This year’s event will celebrate the 100th anniversary of "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, according to GrapeFest co-chair Chuck Pacioni.
During the Sept. 2 City Council meeting, Chuck Pacioni and his wife, Lisa, provided a preview of what guests can expect during this year’s event.
1. A four-day event
The four-day event starts at 11 a.m. Sept. 11, with free admission that day. Talley Amusements will have unlimited rides for $30 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
There will be free admission from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 12. According to a news release, paid admission after 5 p.m. and on Sept. 13 and 14 is as follows:
- $6 (children, seniors 62 years or older)
- $12 (adults)
- $25 (weekend pass per person)
The People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic will feature 10 90-minute tasting sessions for those who purchase a ticket for the event. Chuck Pacioni said it is the largest consumer-judged contest in the nation.
There is also a VIP People’s Choice Tasting session, Champagne Terrace, Liberty Park Plaza International Wine Experience, Barossa Premium Wine Experience and Master Class, Around the World in 80 minutes with Rieslings and a Wine Spritzer class, according to the festival website.
A Champagne Cork Shoot-Off will be available for those 21 and older, with a Grand Shoot-Off finals slated for Sept. 14.
3. More parking in 2025
There will be five free parking lots, four paid parking lots to benefit local churches and community organizations, and a free shuttle service.
Shuttles with free parking will be at the Grapevine Convention Center & Grapevine Public Library, Gaylord Texan in Parking Lot R and 121 Community Church parking lot after 5 p.m. Sept. 12 and Sept. 13.
Trinity Metro TEXRail also has a stop that will drop off at Grapevine Main Station, according to a news release. Rideshare drop-offs and pickups will be at Lone Star Hi-Railers (south gate) and Kountry Donuts (north gate) during the event.
4. Events for the whole family
Along with the carnival, there will be a KidZone area that includes Sea Life Aquarium, Legoland Discovery Center and a Build-A-Bear activity.
Main Street will be lined with food vendors and artisan and specialty vendors, according to a news release.
Other events include the Grapevine Observation Tower Tour and the GrapeStomp for guests 13 and older. Lisa Pacioni said competitors will have 2 minutes to try to stomp 18 pounds of grapes.
5. Musical events
There will be live music in four areas during GrapeFest. The Main Stage will feature three performances Sept. 11-13 and one Sept. 14. The full list of bands performing can be found here.
For more information about GrapeFest or to buy tickets to the 2025 events, visit www.GrapeFest.com.
