Experience Unmatched Arts & Culture in Denton
Denton has a modern yet diverse art and live music scene unlike anything in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. What perhaps may have been an under-the-radar secret at one point is quickly achieving national acclaim. Denton has become a cultural, artistic and musical hub of Texas, drawing musicians, artists and those who appreciate their cultural aspects to many venues and events throughout the year.
Music
In February 2018, Denton was the third city to be certified as “Music-Friendly'' by the Texas Music Office. That definition is warranted due to Denton’s wide range of musical venues, recording studios and general happenings year-round, from downtown displays by local jazz artists to clubs and comfy venues pulsing with the music of local singer-songwriters. The University of North Texas adds to Denton’s reputation as a rising musical mecca by bringing more than 1,500 music majors to its College of Music. Many students practice their wares at more than a dozen live music locales throughout the city.
Arts
Denton is home to 14 art galleries and numerous museums throughout the city. Denton Main Street and Discover Denton have a complete listing of all the fascinating establishments. Downtown Denton and the local universities have performing arts theaters offering a range of unique and awe-inspiring performances. In addition, nearly 30 public murals adorn the historic buildings of downtown Denton.
Events
The diverse arts and live music scene is displayed year-round with upward of 50 festivals and events.
Notable mainstays of Denton’s musical scene include:
Dan's Silverleaf
Dan’s Silverleaf is a favorite bar and live music venue, drawing fans from throughout the state to witness notable bands from Texas and across the country.
The Panhandle House
Perhaps Denton’s oldest recording studio, the Panhandle House, was founded in 1997 and today hosts artists seeking to make it big from throughout the Southwest.
Reeltime Audio
Reeltime Audio is a full-service recording studio capable of handling every medium, from analog tape to the latest digital platforms.
Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studio
Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studio includes outdoor and indoor stages, rehearsal rooms and bars.
The artistic culture of Denton is presented through many establishments including:
Patterson-Appleton Arts Center
The Patterson-Appleton Arts Center is the heart and soul of Denton’s artistic values. Owned and operated by the Great Denton Arts Council, it is located in the city’s original steam power plant, built in 1929. It features Festival Hall, a 5,000-square-foot event space that showcases the original industrial hardware. The Center includes two extensive galleries, an art studio, a dance rehearsal hall and a sculpture garden.
The College of Visual Art and Design
The Fine Arts program at the College of Visual Art and Design at the University of North Texas has been ranked #21 of all national public universities by U.S. News and World Report. It hosts three art galleries, with faculty and students interwoven into the art culture of Denton itself.
Denton Courthouse on the Square Museum
The Denton Courthouse on the Square Museum has been the centerpiece of downtown Denton since 1896. Its limestone construction is native to Denton and is a striking locale for various community events.
Other notable halls of historical learning include the Bayless Selby House Museum, Denton County African American Museum, Explorium Children’s Museum and the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame at Texas Woman’s University.
Some of the most notable events include:
Arts and Autos Festival
The Arts ad Autos Festival has been a mainstay of Denton’s cultural events for 23 years. The fun includes an auto show, live music, a Chalk Art Fest, exhibition spaces and more.
Day of the Dead Festival
Spirits will be high as we celebrate the fall season, paying homage to the goodness of the harvest, Dia de los Muertos, the Fall season, and all things Halloween! Denton’s Day of the Dead Festival is an outdoor event taking place on E. Hickory and Industrial Street. Enjoy tasty food, awesome vendor booths, and our Denton community with the whole family. You’ll enjoy it right down to your bones!
Twilight Tunes
Twilight Tunes is an award-winning concert series held for 29 years each fall on downtown Denton’s Industrial Street.
Wassail Weekend
Wassail Weekend occurs each December along with the Denton Holiday Lighting Festival. Vendors put their skills to the test by creating their own Wassail, a historic English drink made from hot mulled cider and spices, for customers as they take in the sights, sounds and shops of downtown Denton.
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