Fort Worth, TX, June 15, 2011—In honor of the Amon Carter Museum of American Art’s 50th Anniversary, the entire community is invited to a fun-filled, free celebration called 50 Fest on Saturday, August 13 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the museum. Outside on the plaza, guests will be treated to food, drinks and the toe-tapping music of two Austin-based bands. All ages are encouraged to join in and become a part of museum history.

“For an institution like the Amon Carter that has been a vibrant part of Fort Worth culture for five decades, throwing a party for the whole town seems a fitting tribute during our 50th year,” says Andrew Walker, director. “We invite all our neighbors to come and see our remarkable collection of American art, while enjoying a fun summer’s evening on the museum’s front porch.”

The Marshall Ford Swing Band kicks off 50 Fest. This quartet delights audiences with its upbeat western swing, guitar stylings, and vocals. They will be followed by award-winning Del Castillo, a six-man band combining eclectic Latin rock, flamenco, and blues with both Spanish and English vocals.

American picnic fare including hot dogs, chips, and dessert from Curly’s Frozen Custard, a Fort Worth favorite, will be offered to guests. In addition to refreshments, there will be hula hoops and bubbles for more outdoor fun, along with photo booths where guests can pose for a souvenir of the celebration. No anniversary party is complete without cake; visitors will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite Amon Carter–themed confection designed by local pastry chefs.

The extended gallery hours for 50 Fest (until 9 p.m.) will allow guests plenty of time to visit all their favorite Amon Carter artworks. Special art-exploration guides have been created for adults and children to use while inside the galleries, and docents will be stationed throughout the museum to enrich the experience.

For helpful information about 50 Fest parking and accessibility, please call 817.989.5030 or email visitors@cartermuseum.org. The Amon Carter Museum of American Art is celebrating its 50th Anniversary throughout 2011 with outstanding exhibitions and public programs and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday until 8 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. Admission is always free.