A Guide to Fort Worth for Film Production Newcomers
Howdy! Welcome to Fort Worth, the Unexpected City. We like to say this city is “the Texas you want,” the only spot in Texas—and the world—where you can see an authentic cattle drive twice a day in the Stockyards. The nation’s 12th largest city is where rich western heritage meets world-class cultural and culinary experiences. The history of the American West lives on through cattle drives, weekly rodeos and the world’s largest honky-tonk. Top it off with an ice-cold beer from a local craft brewery and a plate of some of the Lone Star State’s best barbecue.
When you’ve boot-scooted to your heart’s content, step out of your cowboy boots and into our world-class museums or award-winning downtown district. The table is set for foodies, with local and global cuisines curated by nationally recognized chefs whose innovative dishes you’ll want to write home about. Adventurous travelers will enjoy canoeing and kayaking, waterfront concerts and over 100 miles of uninterrupted hiking and biking trails along the Trinity River.
You won’t have to go far to find entertainment in this city. Fort Worth has become a hub for film and television production. Films such as Miss Juneteenth, 12 Mighty Orphans, The Old Man & The Gun and television series The Chosen, Taylor Sheridan’s 1883, Lawmen: Bass Reeves and Landman were all filmed in Fort Worth. Discover local and world-famous musicians at dozens of live music venues including Dickies Arena, voted best venue of its kind in the world by Billboard Magazine. The city hosts a wide array of sporting events from NCAA Gymnastics and USA Wrestling to PBR World Finals and the legendary Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.
We are so excited to welcome you to Fort Worth. The Fort Worth Film Commission is an active and constantly growing group of passionate filmmakers and artists who contribute to the culture and vibrancy of the city. Please feel free to reach out to the Film Commission if you have any questions about living and working in Fort Worth.
Welcome to the Unexpected City!
- Jessica Hill, Fort Worth Film Commissioner
- Taylor Hardy, Associate Film Commissioner
Fort Worth Neighborhoods & Districts
Stockyards National Historical District
Once home to cowboys, cattlemen and outlaws, today the Stockyards National Historic District is one of the most popular attractions in Texas. Day and night, visitors come to the Stockyards to get a taste of the true American West. Begin your journey on Exchange Avenue, where the weathered brick streets are lined with historic buildings, restaurants, shops, saloons and other attractions. And don’t miss the Fort Worth Herd, the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive, every day at 11:30am and 4pm!
Mule Alley is a collection of heritage brand shops, restaurants, breweries and bars. It features iconic stores and restaurants including Lucchese Bootmaker, Ariat, Provender Hall, 97 West Kitchen + Bar, Caterina’s, Cowtown Winery, Lonesome Dove, Biscuit Bar, Wrangler, Second Rodeo Brewing and many more.
Downtown Fort Worth
The city’s connected downtown has become one of the country’s most lively urban settings. Take a stroll through the Water Gardens, a calming oasis of three fountains and pools where visitors can have a quiet moment of reflection in the city’s center. The 35-block Sundance Square entertainment district, blocks from the Convention Center, is home to restaurants, live music clubs, theaters, speakeasies, unique shops and nightlife headlined by the beautiful Bass Performance Hall.
Cultural District
Five world-class museums designed by renowned architects line the park-like setting of the Cultural District, making Fort Worth the museum capital of the Southwest. You can span the entire history of art, from priceless antiquities to Impressionist milestones to modern artworks. The Kimbell Art Museum is home to an impressive permanent collection, including the only Michelangelo in the Americas. The Modern Art Museum was recognized as the best-designed building in Texas by Architectural Digest and houses more than 3,000 works of modern art. The National Cowgirl Museum is the only museum in the nation dedicated to the stories of women of the West. The Amon Carter Museum of American Art celebrates American creativity over the last 200 years. Discover other worlds at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, with a planetarium, dinosaur exhibits, special historical and cultural exhibits and a Children’s Museum Exhibit. The Cultural District is also home to the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens and the acclaimed historical theater Casa Mañana.
Near Southside
This casual, creative and close-knit community is a hub for live music venues, breweries, bars, galleries and tons of artistic endeavors all within walking distance. It also offers two of Fort Worth’s finest “restaurant rows” on Magnolia Ave. and South Main St. The neighborhood hosts cultural events like ArtsGoggle, Friday on the Green and Trinity Pride Fest, which all have the fun atmosphere of a neighborhood picnic.
Clearfork
An energetic, beautifully designed area, Clearfork is made up of 270 acres of diverse residential options, miles of riverfront access and a blend of retail, dining, entertainment and green spaces. Visit the Shops at Clearfork for luxury shopping at Nieman Marcus, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany’s and more. Take an outdoor yoga class or have brunch at one of dozens of eateries. Start your adventure on the Trinity Trails at the Trailhead at Clearfork, where you’ll also find a farmers’ market every Saturday.
