Music Hall at Fair Park – Building
#67 of 100 things to do in Dallas
Dallas, Texas is home to a true architectural and cultural gem: the Music Hall at Fair Park. This historic 3,420-seat performing arts venue has been a cornerstone of entertainment in the city since opening its doors in 1925 . From its stunning Spanish Baroque and Moorish-inspired architecture to its rich history of hosting Broadway’s biggest hits, the Music Hall offers an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.
Today, it is the proud home of Broadway Dallas (formerly Dallas Summer Musicals), which brings the best of Broadway to North Texas for more than 80 years . Whether you are a seasoned theatergoer, a parent looking for a magical first show for your children, or a tourist exploring historic Fair Park, this guide provides everything you need to know—from show schedules and tickets to parking, dining, and family activities.
The Music Hall at Fair Park was designed by the architectural firm Lang & Witchell in a beautiful Spanish Baroque style with Moorish influences . Its exterior is a sight to behold, featuring six stair towers topped with cast domes and arcade porches that overlook the historic Fair Park grounds . The venue was added to the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing building to the Texas Centennial Exposition historic district in 1986 .
Over the decades, the Music Hall has hosted iconic performances and has been home to resident companies including The Dallas Opera and Dallas Symphony Orchestra . It has undergone careful renovations over the years, including a major refurbishment in 1999 that modernized the facility while preserving its historic charm . Today, it remains a nationally recognized stage for touring Broadway productions and large-scale events .
Key Details at a Glance:
-
Full Name: Music Hall at Fair Park (originally Fair Park Auditorium)
-
Location: 909 1st Avenue, Dallas, TX 75210 (in Fair Park)
-
Seating Capacity: 3,420
-
Opened: October 10, 1925
-
Style: Spanish Baroque with Moorish influences
-
Home to: Broadway Dallas (Broadway Across America)
Hours, Box Office & Admission
Box Office Hours
The Music Hall box office is typically open Monday through Friday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM . It is also open 2 hours prior to each performance for ticket sales and will-call pickups.
Ticket Information
Tickets are sold through Broadway Dallas and can be purchased online, by phone, or in person at the box office.
| Purchase Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Season Subscriptions | Seven-show packages start at $270 . Subscribers get the best seats and exchange benefits. |
| Group Sales (10+) | Discounts available for groups of 10 or more; call 214-426-4768 or email [email protected] |
| Single Tickets | Go on sale later in the season; sign up for the Broadway Dallas newsletter for announcements |
Pro Tip: For the best seats and prices, consider becoming a season subscriber. Subscriptions for the 2026/2027 season are now on sale and offer significant savings compared to buying individual tickets .
2026/2027 Season: What’s Playing at the Music Hall?
The 2026/2027 Broadway Dallas season is one of the biggest yet, with a spectacular lineup of shows taking place primarily at the Music Hall at Fair Park . Below are the confirmed shows, dates, and venues.
| Show | Performance Dates | Venue | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Sound of Music | Sep 8 – Sep 20, 2026 | Music Hall at Fair Park | All ages, families |
| Buena Vista Social Club™ | Nov 3 – Nov 15, 2026 | Music Hall at Fair Park | Adults, music lovers |
| Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical | Nov 25 – Nov 29, 2026 | Music Hall at Fair Park | Families (Ages 5+) |
| The Phantom of the Opera | Dec 16, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 | Music Hall at Fair Park | Adults, teens, theater purists |
| Hell’s Kitchen | Feb 3 – Feb 14, 2027 | Music Hall at Fair Park | Teens, adults, Alicia Keys fans |
| Water for Elephants | Apr 13 – Apr 25, 2027 | Music Hall at Fair Park | Adults, teens (some circus scenes) |
| Death Becomes Her | May 11 – May 23, 2027 | Music Hall at Fair Park | Adults, fans of dark comedy |
| The Book of Mormon (Non-Equity) | Jun 1 – Jun 6, 2027 | Music Hall at Fair Park | Adults only (18+) – Contains explicit content |
| Harry Potter and the Cursed Child | Jun 15 – Jun 27, 2027 | Music Hall at Fair Park | Families (Ages 10+), Harry Potter fans |
| The Notebook | Jan 12 – Jan 24, 2027 | Winspear Opera House | Adults, romance fans |
| Hadestown | Mar 30 – Apr 4, 2027 | Winspear Opera House | Adults, teens |
Important Note: The Book of Mormon contains explicit language and satirical content. It is not recommended for children .
