Sundance Square
There was a time in Texas, as with the rest of the country, that towns and societies revolved around the town square. From the town square of yesteryear, cities eventually developed downtown areas which were the hub of the city’s business and entertainment life. Later, many of the residents abandoned downtown environments for the suburbs. Today, many places are seeking to revitalize their downtown and bring residents and visitors alike back to the heart of the city.
While the rest of the country has been moving back and forth from downtown, downtown Fort Worth has long been a model of what a downtown can and should be. The essence of Fort Worth is found in its own town square, known as Sundance Square.
Named after the Sundance Kid, a legendary figure in the old west, Sundance Square is one of the most popular places for nightlife and entertainment in Fort Worth for both residents and tourists alike. The square includes hotels, restaurants, residences, shopping, museums, bars, clubs, movie theaters, and various performing arts. Throughout the year Sundance Square is also home to many concerts, festivals, and other social events.
Some of the highlights of a visit to Sundance Square are below.
Shopping
Shopping Sundance square includes bookstores, western clothing, flower shops, jewelers, spas, and art galleries. Among the art galleries is the Thomas Kinkade Gallery. Mr. Kinkade is one of the country’s most collected artists and painters. His images of peaceful, light-infused paintings have made him the artist of choice for many. This particular gallery carries Mr. Kinkade’s work exclusively and possesses one of the most extensive collections, including original pieces, limited edition reproductions, and a vast collection of gift items.
Dining
The dining in Sundance Square, like all of Texas, is full of quality and diversity. From cafes and chain restaurants to Fort Worth originals, a trip to Sundance Square will make you want to come for lunch and stay for supper. One of the most famous and unique dining experiences in the square is the Reata at Sundance Square. The Reata in Fort Worth is one of only two in existence, the other making its home in Alpine, Texas. The Reata at Sundance boasts two bountiful bars, down-home indoor dining and a wide open rooftop view of beautiful downtown Fort Worth. Visit the Reata for a great steak, or just some quality western food that would have made John Wayne proud.
Hotels
One of the best things about a visit to Sundance Square is that you never really have to leave. Unlike many areas and neighborhoods, there are plenty of places to stay right where all of the entertainment and nightlife is taking place. Seven hotels are located in Sundance Square with a variety of amenities and prices. The Hilton Hotel located in Sundance Square has been in existence since 1921, though only recently as a Hilton. It is filled with history, and was in fact where President John F. Kennedy stayed the night before his assassination.
Performing Arts
The list of performing arts which take place in Sundance Square is extensive. The Bass Performance Hall houses symphonies, ballets, operas, stage productions, musicals and concerts. It is the permanent home to the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Texas Ballet Theater, Fort Worth Opera, and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. The Bass was built to resemble a class European opera house. The centerpiece of the architecture is a dome that is eighty-foot in diameter. Two 48-foot tall sculpted angles, made from Texas limestone, stand guard over the outside of the building.
Entertainment
Sundance Square has enough to keep the average person entertained for a weekend or an entire vacation. One of the most popular and nationally recognized forms of entertainment is the improvisational comedy troop Four Day Weekend. Their unique blend of audience interaction and popular humor has made them a popular attraction. Four Day Weekend performs Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. All tickets are $20.
Fort Worth, Texas
While the rest of the country has been moving back and forth from downtown, downtown Fort Worth has long been a model of what a downtown can and should be. The essence of Fort Worth is found in its own town square, known as Sundance Square.
Named after the Sundance Kid, a legendary figure in the old west, Sundance Square is one of the most popular places for nightlife and entertainment in Fort Worth for both residents and tourists alike. The square includes hotels, restaurants, residences, shopping, museums, bars, clubs, movie theaters, and various performing arts. Throughout the year Sundance Square is also home to many concerts, festivals, and other social events.
Some of the highlights of a visit to Sundance Square are below.
Shopping
Shopping Sundance square includes bookstores, western clothing, flower shops, jewelers, spas, and art galleries. Among the art galleries is the Thomas Kinkade Gallery. Mr. Kinkade is one of the country’s most collected artists and painters. His images of peaceful, light-infused paintings have made him the artist of choice for many. This particular gallery carries Mr. Kinkade’s work exclusively and possesses one of the most extensive collections, including original pieces, limited edition reproductions, and a vast collection of gift items.
Dining
The dining in Sundance Square, like all of Texas, is full of quality and diversity. From cafes and chain restaurants to Fort Worth originals, a trip to Sundance Square will make you want to come for lunch and stay for supper. One of the most famous and unique dining experiences in the square is the Reata at Sundance Square. The Reata in Fort Worth is one of only two in existence, the other making its home in Alpine, Texas. The Reata at Sundance boasts two bountiful bars, down-home indoor dining and a wide open rooftop view of beautiful downtown Fort Worth. Visit the Reata for a great steak, or just some quality western food that would have made John Wayne proud.
Hotels
One of the best things about a visit to Sundance Square is that you never really have to leave. Unlike many areas and neighborhoods, there are plenty of places to stay right where all of the entertainment and nightlife is taking place. Seven hotels are located in Sundance Square with a variety of amenities and prices. The Hilton Hotel located in Sundance Square has been in existence since 1921, though only recently as a Hilton. It is filled with history, and was in fact where President John F. Kennedy stayed the night before his assassination.
Performing Arts
The list of performing arts which take place in Sundance Square is extensive. The Bass Performance Hall houses symphonies, ballets, operas, stage productions, musicals and concerts. It is the permanent home to the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Texas Ballet Theater, Fort Worth Opera, and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. The Bass was built to resemble a class European opera house. The centerpiece of the architecture is a dome that is eighty-foot in diameter. Two 48-foot tall sculpted angles, made from Texas limestone, stand guard over the outside of the building.
Entertainment
Sundance Square has enough to keep the average person entertained for a weekend or an entire vacation. One of the most popular and nationally recognized forms of entertainment is the improvisational comedy troop Four Day Weekend. Their unique blend of audience interaction and popular humor has made them a popular attraction. Four Day Weekend performs Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. All tickets are $20.
Fort Worth, Texas
