/Blackstone, Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown Hotel, and TownePlace Suites Fort Worth Downtown. For more information, visit www.MainStreetArtsFest.org.

ABOUT DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH INITIATIVES, INC.
Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization formed in 1988 to complement the work of Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. by providing a funding pathway for charitable, educational and public-purpose activities, such as community festivals, affordable residential development, park improvements and management. Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. produces the MAIN ST. Fort Worth Star-Telegram each fall and Parade of Lights during the holidays. These events have an economic impact of more than $28 million annually and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Downtown Fort Worth each year. For more information, visit www.DFWI.org.

Changes for 2019 include a new locals stage, revamped kids zone, and an upgraded VIP/networking program.

FORT WORTH, Texas (February 6, 2019) — The MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival (MAIN ST.), the #3 fine arts event in the U.S. and largest in Texas, 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 unique outdoor gallery will be brimming with 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, 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 LATEST AND GREATEST
Debuting this year 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, LEGO building, sand art, caricatures, 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

ABOUT MAIN ST. FORT WORTH ARTS FESTIVAL
The MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival is celebrating its 34th year in 2019. Official sponsors include Sundance Square, The University of Texas at Arlington, Tarrant County College, and Michelob Ultra. 360 West and The Fort Worth Star-Telegram are media sponsors. Radio sponsors include 92.1 HANK FM (KTFW-FM) and 95.9 The Ranch (KFWR-FM). Supporting sponsors are Alcon Foundation, Chloe Wine Collection, Frost Bank, the Music Performance Trust Fund and Trinity Metro. Hotel sponsors are Aloft Fort Worth Downtown, The Ashton Hotel, Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown/Blackstone, Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown Hotel, and TownePlace Suites Fort Worth Downtown. For more information, visit www.MainStreetArtsFest.org.

ABOUT DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH INITIATIVES, INC.
Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization formed in 1988 to complement the work of Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. by providing a funding pathway for charitable, educational and public-purpose activities, such as community festivals, affordable residential development, park improvements and management. Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. produces the MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival each fall and Parade of Lights during the holidays. These events have an economic impact of more than $28 million annually and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Downtown Fort Worth each year. For more information, visit www.DFWI.org.

Only 223 of 1,273 artist applicants were selected to exhibit

FORT WORTH, Texas (March XX, 2018) – The 2018 MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival (MAIN ST.) is set to host 223 locally, nationally, and internationally recognized artists to Downtown Fort Worth on April 19-22. The four-day festival will also feature live music, authentic Texas cuisine, and arts-and-crafts activities fit for the whole family.

Downtown Fort Worth’s “Magnificent Mile” will be the stage for a wide variety of artistic mediums, ranging from photography to metalwork. Because it’s a juried arts festival, artists must apply to go through a judging process that selects one out of seven applicants. For the 2018 festival, 1,273 artists applied and only 223 were chosen. This exclusivity helps ensure an even balance of diverse styles and prioritizes quality of workmanship, originality, and artistic concept.

Awards totaling up to $10,500 are given to artists every year, including one “Best of Show” winner, one “Best Emerging Artist” winner, seven “Merit Award” winners, and 14 “Juror Award” winners. MAIN ST. will also continue their popular “People’s Choice Award.” This award, which was introduced in 2016, encourages festivalgoers and fans to cast their vote via Facebook for their favorite award-winning artist.

In addition, 20 emerging artists were selected to exhibit in the expanded “Emerging Artist” section along 3^rd and 4^th Streets, sponsored by Frost. This section is dedicated to new, budding artists based in Texas who have never juried into a large art show previously.

Award winners from MAIN ST. 2017 returning in 2018 include:

• Marvin Blackmore (Durango, Colorado) – Best of Show Award – Ceramics – Booth 442: Inspired by his upbringing in the Southwest, Blackmore specializes in hand-etched pottery that focuses on each individual layer. The smallest of his pieces take a minimum of 130 hours to create.
• Matt Tumlinson (San Antonio, Texas) – Best Emerging Artist – Mixed Media – Booth 412: By setting striking images on a canvas of brass bullets, Tumlinson invites viewers to contemplate the connection and consider different interpretations based on perspective.
• Tai Taeoalii (Hannibal, Missouri) – People’s Choice Award – Mixed Media – Booth 527: Taeoalii uses his self-taught techniques to create art that evokes an honest & profound visual experience.
• Thomas Diel (Fort Worth, Texas) – Merit Award – Mixed Media – Booth 428: Diel designs & makes art furniture edifices out of wood, metal, concrete, or most any material with an industrial-chic flair.
• Joachim Knill (Hannibal, Missouri) – Merit Award – Painting – Booth 419: Knill’s most recent project, “National Treasure,” is a shipping crate containing a portrait room that follows the theme of ‘Anilife,’ a place inhibited by stuffed toy animals.
• Richard Wilson (Greenville, North Carolina) – Merit Award – Drawing – Booth 528: Combining reality and creativity with soft pastels, Wilson’s narrative paintings nostalgically capture and express connections that are found through family.
• Matthew Hatala (Danielsville, Georgia) – Merit Award – Wood – Booth 308: Hatala turns exotic woods and finishes them with a high gloss and distinctive handle treatment.
• Bob McNally (Rockaway, New Jersey) – Merit Award – Wood – Booth 618: McNally creates unique, wooden instruments that provide functions and sounds that other instruments can’t replicate.
• Nicario Jiménez (Naples, Florida) – Merit Award – Mixed Media – Booth 418: Also known as the “Artist of the Andes,” Jiménez creates altarpiece figurines by hand with a mix of boiled potato and plaster.
• Brad Ruppert (Norwalk, Iowa) – Juror Award – Mixed Media – Booth 511
• Gena Ollendieck (Cresco, Iowa) – Juror Award – Leather – Booth 404
• Paveen “Beer” Chunhaswasdikul (Gadsden, Alabama) – Juror Award – Mixed Media – Booth 515
• Ruben Fasani (Stone Park, Illinois) – Juror Award – Sculpture – Booth 436
• Amy Flynn (Raleigh, North Carolina) – Juror Award – Sculpture – Booth 610
• Michael Schwegmann (Bement, Illinois) – Juror Award – Ceramics – Booth 330
• Dolan Geiman (Englewood, Colorado) – Juror Award – Mixed Media – Booth 508
• Lisa Telling Kattenbraker (Olympia, Washington) – Juror Award – Fiber – Booth 420
• Cliff Lounsbury (Tawas City, Michigan) – Juror Award – Wood – Booth 321
• Lance Munn (Bloomfield, Illinois) – Juror Award – Wood – Booth 522
• Jeffrey Zachmann (Fergus Falls, Minnesota) – Juror Award – Metalwork – Booth 501
• Rick Elkin (Corrales, New Mexico) – Juror Award – Jewelry – Booth 324
• Anne London (Mandeville, Louisiana) – Juror Award – Drawing – Booth 437

On top of the 223 juried exhibiting artists, the “Growing Young Artists” program is returning for its 10^th year, sponsored by Tarrant County College. On Saturday (4/21) and Sunday (4/22), approximately 200 young artists (ages 7-17) from the Fort Worth community will be exhibiting and selling their own works of art at the Young People’s Art Fair, located at the north end of MAIN ST. in the “MAIN ST. Creates!” area. In 2017, these young artists sold nearly $10,000 worth of art.

MAIN ST. is annually produced by Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc., and is free to the public. The official hashtag for 2018 is #MainSt2018. Festival hours for 2018 are:

• Thursday, April 19, 2019: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Friday, April 20, 2018: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Saturday, April 21, 2018: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Sunday, April 22, 2018: 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

ABOUT MAIN ST. FORT WORTH ARTS FESTIVAL

The MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival is celebrating its 33rd year in 2018. Official sponsors for 2018 are Sundance Square, The University of Texas at Arlington, Tarrant County College, Michelob Ultra, and Wells Fargo. Media sponsors are Trinity Metro and 360 West. Radio sponsors are 92.1 HANK FM (KTFW-FM) and 95.9 The Ranch (KFWR-FM). Supporting sponsors are Chloe Wine Collection, Frost Bank, and the Music Performance Trust Fund. Hotel sponsors are Aloft Fort Worth Downtown, The Ashton Hotel, Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown/Blackstone, Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown Hotel, and TownePlace Suites Fort Worth Downtown. For more information, visit www.MainStreetArtsFest.org.

