Mayfest 2022 in Fort Worth’s Trinity Park returns this weekend after two-year hiatus
For the first time in two years — and just in time for its 50th anniversary — Mayfest is back in Fort Worth.
The four-day family festival canceled events in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Mayfest is back at Trinity Park starting Thursday and running through Sunday. The festival is produced by the nonprofit Trinity Collaborative Inc.
This year marks a special occasion as Mayfest celebrates 50 years. On Thursday, Fort Worth leaders and supporters of Mayfests past will recognize the organizers who have grown the festival, incuding with a parade.
From humble beginning in 1973 as a way to celebrate the revitalization of the Trinity River, the festival now attracts over 200,000 people on 33 acres in Trinity Park.
Here’s what you need to know about Mayfest 2022.
What are the Mayfest 2022 dates and times?
Mayfest 2022 kicks off Thursday and runs until Sunday at 2401 University Drive.
- Thursday, 3:30-9 p.m.
- Friday, 3:30-10 p.m.
- Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
How much does Mayfest cost?
Mayfest is a ticketed event, except for Thursday when admission is free. Tickets are on sale now or you can buy them at the gate with a credit or debit card. Mayfest is implementing a new cashless system this year, except for the art and gift market.
- Ages 13 and over): $12
- Children (3 to 12): $7
- Toddlers (2 and under): Free
- Ages 60 and older: $7
- Active, retired and veteran service members can receive free admission for themselves and three family members with a valid military ID.
What is Mayfest doing to celebrate its 50th anniversary?
Mayfest will kickoff the festival with a grand opening celebration at 3 p.m. in Trinity Park on Thursday at the north gate entrance.
Mayor Mattie Parker, council member Elizabeth Beck and Mayfest executive director Elizabeth Basham will speak at the event. A ribbon-cutting will follow, and the festivities will culminate with a parade from the north gate into the heart of the festival.
The public can attend the ceremony for free since it takes place on Thursday, the only non-ticketed day of the festival.
What is there to do at Mayfest?
Mayfest offers plenty to do from live concerts, kid-friendly areas and lots of festival food. Over 40 bands will play at the festival’s three concert stages. A full lineup can be found on the festival’s site.
For the kids: bounce houses, face painting, craft stations and carnival rides. And for the adults, there’s a craft beer garden and wine vineyard on site.
Can’t forget the festival food, including funnel cakes, turkey legs, roasted corn and pizza, among other delectable treats.
What’s the parking situation at Mayfest?
There are two parking lots within walking distance, but it’ll cost you.
The Farrington Field parking lot at 1501 University Drive, and the Equestrian Center at 1600 Gendy St., will cost $15 per day to park. The festival also has a drop-off location at 2201 W. 7th St. for ride-share passengers getting dropped off by Uber or Lyft.
Trinity Metro bus service routes 2 and 53 have stops near Trinity Park. The festival also is encouraging bicycle travel with free bike parking.
This story was originally published May 4, 2022 at 3:51 PM.
