Ultimate Guide to Denton's Arts & Autos in 2021

The Denton Main Street Association is proud to have kicked off the 22nd annual family-friendly Arts & Autos 2021 event in Downtown Denton.

"Denton Main Street Association has had a good year with the return of the annual events and we look forward to a great return of our annual car and art show. The Chalk Fest is back this year and is expanding, and we expect to have 250 or more vehicles enter the car show competition. We have local artists helping make custom trophies, and local makers will have vendor spaces and some art demonstrations during the festival. This is a family-friendly event we have held for 22 years and there is something for everyone to enjoy," said John Cartwright, President of Denton Main Street Association.

arts and autos 2021

Learn everything you need to know about Denton’s Arts and Autos for a fun-filled Saturday.

When is it?

Saturday, September 11, 2021 from 9am to 3pm.

Where will the event take place?

All activities will be on or near the Downtown Denton Square:

110 W. Hickory St., Denton, Texas 76201

Where do I park?

Specific areas of the Denton Square, including the main square grounds, will be blocked off as a pedestrian-only zone.

Check out this handy downtown Denton parking guide, including free parking and paid parking opportunities near the Denton Square. Consider parking in one of the larger public lots (blue P’s in the blog) during this event.

How much does it cost?

The event is free to the public to attend.

How do I apply to become a vendor?

If you want to be a vendor, chalk artist or show your car at the event, visit https://dentonmainstreet.org/pages/arts-and-autos.

What does the event include?

Stroll around the Denton Square and gaze upon the variety of unique cars being showcased, watch an expansive lineup of artists chalk up masterpieces along the sidewalks, and browse the many vendor booths filled with local businesses of all kinds. There will be many exciting local artisans and makers featuring their creations for sale and demonstrating their art.

In addition to all the fun shops and great restaurants downtown, there will also be festival foods, games for kids, and live music during the festival for the family to enjoy.

There will also be a great silent auction fundraiser for the Denton Main Street Foundation during the festival.

Check out the live music lineup:

10am - 11am: Little Elmo & The Mambo Kings

11:30am - 12:30pm: Texas Blues Crew

1pm - 2:30pm: Raised Right Men

There will also be a moment of silence at 9am to recognize the 20th anniversary of 9/11 — details coming soon.

Keep Denton Beautiful - Clean Up After Yourself!

Help us keep Downtown Denton a beautiful place to enjoy ourselves by picking up after yourself and your surrounding area as you enjoy the event. Recycling for empty cans and bottles and trash bins for waste are located at the exit points of the courthouse lawn area, as well as on surrounding streets near the lawn. Thanks for helping us Keep Denton Beautiful!

How can I support Arts & Autos?

Arts & Autos is put on by the Denton Main Street Association and volunteers.

Help the DMSA continue to provide fun programming for visitors and the community to enjoy in the heart of Denton. Sponsorships are available for trophies or to get on the popular t-shirt or get a booth with signage and more exposure. The levels for sponsorship begin at $75. Sponsor by August 16th! See the website page here for more information on registering as a sponsor, vendor, car show participant or to compete in the Chalk Fest. Arts and Autos – Denton Main Street Association.

Will COVID-19 protocols be followed at the event?

We're continuing our best to adhere to social distancing guidelines while bringing you exciting local events. Physical distancing is highly encouraged. Please respect the boundaries of others and enjoy yourself! Please follow current CDC guidelines when attending public events.

Please note any interaction with the general public poses an elevated risk of being exposed to COVID-19 and we cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed while in attendance at the event. The Denton Main Street Association and its sponsors are not responsible for the health and safety of this event. We encourage you to follow the organizer’s safety policies, as well as local laws and restrictions.