ABOUT DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH INITIATIVES, INC.

Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization formed in 1988 to complement the work of Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. by providing a funding pathway for charitable, educational and public-purpose activities, such as community festivals, affordable residential development, park improvements and management. Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. produces the MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival each fall and Parade of Lights during the holidays. These events have an economic impact of more than $28 million annually and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Downtown Fort Worth each year. For more information, visit www.DFWI.org.

# # #

Texas’ largest arts festival will bring together thousands in attendance to experience the finest in arts, music, food and culture

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (February 12, 2018) — MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival (MAIN ST.) will hit the streets of Downtown Fort Worth on April 19-22, 2018, for its 33rd year, bringing together tens of thousands of people to celebrate the sights, sounds, and tastes of the highest-ranking arts festival in Texas. Spanning more than 27 city blocks from the Tarrant County Courthouse to Sundance Square Plaza to the Fort Worth Convention Center, MAIN ST. will feature 223 juried artists from across the U.S., chart-topping entertainers, authentic Texas cuisine, and arts-and-crafts activities for the whole family.

Ranked by the ArtFairSourceBook.com as #4 fine art event in the U.S., MAIN ST. has gained both local and national recognition year-after-year. The annual, free event is a three-time recipient of the “Grand Pinnacle” award and back-to-back winner of the “Zenith” award from the International Festivals and Events Association over the past several years. Last year, MAIN ST. received Fort Worth Magazine’s Best of Fort Worth “Readers’ Choice – Festival” award, and was listed as one of InStyle’s “under-the-radar arts festivals you need to start planning for now.”

“MAIN ST. is one of Fort Worth’s most anticipated and well-attended events,” said Becky Renfro Borbolla, chairman of the Festivals and Events Committee for Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. “It brings together people from all walks of life to our award-winning Downtown business district to celebrate incredible art and music in an urban setting.”

GET INFORMED

1,273 artists applied to exhibit this year, and only 223 were selected. Last year’s Best of Show-winner Marvin Blackmore and Best Emerging Artist-winner Matt Tumlinson will be returning, along with People’s Choice-winner Tai Taeoalii and other festival favorites. Approximately $4.6 million worth of art is expected to be sold across 15 mediums, including ceramics, jewelry, mixed-media, printmaking, digital, fiber, leather, painting, sculpture, drawing pastels, glass, metalwork, wood and photography. Over 25 aspiring local artists will also be featured on 3rd and 4th Streets, sponsored by Frost, with a focus on Texas art. For more information, visit “Fine Art Showcase.”

This year’s musical lineup features hundreds of performers across a variety of genres, ranging from country, rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, soul and R&B. Festivalgoers can enjoy musical performances on the UTA Main Stage and Sundance Square Stage, along with plenty of street performances throughout MAIN ST.’s “magnificent mile.” Headliners include folk music group Jamestown Revival, contemporary swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Latin Jazz ensemble Pacific Mambo Orchestra, Americana group Shane Smith & The Saints, and many more. For more information, visit “Music on MAIN.”

MAIN ST. attracts many of the region’s top culinary artists to the streets of Downtown, and features a wide variety of food and beverages, including crawfish, turkey legs, bratwurst, gourmet hamburgers, funnel cakes, frozen treats and more. Festivalgoers can also enjoy local, national and international craft beers in the “Craft Brew Pavilion” or wines by-the-glass in the “Wine Experience” tasting tent. For more information, visit “Culinary Arts.”

Also returning for 2018 is “MAIN ST. Creates!,” presented by Wells Fargo, an outdoor arts-and-crafts studio for children and families featuring balloon design, face paint, mural walls, jewelry, sand art, and more. Opening at 10 a.m. daily at the north end of the festival, “MAIN ST. Creates!” is also home to the Tarrant County College’s “Young People’s Art Fair,” showcasing art from more than 200 emerging, young artists. For more information, visit “MAIN ST. Creates!.”

GET INVOLVED

MAIN ST. couldn’t take place without the tremendous support and dedication of more than 1,200 volunteers, sponsored by Frost. Volunteers assist with all festival operations, from hospitality to merchandise sales, and receive perks including free t-shirts, food and beverages, merchandise discounts, and more. Those interested in being a part of this year’s festival can get involved by simply signing up online.

The new, enhanced Friends of the Festival program is another great way to get behind-the-scenes and participate in an upgraded MAIN ST. experience, while supporting the efforts to maintain the John F. Kennedy Tribute sculpture in General Worth Square. The Friends of the Festival program provides businesses with networking opportunities and exposure through logo placements, dinners, VIP Pavilion access, special receptions with invited artists, and more.

GET CONNECTED

MAIN ST. is annually produced by Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc., and is free to the public. The official hashtag for 2018 is #MainSt2018. Festival hours for 2018 are:

• Thursday, April 19, 2018: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Friday, April 20, 2018: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Saturday, April 21, 2018: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Sunday, April 22, 2018: 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

ABOUT MAIN ST. FORT WORTH ARTS FESTIVAL

The MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival is celebrating its 33rd year in 2018. Official sponsors for 2018 are Sundance Square, The University of Texas at Arlington, Tarrant County College, Michelob Ultra, and Wells Fargo. Media sponsors are Trinity Metro and 360 West. Radio sponsors are 92.1 HANK FM (KTFW-FM) and 95.9 The Ranch (KFWR-FM). Supporting sponsors are Chloe Wine Collection, Frost Bank, and the Music Performance Trust Fund. Hotel sponsors are Aloft Fort Worth Downtown, The Ashton Hotel, Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown/Blackstone, Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown Hotel, and TownePlace Suites Fort Worth Downtown. For more information, visit www.MainStreetArtsFest.org.

ABOUT DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH INITIATIVES, INC.

Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization formed in 1988 to complement the work of Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. by providing a funding pathway for charitable, educational and public-purpose activities, such as community festivals, affordable residential development, park improvements and management. Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. produces the MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival each fall and Parade of Lights during the holidays. These events have an economic impact of more than $28 million annually and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Downtown Fort Worth each year. For more information, visit www.DFWI.org.

# # #

Dozens of versatile entertainers to perform on April 19-22 at Texas’ largest arts festival in Downtown Fort Worth

FORT WORTH, Texas (March 7, 2018) – Downtown Fort Worth comes to life each April as critically acclaimed entertainers from across the country perform at the MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival (MAIN ST.). In 2018, music enthusiasts will enjoy blues, jazz, country, rock ‘n’ roll, Latin, funk, R&B, soul, folk, Americana, classical and more from artists such as Grady Spencer & The Work, Shane Smith & The Saints, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Pacific Mambo Orchestra, Jamestown Revival, Bonnie Bishop, and more.

This year’s MAIN ST. is taking place April 19-22, and will feature two performance stages: the University of Texas at Arlington Main Stage, located at 9th and Main Street, and the Sundance Square Stage, located in the Sundance Square Plaza. Both stages are set to feature thrilling performances by the Jabali African Acrobats, an acrobatic team straight from Mombasa, Kenya.

On Thursday, April 19, the festival will include performances by local Americana/roots-rock group Grady Spencer & The Work, Grammy Award-winning blues-soul singer Bonnie Bishop, seven-piece cover band Mr. Inez, and jazz-soul singer Tatiana LadyMay Mayfield.

The lineup for Friday, April 20, features performances from Grammy Award-winning Latin big band Pacific Mambo Orchestra, Americana rock band Shane Smith & The Saints, Austin-based country-blues group Midnight River Choir, roots-Americana-soul band The War and Treaty, and the critically acclaimed Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.

