Carter Rose
Audio By Carbonatix
You don’t need us to tell you that everything is more expensive these days: Groceries. Housing. Even the State Fair of Texas. And because this is a city known for being business-minded, opulent and doing everything bigger (or at least pretending to — they don’t call them $30k millionaires for nothing), it’s not surprising that Dallasites are concerned more about rising costs than the average American.
There’s never a shortage of things to do around here, but sometimes your wallet needs a break. Besides, we’d never judge you (in this economy?!) for scoping out all of the ways to have fun while staying fiscally responsible. So, we’ve put together a list of ways to spend your weekend without having to spend a dime:
Friday, Jan. 2
Chinese Mahjong at the Dallas Public Library, Aurelia Road Branch
10045 Audelia Road
There are two kinds of Gen Z-ers. Those who have made Brat Summer a Brat Forever, and the grandma-core twenty-somethings who spend their free time knitting and playing tile games. Both are good, but if you fall into the second group, check out the Mahjong gathering at the Dallas Public Library. The three-hour timeslot is a free event for those 18 and older who want to meet other players, hone their skills or get started in Mahjong.
First Fridays in Deep Ellum
2647 Main St.
On the first Friday of each month, Deep Ellum Plaza is converted to an evening festival with vendors, live music and general fun. This Friday marks the first First Friday of the year, making it all the more reason to join the party.
Billy Law and the Baby Boys with Lisa Smith and Ryan Berg at Ruins
2653 Commerce St.
A free concert? With three different acts? At one of our favorite cocktail lounges in the city? Headlined by one of our favorite local folk-Americana artists? Sign us up. This free, all-ages show starts at 7 p.m. and goes until the band stops swinging.
Saturday, Jan. 3
Family Crafternoon: Vision Boards at the Dallas Public Library, Grauwyler Park Branch
2146 Gilford St.
Resolutions are great if you can keep them. But if you’re looking for a more visual and flexible way to start the new year than a laundry list of goals for the family, head to the library to make a vision board. The afternoon event is designed for families and young children.
Winspear Opera House Holiday Tours
2403 Flora St.
Ever wondered what goes on behind the curtain? Well, now you can find out. The Winspear Opera House is offering backstage guided tours, free with an RSVP. Don’t stray from the guide, though, or else a shadowy figure in a mask and cape may find you.
Sunday, Jan. 4
Free Book Signings at Half Price Books
5803 E Northwest Highway
A roster of authors ranging from genres will be at the flagship Half Price Books this weekend, signing copies of their latest novels. The books, covering career growth and sales tactics, are written for the usual Dallas entrepreneur. So if that’s up your alley, this is the event for you.
Santa’s Last Stop Holiday Pop-up at the Truck Yard The Colony
5959 Grove Ln. Ste. B The Colony
This holiday pop-up will pack up and head to the North Pole on Jan. 11, so make sure to get one final shop in before they’re gone until next year. The pop-up has themed drinks, Holiday decor and more jolliness than you can possibly imagine. Stop by and take your final Christmas pictures. Or maybe get a head start on next year’s Christmas card?
Ongoing
Dealey Plaza Historic District
4000 Main St.
The 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy looms large over Dallas’ reputation, but at least the so-called City of Hate got a solid afternoon of things to do out of it. Despite its dark history, Dealey Plaza is a public area that many Dallasites drive through every day on the way to work. At all hours of the day, visitors can walk through over the infamous “grassy knoll,” stand on the spot where Kennedy was shot and observe the still-standing book depository where Lee Harvey Oswald pulled the trigger. We encourage visitors to stay mindful of both oncoming traffic and conspiracy theorists.
Karaoke at Round Up Saloon
3912 Cedar Springs Rd.
There’s a reason we named this Oak Lawn favorite among our 2025 Best of Dallas awards for Best Karaoke Spot: not only is it free, but it happens seven days a week. Heads up, though: Round Up Charges a cover from 10 p.m. to midnight Friday through Sunday, so get there early or make it your last stop of the night if you want to make it truly free. If you’re lucky, you might rub elbows with someone like Kacey Musgraves here.
Dallas Museum of Art
1717 N. Harwood St.
Dallas’ premier art museum is the perfect place to get lost with friends, family or a really cool date. Entry is free and includes access to several long-term exhibitions, such as the Keir Collection of Islamic Art and the postwar and contemporary art galleries. Access to some of the rotating exhibitions is ticketed, though the entire museum is open to the public on the first Sunday of every month. More information can be found on the DMA’s website.
Klyde Warren Park
2012 Woodall Rogers Freeway
In addition to being a pleasant green space in the city’s densest part, “The Town Square of Dallas” is always abuzz with activity. Live music, movies, parties and holiday programming give the 5.4-acre provide entertainment for Dallasites of all ages while year-round amenities like a dog park, playground, food trucks and interactive water feature make the park a vibrant, kinetic spot to spend any day. More information can be found on Klyde Warren Park’s website.
The Giant Eyeball
1601 Main St.
This fiberglass statue by artist Tony Tasset, officially titled “Eye,” is one of the most eye-catching and eye-conic spots in Dallas. Snap an Instagram photo in front of this ocular oddity and you can eye-ssentially guarantee that all eyes will be on you. Did we mention it’s an eye?
Katy Trail
Uptown
This scenic trail built on top of an old railway extends over three miles from Victory Park to the campus of Southern Methodist University. It’s shady, protected from traffic and passes by ample dining and shopping. Dallas is not known for being a particularly walkable city, so the Katy Trail is your best bet to see a large chunk of the city while getting your steps in.
The African American Museum
3536 Grand Ave.
This Fair Park museum houses one of the most expansive collections of African American art and artifacts in the country, ranging from African folk art to more contemporary pieces. There are also frequent events that include lectures, courses and live entertainment, many of which are also free of charge. More information and programming can be found on the African American Museum’s website.
Thanks-Giving Square
1627 Pacific Ave.
Here’s a community space we can all be thankful for. Featuring lush green spaces and a beautiful chapel adorned with stained glass, Thanks-Giving Square was founded and built on the principles of gratitude and community. Off the top of our heads, we’re grateful for architecture, stained glass and gardens. We suspect you might feel the same way.
John Neely Bryan Cabin
600 Elm St.
This wooden cabin, nestled in the heart of Downtown Dallas, is a recreation of the home of Dallas’ founder, John Neely Bryan. The original cabin was built around 1841, but was swept away in a flood in the 1930s. The version that stands today was built shortly after, which still makes it old enough to be haunted (according to legend). It’s a must-see for history buffs, and conveniently enough, it’s a short walk from Dealey Plaza.
