6 minute read
ENTERTAINMENT - Shop, Dine, Play & Stay
LIGHTS CAMERA ACTION and then some
BY PATTI PARISH-KAMINSKI
WHEN IT COMES TO ENTERTAINMENT – FROM MAJOR CONCERT VENUES TO SPORTING EVENTS TO FIRST CLASS MUSEUMS AND A NEARLY 200-YEAR-OLD HISTORICAL PARK – FORT BEND’S LINE UP IS COMPARABLE TO MOST METROPOLITAN MECCAS. BUT THE BEAUTY OF ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND HISTORY IN THE BEND IS THAT RESIDENTS NEVER HAVE TO LEAVE THE COUNTY TO ENJOY THE FINEST IN BOTH FACILITIES AND OFFERINGS
It’s All About the Arts
SMART FINANCIAL CENTRE AT SUGAR LAND
The arts abound in Fort Bend with something for everyone. The 200,000 square foot Smart Financial Centre is a state-of-the-art, indoor performance venue that brings the best in live entertainment to Sugar Land. The venue contains innovative movable walls that can expand and contract to create four different seating capacities that range from an intimate setting of 1,900 seats to a maximum of 6,400. Performances range from Broadway stars to popular musical acts in all musical genres to family-friendly performances – all close to home.
THE FORT BEND BOYS CHOIR AND THE FORT BEND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Fort Bend is home to community-based arts organizations that include home grown talent, including the Fort Bend Boys Choir and the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra.
The 41-year-old Fort Bend Boys Choir has traveled the world performing for U.S. Presidents, Grammy-award winning arts – even the Pope –and their choir of young men has produced nationally recognized talent, including John Thomas Holiday, a Season 19 finalist on The Voice and renowned worldwide opera performer. The Fort Bend Boys Choir hosts performances throughout the year for the community to enjoy. Their Christmas Musicale is an annual community favorite kicking off the holiday season.
Founded in 1992, the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra has been providing a diverse array of symphony music to the community. Comprised of community musicians, the organization hosts concerts throughout the year, donates their talent to community events and serves the community through their programming, artistic partners and arts education initiatives.
SUGAR LAND CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION
A supporter and promoter of cultural, performing and visual arts, the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation is responsible for the restoration of the historic Sugar Land Auditorium where community theatre is still regularly performed. Built in 1918 by the Imperial Sugar Company, the 394-seat auditorium is an iconic community venue, and the Foundation is committed to maintaining the theatre for generations to come. Each April, the Foundation hosts the two-day Sugar Land Arts Fest bringing 100 artists, live music, food and wine to the city, and their ongoing efforts include installing art wraps featuring work by local artists on many of the traffic boxes throughout Sugar Land.
Minor League Entertainment –Major League Value
BATTER UP: SUGAR LAND SPACE COWBOYS
Built as a joint venture with the City of Sugar Land, Constellation Field is a $35 million multi-purpose facility built to Triple-A baseball standards. Built for families to enjoy, the site is host to the annual Sugar Land Holiday Lights, multiple community events and features a children’s playground complete with a carousel and a splash pad. But best of all, it is home to the Sugar Land Space Cowboys’ minor league baseball team, bringing affordable minor league baseball in a wholesome family environment to Fort Bend. Now that’s a home run!
A History Buff’s Haven
History comes alive in Fort Bend with worldclass museums and attractions appropriate for all ages. Whether your interest is pre-historic or Texas history, Fort Bend has your timeless interests covered.
THE GEORGE RANCH HISTORICAL PARK
Saddle up to experience where history comes alive at the George Ranch Historical Park. Guests can tour four historic home sites: the 1830s Jones Stock Farm, 1860s Ryon Prairie Home, 1890s Davis Victorian Mansion and 1930s George Ranch Home and Cattle Yard. Sit around the camp fire with the cowboys, see costumed interpreters, enjoy hands-on activities, witness cowboys working the cattle, including Texas Longhorns, and see blacksmithing demonstrations – learn how life was in Texas through special events hosted throughout the year at the 20,000-acre working ranch in Richmond, Texas.
THE HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE AT SUGAR LAND
From prehistoric beasts to modern life science, The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land is the only museum in Fort Bend where the mascot is a Tyrannosaurus Rex on permanent display. Guests can explore fascinating exhibitions, including the Halls of Paleontology and Technology, an Augmented Reality exhibit showcasing Sugar Land’s first residents – dinosaurs – and Dig Pit for the kiddos. The Museum hosts special exhibits and community events and is available to rent for special occasions.
FORT BEND MUSEUM
The Fort Bend Museum, located in Richmond, features exhibits highlighting the history of Fort Bend, as well as exhibits on display from community groups. The adjacent 1883 Historic Moore Home is a Texas Historic Landmark, and tours of the home are available throughout the year. The Museum hosts events throughout the year to highlight the home and Museum with one of the most popular being their Candlelight Christmas Tours in celebration of the holiday season.
SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP
If shopping is your type of entertainment, then you are in for a treat because Fort Bend has shopping opportunities in spades.
Sugar Land Town Square and First Colony Mall offer the best of both worlds: major retailers such as Dillard’s, Macy’s, JCPenney, Pottery Barn, Barnes & Noble and Dick’s Sporting Goods plus an abundance of boutique and specialty stores. The area also features a variety of restaurants, including locally owned eateries unique to the area. Sugar Land Town Square features the walkability of a shopping district complete with green space and scheduled concerts and activities for the entire family.
If shopping in a small-town environment is more your speed, Historic Downtown Richmond and Rosenberg offer several boutiques, antique shops and specialty stores perfect for a spending a leisurely day. Both districts boast unique restaurants, wine bars and bakeries, and both towns host familyfriendly events throughout the year in their Historic Districts.