Saturday, April 21, will spotlight performances by contemporary swing revival jazz band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Southern indie-rock group Jamestown Revival, country singer-songwriter Hunter Hutchinson, and jazz saxophonist Tom Braxton.

MAIN ST. performances will conclude on Sunday, April 22, with live shows from the versatile Tejano music singer Gary Hobbs, Grammy Award-winning polka quintet Brave Combo, soul-blues singer Abraham Alexander, Latin jazz band Latin Express, and Cliburn silver medalist Kenny Broberg.

The four-day festival will feature performances starting at 11 a.m. for early attendees, and continue through the day and into the evening. The entertainment schedule, musician biographies, stage sponsors, and more can be found online at MAIN ST.’s “Music on MAIN” page.

GENERAL INFORMATION

MAIN ST. is annually produced by Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc., and is free to the public. The official hashtag for 2018 is #MainSt2018. Festival hours for 2018 are:

• Thursday, April 19, 2018: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Friday, April 20, 2018: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Saturday, April 21, 2018: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Sunday, April 22, 2018: 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

ABOUT MAIN ST. FORT WORTH ARTS FESTIVAL

The MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival is celebrating its 33rd year in 2018. Official sponsors for 2018 are Sundance Square, The University of Texas at Arlington, Tarrant County College, Michelob Ultra and Wells Fargo. Media sponsors are Trinity Metro and 360 West. Radio sponsors are 92.1 HANK FM (KTFW-FM) and 95.9 The Ranch (KFWR-FM). Supporting sponsors are Chloe Wine Collection, Frost Bank and the Music Performance Trust Fund. Hotel sponsors are Aloft Fort Worth Downtown, The Ashton Hotel, Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown/Blackstone, Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown Hotel, and TownePlace Suites Fort Worth Downtown. For more information, visit www.MainStreetArtsFest.org.

ABOUT DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH INITIATIVES, INC.

Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization formed in 1988 to complement the work of Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. by providing a funding pathway for charitable, educational and public-purpose activities, such as community festivals, affordable residential development, park improvements and management. Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. produces the MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival each fall and Parade of Lights during the holidays. These events have an economic impact of more than $28 million annually and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Downtown Fort Worth each year. For more information, visit www.DFWI.org.

# # #

Thousands will gather in Downtown Fort Worth for arts, music, food and culture at Texas’ largest arts festival

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (February 2017) — On April 20-23, 2017, MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival (MAIN ST.) will bring the “art and soul of Texas” to Downtown Fort Worth for its 32nd year. Tens of thousands of spectators will gather to experience the finest in art, music, food, and culture at the #1 ranked arts festival in Texas. Spanning more than 27 city blocks, MAIN ST. will spotlight 213 hand-selected artists, showcase hundreds of performers across four stages, feature authentic Texas cuisine, and provide arts-and-crafts activities the whole family can enjoy.

Dubbed by In Style as one of this year’s “under-the-radar arts festivals you need to start planning for now,” MAIN ST. attracts a wide variety of artists, dancers, musicians and food vendors to Fort Worth year after year. The annual four-day celebration is a three-time recipient of the “Grand Pinnacle” award, and 2016 winner of the “Zenith” award from the International Festivals and Events Association. Gaining both local and national recognition, MAIN ST. has also received Fort Worth Weekly’s Best of Fort Worth 2016 “Readers’ Choice-Festival” award, and was listed as one of the nation’s 10 Best Art Festivals by USA Today in 2015.

“Over the past 32 years, MAIN ST. has evolved into one of the most distinguished and well-attended arts festivals in the country,” said Becky Renfro Borbolla, chairman of the Festivals and Events Committee for Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. “We’re eager to see this year’s festival transform downtown into an outdoor gallery and stage, packed with fine art, food, music, and cowboy culture.”

GET THE VIBE

Honored by the Art Fair Source Book as the highest-ranking fine art show in Texas, MAIN ST. will exhibit a diverse blend of local, national and international artists throughout downtown’s “magnificent mile.” Of the 1,313 applications received, only 213 artists were selected to exhibit their work. Last year’s Best of Show-winner, John Deng, and Best Emerging Artist-winner, Danika Ostrowski, are returning, along with previous award-winners and festival favorites, Jeffrey Cannon and Marvin Blackmore, among others. By the end of the festival, more than $4.6 million worth of art is expected to be sold across 15 mediums, including ceramics, jewelry, mixed-media, printmaking, digital, fiber, leather, painting, sculpture, drawing pastels, glass, metalwork, wood and photography. Details such as artist statements, booth numbers, artwork examples, and more can be found online at MAIN ST.’s “Fine Art Showcase.

With hundreds of performers across four stages, the 2017 MAIN ST. musical lineup will offer an assortment of genres, ranging from country and rock ‘n’ roll to jazz and blues. Local, regional and national talent will occupy the UT Arlington MAIN Stage, Sundance Square Stage, Star-Telegram Performing Arts Stage, and Frost “Locals Only” Stage along the red bricks of Main Street. Headliners include folk music group Elephant Revival, Jamaican reggae duo Chaka Demus & Pliers, rock/blues guitarist Doyle Bramhall II, country singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell, “The Voice” finalist and Texas country artist Austin Allsup, and many more. The entertainment schedule, performance dates and times, and musician biographies can be found online at MAIN ST.’s “Music on MAIN” page.

MAIN ST. 2017 will feature a wide variety of culinary art to satisfy almost every appetite, including crawfish, turkey legs, bratwurst, gourmet hamburgers, funnel cakes, and frozen treats. Festivalgoers can also find local, national and international craft beers in the Craft Brew Pavilion, or grab wine by-the-glass at the “Wine Experience” tasting tent. A full list of participating restaurants and beverage vendors can be found online at MAIN ST.’s “Culinary Arts” page.

“MAIN ST. Creates!,” presented by Wells Fargo, will return for another year with arts-and-crafts activities for the whole family. Opening at 10 a.m. daily at the north end of the festival, MAIN ST.’s outdoor arts-and-crafts studio will feature balloon design, face paint, mural walls, jewelry, sand art, and more. Festivalgoers can also find Tarrant County College’s “Young People’s Art Fair,” featuring art from more than 200 emerging young artists within the “MAIN ST. Creates!” area. A full list of activities can be found online at MAIN ST.’s “MAIN ST. Creates!” page.

GET INVOLVED

Every year, MAIN ST. receives a tremendous amount of support from the Fort Worth community. Those interested in being a part of this year’s festival can get involved by volunteering or joining the Friends of the Festival program. Volunteers can assist with anything from hospitality to merchandise sales, and receive perks including free t-shirts, food and beverages, merchandise discounts, and more. The Friends of the Festival program provides businesses with networking opportunities and exposure through logo placements, dinners, Skybox access, commemorative merchandise, and more.

GET THE DETAILS

MAIN ST. is annually produced by Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc., and is free to the public. The official hashtag for 2017 is #MAINST2017. Festival hours for 2017 are:

• Thursday, April 20, 2017: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Friday, April 21, 2017: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Saturday, April 22, 2017: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Sunday, April 23, 2017: 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
• www.YouTube.com/MainStreetFortWorth

ABOUT MAIN ST. FORT WORTH ARTS FESTIVAL

The MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival celebrates its 32nd year in 2017 and is presented by Blue Moon Brewing Company®, which is distributed throughout the DFW Metroplex by Andrews Distributing Company. Official sponsors for 2017 are Sundance Square, The University of Texas at Arlington, Tarrant County College and Wells Fargo. Media sponsors are the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T), and the Trinity Railway Express (TRE). Radio sponsors are 92.1 HANK FM (KTFW-FM) and 95.9 The Ranch (KFWR-FM). Supporting sponsors are the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau, Frost Bank, and the Music Performance Trust Fund. Hotel sponsors are Omni Fort Worth Hotel, The Ashton Hotel, Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel, Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown / Blackstone, Hilton Fort Worth, and Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown Hotel. For more information, visit www.MainStreetArtsFest.org.

