A Timeless Texas Tradition

Main Street Fest packs Historic Grapevine with flavor and fun this May

Mark your calendars and prepare for a weekend packed with Texas charm, flavorful eats, and high-energy entertainment: Grapevine’s 41st Annual Main Street Fest is back from May 16-18, and promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Known as "A Timeless Texas Tradition," this beloved three-day festival transforms Grapevine’s Historic Main Street into a lively celebration of food, culture, music, and community. Here's a look at what to expect:

Grapevine Main Street Fest Photo courtesy of Grapevine CVB

Photo courtesy of Grapevine CVB

Grab your friends and fam for a fun weekend.

Live music lights up the streets
This year’s musical lineup is headlined by none other than country music legend Neal McCoy, who will take the Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Main Stage on Friday, May 16, at 9 pm.

With more than six million records sold and chart-toppers like "No Doubt About It" and "Wink," McCoy’s dynamic performance is set to kick off the weekend with high energy and heartfelt country flair.

Neal McCoy is the musical headliner.Photo courtesy of Grapevine CVB

Rising Texas star Colton Rice opens the show at 7 pm, setting the tone for a weekend of nonstop live entertainment across three stages.

But the music doesn’t stop there. Main Street Fest showcases a variety of regional acts throughout the weekend, offering everything from rock and blues to country and pop.

Grapevine Main Street Fest Photo courtesy of Grapevine CVB

Tastes for every palate
Food is at the heart of any great festival, and Main Street Fest doesn’t disappoint. Visitors can indulge in iconic festival favorites like corny dogs, funnel cakes, and other fried treats while also enjoying elevated bites from local vendors.

For adult guests, the Craft Brew and Wine Pavilion provides a chance to sip and savor local wines and specialty brews in a relaxed environment.

Fun for the whole family
This fest is for the families. The KidZone is packed with interactive activities, games, and kid-friendly entertainment to keep the youngest guests happy and engaged. The Carnival & Midway adds an extra thrill with classic rides and games for all ages, from gentle spins to heart-racing adventures.

Meanwhile, shoppers will find more than 70 artisan vendors offering handmade goods, perfect for discovering one-of-a-kind treasures. And of course, the event’s setting on Grapevine’s Historic Main Street adds an extra layer of charm, with boutiques, cafés, winery tasting rooms, and art galleries all open throughout the weekend.

Grapevine Main Street Fest Photo courtesy of Grapevine CVB

Plan your visit
Admission to the festival is free on Friday until 5 pm, after which entry is $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors. Tickets are on sale now.

Whether you're coming for the live music, the delicious bites, or the family-friendly atmosphere, Grapevine’s Main Street Fest offers something for everyone. With its perfect blend of tradition and new experiences, it’s easy to see why this event has become a staple of the Texas festival season.

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RIP Joe

Texas country music singer-songwriter Joe Ely dies at 78

Joe Ely/Facebook

Joe Ely was a major figure in Texas' progressive country scene.

Joe Ely, the legendary songwriter, singer, and storyteller whose career spanned more than five decades, has died from complications related to Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and pneumonia. He was 78.

According to a statement posted to his Facebook page, Ely died at his home in Taos, New Mexico, with his wife Sharon, and daughter Marie, at his side.

Born February 9, 1947, in Amarillo, Texas, Ely was raised in Lubbock and became a central figure among a generation of influential West Texas musicians. He later settled in Austin, helping shape the city’s reputation as a hub for live music.

"Joe Ely performed American roots music with the fervor of a true believer who knew music could transport souls," said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

In the 1970s, Ely signed with MCA Records, launching a career that included decades of recording and touring around the world. His work and performances left a lasting impact on the music scene and influenced a wide range of artists, including the Clash and Bruce Springsteen, according to Rolling Stone.

"His distinctive musical style could only have emerged from Texas, with its southwestern blend of honky-tonk, rock & roll, roadhouse blues, western swing, and conjunto. He began his career in the Flatlanders, with fellow Lubbock natives Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, and he would mix their songs with his through 50 years of critically acclaimed recordings."

Read the full story at KVUE.com.

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