Camp Bowie District
Named after a nearby World War I military training camp, much of Camp Bowie Boulevard’s history has been preserved in the buildings and the street still laid with red bricks. Just a short drive from downtown, it is home to many legendary spots in Fort Worth including bakeries, boutiques, eateries and shops. Two new hotels grace the bricks of Camp Bowie Boulevard. The Bowie House Hotel, an Auberge Resorts Collection, features western décor, a buzzing lobby bar and ranch-inspired restaurant Bricks and Horses. The Crescent Hotel offers culinary options, light-filled rooms and décor that reflect Fort Worth’s character.
University & Fort Worth Zoo
The neighborhood around Texas Christian University is a booming area for shopping, dining and attractions. Shop and dine in University Park Village, with luxury apparel shops and casual dining spots. The WestBend shopping center is a complex along the Trinity River with shops, spa services and restaurants that have great views of the river.
The Fort Worth Zoo, ranked a top zoo in the nation, has an impressive roster of over 500 species and 7,000 animals. Their habitats include Predators of Asia and Africa, Elephant Springs, African Savanna, Australian Outback, Flamingo Bay, World of Primates and Texas Wild!, which features Texas’ different regional landscapes. The Fort Worth Zoo is one of the city’s top attractions, so be sure to check it out!
West 7th & The Foundry
Across the Trinity River from downtown you’ll find West 7th and the Foundry Districts. Historic Montgomery Plaza and Artisan Circle anchor this urban village, offering high-concept and diverse dining, lively bars, breweries, night clubs, specialty retailers and unique entertainment venues. Inspiration Alley is the largest outdoor art gallery in Texas and showcases a range of styles and artists.
Texas Motor Speedway/Alliance
This growing area offers high-speed thrills at Texas Motor Speedway, shopping fun at Alliance Town Square and Tanger Outlets and an ideal golf getaway at the DFW Marriott hotel and Golf Club and Champions Circle. Known as the “Great American Speedway,” Texas Motor Speedway is one of the largest racing facilities in the nation, with seating for nearly 155,000 spectators. It’s home to the biggest high-definition screen in the world, nicknamed Big Hoss TV.
Riverside District
Northeast of downtown Fort Worth, the Riverside neighborhood is finding a vibe all its own. A living and working community, it features locally owned boutiques, flavorful restaurant options, unique entertainment venues, salons, gyms and urban housing.
East Fort Worth
Explore the dynamic blend of cultures in East Fort Worth, from the picturesque campus of Texas Wesleyan University to Gateway Park and Tandy Hills Natural Area, a 220-acre indigenous prairie. Historic Handley is a charming district and home to the Handley Wedding District, with everything you need to plan a wedding or event.
Northside
The neighborhood encompassing the Historic Stockyards is a vibrant community that honors and celebrates Hispanic culture and events for holidays like Hispanic Heritage Month and Dia de los Muertos. It is a hub for Hispanic heritage, though Latin-American culture permeates every neighborhood in Fort Worth.
Southeast & Historic Southside
The Southeast neighborhood is a dynamic blend of cultures and backgrounds that help preserve the African American contributions to Tarrant County. It is the future home of the highly anticipated National Juneteenth Museum. Visit the Lenora Rolla Heritage Center Museum, which focuses on the history of African Americans in Fort Worth and throughout Texas. The neighborhood has great restaurants, shopping and museums that educates and delights visitors.
Late Night Dining
- Buffalo Bros. – open until 2am
- Fat Shack – open until 1:30am Sunday through Wednesday, 3am Thursday through Saturday
- Tacos Taqueria – open until 11:30pm on weekdays and 12:30am on weekends
- Ol’ South Pancake House – open 24 hours a day
- Social House – open until midnight Sunday through Thursday, 2am on Friday and Saturday
- Roger’s Roundhouse – open until 2am every day
Gyms
- Westfork Fitness – Open 24 hours. 4661 White Settlement Rd. Fort Worth, TX 76114
- The Train Station – Closes 8pm on weekdays, 5pm weekends. 1900 8th Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76110
- Orange Theory Fitness – Multiple locations
- CrossFit – Multiple locations
- Anytime Fitness – Multiple locations
- 24 Hour Fitness – Multiple locations
Grocery Stores
- Central Market – 4651 West Fwy, Fort Worth, TX 76107
- Trader Joe’s – 2701 South Hulen St, Fort Worth, TX 76109
- H-E-B Alliance – 3451 Heritage Trace Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177
- Natural Grocers – 2501 W. 7th St #115, Fort Worth, TX 76107
- Tom Thumb – Multiple locations
- Kroger – Multiple locations
- Sprouts – Multiple locations
Hospitals and Urgent Care Clinics
- Baylor All Saints Medical Center – 1400 8th Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104
- JPS Hospital Urgent Care Center – 1500 South Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76104
- Medical City Fort Worth – 900 8th Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104
- Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital – 1301 Pennsylvania Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104
- CityDoc Urgent Care – 3020 W 7th St Ste 210, Fort Worth, TX 76107
- TotalCare Emergency Room – 8501 Benbrook Blvd #103, Benbrook, TX 76126