ABOUT DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH INITIATIVES, INC.

Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization formed in 1988 to complement the work of Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. and the Public Improvement District by providing a funding pathway for charitable, educational and public-purpose activities, such as community festivals, residential development and park management. Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. produces the annual MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival and the annual XTO Energy Parade of Lights. These events have an economic impact of more than $28 million annually and attract thousands of visitors to Downtown Fort Worth each year. For more information, visit www.DFWI.org.

# # #

More than 1,340 artists applied to exhibit their work at the 32nd annual MAIN ST.

FORT WORTH, Texas (March 30, 2017) – The 2017 MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival (MAIN ST.) will bring 213 locally, nationally, and internationally recognized artists to Downtown Fort Worth on April 20-23. More than $4.6 million worth of art is expected to be sold throughout the four-day festival, which will also feature live music, authentic Texas cuisine, and arts-and-crafts activities for the whole family.

Ranked as one of the top juried fine arts festivals in the country, MAIN ST. represents a diverse blend of artists and mediums each year along Main Street’s “Magnificent Mile.” This year’s art medium categories include ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, printmaking, digital, fiber, leather, painting, sculpture, drawing pastels, glass, metalwork, wood, photography, and the “emerging artist” category, a festival-favorite featuring new, local artists from throughout Texas. 

Awards totaling up to $11,000 are given to artists every year, including one “Best of Show” winner, one “Best Emerging Artist” winner, seven “Merit Award” winners, and 14 “Juror Award” winners. Returning to this year’s festival is the highly anticipated “People’s Choice Award,” selected by festivalgoers through social media. MAIN ST.’s Facebook followers are encouraged to cast votes for their favorite artist throughout the four-day event, and the winner will be announced on the following Monday, April 24.

Award winners from MAIN ST. 2016 selected to return in 2017 include:

• John Deng (Roslyn, New York) – Best of Show Award – Photography – Booth 602: Specializing in travel and fine art photography, John Deng’s artwork captures the beauty of ordinary places through a unique perspective that infuses humanity into landscapes.
• Danika Ostrowski (Austin, Texas) – Best Emerging Artist – Booth 402: Danika Ostrowski’s impressionistic paintings explore the lively color and forms found in scarce environments.
• Maria Navarra Pino (La Mesa, New Mexico) – Merit Award – Fiber – Booth 314: Primarily weaving with tinsel, bamboo, West Texas organic cotton and silk, Maria Navarra Pino creates a work of art that is both visually and tactilely pleasing.
• John Herbon (Saint Ignace, Michigan) – Merit Award – Ceramics – Booth 452: John Herbon’s early craftsman style and Japanese influence results in timeless stoneware and porcelain ceramics for generations to enjoy.
• Jeffrey Cannon (Austin, Texas) – Merit Award – Drawing/Pastels – Booth 315: Inspired by the mysteries of nature, Jeffrey Cannon uses a large palette of soft pastels to capture the feelings of a particular landscape.
• Brian Beam (Fulton, Michigan) – Merit Award – Ceramics – Booth 509: Brian Beam utilizes multiple techniques in his artwork, including stretching, etching, paddling and carving, to ensure that each and every piece of pottery is vibrant and unique.
• Richard Wilson (Greenville, North Carolina) – Merit Award – Drawing/Pastels – Booth 520: Specializing in soft pastels, Richard Wilson is known for creating figurative and southern landscapes that are nostalgic and expressive of human connections found through family.
• Samuel Yao (Ann Arbor, Michigan) – Merit Award – Fiber – Booth 615: Samuel Yao’s sculptural baskets are hand-woven with material from palm trees, each with a unique combination of texture, shape, color and size.
• Aaron Hequembourg (Monticello, Georgia) – Merit Award – Mixed Media – Booth 604: Formally trained in engraving and printmaking, Aaron Hequembourg creates abstracted figurative paintings and portraits engraved into salvaged wood panels.
• Greg Davis (Austin, Texas) – People’s Choice Award – Photography – Booth 418: Greg Davis works as a creative photographer for “National Geographic,” traveling the world and showcasing the diversity of the planet through his photographs.

MAIN ST. is annually produced by Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc., and is free to the public. The official hashtag for 2017 is #MainSt2017. Festival hours for 2017 are:

• Thursday, April 20, 2017: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Friday, April 21, 2017: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Saturday, April 22, 2017: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Sunday, April 23, 2017: 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
• www.YouTube.com/MainStreetFortWorth

ABOUT MAIN ST. FORT WORTH ARTS FESTIVAL

The MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival celebrates its 32nd year in 2017 and is presented by Blue Moon Brewing Company®, which is distributed throughout the DFW Metroplex by Andrews Distributing Company. Official sponsors for 2017 are Sundance Square, The University of Texas at Arlington, Tarrant County College and Wells Fargo. Media sponsors are the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T), and the Trinity Railway Express (TRE). Radio sponsors are 92.1 HANK FM (KTFW-FM) and 95.9 The Ranch (KFWR-FM). Supporting sponsors are the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau, Frost Bank, and the Music Performance Trust Fund. Hotel sponsors are Omni Fort Worth Hotel, The Ashton Hotel, Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel, Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown / Blackstone, Hilton Fort Worth, and Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown Hotel. For more information, visit www.MainStreetArtsFest.org.

ABOUT DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH INITIATIVES, INC.

Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization formed in 1988 to complement the work of Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. and the Public Improvement District by providing a funding pathway for charitable, educational and public-purpose activities, such as community festivals, residential development and park management. Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. produces the annual MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival and the annual XTO Energy Parade of Lights. These events have an economic impact of more than $28 million annually and attract thousands of visitors to Downtown Fort Worth each year. For more information, visit www.DFWI.org.

Downtown Fort Worth to host world-renowned artists, entertainment, food and culture at Texas’ largest arts festival

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (February 17, 2016) — The 31^st MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival (MAIN ST.) kicks off April 14 in Downtown Fort Worth, bringing thousands of spectators to experience the sounds, sights and tastes of the #1 ranked arts festival in Texas. Encompassing more than 27 city blocks, MAIN ST. will spotlight 208 jury-selected local and national artists, showcase nearly 140 chart-topping musical groups, offer culinary dishes from across the state, and provide arts-and-crafts activities for the entire family.

In the 1980s, MAIN ST. began as part of an urban revitalization campaign to reawaken the city’s core by showcasing Downtown Fort Worth’s shops and restaurants. Today, MAIN ST. is a multi-faceted festival that transforms downtown into an outdoor gallery and concert stage for four full days, bringing in more than $28 million in economic impact annually. It has been listed as one of the “Top 100 Events in North America” by the American Bus Association (ABA), is a three-time winner of the “Grand Pinnacle” Award from the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA), was named one of the nation’s 10 best art festivals by USA Today in 2015, and snagged Fort Worth, Texas magazine’s “Best of 2015” Reader’s Pick Festival award.

“Every year, MAIN ST. attracts thousands of art enthusiasts, culinary connoisseurs and musical gurus to Fort Worth for a weekend dedicated to art, food, music, and culture,” said Larry Anfin, chairman of the Festivals and Events Committee for Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc., producer of MAIN ST. “It has been incredible to witness MAIN ST.’s transformation into one of the nation’s top outdoor arts festivals, and if the 2016 MAIN ST. is anything like the previous 30 years, it is certainly going to be an unforgettable event for all those involved.

EXPERIENCE MAIN ST.

The prize-winning art will take main stage at the 31^st MAIN ST. Of the 1,500 applications received, only 208 artists were selected to exhibit their art. Many of the award-winning artists from the 2015 festival will be exhibiting again in 2016, including Best Of Show-winner Terry Evans (wood), Merit Award-winner David Conn (printmaking), and Juror Award-winner Andrew Carson (sculpture). Mediums include jewelry, digital, mixed-media, leather, fiber, painting, sculpture, drawing/pastels, metalwork, photography, ceramic, wood and glass. By the end of the festival, more than $4.6 million worth of art is expected to be sold. Details including artist statements, booth numbers, contact information, and more can be found online at MAIN ST.’s “Fine Art Showcase.”