Activities for Adults & Children: A Night at the Theater
👨🖥️ For Adults: Broadway Magic & Night Out
-
See World-Class Broadway Productions
The primary attraction is the theatre itself. Adults can enjoy award-winning musicals like The Sound of Music or the breathtaking Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, known for its “large-scale stage effects and illusion” . -
Crystal Terrace Buffet
For a special pre-show experience, guests can book the Crystal Terrace buffet. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a leisurely meal before the curtain rises . -
Full Bar & Cocktails
Beverages including wine and cocktails are available for purchase at the lobby bars . This is perfect for a sophisticated date night. -
Historic Architecture
Take time before the show or during intermission to appreciate the stunning Spanish Baroque architecture, with its ornate details and grand lobbies .
👧 For Children & Families: Memorable First Shows
-
Family-Friendly Shows
The season includes perfect shows for younger audiences:-
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical – A delightful holiday tradition for children 5 and up .
-
The Sound of Music – A timeless classic that the whole family can enjoy.
-
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – Best for children 10 and older who are fans of the series .
-
-
Booster Seats
For a better view, ask an usher for a booster seat for younger guests to help them see over the seats in front . -
Kid-Friendly Concessions
The concession stands offer snacks and drinks suitable for children. -
Explore Fair Park
The theater is located in Fair Park, which is home to the Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park (0.4 miles away), a perfect pre-show activity for little ones . The African American Museum is also within walking distance (0.1 miles) .
Parking & Getting There
🚗 Parking (Free!)
The best news for visitors: Complimentary self-parking is available throughout Fair Park on a first-come, first-served basis . The park is so large that golf carts are often available to help guests get from their cars to the doors quickly .
-
Important Note: During the State Fair of Texas (late September – October), a separate fee is charged for all parking on the Fair Park grounds and surrounding lots. There is also significant traffic and parking congestion during the Fair .
Parking Tips:
-
Arrive early for the best parking spots.
-
Valet parking is available for an additional cash charge for most performances .
-
Accessible Parking: Spaces for those with disabilities are available close to the entrance.
🚆 DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit)
-
DART Rail Green Line: The Fair Park Station is a short walk from the Music Hall. The Green Line offers a direct route to the venue, bypassing traffic and parking fees .
Address for GPS: 909 1st Avenue, Dallas, TX 75210 .
Dining Options at the Music Hall
The Music Hall offers several ways to enjoy a meal before the show or during intermission.
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Crystal Terrace Buffet | A relaxed, pre-show meal available for evening performances. Book in advance for a stress-free start to your evening . |
| Upstairs Bistro | Offers casual bites, including a popular loaded baked potato with optional pulled pork or chicken . |
| Concession Stands | Located throughout the lobby, selling snacks, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks for intermission . |
Pro Tip: Plan bathroom breaks strategically—downstairs restrooms are larger and lines tend to move faster than the upstairs ones .
Accessibility
The Music Hall at Fair Park is committed to providing a comfortable experience for all patrons .
-
Wheelchair Access: The venue is accessible to patrons with mobility limitations.
-
Assisted Listening Devices: Are available upon request.
-
Service Animals: Service animals are welcome.
-
Booster Seats: Available for younger or shorter guests at the box office to improve sightlines.
Tips for Your Visit
-
Buy Tickets in Advance: Hit shows like Harry Potter and The Phantom of the Opera will likely sell out.
-
Arrive Early: Arriving early allows time to park, find your seat, and visit the restroom or bar without rushing.
-
Check the Age Guidance: Some shows like The Book of Mormon are for adults only, while The Grinch is ideal for families .
-
Dress Code: There is no formal dress code, but many patrons enjoy dressing up for a night at the theater (business casual is a safe bet).
-
Silence Your Phone: Remember to silence your phone and avoid texting during the performance to respect the performers and other audience members.
-
Explore Fair Park: The grounds are beautiful and historic. Plan some time before the show to walk around and admire the architecture and museums.
Stay Connected:
Follow Broadway Dallas and the Music Hall at Fair Park for the latest announcements, show news, and ticket information.
-
Official Website: https://broadwaydallas.org/
-
Facebook: Broadway Dallas
-
Instagram: @broadwaydallas
-
YouTube: Broadway Dallas
If you have any experience with this place, please share it with us in the comments below!