Fort Worth, Texas, host city for the 2026 SFMA Conference and Exhibition, is known for its hospitality and a dozen remarkable districts chock full of cultural experiences. The historic Fort Worth Stockyards feature the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive; Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky-tonk; and Mule Alley with restaurants, retail and the Hotel Drover. Downtown offers a variety of shopping, dining, live music and theater along the 37-block Sundance Square entertainment district. Enjoy world-class museums in the Cultural District, as well as a stunning Botanic Garden and award-winning Fort Worth Zoo, nearby. The following is an overview of things to see and do while in Fort Worth for the SFMA Conference.
Just steps from the Fort Worth Convention Center, the Water Gardens are a celebrated urban Texas masterpiece by architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee. With bold geometry, lush landscaping and captivating water features, this iconic destination offers a one-of-a-kind sensory journey. Wander by the Quiet Pool, where still waters invite calm and contemplation. Enjoy the playful fountains of the Aerating Pool, with its rising shapes and soothing currents. The Gardens’ centerpiece is the Active Pool, with dramatic cascades of roaring water, inspiring awe whether viewed from above or down the thrilling walkway.
See the Old West come to life with the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive. Real Texas cowhands lead a herd of legendary longhorns down East Exchange in the Stockyards at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. It’s free for all, and every detail, from the drovers’ saddles and chaps to their boots and hats, embodies authentic Texas heritage.
The Fort Worth Zoo, ranked one of the top zoos in the nation, provides an entire day of fun for any family. Visit all four great ape species in the 2.5-acre world of primates or get eye-to-eye with some of the most endangered reptiles and amphibians on the planet. With more than 500 species, including 68 endangered or threatened species, the Fort Worth Zoo offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. One of the biggest attractions is Predators of Asia & Africa, a breathtaking big cat habitat that allows visitors to get an up-close view of some of the most magnificent felines on the planet.
This is a delightful respite in the busy city. You can meander through 23 specialty gardens such as the Japanese Gardens, Rose Garden and Cactus Garden. The oldest botanic garden in Texas, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden was recently selected as one of the South’s most beautiful botanic gardens by Southern Living magazine.
For more than 25 years, the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall has been a Fort Worth icon and nationally distinguished performing arts venue. Built entirely with private funds, the Hall serves as a premier venue for national touring artists and Broadway productions, as well as a permanent home to the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Texas Ballet Theater, Fort Worth Opera, the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and the Cliburn.
The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is dedicated to extraordinary learning experiences for everyone. From engaging spaces in Innovation Studios to the Noble Planetarium where the mysteries of the cosmos unfold, exploration is what it’s all about!
This free museum offers the most diverse and extensive collection of American art in Fort Worth and includes collections featuring the Plains Indians.
The Kimbell’s permanent collection contains holdings ranging from the third millennium B.C. to the mid-20th century, and includes major works by Fra Angelico, Velazquez, Bernini, Rembrandt, Goya, Monet, Cezanne, Picasso, Mondrian and Matisse. It is also home to Michelangelo’s first known painting. The museum features special and traveling exhibits on display throughout the year.
The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is the only museum in the world dedicated to honoring trailblazing women of the American West. Its multimedia exhibits and historic photographs, papers, clothing, spurs and saddles tell the inspiring stories of remarkable women pioneers, ranchers, performers and rodeo stars.
Downtown Fort Worth is not only a great place to dine or see a show — it’s also a wonderful place to shop. Fort Worth’s Sundance Square is a multi-block downtown destination where you will find vibrant art, entertainment, dining and shopping anchored around the world-renowned Sundance Square Plaza. Stroll from shop to shop along red-brick streets and discover unique international, national and local products.
Fort Worth’s food scene reflects the city’s layered identity. You’ll find wood-fired pizza ovens, taquerías open past midnight, white-tablecloth spots focused on local ingredients, and casual kitchens specializing in world cuisines. Barbecue and Tex-Mex are still staples, but the scope is much broader, including West African and Korean restaurants, as well as no-frills diners serving up American staples.
The legacy of cattle drives and ranch cooking still shapes the menus at many old-school spots. Think chicken-fried steak, slow-cooked beans, and big breakfasts meant to last till sundown. Newer spots around Fort Worth lean into experimentation, with many places skipping the genre labels altogether. And if you’re curious about craft beers, the Fort Worth Ale Trail will keep you busy.
A watering hole for downtown revelers, Reata Restaurant features a twist on ranch style cuisine. Don’t miss the jalapeno and cheese elk sausage, tenderloin tamales and blackened buffalo rib eye. Be sure to visit the Reata rooftop for views of Sundance Square. Grace offers a comfortable-yet-modern setting, spectacular bar and outdoor terrace where guests can enjoy a seasonal cocktail like the pear martini, bacon wrapped dates, oysters and scallops. The sophisticated scene at 61 Osteria is a perfect place to enjoy Italian food with a focus on simple, seasonal ingredients.
For the seafood lover, Waters Restaurant offers southwest flavors with a cajun twist like gumbo, crab-stuffed jalapenos and Oysters Texasfeller; iL Modo is an intimate setting for traditional Italian fare; and Picchi Pacchi is a local favorite for massive pizzas, pasta, salads, calzones and sandwiches.
For barbecue lovers there is the legendary Riscky’s BBQ, serving up BBQ favorites for over 90 years. Hopscotch, a boozy snack bar in Sundance Square, features mixed and frozen drinks, wine, beer, pastries and snacks.
Little Red Wasp Kitchen + Bar offers straightforward food, beer and a full bar. For the brunch-goers, Yolk is a must-try for those looking for creative breakfasts and premium, private-label coffee.
Speaking of coffee, Sons of Liberty and Buon Giorno Coffee are great options for your morning java. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Melt Ice Creams, La’Creamian and FunkyTown Donuts & Drafts.
For a sortable database of Fort Worth restaurants, visit https://www.fortworth.com/restaurants/
Nightlife is electric in downtown Fort Worth and the Sundance Square entertainment district. Whether you want a cozy, intimate setting to listen to jazz at Scat Jazz Lounge, or to sit under the Texas stars with live music at Sundance Square Plaza, this district has it all. Catch dueling pianists at Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar. Tap into your inner bootlegger at speakeasies Thompson’s Bookstore and Curfew. Sip wine or a cocktail at one of the Omni Hotel’s bars, Whiskey & Rye and Wine Thief. Be sure to try some of Fort Worth’s craft breweries like Cowtown Brewing Co. or Flying Saucer Draught Emporium.
Learn about distilling at Acre Distilling Co., the award-winning distillery that offers tours and tastings. Hang out in Hell’s Half Acre bar, which also doubles as an event space and retail store. T&P Tavern is a pub located in the T&P train station, an authentic rail station pub with craft beer, wine, spirits and eats in a historic setting.