The 2016 MAIN ST. musical lineup is teeming with local, regional and national talent, who will be taking the stage at four different locations in downtown, including the UT Arlington MAIN Stage, Sundance Square Stage, Star-Telegram Performing Arts Stage, and Frost ‘Locals-Only’ Stage. Starting at noon daily, nearly 140 headliners will bring a vast array of musical genres to the festival, ranging from jazz and country to Latin and blues. Headliners include funk-soul-jazz saxophonist Maceo Parker, Afro-Cuban jazz artist Poncho Sanchez, Texas soul singer Luke Wade, Austin-based rock group Band of Heathens, Celtic rockers The Killdares, multimedia troupe Squonk Opera, and many more. An entertainment schedule, performance dates and times, and musician biographies can be found online at MAIN ST.’s “Music on MAIN” page.

The food featured at this year’s MAIN ST. will give festivalgoers a chance to taste authentic Texas cuisine, including brisket sandwiches from Riscky’s BBQ, fajita nachos from Bobby’s Fajitas, Fletcher’s Corn Dogs, grilled chicken satay from Thai Tina’s, Baja Smoothies, gumbo from Crawfish Connection, Bahama Mamas from Schmidt’s German Village, and more. Times Ten Cellars’ “Wine Experience” tasting tent and the “Craft Brew Pavilion,” serving local, national and international craft beers, are also returning in 2016. Free “H20 To Go” water stations, sponsored by the Tarrant Regional Water District, will be positioned throughout the festival, and festivalgoers are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle to fill up and stay hydrated. A full list of participating restaurants and beverage vendors can be found online at MAIN ST.’s “Culinary Arts” page.

“MAIN ST. Creates!,” presented by Wells Fargo, is back for another year to encourage children to embrace their creative side. Anchoring the north end of the festival, the hands-on, arts-and-crafts outdoor art studio will open at 10 a.m. daily and feature balloon designing, fish printing, face painting, mural walls, jewelry designing, sand art, and more. Festivalgoers will find Tarrant County College’s “Young People’s Art Fair” located on the east side of “MAIN ST. Creates!,” where art from more than 200 ambitious young artists will be up for sale. A full list of activities, operating hours, and more can be found online at MAIN ST.’s “MAIN ST. Creates!” page.

GET INVOLVED

Those interested in being a part of one of Fort Worth’s most beloved events can volunteer, become a MAIN ST. Collector, or join the Friends of the Festival program. Volunteers can assist with a variety of categories ranging from hospitality to merchandise sales, and receive perks including free t-shirts, food and beverages, merchandise discounts, and more. MAIN ST. Collectors enjoy exclusive art seminars, social events, valet parking, special dinners, VIP Skybox access, and more. The Friends of the Festival program provides businesses with networking opportunities, exposure through logo placements, dinners, Skybox access, commemorative merchandise, and more.

DETAILS

MAIN ST. is annually produced by Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc., and is free to the public. The official hashtag for 2016 is #MainSt2016. Festival hours for 2016 are:

• Thursday, April 14, 2016: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Friday, April 15, 2016: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Saturday, April 16, 2016: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Sunday, April 17, 2016: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

For additional event information, visit MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival online at:

• www.MainStreetArtsFest.org
• www.Facebook.com/MainStreetArtsFest
• www.Twitter.com/MainStreetArts
• www.Instagram.com/MainStreetArtsFest
• www.YouTube.com/MainStreetFortWorth

ABOUT MAIN ST. FORT WORTH ARTS FESTIVAL

The MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival celebrates its 31^st year in 2016 and is presented by Blue Moon Brewing Company®, which is distributed throughout the DFW Metroplex by Andrews Distributing Company. Official sponsors for 2016 are the Tarrant Regional Water District, Sundance Square, The University of Texas at Arlington, Tarrant County College and Wells Fargo. Media sponsors are the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T), and the Trinity Railway Express (TRE). Radio sponsors are 92.1 HANK FM (KTFW-FM) and 95.9 The Ranch (KFWR-FM). Supporting sponsors are the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau, Frost Bank, and the Music Performance Trust Fund. Hotel sponsors are Omni Fort Worth Hotel, The Ashton Hotel, Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel, Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown / Blackstone, and Hilton Fort Worth. For more information, visit www.MainStreetArtsFest.org.

ABOUT DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH INITIATIVES, INC.

Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization formed in 1988 to complement the work of Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. and the Public Improvement District by providing a funding pathway for charitable, educational and public-purpose activities, such as community festivals, residential development and park management. Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. produces the annual MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival and the annual XTO Energy Parade of Lights. These events have an economic impact of more than $28 million annually and attract thousands of visitors to Downtown Fort Worth each year. For more information, visit www.DFWI.org.

New for 2016, MAIN ST. is introducing a “People’s Choice Award” that will be awarded through social media voting

FORT WORTH, Texas (March 13, 2016) – Returning to Downtown Fort Worth for its 31^st year, MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival (MAIN ST.) is set to highlight 208 of the nation’s foremost contemporary artists on April 14-17, 2016. More than $4.6 million worth of art is expected to be sold throughout the four-day festival.

Artists chosen to exhibit their work were hand-selected by five prominent jury members from approximately 1,431 applications, sent in from around the world. There are 15 art medium categories, including ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, printmaking, drawing / pastels, digital, fiber, leather, painting, sculpture, glass, metalwork, photography, wood, and the very popular “emerging artists” category, featuring new, local artists from the greater Dallas-Fort Worth region.

Nearly $11,000 is granted to artist award winners each year, including one “Best of Show” winner, one “Best Emerging artist” winner, seven “Merit Award” winners, and 14 “Juror Award” winners. New for 2016, MAIN ST. is introducing a “People’s Choice Award” that will be awarded through social media voting. Festivalgoers and fans of MAIN ST. on Facebook are encouraged to cast their votes for their favorite artist. Voting will run the length of the festival and the winner will be announced on Monday, April 18.

Award winners from the 2015 festival returning in 2016 include:

• Terry Evans (Overland Park, Kansas) – Best of Show Award 2015/Wood – Booth 624: Using a process that involves laminating various hardwood lumber and natural and dyed veneers into a solid block or build, Terry Evans strives to highlight the visual elements of color and contrast in his work while maintaining the integrity of wood as a material.
• Pat Lee (Pasadena, Texas) – Best Emerging Artist 2015/Sculpture – Booth 609: Pat Lee prefers clay as his medium, in which he combines or individually utilizes glazes, stains, paints and patinas to finish his sculptures.
• Thomas Dumke (Stone Bank, Wisconsin) – Merit Award 2015/Wood – Booth 814: Inspired by the furniture craftsmen of 17^th and 18^th centuries, Thomas Dumke only uses solid hardwoods to create pieces with a modern flare and sized proportionally for today’s needs.
• Marvin Blackmore (Durango, Colorado) – Merit Award 2015/Ceramics – Booth 803: Marvin Blackmore creates intricate, hand-etched pottery by applying a two-tone, black-on-black technique that adds a layer of colored clay slips.
• Andrew Sovjani (Conway, Massachusetts) – Merit Award 2015/Photography – Booth 307: Known for blurring the lines between traditional photography and painting, Andrew Sovjani uses black and white negatives to create photographs that are chemically altered in the darkroom.
• David Conn (Fort Worth, Texas) – Merit Award 2015/Printmaking – Booth 318: Using a photograph as a starting place, David Conn specializes in hand-pulled, fine art prints, creating a composition of a positive/negative image of a white line and black line.
• Shaari Horowitz (Sharon, Connecticut) – Merit Award 2015/Wood – Booth 616: Guided by an Old World palette, Horowitz’s patterns and imagery derive from classical sources such as medieval manuscripts and ancient textiles.
• Matthew Hatala (Danielsville, Georgia) – Merit Award 2015/Wood – Booth 412: Using rare and domestic wood from around the world, Hatala concentrates on turning and drying the wood repeatedly before glazing to create a unique wood creation.

