Fort Worth Mayfest 2025: Your guide to tickets, parking, hours, what to do
Fort Worth is gearing up for four days of community celebration, as Mayfest returns Thursday, May 1 through Sunday, May 4, 2025.
Sprawling across 33 lush acres of Trinity Park along the river, the festival brings together live music, local art, carnival rides and festival food for every age.
As a thank-you for hometown support, admission is free on opening day in celebration of the festival’s 53rd anniversary.
Whether you’re a longtime festivalgoer or a first-timer, here’s everything you need to know before diving into the fun.
What do people do during Mayfest?
There’s truly something for everyone at Mayfest, no matter your age or interests.
Music lovers can catch more than 50 local and regional bands performing across three stages, with sounds ranging from bluegrass and pop to country, jazz and everything in between.
.If you’re more into dance or theater, the community stages are packed with performances from local groups showcasing tap, ballet, martial arts, storytelling and cultural showcases.
Families will find plenty to keep the kids entertained, like bounce houses, face-painting, pony rides and even a petting zoo.
Don’t miss the “Best of the Fest” Food Contest happening the afternoon of Thursday, May 1, where vendors put their tastiest creations to the test.
For thrill-seekers, there’s a full carnival experience with rock-climbing walls, paintball, stilt-walkers, and a Ferris wheel offering stunning views of the river and downtown skyline.
And if shopping is your kind of adventure, stroll through more than 100 booths in the Art & Gift Market. You’ll find everything from handcrafted jewelry and home décor to original artwork and thoughtful gifts, perfect for Mother’s Day, graduation, or just treating yourself.
Where can I buy tickets?
Snagging your Mayfest passes is easy. Just hop online at the official Mayfest website to purchase tickets in advance and breeze right past the lines.
If you decide at the last minute to join the fun, don’t worry: you can also buy tickets at any of the festival gates Friday through Sunday.
Adult admission is $12, while kids (3–12) and seniors (65+) pay $7.
Toddlers and under get in free all weekend and service members (plus up to three family members) receive free entry every day, courtesy of Lockheed Martin.
What should I know about parking?
When it comes to parking, convenience is key.
You can park at Farrington Field or the Dickies Arena Yellow Lot for $20 per car, then hop on a complimentary tram that drops you off right at the North Gate.
If you’re coordinating a group or using a rideshare service, take advantage of the Drop-Off Zone just steps from the South Gate—perfect for quick unloads.
Prefer to leave the car behind? Trinity Metro’s Routes 2 and 53 stop mere steps from Trinity Park. Just check he Trinity Metro website for schedules and plan your trip.
What are the festival hours?
Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, Mayfest has you covered from mid-afternoon through evening each day.
The gates open at 3:30 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and close at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., respectively, so you can come in after work and catch the main performers.
On Saturday, festivities kick off at 10 a.m. and run until 10 p.m., while on Sunday you’ve got from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. to soak up every last bit of riverfront fun.
