With its rich history rooted in twentieth century industry, the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center provides an incredible venue where the building’s industrial past meets the elegance of contemporary art and life in our centerpiece open plan ballroom and exhibition space, Festival Hall.

Remodeled in 2017 and at 5,000 square feet, Festival Hall not only provides your party or group with flexible layout styles to fit your event’s needs, but also boasts customized lighting, built-in sound and video, and a stage, allowing your vision to come to life. Your guests will enjoy the curated, contemporary art hung on its walls, as well as Festival Hall’s soaring ceilings, ample natural lighting, and original industrial hardware, all of which come together to create an enchanting and engaging atmosphere.

We also offer two smaller rooms to rent: Our East Craft Room and Dance Studio. Please inquire specifically in the form below for these spaces.

The PAAC is a unique, creative, and versatile location, making it a popular choice for residents, businesses, and organizations throughout North Texas and beyond. We pride ourselves on convenience and flexibility, with some of the most reasonable rates around. Plus, when you host your event at the PAAC, your money stays local and helps to support the local arts scene and helps keep our doors open for artists, exhibits, workshops and classes, and family programming.

Rates vary according to non-profit and private use; proof of 501(c)(3) or other qualifying status may be required. Discounts on Rentals are available for GDAC members at the Advocate/Organization tier and higher.

The paac’s History

Built in 1929, this registered historic building was originally the city’s first steam power plant. First renovated to serve as the Center for the Visual Arts in 1984, the PAAC now offers two large galleries, an art studio, dance rehearsal hall, outdoor sculptures, two adjacent public parks, and ample free parking. Renovated once more in 2017 and now dubbed the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center, the PAAC is truly the arts engine of Denton and houses the Greater Denton Arts Council whose mission it is to be a catalyst for creativity, advocacy, and collaboration. Here, we celebrate the arts, inspire creativity, and engage the community.

This historic, iconic building is just 3 blocks from Denton’s Courthouse Square and serves as an anchor for the east end of the Original Denton District (ODD), a cultural district designated by the Texas Commission on the Arts in 2019