Looking to add excitement and celebration to your next Texas road trip? Grapevine’s lively festival scene is just the ticket. Known as the Christmas Capital of Texas and a hub of cultural and seasonal events, Grapevine throws year-round celebrations that are perfect for families, couples, and festival-loving travelers. From wine tastings and music to holiday magic, there’s always something happening in this charming North Texas town.
This article will guide you through the seven best festivals in Grapevine that are truly worth the drive. You’ll also discover delicious food spots, festive accommodations, local travel tips, and everything you need to pack for a joy-filled trip. Whether you’re coming for GrapeFest or the magical Christmas celebrations, Grapevine delivers unforgettable road trip memories with every season.
Overview of Grapevine’s Festival Scene
Grapevine’s vibrant personality shines brightest through its year-round festivals that celebrate food, wine, music, history, and the holidays. Whether you’re visiting in spring, fall, or the peak of winter, there’s always an event happening. As the self-declared Christmas Capital of Texas, the town becomes a glowing wonderland from late November through December, drawing visitors from across the state.
But it’s not just Christmas that steals the show. Wine lovers flock to GrapeFest in September, a signature event that fills the historic downtown with tastings, entertainment, and artisan markets. Spring brings jazz festivals and Main Street art shows, while summer celebrates local culture with family-friendly events and music under the stars. The walkable downtown, vintage charm, and scenic lake views make every event feel like a festive escape.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Texas traveler, this guide will help you plan the perfect road trip to Grapevine’s most festive events.
Top Festivals in Grapevine Worth the Drive
1. GrapeFest – A Texas Wine Experience
GrapeFest is the largest wine festival in the Southwest, drawing wine enthusiasts for tastings, live music, and vineyard celebrations. Held every September, it transforms Main Street into a buzzing festival ground filled with Texas wines, culinary treats, grape stomping, and local crafts.
Address: 636 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051
Hours: 10 AM – 10:30 PM (varies by day)
Approx Cost: $10–$20 per person
Famous For: Grape stomping contests, wine tastings, international wine pavilions, and a family-friendly midway.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Arrive early and purchase your tasting pass in advance to skip the lines and sample award-winning Texas vintages without the wait.
2. Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s North Pole Express
Each winter, Grapevine becomes a real-life holiday storybook, and the North Pole Express is its shining star. Families board vintage trains dressed in Christmas magic to meet Santa, sip cocoa, and sing along with elves.
Address: 705 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051
Hours: November–December, varies by departure
Approx Cost: $34–$40 per person
Famous For: Magical holiday train ride with Christmas storytelling, cocoa, and a keepsake from Santa.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Book your tickets weeks in advance—this sells out quickly every year, especially for weekend slots.
3. Main Street Fest – A Craft Brew Experience
Held every May, this springtime festival highlights craft beer from across Texas and beyond. Enjoy live bands, carnival rides, street food, and beer tastings in the heart of historic downtown Grapevine.
Address: 636 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051
Hours: Fri–Sun, 10 AM – 11 PM
Approx Cost: $8–$15 per person
Famous For: Craft beer sampling, artisan booths, beer gardens, and kid zones with games and inflatables.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Pick a Saturday afternoon slot for the best live music lineup and freshest brewery selections.
4. Christmas Capital of Texas – Holiday Season Events
From mid-November through New Year’s, Grapevine hosts over 1,400 holiday-themed events: parades, lighting ceremonies, markets, concerts, and even an ice sculpture exhibit. The entire town becomes a winter wonderland.
Address: Downtown Grapevine & City Parks
Hours: Daily mid-November – early January
Approx Cost: Free to $25 depending on activity
Famous For: Millions of lights, synchronized music shows, holiday décor, and themed train rides.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Stay overnight to experience both daytime parades and dazzling nighttime lights—each block offers something new.
5. Jazz Wine Train
This elegant event pairs wine, gourmet bites, and live jazz on a 1920s-style train car. Usually held in March, it’s ideal for couples seeking a romantic night out with a vintage twist.
Address: 705 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051
Hours: Evening departures
Approx Cost: $65–$75 per person
Famous For: Onboard jazz concerts, elegant wine pairings, and a scenic ride through the countryside.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Dress semi-formal and arrive early—boarding begins 30 minutes before departure and parking can get tight.
6. Blessing of the Vines & New Vintage Wine and Gallery Trail
Every April, Grapevine kicks off wine season with a ceremonial blessing of the vineyards followed by a wine and art trail through Main Street’s galleries and tasting rooms.
Address: 409 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051
Hours: Saturday 10 AM – 6 PM
Approx Cost: $50 for trail pass
Famous For: A historic toast to the vines, art exhibits, wine pairings, and seasonal spring blooms.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring your wine trail glass holder lanyard and wear comfortable shoes—the trail stretches through the entire historic district.
