West 9th Street Historic District - Image 1
1 / 10

West 9th Street Historic District

4.7
·26 reviews·Little Rock, United States

Explore the legacy of Little Rock's vibrant Black business district at Taborian Hall and the historic Dreamland Ballroom.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Event days

Experience live music & history

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
West 9th Street Historic District - Image 1

West 9th Street Historic District

Best Time

Event days

Experience live music & history

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the legacy of Little Rock's vibrant Black business district at Taborian Hall and the historic Dreamland Ballroom.

4.7
(26 reviews)

"This building has a soul, and Kerry has done a fantastic job of keeping that soul alive."

Vertical photo
TIP

✨ Embrace the History

Soak in the stories of this once-thriving Black business district.

🎶 Check for Events

Dreamland Ballroom hosts performances and events; check their schedule!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dreamland Ballroom

Dreamland Ballroom

Taborian Hall

Step into a piece of history where jazz legends once played. This restored ballroom offers a vintage ambiance and a powerful connection to the past.

Instagram
Taborian Hall

Taborian Hall

West 9th Street

The sole surviving structure from Little Rock's historic Black business district, a witness to a vibrant era.

Instagram
West 9th Street's Legacy

West 9th Street's Legacy

Historic District

Discover the stories of 'The Line,' a once-thriving Black district filled with jazz, businesses, and community spirit.

Instagram
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Step Back in Time on West 9th Street

Explore the rich history of Little Rock's vibrant Black business and entertainment district. Taborian Hall and its Dreamland Ballroom are the last standing testaments to this era, offering a glimpse into a pivotal past. Plan your visit to connect with this significant heritage. Instagram

Experience the Dreamland Ballroom

This historic venue, once a hub for legendary performers, is undergoing restoration and is available for events. Its vintage charm and palpable history make it a unique destination. Check their schedule for public events or consider it for your next special occasion. Reddit

Best Times

When
Event days
Why
Experience live music & history
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Often hosts special events
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

SO PUMPED to see @Whitney Leavitt dance to Hamilton in the ballroom Tuesday Night!!
@conner.leavitt
262.2K likes • 2.3M views

✨ Embrace the History

Soak in the stories of this once-thriving Black business district. Instagram+1

🎶 Check for Events

Dreamland Ballroom hosts performances and events; check their schedule! TikTok

For everyone asking me about Whitney’s glow up😂 She is working her ass off in the ballroom and has a crazy skincare routine… and she is just naturally hot🤷🏼‍♀️
@kortneypoulson
138.8K likes • 2.1M views
In its glory days, Little Rock, Arkansas’s, West 9th Street was a vibrant, Black business and entertainment district. Today, Taborian Hall — home to Dreamland Ballroom — is the only remaining historic structure that stands to bear witness. Explore, memorialize and share West 9th Street’s history and the spirit and hard work of the people who built it with Arkansas PBS-original documentary “Dream ...
arkansas_pbs
45 likes • 949 views

💖 Support Restoration

The venue is being restored; your visit helps preserve its legacy. Reddit

📸 Vintage Vibes

Perfect spot for photos with its gorgeous vintage feel. Reddit

DREAM LAND: LITTLE ROCK'S WEST 9TH STREET (Trailer) Little Rock, Arkansas's, West 9th Street was once a vibrant, African-American business and entertainment district. Taborian Hall is the only remaining historic structure on West 9th Street and stands as a living witness of the street's former glory days. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Taborian Hall housed varied and important black businesses, ...
arkansascinema
55 likes • 984 views

Tips

from all over the internet

✨ Embrace the History

Soak in the stories of this once-thriving Black business district. Instagram+1

🎶 Check for Events

Dreamland Ballroom hosts performances and events; check their schedule! TikTok

💖 Support Restoration

The venue is being restored; your visit helps preserve its legacy. Reddit

📸 Vintage Vibes

Perfect spot for photos with its gorgeous vintage feel. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(26 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Dreamland Ballroom and Taborian Hall for their stunning vintage aesthetic and rich historical significance. Many highlight its potential as a unique event venue, particularly for weddings, commending the dedicated staff for creating memorable experiences. The palpable energy and soul of the building are frequently mentioned as key attractions. Reddit

"Such a cool and unique ballroom. I did a dance performance here and it's clear they've put some effort into restoring it. Can't wait to see what they do with it. Seems like it could be a great venue for all sorts of events."

Ethan Shoe

"Fantastic and gorgeous place to get married. We had the best wedding. We could not rave more about this place and the staff. They made our wedding easy and carefree. By far the best wedding venue in Little Rock."