MAIN ST. is annually produced by Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc., and is free to the public. The official hashtag for 2016 is #MainSt2016. Festival hours for 2016 are:

• Thursday, April 14, 2016: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Friday, April 15, 2016: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Saturday, April 16, 2016: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Sunday, April 17, 2016: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

For additional event information, visit MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival online at:

• www.MainStreetArtsFest.org
• www.Facebook.com/MainStreetArtsFest
• www.Twitter.com/MainStreetArts
• www.Instagram.com/MainStreetArtsFest
• www.YouTube.com/MainStreetFortWorth

ABOUT MAIN ST. FORT WORTH ARTS FESTIVAL

The MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival celebrates its 31^st year in 2016 and is presented by Blue Moon Brewing Company®, which is distributed throughout the DFW Metroplex by Andrews Distributing Company. Official sponsors for 2016 are the Tarrant Regional Water District, Sundance Square, The University of Texas at Arlington, Tarrant County College and Wells Fargo. Media sponsors are the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T), and the Trinity Railway Express (TRE). Radio sponsors are 92.1 HANK FM (KTFW-FM) and 95.9 The Ranch (KFWR-FM). Supporting sponsors are the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau, Frost Bank, and the Music Performance Trust Fund. Hotel sponsors are Omni Fort Worth Hotel, The Ashton Hotel, Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel, Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown / Blackstone, and Hilton Fort Worth. For more information, visit www.MainStreetArtsFest.org.

ABOUT DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH INITIATIVES, INC.

Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization formed in 1988 to complement the work of Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. and the Public Improvement District by providing a funding pathway for charitable, educational and public-purpose activities, such as community festivals, residential development and park management. Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. produces the annual MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival and the annual XTO Energy Parade of Lights. These events have an economic impact of more than $28 million annually and attract thousands of visitors to Downtown Fort Worth each year. For more information, visit www.DFWI.org.

Back for 2016 is the Frost ‘Locals Only’ Stage, featuring music from local singer/songwriters, stand-up comedians, and ‘Mimosas & the Symphony’

FORT WORTH, Texas (March 28, 2016) – Each year, MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival (MAIN ST.) strives to deliver outstanding performances by distinguished entertainers from a wide selection of genres, including jazz, soul, folk, Latin, classical, country and rock. On April 14-17, 2016, nearly 140 entertainment acts will perform on four (4) stages throughout MAIN ST., including Marcia Ball, Luke Wade, Maceo Parker, La Mona Loca Orquestra, Marc Broussard, Poncho Sanchez, Vaud & the Villains, and more. View the full lineup on MAIN ST.’s website at: http://bit.ly/MAINST2016_Music

Located at 9^th and Main Street, the University of Texas at Arlington MAIN Stage will feature blues singer and pianist Marcia Ball, “The Voice” finalist and Fort Worth-native Luke Wade, funk/soul jazz saxophonist Maceo Parker, Austin-based 11-piece La Mona Loca Orquestra, southern soul rockers Band of Heathens, and Fort Worth Blues-A-Rama headliner Wanda King, along with influential blues guitar players Tutu Jones and Sumpter Bruton.

The Sundance Square Stage, located in the Sundance Square Plaza, will spotlight southern rock/soul artist Marc Broussard, Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Orchestra, 19-piece retro New Orleans rock & roll orchestra and cabaret Vaud & the Villains, modern funk/jazz group The Headhunters, country/rock band Walt Wilkins & The Mystiqueros, and Celtic rock group The Killdares.

The Star-Telegram Performing Arts Stage, located at 5^th and Main Street, will showcase the fan-favorite Squonk Opera’s pneumatica show, acoustic gypsy swing band The Gypsy Playboys, hula hoop entertainer Dizzy Hips, professional juggler and magician Lucky Bob, folk music singer/songwriter Joe Pat Hennen, and Billy Cate & the Chisholm Trail Cowboys.

Returning after its introduction in 2015, the Frost ‘Locals Only’ Stage, located at 7^th and Main Street, will feature local musicians and singer/songwriters across a broad spectrum of genres, such as soul/blues duo Pauline Wick and Josh Weathers, and salty blues guitarist Chris Watson Band. On Saturday, members from the Fort Worth Songwriters Association will perform from noon – 3:30 p.m., and following it from 3:30 – 6 p.m. will be the ‘Comedy Showcase,’ featuring local stand-up comedians including headliner Jason Russell.

On both Saturday and Sunday mornings from 10 a.m. – noon, ‘Mimosas & the Symphony’ will take over the Frost ‘Locals Only’ Stage, offering early-risers a peaceful urban setting complete with classical music, mimosas and breakfast options.

GENERAL INFORMATION

MAIN ST. is annually produced by Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc., and is free to the public. The official hashtag for 2016 is #MainSt2016. Festival hours for 2016 are:

• Thursday, April 14, 2016: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Friday, April 15, 2016: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Saturday, April 16, 2016: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Sunday, April 17, 2016: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

For additional event information, visit MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival online at:

• www.MainStreetArtsFest.org
• www.Facebook.com/MainStreetArtsFest
• www.Twitter.com/MainStreetArts
• www.Instagram.com/MainStreetArtsFest
• www.YouTube.com/MainStreetFortWorth

ABOUT MAIN ST. FORT WORTH ARTS FESTIVAL

The MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival celebrates its 31^st year in 2016 and is presented by Blue Moon Brewing Company®, which is distributed throughout the DFW Metroplex by Andrews Distributing Company. Official sponsors for 2016 are the Tarrant Regional Water District, Sundance Square, The University of Texas at Arlington, Tarrant County College and Wells Fargo. Media sponsors are the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T), and the Trinity Railway Express (TRE). Radio sponsors are 92.1 HANK FM (KTFW-FM) and 95.9 The Ranch (KFWR-FM). Supporting sponsors are the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau, Frost Bank, and the Music Performance Trust Fund. Hotel sponsors are Omni Fort Worth Hotel, The Ashton Hotel, Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel, Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown / Blackstone, and Hilton Fort Worth. For more information, visit www.MainStreetArtsFest.org.

ABOUT DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH INITIATIVES, INC.

Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization formed in 1988 to complement the work of Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. and the Public Improvement District by providing a funding pathway for charitable, educational and public-purpose activities, such as community festivals, residential development and park management. Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. produces the annual MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival and the annual XTO Energy Parade of Lights. These events have an economic impact of more than $28 million annually and attract thousands of visitors to Downtown Fort Worth each year. For more information, visit www.DFWI.org.

# # #

FORT WORTH, Texas (April 7, 2015) – Transportation to the 30^th MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival (MAIN ST.) is easier than ever with a variety of options made available to the public. During the four-day festival, held April 9-12, 2015, attendees from across the Metroplex can travel to Downtown Fort Worth by shuttle, bike, car, bus or train.

Known as the crown jewel of Texas’ events, MAIN ST. is the largest arts festival in the state. This year, 215 juried, hand-selected artists will showcase their work along with more than 100 live performances taking place throughout the weekend.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

Local public transportation authorities have created multiple opportunities for simplified travel to this year’s MAIN ST. Attendees are encouraged to utilize special offers from the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T), the Trinity Railway Express (TRE), Fort Worth Bike Sharing (B-cycle) and MAIN ST.’s free Bike Corral, which is made possible by the Fort Worth Bicycle Association and Bicycle’s, Inc.

Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T)

In addition to its regular bus routes, The T is offering expanded park-and-ride shuttle service available from two locations (Billy Bob’s Texas and Farrington Field) on Saturday, April 11. Shuttles will run every 20 minutes between 9 a.m. – 11 p.m., and the cost for a round-trip is $3.50 for adults and $1.75 for children, students, seniors or disabled. Children under age five (5) can ride free with parent or guardian (limit two (2) children per adult). Tickets can be purchased in cash or by downloading The T’s GoPass mobile application – www.GoPass.biz. For more information, visit www.The-T.com.

