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.