On Saturday, September 9th, Denton Main Street Association will host its annual classic, hot rod and custom cars, trucks and motorcycles show, the Denton Arts & Autos Extravaganza. From 9AM to 3PM, over 9 thousand Dentonians and visitors alike will take over the historic Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square and its lawn. With plenty of perfect things to see and do for the auto enthusiast, artist, or shopper, we're sure everyone will find opportunities that will pique interest in a day of fun in downtown Denton. Enjoy live music and good eats throughout the festival that will satisfy the whole family.
Check out all the cool classic cars, trucks and motorcycles. Photo by Tammi Paul. Arts & Autos 2016.
We expect to showcase more than 200 cars, trucks and motorcycles whose owners are competing for numerous awards, including the coveted Best of Show Award, first place in the original or modified category for each class, a participant’s choice award, or a specialty award made by local artists. Best of Show winners in the car, truck, and motorcycle classes win cash prizes. Attendees can also get in on the voting by choosing their favorite vehicles for whimsical awards, such as Best “Family Truckster” and Best “Diamond in the Rough” among others. Entry fees to compete in the car show do apply and details can be found here.
One of the several winning Chalk Art pieces from Arts & Autos 2016.
The Chalk Art Fest is a must see during and after the event. This art competition attracts talented artists of all ages, sketching drawings across the West Oak Street sidewalks at the event. The top three winners in three age categories can walk away with some cash prizes! An entry fee into the competition for ages 7 and up does apply and pre-registration is highly encouraged, as spaces do get limited. Check out the entry details here.
Fun for the whole family and free general admission! Photos by Tammi Paul. Arts & Autos 2016.
Festival-goers can shop and stroll through arts and crafts booth, specialty boutiques, vintage stores, art galleries and studios in downtown Denton. Kids can enjoy games and crafts. Attendees can also bid on items in the silent auction inside the courthouse between 9 am and 2 pm.
Live music starts at 10 am with Gumbo Brothers playing Zydeco Boogie, followed by The Silvertones playing some Texas Blues at 11:15 am, and The Lowdown playing Soul/Rock/Funk favorites at 1 pm.
The atmosphere is complete with vendors selling a variety of cuisines and festival foods, as well as tasty treats from any of downtown’s sweet treat shops, beverage tasting rooms, and restaurants.
With all the activities and entertainment, this is the ideal way to spend a day or a weekend in Denton. General admission to the event is FREE. Hotel accommodations can be found on DiscoverDenton.com.
Want to showcase your arts or fine crafts? Booth space is still available for artists and crafters. Find details and an application on the events page here.
The Arts & Autos Extravaganza is presented by the Denton Main Street Association and is made possible with sponsorship from Denton Record-Chronicle, First United Bank, GSATi, Swash Labs, and LSA Burger Company, with support from Ann & Bill Ennis and First State Bank. Thank you to Applejacks Liquors, Atomic Candy, Barley & Board, Brannon Auto Group, Cartwright’s Ranch House, Denton Convention & Visitor Bureau, MaidPro Denton, Paschall Bar, The Park on Oak, Repos Garage, and City of Denton.