FORT WORTH, Texas (February 28, 2022) — The MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival (MAIN ST.) is returning to Downtown Fort Worth for its 35th 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 35th 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:
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.