ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 31: A general view prior to a game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Ohio State Buckeyes during the 2025 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the 90th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on December 31, 2025 in Arlington, Texas.
Stacy Revere
Getty Images
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is headed to North Texas, and millions of visitors will pour into the region for matches at AT&T Stadium in Arlington — all nine of them, more than any other host venue. While most travelers are focused on game tickets and hotel logistics, the more strategic ones are already thinking about what happens between matches.
That’s where Sundance Square comes in. Fort Worth’s 35-block downtown district sits about 35 to 45 minutes from the stadium and has a central, walkable area that still feels local. Get to know it now, and you’ll move through it confidently when World Cup crowds arrive.
The district is anchored by Sundance Square Plaza at 420 Main St., right in the heart of downtown. It marries Western heritage architecture with a lively urban energy that feels distinct from the glass-and-steel downtowns common in larger cities. If you like discovering places before they hit peak visibility, this is a smart stop.
What makes this district different
Downtown districts can blur together — chain restaurants, corporate plazas, buildings that could belong anywhere. Sundance Square doesn’t quite play by those rules. Historic brick buildings sit alongside modern restaurants and boutiques, creating a streetscape that feels layered.
At the center is Sundance Square Plaza, often called the “living room” of downtown Fort Worth. The 55,000-square-foot public space is designed for lingering, with fountains, shaded seating beneath four oversized umbrellas and a permanent performance stage. Wide sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly streets make the entire district easy to explore on foot (a major advantage during large events when traffic becomes a test of patience).
The plaza also picked up some pop culture visibility after appearing in the Paramount+ series Landman, Taylor Sheridan’s oil-industry drama starring Billy Bob Thornton and Jon Hamm, which filmed scenes here in 2024.
The dining landscape worth knowing
Sundance Square’s dining scene runs from casual to polished, with a noticeable emphasis on regional flavors. Reata delivers upscale Texas cuisine in a setting that nods to ranching heritage without feeling kitschy. Mi Cocina is a reliable go-to for Tex-Mex, while Riscky’s keeps barbecue simple and to the point, letting the meat do the talking.
One of the district’s strengths is how easy it is to move between spots. If you’d rather graze than commit to a full sit-down meal, that flexibility matters. Flying Saucer is a natural stop for craft beer fans, thanks to its rotating tap list, and outdoor seating is common throughout the area, especially welcome during Texas’ long warm seasons.
For World Cup visitors, variety is key. Match schedules don’t always line up with standard meal times, and Sundance Square offers everything from quick bites to linger-over-dinner options. Several restaurants also offer kid-friendly menus, so the district is also workable for families.
Arts and performance venues
Bass Performance Hall anchors Sundance Square’s cultural scene, hosting Broadway tours, concerts, ballet and opera throughout the year. Even if you don’t attend a performance, the building itself is worth seeing: a modern interpretation of a European opera house, framed by two 48-foot limestone angels that have become local icons.
For smaller-scale productions, Jubilee Theatre and Circle Theatre offer more intimate experiences. Art lovers should also make time for the Sid Richardson Museum, which focuses on Western art by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. Admission is always free, and the collection offers helpful context for understanding Fort Worth’s cultural identity (and why it feels different from Dallas).
Live music regularly fills the plaza, particularly on weekends. Seasonal programming brings added energy, with summer concerts and holiday events drawing locals and visitors alike.
Practical logistics
Sundance Square Plaza is generally open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weeknights and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, though individual businesses set their own hours. A quick check of the official website before you go can save you from showing up to a closed storefront.
Parking is available in several garages and surface lots throughout the district. A major perk for visitors: Sundance Square garages offer free parking after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends. On weekdays, purchases from district merchants can be validated for up to 2.5 hours.
During major events, however, skipping the car is often the smarter move. Trinity Metro buses serve the area, and Fort Worth Central Station (the hub for TEXRail and the Trinity Railway Express) sits about five blocks away at 9th and Jones streets. TEXRail runs directly to DFW International Airport, while TRE connects to Dallas. Transit is also the least stressful way to reach AT&T Stadium in Arlington on match days. Molly the Trolley links the station to Sundance Square if you’d prefer not to walk.
Accessibility is solid throughout the district, with wheelchair ramps, elevators and accessible restrooms. Flat terrain and wide sidewalks make navigation straightforward for visitors with mobility considerations.
What World Cup timing means for your visit
During the World Cup, Sundance Square’s role as a community gathering place will only intensify. Expect watch parties, large screens, food trucks and live entertainment in the plaza, along with fan zones that draw an international crowd looking to watch matches together.
Its proximity to Fort Worth Central Station makes Sundance Square a practical home base. Car-free trips to Arlington become far more realistic, and returning to the district after matches puts you in an area designed for celebration, with venues that stay active late into the evening.
For travelers staying longer, Sundance Square offers a welcome contrast to stadium environments. Its walkable scale and mix of dining, arts and public space leave room for unstructured exploration.
Planning your time effectively
A first visit to Sundance Square typically takes two to four hours — enough time to walk the district, grab a meal and get oriented. Evenings stretch longer, especially if you’re attending a performance at Bass Hall or hopping between restaurants and bars.
The district’s events calendar is worth checking ahead of time, particularly for weekend live music or seasonal celebrations. Leashed pets are welcome in outdoor areas, though individual businesses set their own policies. Outside food and drinks generally aren’t permitted in the plaza, but with this many dining options on-site, you won’t need to plan around it.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.