Your first Broward Center visit starts with parking, not the lobby. Here’s the verified address, arrival timing, accessibility entry, and the food and drink rules that matter before you go.
Where the Broward Center is actually located
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is at 201 Southwest 5th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. The venue is in downtown Fort Lauderdale and overlooks the New River, so this is the correct place to plan around before you look at parking or arrival routes.
Best first-step parking plan
For a first visit, the Broward Center recommends the Arts and Entertainment District Parking Garage or valet services when available. The garage is at 101 SW Fifth Avenue, on the corner of SW Fifth Avenue and SW Second Street. If you park there, the venue says garage parking can be paid by meter or through the ParkMobile app, so have a payment method ready before you arrive.
When to arrive
The Broward Center says lobby doors open one hour before performance time, and the official Guest Guide recommends arriving 45 to 60 minutes early. For a first visit, that window gives you enough time to park, walk in, and get settled without rushing.
Food and drink rules to know before you enter
Outside food and drink, including bottled water, are not allowed. The venue also says food and beverages may be consumed only in specifically designated areas, and those areas can vary by show. If you want something before the performance, the Broward Center says guests can visit concessions and the Intermezzo Lounge before a performance. Because policies can vary by event, check the official event page when you want to confirm any show-specific rules.
Accessible entry and who to contact
The accessibility page says the Skywalk Elevator in the parking garage is currently under renovation. While that work is ongoing, accessible entry is at the bottom of the driveway entrance across from the Arts & Entertainment District Parking Garage. Follow the venue’s posted accessible-entry signs and confirm the current arrangement with guest services before traveling. For help, the Broward Center lists accessibility information at accessibility@browardcenter.org, general venue assistance at 954-462-0222, accessible seating by calling 954-462-0222 and selecting option 1, and accessibility-related assistance and touch-tour reservations at 954-468-3305.
A simple first-visit plan
Start by confirming the exact performance on the official event page, then plan to arrive 45 to 60 minutes early. Park at the Arts and Entertainment District Parking Garage if you are driving, and be ready to pay by meter or ParkMobile. If you need accessible entry, use the lower driveway entrance and follow the posted accessible signs rather than relying on the garage Skywalk Elevator while it is under renovation. Once inside, get any food or drinks from the venue’s concessions or Intermezzo Lounge and keep in mind that designated consumption areas can vary by show.
- Broward Center for the Performing ArtsAccessibility Information
- Broward Center for the Performing ArtsFrequently Asked Questions
- Broward Center for the Performing ArtsGuest Guide
- Broward Center for the Performing ArtsParking
- Broward Center for the Performing ArtsThe Broward Center Welcomes Audiences of All Abilities
- Broward Center for the Performing ArtsVisit
- Broward Center for the Performing ArtsBroward Center for the Performing Arts
- Broward Center for the Performing ArtsContact Us
