Downtown Fort Worth is compact, clean and easy to walk, which makes it one of our favorite places for a night out. It’s about 15 minutes from the house. Park once and you can spend a whole evening on foot between dinner, a show and a stroll past the fountains.
Sundance Square
Sundance Square is the heart of downtown, a district of restored brick buildings, restaurants and shops. At its center, Sundance Square Plaza spans about 55,000 square feet across two blocks, with four giant shade umbrellas, a built-in stage and jetted fountains that light up at night. Admission is free, kids run through the fountains on warm days, and there’s often live music in the evenings.
Fort Worth Water Gardens
A short walk south, beside the convention center, the Fort Worth Water Gardens is a 4.3-acre park designed by architect Philip Johnson. It’s unlike anything else in the city: three pools of moving water set in concrete terraces. The most dramatic is the Active Pool, where water rushes down terraced walls into a pool far below. It’s a great stop for photos, and it’s noticeably cooler on a hot day.
Bass Performance Hall
You’ll know Bass Performance Hall by the two 48-foot limestone angels with trumpets on its front. Inside, more than 2,000 seats rise across four levels. It’s home to the Fort Worth Symphony, Texas Ballet Theater, Fort Worth Opera and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, and it hosts touring Broadway shows. If there’s something on during your stay, it’s worth booking.
Getting there from Casita
Head northwest toward downtown Fort Worth. It’s about 9 miles, around 15 minutes on a normal evening. Use one of the downtown parking garages and walk from there.
Plan your evening
Our favorite plan: an early dinner near Sundance Square, a walk to the Water Gardens while it’s still light, then a show at Bass Hall or live music on the plaza. On a summer night, the fountains and the cooler evening air make it easy to stay out late.
Make a weekend of it
The Cultural District museums are a few minutes west, and the Stockyards are about 10 minutes north for the cattle drive and the rodeo. If you’re bringing your dog, see our dog-friendly Fort Worth guide for patios nearby.
At the end of the night, the house is a short drive back. Check our dates.
Tips from the house
- Visit Sundance Square Plaza in the evening, when the fountains light up and there's often live music.
- The Water Gardens are best on foot. Wear shoes with good grip on the steps of the Active Pool.
- Book Bass Performance Hall tickets early for symphony, ballet and touring shows.
- Park once in a downtown garage and walk. Most of the highlights are within a few blocks.
Good to know
Is Sundance Square free?
Yes. Sundance Square Plaza is a free public space with fountains, shade umbrellas and frequent free live music.
Who designed the Fort Worth Water Gardens?
Architect Philip Johnson. The 4.3-acre park beside the convention center has three distinct pools, including the terraced Active Pool you can walk down into.
What performs at Bass Performance Hall?
It's home to the Fort Worth Symphony, Texas Ballet Theater, Fort Worth Opera and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, plus touring Broadway shows and concerts.
How far is downtown Fort Worth from Lake Arlington?
From our home near Lake Arlington it's about 9 miles, usually around 15 minutes by car.
Photo: Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
.jpg){kind=link}