Things to Do in Arts and Entertainment District
Theaters, museums and nightlife on the west end of the Riverwalk.
See top-rated activities »About the Arts and Entertainment District
The western end of the Riverwalk is Fort Lauderdale's cultural district, a compact group of theaters, museums and bars within a few blocks of the New River. Its anchor is the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which opened in 1991 on the north bank of the river. The large Au-Rene Theater hosts touring Broadway musicals, concerts and big productions, while the smaller Amaturo Theater suits plays, cabaret and chamber music. A pedestrian bridge links the theaters to the parking garage across the street, and the riverside setting makes arriving for an evening show part of the occasion.
Across Esplanade Park, the Museum of Discovery and Science is built for curious children and the adults who bring them, with hands-on science exhibits, live animal programs and an IMAX theater with one of the largest screens in the region. A short walk east, at the corner where Las Olas Boulevard begins, NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale shows modern and contemporary art and holds notable collections of William Glackens and the European CoBrA movement.
When the shows let out, the crowd moves to Himmarshee Village, the blocks of bars, restaurants and music venues along SW 2nd Street near the river and the Brightline station. It is lively late on weekends and quieter early in the week. Evening ghost tours and pub crawls work their way through these streets, and the district's restaurants make it easy to plan dinner before a performance without moving the car.
The Broward Center's busiest months are fall through spring, when the touring Broadway shows arrive, but something is on stage most weeks of the year. Buy tickets directly from the theater's own website to avoid resale markups. The museums are good choices for a hot or wet afternoon, and the riverside parks between them are pleasant for a short walk once the sun drops behind the towers.
Don’t Miss
Two main theaters on the New River with touring Broadway shows, concerts, comedy and dance through much of the year.
Hands-on science exhibits for children and families, plus a giant-screen IMAX theater.
Modern and contemporary art, with study centers for William Glackens and the CoBrA movement. Admission is free for children.
A few blocks of bars, restaurants and live-music spots between the river and the Brightline station.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in the Arts and Entertainment District
Viator
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Where do I park for the Broward Center?
The Arts and Entertainment District garage across the street from the theaters is connected to the main theater lobby by a covered walkway. Arrive early on show nights, since traffic and the garage both fill before curtain time.
Is the Arts and Entertainment District good for families?
Yes, during the day. The Museum of Discovery and Science and the riverside parks are the main draws for children, and family shows run at the Broward Center during the season. Himmarshee Village is mostly an adult nightlife area after dark.
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