Trinity Railway Express (TRE)

To better accommodate out-of-town travelers coming from the east, the TRE will run all four days of the festival, including a special Sunday service. Train passengers can be dropped off at the Intermodal Transportation Center (ITC) located two blocks from the festival at Jones and 9^th Streets.

Specifics include:

• Thursday, April 9: The final eastbound train departs from the ITC station at 9:46 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday, April 10 and 11: The final eastbound train departs from the ITC station at 11:35 p.m. and will travel to Union Station in downtown Dallas. Note: DART Rail System will not be in operation.
• Sunday, April 12: The final eastbound train departs from the ITC station at 8:35 p.m.

For more information on TRE fares and schedules, visit www.TrinityRailwayExpress.org.

Fort Worth Bike Sharing (B-cycle)

Fort Worth Bike Sharing (B-cycle) is another great way to experience MAIN ST. There are 14 bike-sharing stations located within walking distance of the festival. All MAIN ST. attendees who use B-cycle can take advantage of a $4, 24-hour membership, simply by using the promo code “76102” at all station kiosks. For more information, visit www.FortWorthBikeSharing.org.

Bike Corral

Attendees who plan to ride their own bicycle to MAIN ST. will have access to the free Bike Corral, located at 7^th and Houston Streets. Hours of operation are as follows:

• Thursday, April 9: 3 – 8 p.m.
• Friday, April 10: 1 – 8 p.m.
• Saturday, April 11: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Sunday, April 12: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

PARKING AND STREET CLOSURES

Parking will be available throughout Downtown for those who choose to drive. Visit www.FortWorthParking.com to view all available parking prior to arriving at MAIN ST. In addition, many streets will be closed beginning Monday, April 6, from 12:01 a.m. through Monday, April 13, at 6 a.m.

The closures in effect include:

• Main Street from 2^nd Street to 3^rd Street
• Main Street from 5^th Street to 9^th Street
• 9^th Street from Houston Street to Commerce Street
• 8^th Street’s southbound lane and parking curb from Houston Street to Main Street
• Houston Street’s northbound lane from 11^th Street to 9^th Street

For more information on parking and street closures, visit www.MainStreetArtsFest.org/festival-guide/street-closures/.

GENERAL INFORMATION

MAIN ST. is annually produced by Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc., and is free to the public. The official hashtag for 2015 is #MainSt2015. Festival hours for 2015 are:

• Thursday, April 9: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Friday, April 10: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Saturday, April 11: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Sunday, April 12: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

For additional event information, visit MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival online at:

• www.MainStreetArtsFest.org
• www.Facebook.com/MainStreetArtsFest

Texas’ largest arts festival returns to Fort Worth for its 30^th year, bringing together thousands in attendance and the finest in art, music, food and culture

FORT WORTH, Texas (February 10, 2015) – On April 9-12, 2015, the MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival (MAIN ST.) will hit the streets of Downtown Fort Worth for its 30^th year, bringing tens of thousands of spectators and the finest in art, music, food and culture together in one location. Free and open-to-the-public, Texas’ largest arts festival will span 25 blocks from the Tarrant County Courthouse to the Fort Worth Convention Center, while showcasing 220 juried, hand-selected artists from across the U.S. throughout its four days. The 2015 MAIN ST. is presented by Andrews Distributing Co. and produced by Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc.

Known as the crown jewel of Texas’ events, MAIN ST. is the largest arts festival in Texas, is annually ranked among the nation’s 10 best, and is a three-time winner of the prestigious “Grand Pinnacle” Award from the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA), considered the highest honor an event can receive. In addition, in 2014, Livability.com crowned Downtown Fort Worth as the nation’s #1 downtown, with MAIN ST. being a focal point of how the city “blends urban sophistication with cowboy culture.”

“We are thrilled to be celebrating the MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival for the 30^th consecutive year,” said Larry Anfin, chairman of the Festivals and Events Committee for Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc., producers of MAIN ST. “Over the past three decades, MAIN ST. has become one of the most attended and celebrated arts festivals in the country, with tens of thousands coming together to enjoy one of the world’s largest outdoor art galleries and music venues. The original hope that MAIN ST. would someday become a multi-faceted festival that would transform downtown into an outdoor gallery and concert stage has not only come to life, but has exceeded what anyone thought was possible.” 

THE ART

The heart and soul of MAIN ST. has and will always be the world-class art on display. The Art Fair Sourcebook – one of the most respected reference works on the American art-show circuit – annually ranks MAIN ST. among the top 10 arts festivals in the U.S.  In 2015, less than 14% of artists who applied were accepted into MAIN ST., with 1,345 applications received and 220 artists selected to exhibit.  More than $4.6 million worth of art is expected to be sold across 15 mediums, including ceramics, jewelry, mixed-media, printmaking, digital, fiber, leather, painting, sculpture, drawing/pastels, glass, metalwork, photography and wood. 

Details including artist statements, booth numbers, contact information, and more can be found online at MAIN ST.’s “Fine Art Showcase.”

THE MUSIC

In addition to being the city’s largest arts festival, MAIN ST. is also Fort Worth’s largest music festival, with more than 100 local, regional and national musicians performing on three stages throughout its four days. 2015 headliners include pop/rock alternative band Green River Ordinance, southern rockers Atlanta Rhythm Section, rock & roll legends The Georgia Satellites, contemporary Jazz pianist and composer Keiko Matsui, smooth jazz soprano saxophonist Marian Meadows, Latin jazz artist Tito Puente, Jr., electric guitarist Robben Ford, Latin orchestra Havana NRG, Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Breggett Rideau, avant-garde new-age multimedia performance troupe Squonk Opera, 2013 Cliburn finalist Steven Lin, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, and more.

Details including a comprehensive entertainment schedule, musician biographies, stage sponsors, and performance dates and times can be found online at MAIN ST.’s “Music on MAIN” page.

THE FOOD

An array of fine culinary fare from near and far will be another draw during this year’s MAIN ST. Foodies can experience a taste of Fort Worth with options including beef ribs and brisket sandwiches from Riscky’s BBQ, chicken fajitas and beef nachos from Bobby’s Fajitas, and red curry and chicken satays from Thai Tinas. Other options include festival mainstays such as The Original Corn Roast, Fletcher’s Corny Dogs, Lone Star Cinnamon Roasted Nuts and Schmidt’s of German Village.  

Coupons are required to buy food and beverages, and can be purchased in-person at the MAIN ST. ticket booths or in advance online at MAIN ST.’s “Festival Store” page. 

THE FUN

Presented by Wells Fargo, “MAIN ST. Creates!” is back for 2015 and will anchor the north end of the festival. The family-favorite, hands-on, arts-and-crafts outdoor art studio allows kids of all ages to grow creatively and artistically. Activity stations open at 10 a.m. and include balloon designing, fish printing, face painting, caricatures, ceramic tile painting, mural walls, rock climbing, jewelry designing, sand art, and much more.

Located on the east side of the “MAIN ST. Creates!” area is the “Young People’s Art Fair,” presented by Tarrant County College. This section will feature more than 200 aspiring young artists from 1^st through 12^th grades from the Fort Worth ISD who will be showcasing and selling their own works of art.

Details including a full list of activities, operating hours, and more can be found online at MAIN ST.’s “MAIN ST. Creates!” page.

THE NEW

North Texas is one of the fastest-growing craft-beer regions in the U.S., and MAIN ST. will be offering 12 of the best local and national craft brews in draught-form at its new Craft Brew Garden, located under the trees next to UT Arlington Stage and General Worth Square.

Wine enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to visit Times Ten Cellars’ “Wine Experience,” located at 7^th and Main streets, where sommeliers will conduct tasting events and festival revelers can purchase bottles of wine or enjoy wines by the glass.

THE INVOLVEMENT

• Volunteer – MAIN ST. Volunteers are the “wonder team” behind the success of the nationally ranked MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival. The event simply could not take place without the hard work and dedication of more than 1,200 volunteers who handle merchandise sales, hospitality services and more. Perks for MAIN ST. volunteers include complimentary commemorative MAIN ST. t-shirts, beverages, discounts on official MAIN ST. merchandise, and eligibility for prize giveaways.

