Grapevine’s Historic Main Street will host four days of wine tastings, live entertainment, and family activities this week as the 40th annual GrapeFest opens Thursday, September 17.
The festival runs through Sunday, September 20, with free general admission throughout Thursday and until 5 p.m. Friday, according to the official hours and admission schedule.
Presented by Bank of the West, GrapeFest brings together Texas wines, international selections, food vendors, shopping, and children’s activities. Historic Main Street will close to vehicular traffic for the four-day celebration, according to the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau’s event listing.
Festival Hours And Admission
GrapeFest opens at 11 a.m. each day. Closing times are 10 p.m. Thursday, 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 6 p.m. Sunday.
During paid admission periods, daily tickets cost $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 6–12 and seniors ages 62 and older. Children 5 and younger enter free. A weekend pass costs $25.
Free general admission does not include separately ticketed wine tastings. Visitors should check the festival’s activity listings for carnival ride and game charges.
Texas Wine Competition Puts Guests In Charge
The People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic gives visitors a chance to sample Texas wines and vote for their favorites.
Held in the Historic Cotton Belt Railroad District at 705 S. Main St., the competition features wines in 10 categories. Guests receive a reference guide and ballot, with seven regular 90-minute tasting sessions scheduled throughout the festival.
Regular sessions cost $28 in advance and $32 after GrapeFest begins. Three VIP sessions are also scheduled, with tickets priced at $55 in advance and $60 after the festival starts.
Participants must be 21 or older. Festival admission is charged separately when applicable.
Winners are scheduled to be announced Sunday, September 20, at 5 p.m.
The competition has long been a signature attraction, as The Dallas Express reported in its coverage of the festival’s 2022 edition.
International Tastings Mark A Wine Milestone
The Gaylord Texan Resort–sponsored International Wine Experience will feature wines from France, Napa Valley and Grapevine’s sister cities, according to the city’s September 2026 event update.
Guests will also have opportunities to participate in a Judgment of Paris-style blind tasting commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1976 competition in which Napa Valley wines prevailed over French wines.
Separate tasting cards are required. Visitors can consult the official International Wine Experience page for ticket options and current prices.
Music, Carnival Rides And Activities For Children
The festival’s family attractions include carnival rides, midway games, a KidZone and live entertainment. Food vendors, artisans, boutiques and specialty vendors will also be part of the event.
Visitors can use the official GrapeFest website to review tickets, entertainment schedules and individual activity details before heading to Historic Main Street.
Provided by Dallas Express
