WE'RE GOING BACK, WAY BACK!



I'VE HAD ENOUGH ADULTING!
I'm going back to the time before the clock struck the year 2000. For me, I'm heading to the 80's. I finally learned this dance move.




I'm going back to the time before the clock struck the year 2000. For me, I'm heading to the 80's. I finally learned this dance move.





Step onto the festival grounds and immerse yourself in non-stop interactive entertainment. Challenge your crew in our retro gaming tents packed with classic arcade cabinets and vintage console favorites, rally on the lawn with badminton, giant Jenga, and oversized Connect 4, or join in on high-energy throwback group contests. Whether you are competing for top scores or enjoying casual fun between music sets, there is endless excitement across the entire event.
Two unforgettable days in North Texas loaded with classic arcade free-play, retro roller skating, over 30 Texas food trucks, classic cars, and throwback video DJ dance floors. Advance pre-sale tickets only: lock in your early-bird tier below.
While modern festivals hit you with hidden costs and influencer velvet ropes, The Festival of Youth is built for genuine fun: unlimited free-play vintage arcade games, retro roller skating with rentals included, classic 80s and 90s car displays, high-energy video DJs, and mouth-watering dishes from premier food trucks. Join thousands of fans for the ultimate throwback party.
An exclusive kickoff evening with shorter lines, early access, and private party perks.
The full-scale flagship retro festival experience open to all pass holders.
Set your GPS for Denton, Texas. Easy highway access from across the state and just 35 minutes north of both major Dallas-Fort Worth airport hubs.
Everything you need to know to prepare for an unforgettable 3-day retro weekend in North Texas.
Denton, Texas is our confirmed host city. We are currently finalizing municipal production logistics and site infrastructure to deliver optimal stage layouts, shade, and parking. The confirmed venue name, full address, and parking map will be publicly announced across all official channels well before general public tickets officially go on sale. Joining the early bird pre-sale priority list today simply secures your priority access and locks in Tier 1 pricing.
We are creating a festival where people live in the moment. Smartphones and personal point-and-shoot cameras are welcome. However, selfie sticks, motorized gimbals, ring lights, professional detachable-lens camera rigs, and commercial livestreaming gear are strictly prohibited inside the festival grounds. Put your phone away, dance with the crowd, and feel the music.
The Festival of Youth takes place Friday, April 9 and Saturday, April 10, 2027. Friday evening (5:00 PM to 10:00 PM) is the exclusive GA+ and VIP Welcome Party featuring short food truck lines, neon roller skating, and arcade free-play. Saturday is the Main Event open to all pass holders from 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM featuring 30+ food trucks, the classic car show, video DJs, and the $1,000 costume showdown.
The Saturday Smokehouse Feast ticket ($89 Early Bird) bundles full Saturday admission with an official meal voucher for A Story Over Mac and Ribs. Pass holders receive a full BBQ ribs and artisan mac plate plus a specialty beverage. To avoid long food truck lines, Smokehouse Feast pass holders pick up their meal at an express catering pavilion on Saturday.
The $1,000 Costume Showdown takes place live on the main stage on Saturday afternoon. Categories include Best 80s Rock Icon, Best 90s Grunge/Alternative, Best Throwback Hip-Hop/Streetwear, Best Pop Star Duo, and Best 4-Person Squad. Entry is included with all admission passes, and participants can register at the Guest Info Booth upon arrival on Saturday.
Yes. Every cabinet inside our shaded Retro Arcade Tent is set to 100% free-play. No quarters, tokens, or wristband credits are required. Enjoy unlimited plays on Pac-Man, Galaga, Street Fighter II, Mortal Kombat, NBA Jam, plus vintage console battle setups for Mario Kart 64, GoldenEye, and Super Smash Bros.
Complimentary general parking is included with all admission passes in our main festival lots. For travelers driving from Houston (4.5 hrs), Austin (3.5 hrs), San Antonio (4.5 hrs), Waco (1.75 hrs), or flying into DFW International / Dallas Love Field (35 min south), partner hotel room blocks with discounted festival rates and express shuttle links will be sent directly to pass holders.
Upon initial security check-in, your digital pass is scanned and exchanged for an official tamper-evident fabric wristband valid for all 3 days. Wristbands must remain on your wrist all weekend. Re-entry is permitted every day as long as your wristband is scanned by security staff upon both exiting and re-entering the gates.
Compact low-profile lawn blankets and low-slung beach chairs (seat height under 9 inches) are welcome on the open viewing lawns. High-back folding camping chairs, large shade canopies, pop-up tents, and beach umbrellas are strictly prohibited to ensure clear stage sightlines for everyone.
The Festival of Youth is an All Ages festival welcoming throwback fans of every generation. Children 5 years of age and under enter free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Guests aged 21 and older wishing to purchase alcoholic beverages must present a valid government-issued photo ID at ID check stations to receive a 21+ wristband.
To ensure guest safety and fast entry, we enforce a clear bag policy. Approved bags include clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12x6x12 inches, small clutch purses or fanny packs no larger than 4.5x6.5 inches, and empty hydration backpacks with no more than two main pockets. All guests and bags are subject to standard security screening upon entry.
Yes. Staying hydrated is essential. Complimentary filtered water refill stations are stationed across the grounds. Guests may bring empty reusable plastic or aluminum water bottles (up to 32 oz) as well as empty hydration backpacks. Outside liquids, glass bottles, and pre-filled containers are not permitted through security.
Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside the festival grounds. Our Food Truck Village offers gourmet Texas barbecue, regional street food, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-friendly options, plus throwback snacks and drink stations. Exceptions are made for infant formula and medically necessary dietary requirements.
Yes. All food vendors, beverage bars, merchandise stands, and craft market stalls operate 100% cashless. Accepted payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, and Google Pay for fast, contactless transactions.
All activities, food vendor lineups, DJ performance times, and attraction schedules are subject to change, substitution, or adjustment at any time without prior notice. Admission passes are purchased for the complete Festival of Youth experience as a whole. The substitution or rescheduling of any single attraction, DJ, or food vendor does not entitle ticket holders to a refund, credit, or ticket exchange. All pass sales and pre-sale reservations are strictly final and non-refundable.
The Festival of Youth is a rain-or-shine event featuring extensive covered arcade tents, dining pavilions, and shaded lounge structures across the grounds. In the unlikely event of severe or hazardous weather conditions, safety personnel will issue live announcements and shelter guidance. All pass sales are final and non-refundable.
The festival grounds feature ADA-accessible pathways, dedicated elevated viewing platforms at the main tribute stage, accessible restroom facilities, and dedicated ADA parking near the primary gate. Service animals trained to assist an individual with a disability are welcome. Emotional support animals and pets are not permitted.
Smoking, vaping, and e-cigarettes are strictly prohibited throughout the entire festival grounds, that includes but does not limit: all covered tents, viewing corrals, dining areas, arcade zones, and waiting lines.
No unauthorized marketing, flyering, product sampling, unauthorized brand activations, or vending is permitted anywhere on or around the festival property. Violators will have materials confiscated and will be escorted off the premises immediately without refund.