Free Things to Do in Dallas (and Beyond) This Weekend

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 relief, especially during the holiday season. Besides, we’d never judge you (in this economy?!) for scoping out all of the ways to have a fun while staying fiscally responsible. So, we’ve put together a list of free things to do this weekend:

Friday, Nov. 21

Moonkill at Armoury D.E.
2714 Elm St.
Armoury in Deep Ellum is one of the neighborhood’s best low-key, no-fuss bars. It’s not uncommon that you can catch a free show there, and this weekm that’s headlined by Austin “horror punk” band Moonkill. Dallas’ Volume Creep and MNKR open this 21+ show, and doors open at 9:30 p.m.

7th Annual Thanksgiving Fest at Canales Furniture
Various Locations
Not only is this event free to attend, you get to leave with free stuff, too. Canales Furniture is hosting a community-forward giveaway from 6-8 p.m. by offering free turkeys and pantry goods to celebrate the season of giving. Plus, you can sip on champurrado and treat yourself to some pan dulce. Locations include Arlington, Oak Cliff, Plano, Waxahachie, Weatherford, Fort Worth and Irving. Details here.

Saturday, Nov. 22

Deep Ellum Block Party
Various venues across Deep Ellum
This one is so stacked it’s almost hard to believe it’s free. One of Dallas’ most celebrated historic arts and entertainment neighborhood will be engulfed by one big party this weekend. Deep Ellum Block Party, which held its inaugural showcase last year, returns for a festival of sorts that includes free concerts from more than 100 local musicians, a vendor market, wine walk and so much more. For more on what you can expect, read here.

Ready, Set, Read at Pan-African Connection
4466 Marsalis Ave.
One of the city’s best bookstores is hosting a special event that will provide a free lunch and book to each child in attendance from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. In a time when books are being banned across the state of Texas, an event like this seems like a necessity. Ready, Set, Read is for ages between 0-8, and parents must be in attendance. More information can be found online.

Thankful Threads Clothing Swap at Fort Worth Community Collaborative
8700 Chapin Rd., Fort Worth
Thanksgiving isn’t just for sharing food. This seasonal clothing swap allows for trading gently used clothes for the perfect fall wardrobe refresh. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. traders, local vendors and more will gather at the FWCC Closet for a Saturday made for sustainability.

Pilates at Oak Cliff Brewing
1300 S Polk St #222
It feels like you can find a Pilates Studios on every corner you turn in Dallas, but supply and demand is defied here, because none of them are particularly cheap. So, you might to jump (literally and figuratively) at any chance to score a free session. The team at Oak Cliff Pilates is hosting a free mat pilates class at 10 a.m. at Oak Cliff Brewing. All you need to bring is your mat and a good attitude. If you get thirsty afterward, you can grab a $5 beer special from OCB — we won’t judge for morning drinking, you’ll have earned it anyway.

Sunday, Nov. 23

GM Financial Parade of Lights in Downtown Fort Worth
Downtown Fort Worth – Throckmorton Street
If you need a reason to get in the holiday spirit (the early summer-like weather in November we’re fighting right now doesn’t help, we know), this is for you. More than 100 holiday-themed floats will illuminate the streets of Cowtown for the 1.5-mile parade, while the Sid Richardson Museum will host a family-friendly pre-parade celebration from 2-5 p.m. The actual parade begins at 6 p.m. on Weatherford and Throckmorton Streets. You can check out the full parade map here.

Lights at Legacy
5741 Legacy Dr., Plano
The Shops at Legacy is making clear where it stands on the debate about when you can put holiday lights up: this Sunday. From 4 – 6:30 p.m., live entertainers, mini train rides, inflatables and more will take over The Shops at Legacy East. Complimentary food and drink samples will also be on-site courtesy of the shopping center’s retailers.

2-Step Lessons at Madam Pearl’s Dancehall and Saloon
302 West Exchange Ave., Fort Worth
When in Fort Worth, do as the cowboys — or at least as the urban cowboys — do. The Fort Worth Wranglers host weekly 2-step and line dance lessons every Sunday from 6-8 p.m.

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.