Geno Loro
With tens of thousands of people expected to attend the 36th annual MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival, presented by PNC Bank this year, it’s best to be prepared and have a game plan. So, grab some sunblock, prep your best walking shoes and, and bring your appetites because this year is projected to be epic. This four-day event will be held in Downtown Fort Worth and is scheduled to run from April 20 - 23.
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. Since this event seems to expand 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.
Here's What's New This Year:
- 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.
- 1st Street Stage – MAIN ST. is adding a third stage for 2023 – the 1st Street Stage – located at 1st 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 2nd 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.
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- Wine Pavilion – Hosted by City Center Fort Worth and presented by Chloe Wine Collection, the Wine Pavilion (located at 2nd 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 5th 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 5th 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 senior students and awarding over $2,250 in scholarships to the top three-ranked artists.
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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.
- 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 9th and Jones Streets. Day passes start at just $5 for adults and $2.50 for youth.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ridesharing – Houston, Commerce, and Throckmorton Streets provide the best opportunities for rideshare drop-off and pick-up during MAIN ST.
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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, 1st, 2nd, 9th, and a portion of Houston Street between 9th and 11th Streets
- Tuesday, April 18 through Monday, April 24: 3rd, 4th, and 5th Streets
- Wednesday, April 19 through Monday, April 24: 8th Street
- Friday, April 21, at 6 p.m. through Monday, April 24: 6th and 7th 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. To volunteer, visit https://mainstreetartsfest.org/festival-guide/volunteer-for-main-st/.
2023 HOURS - MAIN ST. is produced annually by Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc., and is free and open to the public. 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.
