The Grand Fort Worth Finale
The Cliburn is partnering with Sundance Square to announce the ultimate crescendo for the 2025 Cliburn Competition (May 21–June 7): a two-day, community celebration of classical music and the rich culture of the city of Fort Worth on June 6 and 7! The Cliburn's public Watch Party for the two final concerts and Awards Ceremony features a public simulcast broadcast in Sundance Square Plaza along with Sundance Square’s monthly First Saturday which features local market vendors and food trucks. The whole city is invited to take part in this free event, culminating with Mayor Mattie Parker welcoming our 2025 medalists as the newest honorary Fort Worthians and a Van Cliburn-themed fireworks spectacle on Saturday night!
Schedule of Events
Friday, June 6
Finals Concert Public Watch Party (6:30–10:00 p.m.)
Watch a free simulcast broadcast on our giant LED screen as three of six finalists perform concertos with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and conductor Marin Alsop in the neighboring Bass Performance Hall. The Sundance Plaza cash bar will be open throughout. Plaza seating is free and open to the public—and don't hesitate to bring your own chairs! Please note: ice chests and carry-along coolers are not allowed in the Plaza.
Saturday, June 7
Finals Concert & Awards Watch Party (2:00–8:00 p.m.)
Watch a free simulcast broadcast again on our giant LED screen in Sundance Plaza as the second set of three of six finalists perform concertos on Saturday with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and conductor Marin Alsop. Then stay for the exciting conclusion in the Plaza, as our new winners are announced and celebrated.
Plus, it’s First Saturday in the Plaza, which means a vibrant market featuring unique goods from local vendors, as well as the Sundance Plaza bar and local food trucks! Again, the entire Cliburn-Sundance Square event is free to attend.
Winners Celebration + Evening Fireworks (8:00–11:00 p.m.)
Just after the Awards Ceremony in the Bass Performance Hall, the Sundance Plaza Party begins! Enjoy live music in the Plaza performed by Havana NRG; and celebrate the 2025 Cliburn medalists—who will be introduced as the newest honorary Fort Worthians by Mayor Mattie Parker—finishing with a Van Cliburn-themed fireworks spectacle.
Free to attend and open to the whole city, Sundance Plaza will be filled with Cliburn Family, from the 600 volunteers that help make the Competition possible along with our international visitors, press, arts industry professionals, and patrons.
About Sundance Square
Downtown Fort Worth has gained a reputation as one of the country’s liveliest urban settings. The 37-square-block Sundance Square entertainment district is home to restaurants, live music clubs, theatres, shops, exciting nightlife and the beautiful Bass Performance Hall, named as one of the top 10 opera houses in the world.