Arlington indie pop rock band Cherry Mantis playing the Fort Worth Weekly & Precision Press Stage. Photo: Jessica Waffles
The annual West Main Arts Festival celebrated its 7th year on Saturday, showcasing 25 local bands and 70 art/vendor booths along four blocks in Arlington.
The day of festivities featured stages sponsored by local businesses, treating attendees to a range of musical acts that showed the diversity of the Arlington music scene.
The crowd enjoyed the day of free music and festivities at West Main Arts Festival. The view from stage with Cherry Mantis. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Some people enjoying the free games at West Photo: Jessica Waffles
Visitors browse the booths at the 7th Annual West Main Arts Festival. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Among the vendor route, attendees could browse a variety of items, including paintings, sculptures, photography and more.
Some of the brick and mortar businesses and galleries of West Main were open for stop-ins, encouraging exploration into arts-minded shops like Catalyst Creative Arts and Create Arlington.
A caricature artist with a couple of giggly clients. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Crimson Skylines on the Circle E Facility Management & Downtown Arlington Stage at West Main Arts Festival. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Wellspring on Main is a nonprofit providing “a community oasis, a place where diverse people engage with one another in ways that foster the physical, emotional and spiritual health of out community by celebrating the dignity of every human being.” Photo: Jessica Waffles
There is an atmosphere of change in Arlington, where new ideas are beginning to shape its growing hand in the DFW music and arts scene.
Bands have been coming out of Arlington by the boatload, and it seems like the city is here for it. Between staging free festivals/concerts, providing artist community resources and putting on special events like last year’s Takeout Tuesdays, the space between Dallas and Fort Worth is letting the world know it’s ready to help its creative community thrive.
The mock-up for a new proposed Gathering Hall, intended to be created at the current location of the Arlington Museum of Art (which will soon move to a new location). Photo: Jessica Waffles
There were games available for play in the grassy area provided by the Arlington Public Library. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Portrait painter Evan Olsen of Geo Studios doing a live portrait of a patron. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Settlemyre has been in the studio working on a new record since their 2022 album Waiting For The Knife. Photo: Jessica Waffles
West Main Arts Fest is currently organized by Mark Joeckle of Create Arlington, aa unique studio space supporting the ambitions of creators and entrepreneurs.
The festival is one of many events and incentives that the organization oversees in its efforts to enhance the cultural and economic vitality of Arlington.
Upcoming gallery events by Create Arlington include The Black Experience on July 2, a handcrafted pup-up market every third Thursday, a poetry open mic night every second Tuesday, plus special events throughout the year.
Some of the local art spots on West Main were open during the festivities for people to come explore their offerings. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Inside Catalyst Creative Arts, attendees had the opportunity to browse wares or participate in creating art to take home. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Free arts & crafts at Catalyst Creative Arts on West Main in Arlington. Photo: Jessica Waffles
There are several events coming up this this month available to the community organized by West Main Arts Fest sponsor Downtown Arlington as well. Here are some listings.
- May 10: Cultural District Mixer (includes a special presentation from Meow Wolf)
- May 12: Free Concerts @ Levitt Pavilion featuring El Chanclazo and La Santa Cecilia
- May 13: Downtown Impressions: A Community Plein Air Experience
- May 13: Free Concerts @ Levitt Pavilion featuring Trent Walker and Slade Coulter
- May 14:The Pinnacle Bank CLUB COMEDY
- May 17 & 31: Figure Drawing @ Create Arlington
- May 19: Free Concerts @ Levitt Pavilion featuring Timlightyear and Vandoliers
Check out the full calendar on their website.
West Main was lined with 70 art and vendor booths spanning across four blocks. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Jessica Waffles is a freelance photographer/videographer and regular contributor to KXT.
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