Charsie Gordon

"Gorgeous venue. Love the vintage feel and look."

Amber Jones

What People Like

Gorgeous vintage feel
Rich historical significance
Great event venue

What People Dislike

Limited public access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The West 9th Street Historic District is located in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transportation options may also serve the downtown area. Instagram

Yes, the historic district is walkable, allowing you to explore the remaining structures and imagine its past vibrancy. Instagram

Visiting Taborian Hall and the Dreamland Ballroom is key. Look for any historical markers or guided tours that might be available to deepen your understanding. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The district itself is an outdoor area, so no tickets are required to walk around. However, if you plan to attend an event at the Dreamland Ballroom or Taborian Hall, you will need tickets for that specific event. TikTok

Operating hours can vary as Taborian Hall and Dreamland Ballroom are often used for private events. It's best to check their official schedule or contact them directly for information on public access or upcoming events. Reddit

Yes, the Dreamland Ballroom is a popular venue for weddings and other events. Travelers have praised it as a fantastic and gorgeous place for weddings, noting the staff made their experience easy and carefree. Reddit

While specific daily tours might not always be advertised, keep an eye out for special historical presentations or events, like the one mentioned about Dr. King, which offer insights into the area's past. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Dreamland Ballroom itself, with its vintage feel and restored interiors, is a prime spot. The exterior of Taborian Hall also offers a historic backdrop. Reddit

If you are attending an event or have booked the venue, photography is generally permitted. For casual visitors, it's best to inquire about photography policies, especially if not attending a scheduled event. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While West 9th Street is primarily a historic district focused on its past, families can introduce children to the importance of historical preservation and Black history. Visiting Taborian Hall during a public event or a community gathering can offer a glimpse into a different era. The stories of the musicians who performed there might capture a child's imagination. InstagramReddit

Focus on the narrative of 'The Line' as a place where people gathered, businesses thrived, and music was celebrated. It's an opportunity to discuss community, entrepreneurship, and the arts in a historical context. Keep the visit engaging by highlighting the 'vintage feel' and the idea of a ballroom where famous singers once sang. Reddit

💍 Couples Planning a Wedding

The Dreamland Ballroom at Taborian Hall is frequently highlighted as an exceptional wedding venue. Couples have described it as 'fantastic and gorgeous,' with staff who ensure the day is 'easy and carefree.' Reddit Its unique vintage charm and deep historical roots offer a truly memorable backdrop for your special day. Reddit

If you're looking for a venue with character and a story to tell, this historic ballroom is a strong contender. The atmosphere is described as having a 'soul,' which can add a unique dimension to your wedding celebration. Consider it for an 'alt wedding venue' if you're seeking something beyond the conventional. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of West 9th Street: 'The Line'

West 9th Street in Little Rock, once known as 'The Line,' was a thriving hub for African-American businesses and entertainment during the early to mid-20th century. It was a place where jazz music filled the air, and Black entrepreneurs built successful enterprises, creating a vibrant cultural and economic center. This district was a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Black community during a time of segregation. Instagram+1

Today, Taborian Hall, home to the Dreamland Ballroom, stands as the last remaining historic structure from this significant era. It has hosted legendary performers like Ella Fitzgerald, B.B. King, and Ray Charles, cementing its place in music history. The venue is described as having an 'energy that has to be experienced to be believed' and a 'soul' that is being kept alive through restoration efforts. Reddit

Efforts are underway to restore and revitalize this historic area, with events like Juneteenth celebrations marking its legacy and importance. Visiting West 9th Street offers a chance to connect with this rich past and appreciate the contributions of those who built it. Instagram

Dreamland Ballroom: A Venue with Soul

The Dreamland Ballroom, located within Taborian Hall, is more than just a venue; it's a living piece of history. Visitors consistently rave about its 'gorgeous vintage feel and look,' making it a standout location for events and experiences. Reddit The ballroom has undergone restoration, with guests noting the effort put into bringing it back to its former glory. Reddit

This historic space has been lauded as a 'fantastic and gorgeous place to get married,' with couples highlighting the staff's ability to make their wedding 'easy and carefree.' Reddit Beyond weddings, it's recognized as a potential venue for 'all sorts of events,' suggesting its versatility. The palpable history and unique ambiance contribute to an unforgettable experience for both performers and attendees. TikTokReddit

Attending an event here or even just visiting offers a chance to feel the 'energy' and connect with the 'soul' of this historic building. It's a place where past and present converge, offering a unique glimpse into Little Rock's cultural heritage. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2