Brian Luenser
Every four years, Fort Worth becomes the global capital of classical piano, thanks to the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. But this year, the grand finale isn’t confined to the concert hall. It’s headed straight for the heart of the city.
On June 6 and 7, Sundance Square Plaza will transform into an open-air concert hall, community hub, and celebration stage as The Cliburn and Sundance Square team up to close out the 2025 competition with a Texas-sized public party. It’s free, it’s open to all, and yes — there will be fireworks.
Friday evening kicks things off with a watch party on a massive LED screen, broadcasting the first set of final-round concertos live from Bass Performance Hall. Three of the six finalists will take the stage alongside the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Marin Alsop, one of classical music’s most dynamic conductors. It’s bring-your-own-chair, and the Sundance bar will be pouring throughout the night.
Saturday’s lineup is even bigger. From 2 to 8 p.m., the remaining three finalists will perform, followed by the moment the world has been waiting for: the Awards Ceremony, where the 2025 medalists will be revealed. It just so happens that this lands on Sundance Square’s monthly First Saturday celebration, meaning local vendors and food trucks will be out in force. Think heirloom candles, small-batch salsa, and cold local brews — all with a soundtrack of Rachmaninoff and Ravel.
But don’t go home after the winners are announced. The Plaza will shift gears into full party mode, with live music from the high-energy Latin ensemble Havana NRG! and a very Fort Worth tradition: Mayor Mattie Parker will officially welcome the medalists as honorary citizens. Then comes the Van Cliburn-themed fireworks show, lighting up the night sky and punctuating nearly three weeks of world-class competition with a bang.
From its earliest days, the Cliburn has been about more than music — it’s been about community, culture, and the bold idea that a little city in Texas could host one of the greatest piano competitions in the world. This two-day sendoff is a love letter to that legacy, inviting the whole city to take a bow.
And best of all? It’s all free. Just bring your lawn chair and your love for music. Fort Worth will take care of the rest.