• Join The Collector’s Club – The Collector’s Club is an exclusive group of members that enjoy art seminars, social events, complimentary valet parking, dinners, VIP Skybox access, and Art Purchase Gift Certificates, valid towards artwork purchases at MAIN ST. Interested members can join at either the Premier Collector ($325 for singles / $550 for couples) or Young Collector ($225 for singles /  $350 for couples) levels.

• Become a “Friend of the Festival” – Friends of the Festival provide recognition and networking opportunities for businesses large and small, with added perks including company logo placements on MAIN ST. press materials and programs, complimentary dinners and beverages, Skybox access, valet parking, commemorative MAIN ST. fleece jackets, and signature entertainment, all alongside Fort Worth’s movers and shakers. Interested businesses can join at either the Gold ($2,500), Silver ($1,500), or Bronze ($750) levels.

THE HISTORY

MAIN ST. traces its beginnings to the early 1980s when the City of Fort Worth set in motion a campaign of urban revitalization in the Central Business District. As momentum began to build, businessman Robert Bass spearheaded the initial effort in 1986 to create an event showcasing the attractions of the city’s reawakening downtown core.

Bass and other prominent civic leaders envisioned a multi-faceted festival that would transform downtown into an outdoor gallery and concert stage on an early spring weekend. The inaugural MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival was a three-day event involving 140 artists, 60 performance groups and 600 volunteers. Attendance was approximately 80,000

Three decades later, Downtown Fort Worth has become a thriving, 24-hour live-work-play environment. The MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival, meanwhile, has followed a parallel trajectory, evolving into the largest event of its kind in the State of Texas.

THE BASICS

MAIN ST. is annually produced by Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc., and is free to the public. The official hashtag for 2015 is #MainSt2015. Festival hours for 2015 are:

• Thursday, April 9, 2015: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Friday, April 10, 2015: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Saturday, April 11, 2015: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Sunday, April 12, 2015: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

For additional event information, visit MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival online at:

• www.MainStreetArtsFest.org
• www.Facebook.com/MainStreetArtsFest
• www.Twitter.com/MainStreetArts
• www.Instagram.com/MainStreetArtsFest
• www.YouTube.com/MainStreetFortWorth

ABOUT MAIN ST. FORT WORTH ARTS FESTIVAL

The MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival celebrates its 30^th year in 2015 and is presented by Andrews Distributing Company. Official sponsors for 2015 are the Tarrant Regional Water District, Sundance Square, The University of Texas at Arlington, Tarrant County College and Wells Fargo. Media sponsors are the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T), and the Trinity Railway Express (TRE). Radio and online sponsors are 92.1 HANK FM (KTFW-FM) and 95.9 The Ranch (KFWR-FM). Supporting sponsors are the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau, Bank of Texas, and the Music Performance Trust Fund. Hotel sponsors are Omni Fort Worth Hotel, Park Central Hotel, The Ashton Hotel, the Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel, Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown / Blackstone, and the Hilton Fort Worth. For more information, visit www.MainStreetArtsFest.org.

ABOUT DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH INITIATIVES, INC.

Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization formed in 1988 to complement the work of Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. and the Public Improvement District by providing a funding pathway for charitable, educational and public-purpose activities, such as community festivals, residential development and park management. Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. produces the annual MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival and the annual XTO Energy Parade of Lights. These events have an economic impact of more than $27 million annually and attract thousands of visitors to Downtown Fort Worth each year. For more information, visit www.DFWI.org.

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The former Coors Distributing Company of Fort Worth – acquired by Andrews Distributing Company in 2014 – served as MAIN ST.’s presenting sponsor for over 10 years

FORT WORTH, Texas (March 9, 2015) – Blue Moon Brewing Company® (Blue Moon) has been named the new presenting sponsor of the MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival (MAIN ST.), celebrating its 30^th year on April 9-12, 2015.

Blue Moon is distributed throughout North Texas by Dallas-based Andrews Distributing Company, which acquired Coors Distributing Company of Fort Worth in March 2014. The former Coors Distributing Company of Fort Worth had been the presenting sponsor of MAIN ST. since 2004.

“Andrews Distributing Company is well-aware that the MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival is one of the City of Fort Worth’s most beloved annual events, not to mention the significant economic impact it brings to Downtown Fort Worth every year,” said Barry Andrews, chief executive officer of Andrews Distributing Company. “When we acquired Coors Distributing Company last year, there was no question about continuing our sponsorship of MAIN ST. for years to come. As a company, we believe that giving back to our community is a great way to say thank you, and believe that these activities are an investment in our employees, our community, and our future.

“We are extremely honored that such a well-known, well-respected business like Andrews Distributing Company, along with Blue Moon, is committed to supporting the City of Fort Worth,” said Larry Anfin, chairman of Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc.’s Festivals and Events Committee. “This partnership allows MAIN ST. to continue its reputation of bringing the finest art, music, food and culture the country has to offer to our Fort Worth community”

MAIN ST. will hit the streets of Downtown Fort Worth for its 30^th year in 2015, bringing tens of thousands of spectators and the finest in art, music, food and culture together in one location. Free and open-to-the-public, Texas’ largest arts festival will span 25 blocks from the Tarrant County Courthouse to the Fort Worth Convention Center, while showcasing 200+ juried, hand-selected artists from across the U.S. throughout its four days.

In addition to presenting sponsor Blue Moon Brewing Company, The MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival celebrates its 30^th year in 2015 and is presented by Blue Moon Brewing Company®, which is distributed throughout the DFW Metroplex by Andrews Distributing Company. Official sponsors for 2015 are the Tarrant Regional Water District, Sundance Square, The University of Texas at Arlington, Tarrant County College and Wells Fargo. Media sponsors are the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T), and the Trinity Railway Express (TRE). Radio sponsors are 92.1 HANK FM (KTFW-FM) and 95.9 The Ranch (KFWR-FM). Supporting sponsors are the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau, XTO Energy, Frost Bank, and the Music Performance Trust Fund. Hotel sponsors are Omni Fort Worth Hotel, Park Central Hotel, The Ashton Hotel, the Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel, Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown / Blackstone, and the Hilton Fort Worth. For more information, visit www.MainStreetArtsFest.org.

ABOUT BLUE MOON BREWING COMPANY

Blue Moon Brewing Company® was founded in Denver in 1995 by head brewmaster and founder, Keith Villa, who created the company’s first signature craft beer — Blue Moon® Belgian White Belgian-Style Wheat Ale. Blue Moon has since grown to offer a wide array of craft beers, including two permanent, year-round collections, four seasonal collections, two expressionist collections, six specialty releases, four Brewmaster’s Sampler Packs, and 12 retired ales.  For more information, visit www.BlueMoonBrewingCompany.com

ABOUT ANDREWS DISTRIBUTING COMPANY

Andrews Distributing Company was founded in 1976 with seven employees and a 12,000-square-foot warehouse in Corpus Christi, Texas. It sold 276,000 cases of beer that first year with Miller Brewing as the only supplier and just two beer brands in the portfolio. Nearly 40 years later, Dallas-based Andrews Distributing Company employs more than 1,400 team members, manages four warehouses totaling more than 680,000 square feet, and maintains a fleet of over 500 vehicles. Its current portfolio consists of more than 300 brands from 33 supplier partners, with case sales in excess of 27.7 million. For more information, visit www.AndrewsDistributing.com.

ABOUT DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH INITIATIVES, INC.

Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization formed in 1988 to complement the work of Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. and the Public Improvement District by providing a funding pathway for charitable, educational and public-purpose activities, such as community festivals, residential development and park management. Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. produces the annual MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival and the annual XTO Energy Parade of Lights. These events have an economic impact of more than $27 million annually and attract thousands of visitors to Downtown Fort Worth each year. For more information, visit www.DFWI.org.

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