Michelada Festival brings Hispanic heritage, music and scholarships to downtown Fort Worth

Downtown Fort Worth's Main Street becomes a block party on Sunday, Oct. 11, when the 11th annual Michelada Festival brings families together for a free celebration of Hispanic heritage.

According to NBC 5, the festival takes over five blocks of Main Street, including Sundance Square Plaza, and runs until 8 p.m. Visitors can expect street food, live music, vendor booths and a Michelada Contest. NBC 5's community coverage says the event will name the year's Best Michelada, with voting held Oct. 1. Fort Worth Magazine's listing says the festival will stretch along Main Street from 2nd to 9th streets, with locally owned food and retail vendors selling handmade goods and services. Admission is free.

The music lineup published by Fort Worth Magazine and CultureMap Fort Worth includes La Tropa Estrella, Grupo Zenzio, Banda Vientos de Guanajuato, Efecto Activado and Sonido Latin Entertainment. CultureMap's listing also names Norteñisimo del Bravo.

The festival also raises money for students. Organizers told NBC 5 that funds raised will go toward scholarships through Connect Respect, the nonprofit presenting the festival. NBC 5 reports that Texas Wesleyan University will receive $25,000 during the festival for a scholarship endowment. NBC 5 and Telemundo 39 are partnering with Connect Respect on this year's event.

The festival has grown over the past decade. Last year's 10th annual festival covered Main Street from 3rd to 9th streets, according to Downtown Fort Worth Inc. This year's route reaches one block farther. More details are available at micheladafestival.org.

This story is based on original reporting by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth, with additional details from Fort Worth Magazine, CultureMap Fort Worth and Downtown Fort Worth Inc.