7. SummerBlast Fireworks & Lake Events
During summer weekends, Grapevine Lake lights up with fireworks, lake parties, and free concerts. It’s a celebration of water, sunshine, and small-town charm perfect for road trippers seeking warm-weather fun.
Address: Oak Grove Park & Lake Grapevine Shoreline
Hours: Fridays & Saturdays in summer, 9:30 PM fireworks
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Weekly fireworks over the lake, music, food trucks, and lakeside lounging.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring a blanket, cooler, and get there early for shoreline views—parking fills quickly during fireworks nights.
Where to Eat During Festival Weekends
1. Weinberger’s Deli
Perfect for a quick and delicious lunch between events, this locally loved deli offers towering sandwiches, unique flavors, and retro charm in the heart of downtown.
Address: 601 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051
Hours: 10:30 AM – 4 PM
Approx Cost: $8–$12 per person
Famous For: Creative hot and cold deli sandwiches like the “Chicago Italian Beef” and local-style pastrami melts.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Grab it to-go and eat on a downtown bench during the parade or festival setup.
2. Tolbert’s Restaurant & Chili Parlor
This Main Street staple is a great sit-down option during festivals, offering Texas comfort food, chili bowls, and live music in the evenings.
Address: 423 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051
Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
Approx Cost: $12–$20 per person
Famous For: Terlingua red chili, live music stage, and a full bar with Texas spirits.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Sit on the patio for fresh air and a street view during festival weekends—it’s ideal for people-watching.
3. Napoli’s Italian Café
This cozy, family-owned Italian spot offers a quieter escape just off Main Street. It’s perfect for a romantic meal or post-festival pasta fix.
Address: 309 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051
Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
Approx Cost: $15–$25 per person
Famous For: Handmade pastas, lasagna, and intimate indoor ambiance with wine pairings.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Make a reservation during major events—tables fill quickly after 6 PM.
Best Places to Stay During Festival Season
1. Embassy Suites by Hilton Grapevine
Located just minutes from downtown, this all-suite hotel offers festival-goers comfort, spacious rooms, and complimentary evening receptions.
Address: 2401 Bass Pro Dr, Grapevine, TX 76051
Hours: Check-in 4 PM, Check-out 11 AM
Approx Cost: From $160/night
Famous For: Free breakfast, evening cocktails, and large suites ideal for families or groups.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Book during off-peak weekdays for lower rates—especially if you’re attending a multi-day event.
2. Grand Hyatt DFW
Perfect for out-of-town visitors flying in, this luxury hotel inside DFW Airport is a short drive to Main Street and ideal for a quick road trip base.
Address: 2337 S International Pkwy, DFW Airport, TX 75261
Hours: Check-in 3 PM, Check-out 12 PM
Approx Cost: From $200/night
Famous For: Airport convenience, soundproof rooms, and upscale dining.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Use the airport SkyLink or Uber to head downtown—parking at Main Street fills fast during major festivals.
3. Hotel Vin, Autograph Collection
For a boutique experience in the heart of downtown festival action, Hotel Vin offers elegant rooms, wine-forward décor, and direct access to the train depot.
Address: 215 E Dallas Rd, Grapevine, TX 76051
Hours: Check-in 4 PM, Check-out 11 AM
Approx Cost: From $180/night
Famous For: Stylish rooms, onsite wine bar, and walkable location steps from Main Street events.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Book several weeks in advance—this hotel is a favorite during GrapeFest and holiday events.
Packing Tips & Festival Hacks
Bring a refillable water bottle for long event days
Use a crossbody bag to stay hands-free during parades
Wear comfy walking shoes for Main Street’s cobblestones
Carry sunscreen and sunglasses for summer events
Pack cash for vendor booths and tips
Bring a small blanket or foldable chair for fireworks shows
Use a portable charger—photo ops will drain your phone
Check parking apps and book in advance during busy weekends
Layer up during winter festivals—nights can get chilly
Always check the festival website for updated rules and schedules
Local Tips & Seasonal Events
Spring (March–May): Jazz Wine Train and Main Street Fest
Summer (June–August): Friday Fireworks and Lake Events
Fall (September): GrapeFest and Blessing of the Vines
Winter (Nov–Dec): Christmas Capital of Texas, North Pole Express
Free parking fills quickly—consider shuttle services during big events
Grab a printed event map from the Grapevine Visitor Center
Follow @VisitGrapevineTX on social for updates and giveaways
Festivals are often pet-friendly but check ahead for details
Conclusion
A road trip to Grapevine’s top festivals is more than just a weekend getaway — it’s a full-sensory celebration of Texas hospitality, seasonal charm, and small-town fun. From sipping wine under twinkle lights to dancing in the streets during craft beer weekends, these festivals bring people together in the most joyful ways.
With walkable downtown events, great food, and a welcoming vibe year-round, Grapevine is the kind of place that turns first-time visitors into annual road trippers. Mark your calendar, pack your party spirit, and hit the road — your next festival adventure awaits in Grapevine.
