Things to Do in Fort Worth (2025)

Louis Kahn’s masterpiece with Renzo Piano’s pavilion is a pilgrimage-worthy museum. Free permanent collection, Friday live‑music happy hour, and major 2025 exhibitions. Frequently praised by Condé Nast Traveler and The New York Times for architecture and curation.

Tadao Ando’s glass‑walled Modern balances tranquil reflecting pools with adventurous programming. 2025 brings Alex Da Corte and more, with monthly public tours. Lauded by The New York Times for its architecture and collection depth.

Free, collection‑rich, and resolutely American—photography to Western masterworks. 2025 highlights include Richard Avedon at the Carter and a major American modernism show. A fixture in credible museum roundups and local arts coverage.

A subterranean, speakeasy‑style jazz club with reserved seating, two nightly sets, and ties to UNT’s vaunted jazz program. Spotlighted by Fort Worth Report and KERA in 2025 as a downtown standard‑bearer for live music.

Since 1961, this family‑run dance hall has kept Fort Worth two‑stepping. Weekly lessons, Sunday house band, and a Texas Historical Commission marker earned in 2024. Celebrated by the Fort Worth Star‑Telegram and regional music writers.

Fourth‑generation boot and saddle maker where fittings still matter. A Stockyards institution often cited by travel editors as essential to understanding local craftsmanship and style.

Thousands of Western hats and on‑site shaping by seasoned pros. Recommended by national travel writers, including features that send Stockyards visitors here to get properly fitted for the night’s rodeo or dance floor.

Family‑run since 1935, with a lush patio, two classic dinner options, and famously strong margaritas. Spotlighted by Southern Living readers as a Texas favorite and covered widely by local media; note it’s cash‑only.

Southside pitmasters serving pepper‑crusted brisket, pork belly poppers, and brisket elote. Recognized in Texas Monthly’s 2025 Top 50 and covered by Dallas Morning News; also noted by the Michelin Guide for its Tex‑Mex flair.

A nonprofit glass studio offering hands‑on workshops—glassblowing, flame working, and kiln forming—plus public demos. Active 2025 class calendar and frequent mentions in local arts coverage make this a memorable, truly local experience.

One of Texas’ largest Black‑owned independent bookstores, hosting author talks, open mics, and community gatherings. Included in the 2025 North Texas Indie Bookstore Crawl and covered by local outlets for its cultural impact.

A sleek Foundry District distillery with tours, tastings, and cocktail service, led by a Fort Worth founder. Expanded nationally in 2025 while keeping its hometown tasting room humming, as reported by craft‑spirits media and local press.