INSIDER'S GUIDE TO GRAPEFEST : A TEXAS WINE EXPERIENCE

HOURS AND ADMISSION

The largest wine festival in the Southwest takes place right in the heart of Grapevine each September, bringing over 200,000 visitors to Historic Main Street each year. The festival can be a bit overwhelming to newcomers, but luckily we have you covered with an Insider’s Guide to the 37th Annual GrapeFest celebration!

Gone are the days of pesky coupons! For the first time ever, GrapeFest is now allowing credit and debit cards to be used during the festival. If you’re headed to the Carnival & Midway, you will have to purchase an electronic card for rides and games. Depending on the day/time and your age, admission to GrapeFest can range from complimentary to $10 per day. OR you can purchase a full weekend pass for $20. There are a few elevated ticketed experiences you may be interested in, and most require advanced purchase. Scout Guide Tip: We love the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic and don’t skip on that VIP ticket… the private, shaded tent is worth every penny!

  • ​Thursday, September 14: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. – Complimentary admission all day
  • Friday, September 15: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. – Paid admission after 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 16: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. – Paid admission
  • Sunday, September 17: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Paid admission

ACTIVITIES

WINE TASTING : There’s an endless supply of vino from over 400 Texas Wineries in addition to the wines GrapeFest celebrates from all over the world. This year, the festival is putting an extra emphasis on Barossa Valley, Australia with a One Hour Premium Wine Tasting and Master Class happening on both Friday and Sunday. Purchase your tickets ahead of time: TICKETS

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT : Test your skills at the Champagne Cork Shoot-Off hosted by Texas Gun Experience. Live out your “I Love Lucy” dreams at the beloved GrapeStomp competition. Live music is available throughout the event, but a full line up can be found HERE.

VENDORS & ARTISANS : Main Street is lined with special vendors to allow for plenty of shopping while you sip & stroll! If you’re a local, be sure to check out Laura Kellerman‘s booth at the intersection of College and Main where she’s booking her coveted Fall & Christmas Mini Sessions.

KID ZONE : Walk over to the Napoli’s parking lot for some family-friendly activities geared towards the smaller festival goers. Our friends at House of Shine have put together an interactive Scavenger Hunt that ends with a prize reward at their museum. Scout Guide Tip : Even if you don’t participate, be sure to swing by House of Shine for a museum tour (and more importantly, air condition break!)

CARNIVAL & MIDWAY : Located at the intersection of Jenkins and E. Wall Streets, no festival is complete without a ferris wheel and carnival games!

EAT, DRINK & SHOP

Yes, your typical marketplace vendors will be located along Main Street (and we do love a good festival funnel cake), but the real treat is visiting with our local Grapevine Businesses!

RE:DEFINED COFFEE HOUSE : Before hitting Main Street, get a caffeine boost at everyone’s favorite local coffee house, RE:Defined! Scout Guide Pro Tip : They just released the fall drink menu and the Campfire Mocha is perfection.

HOP & STING BREWERY : Stop by their beer booth next to Weiberger’s Deli where Hop & Sting is serving up year round favorites such as the Aluminum Cowboy Light Lager, Miracle Blood Orange Wheat, Northeast Texas IPA and more! Plus Special Edition “festbiers” along with wine barrel aged Pilsners made in collaboration with local favorites Bull Lion Winery and Landon Winery.

MASON & DIXIE : Known for their gourmet southern cuisine and hospitality, Mason & Dixie is featuring wine flights and special food pairings in honor of GrapeFest. Scout Guide Tip : Order anything with the pimento cheese, you will not be disappointed!

HARVEST HALL : We can’t get enough of this European-style food hall in the heart of Downtown Grapevine featuring chef-driven cuisine and two swanky bars. If you’re looking for a reprieve from the crowds during GrapeFest (and nice restrooms), Harvest Hall is the place for you! Plus, it’s connected to Hotel Vin which has the coziest lobby in town!

REILLY-CHANCE COLLECTION : When walking into Reilly-Chance Collection, you’ll find luxury bedding and opulent furniture at every turn. But the best thing about shopping during GrapeFest is their FABULOUS fall decor and seasonal gift items. Scout Guide Pro Tip : If you love Reilly-Chance now, you should come back during Christmas…. it’s magical!

LITTLE ORANGE FISH KIDS : The sweetest little shop on Main Street, Little Orange Fish Kids carries clothing, gifts, and accessories for newborns to tweens. Just steps away from the tasting tents and Hop & Sting’s Beer Booth, grab a bevy and browse Grapevine’s beloved children’s store!

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit The GrapeFest website, and follow @tsgsouthlakegrapevine on instagram!