Happy Thursday,
Mayfest, the beloved celebration of Fort Worth’s Trinity Park, is making its big return this weekend. The four-day festival, first held in 1973, will flood 33 acres adjacent to the Trinity River with live music, festival food, carnival rides, performing arts, pet adoptions and over 100 vendors.
The family-friendly event also includes a children’s area that promises to keep little ones busy with 20 free activities. Forecasts are showing the possibility of thunderstorms Friday, but the rest of the weekend should be clear. Either way, Mayfest will continue come rain or shine.
Do you have cherished memories of Mayfest’s early years? How have you seen the festival evolve over its 52-year history? I would love to hear your stories. Please respond to this email or contact me at [email protected].
Also, it is Cinco de Mayo weekend! If you’re still looking for ways to enjoy the holiday, I rounded up festivities across the Fort Worth-area. You can check out my list here.
Stroll along the Trinity River during big Fort Worth celebration
This year’s Mayfest showcases more than 50 local and regional bands. Performing arts stages will be located throughout the festival. Parking is $20 per car at Farrington Field and Dickies Arena Yellow Lot.
What: Mayfest
When: 3:30-9 p.m. May 1; 3:30-10 p.m. May 2; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. May 3; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. May 4
Where: Trinity Park, 2401 University Drive, Fort Worth
Admission: Free May 1; $7-$12 remaining days
Dance with a partner to the sweet tunes of swing music
Fort Worth’s Buddy’s Big Band performs the first Friday of every month at the Near Southside venue Southside Preservation Hall. They played their first gig at the iconic location in March 1999.
What: Buddy’s Big Band May 2025
When: 8-11 p.m. May 2
Where: Southside Preservation Hall, 1519 Lipscomb St., Fort Worth
Admission: $15
Party with a beer in-hand during inaugural country music celebration
The three-day parking lot party marks the first expansion for the Windy City Smokeout of Chicago. The North Texas tailgate event will be headlined by country favorites Jon Pardi, Cody Jinks and Midland.
What: Lone Star Smokeout
When: May 2-4
Where: AT&T Stadium, 1 AT&T Way, Arlington
Admission: $73-$187
Looking for a Mother’s Day gift? Shop hundreds of creative handmade glass items
There will be an unforgettable array of glass art, ranging from glass flowers to vases and sculpture. Feel the heat as talented artists craft items in real-time. Every purchase helps fund scholarships, materials and growth of UTA’s art departments.
What: UTA Art Glass Spring Sale and Fundraiser
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. May 3
Where: Studio Arts Center, 810 S. Davis Drive, Arlington
Admission: Free
Take in live performances from the city’s biggest mariachi, music bands
The Tricolor Auto Stage at La Gran Plaza will be adorned with Mexican-themed decorations, including papel picado streamers and colorful flowers to commemorate the holiday.
What: Cinco de Mayo Celebration
When: 1-6 p.m. May 4
Where: La Gran Plaza, 4200 South Freeway, Fort Worth
Admission: Free
Thanks for reading! Do you have a Weekend Worthy event? Add it to our community calendar.
David Moreno is the arts and culture reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at [email protected] or @davidmreports.
At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
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