Things to Do in Denton (2025)

A cornerstone of Denton’s music scene since 2002, where song swaps and touring acts meet a loyal local crowd. Highlighted by KERA News for its role in the city’s live music ecosystem, it remains an essential night out.

Reborn from a legendary punk past, this volunteer-minded venue now hosts adventurous touring bands and local experiments. Dallas Observer chronicled its revival, and its busy 2025 calendar shows the scene is thriving.

Part beer garden, part outdoor stage, all community hub. Expect craft drafts, a resident food truck, and frequent shows under the lights—regularly cited by local media as one of the city’s go-to gathering spots.

A locals’ bar one block off the Square with 75-plus taps, hundreds of whiskeys, and a lively food-truck park out back. It’s repeatedly recognized in local best-of lists and remains a reliable first stop before a show.

Up a near-secret staircase, this intimate cocktail room mixes classics with seasonal originals. Long praised by Dallas food writers for its craft-first ethos and mellow vibe, it’s a refined counterpoint to the rowdy bar scene.

Housed in the purple Wright Opera House, this sprawling trove of used books and vinyl has been celebrated by Texas Highways and other outlets as a must-visit for bibliophiles exploring North Texas.

A bright, community-driven bookstore that hosts author talks, poetry nights, and festivals. Included in Axios Dallas’ 2025 North Texas Indie Bookstore Crawl, it’s where Denton’s literary scene mingles and browses.

A cheerful, retro candy and soda shop on the Square with a cult following for its root beer selection and oddball finds. Denton Main Street notes locals voted it Best Store on the Square—easy to see why.

An independent brewery steps from the Square pouring house beers and hosting classes, pairings, and pop-ups. Its steady 2025 event slate underscores how entwined it is with the local food-and-beer community.

Bottle shop meets taproom with community-forward festivals like Funk at the Monk and IPA showcases. Regularly listed in regional event calendars, it’s a friendly place to sample Texas beer culture in depth.

A playful, chef-driven spot for bao, bowls, and creative East-meets-Texas plates. Praised by local food writers for its inventive streak and casual energy, it’s a favorite pre-show meal near the Square.

A tiny, reservations-only institution where a sushi master with Italian training serves pristine sashimi and cult-favorite pastas. Consistently lauded by Dallas Observer and devoted regulars, it’s Denton’s white-whale dinner.