One of Fort Worth's favorite spring traditions, Mayfest, returns for its 54th year in 2026, bringing four days of carnival rides, live music, and family-friendly fun to Trinity Park, April 30-May 3.

This year's festival is expected to draw more than 175,000 attendees to its 33-acre outdoor set-up along the Trinity River, organizers say.

From stilt walkers and pig races to a sprawling art market and seven stages of entertainment, the event offers a little bit of everything. But as crowds descend on the park, it’s worth planning ahead before you go.

Here are the essential things to know about Mayfest 2026, including admission deals, parking, hours, and can’t-miss attractions. All information is provided by Mayfest organizers; for even mord details, visit the website.

Location
Mayfest takes place at Trinity Park, along the banks of the Trinity River just west of downtown Fort Worth, 2401 University Dr. A festival map can be found here.

Parking, rideshare, and public transportation
Festival parking will be available at two locations:

• Farrington Field
• Dickies Arena Yellow Lot

Parking is $20 per car at both locations. Trams will run from both parking areas directly to festival entrances, making it easier to avoid long walks. Organizers strongly encourage using the designated lots and tram service for the smoothest arrival.

Drivers may drop off their passengers steps from the South Gate before parking at one of the two parking lots. Uber and Lyft drop-offs are also located at this drop-off point.

To avoid parking and traffic hassles entirely, visitors are encouraged to take the Trinity Metro. Routes 2 and 53 have stops just steps from Trinity Park. For more information, visit https://ridetrinitymetro.org/routes-schedules/.

Trinity Metro bus awaits you. Trinity Metro

Event hours
Daily festival hours are as follows:

• Thursday, April 30: 3:30-9 pm
• Friday, May 1: 3:30-10 pm
• Saturday, May 2: 10 am-10 pm
• Sunday, May 3: 11 am-7 pm

Carnival ride hours match the festival schedule each day.

Tickets and admission deals
Tickets are required for entrance, Friday through Sunday. Prices are:

• Adults (ages 13+): $12
• Children (ages 3-12): $7
• Seniors (age 65+): $7
• Toddlers (2 and under): Free

Mayfest offers several ways to save on admission:

• Thursday (April 30): Free for everyone
• Friday (May 1): Free for kids age 12 and under and seniors 62+
• All weekend: Free admission for military (active, reserve, veterans) plus three guests with valid ID

What to see and do
Mayfest packs its grounds with attractions for all ages.

Art and shopping: More than 135 vendors will fill the Art & Gift Market with everything from handmade goods to unique gifts.

Family fun: Kids can enjoy free children’s activities, a dedicated children’s area, and interactive entertainment throughout the park.

Live entertainment: Seven stages will host performances all weekend — three focused on live music and four showcasing community groups, dance, and more. Check out the schedule here and the lineup of performers here.

Special attractions (included with admission)
This year’s lineup of shows is especially robust, with fan-favorite spectacles returning:

• Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show
• Lil Plunkett Circus
• The Loyal Horses (Roman-style horseback riding)
• Pig races (including a swimming pig)
• Laser spectacles
• Wildlife On the Move
• Shenaniguns comedy act

Roaming performers like stilt walkers will also pop up across the grounds.

Carnival and midway
Classic carnival rides and games will run throughout the festival, operating during all open hours. They inclue kid-friendly rides and thrill attractions, plus midway games and fair-style snacks.

Ice cream by Melt Ice Creams. Melt

Food and drink
From festival staples like funnel cakes, turkey legs, and corn dogs to indulgent treats from local vendors like Melt Ice Creams, Mama Lama, Luckey G's, Pecos Pete's, Steak on a Stake, and more, Mayfest serves up a range of food and beverage options, along with a Beer and Wine Garden for adults looking to sip and relax.

More about Mayfest's mission
Produced by Trinity Collaborative, Inc., Mayfest is a nonprofit event that has invested more than $7.5 million back into the Fort Worth community, supporting local projects and partnerships with the City of Fort Worth Park & Recreation Department, Streams & Valleys, Inc., The Junior League of Fort Worth, and more.