Melissa Hennings
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. 9
Coming up at South Dallas Cultural Center
3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave.
Artist Quel Hynson is celebrating the opening reception of a new exhibition titled Coming Up. From 6 to 8 p.m., you can meet the artist, enjoy refreshments and browse the collection that explores “the curiosity, imagination, and boldness we often leave behind in the rush of adult life.” If you’re busy tomorrow night, don’t sweat it — the exhibition runs from Jan. 9 through Feb 6.
Caliente Comedy
6750 Abrams Rd. Ste. 110
You might recall an Observer story from last year that highlighted the growing, underground DIY Latino comedy scene in North Texas. Well, one of those many great shows is happening at Underdog Sports Club in Lake Highlands. Host Esperanza Moses presents a stacked lineup of local comedians ready to start your weekend with a laugh. Have you read the news lately? We need it.
Silent Book Club
Garland Central Library
If you didn’t know, book clubs are kind of having a moment right now. This 18+ meetup is kind of like your high school book club, without the assigned reading, awkwardness and pressure to have a better discussion point than the person to your left. If you prefer to start your weekend with a quiet, good read, join others for refreshments and nose-to-page relaxation from 6 to 8 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 10
A Rainbow of Music Chamber Concert
3014 Oak Lawn Ave.
Fresh off an official city approval of its viral pride flag steps, Oak Lawn United Methodist Church is putting on a show with the North Texas Symphony Orchestra. The concert, which runs from 3 to 5 p.m., promises “a rich palette of musical colors, each piece contributing its own unique voice to an uplifting and dynamic tapestry of sound.” Doesn’t get much more apropos than that.
Jetset Pilates Grand Opening
4029 Northwest Hwy.
Pilates studios are dime a dozen in Dallas, and yet it still feels like we can never have enough of them. The latest addition to the Pilates scene is Jetset, which is celebrating its grand opening in Preston Hollow with drinks, light bites and local vendors from 1 to 3 p.m.
Garden Talks at Calloway’s
Various locations
Is 2026 the year you’re determined to turn that thumb green? The experts at Calloway’s are ready to literally help you turn a new leaf with experts on site for the Garden Talks series from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Learn tips and tricks for planting, gardening and more, no matter your skill level. All Calloway’s locations in North Texas are participating.
Country and Western Dance Lessons at Round-up Saloon
3912 Cedar Springs Rd.
Depending on who you ask, learning how to line dance is an essential Texan skill. Fortunately for the rhythmically challenged, you can learn how to do the country waltz for free at the Round-Up Saloon this Saturday between 1 and 4 p.m. Everyone dances better when they’ve had a drink or two, so they say.
Sunday, Jan. 11
’70s Pop-up Market at Lakewood Brewing
2302 Executive Dr.
If your idea of Sunday’s best includes bell-bottoms and a suede fringe vest, hustle over to Lakewod Brewing’s pop-up Market. You’ll find local vendors, permanent jewelry and flash tattoos. Kinda beats the church rush at brunch and doing laundry, right?
Sunset Sessions at Green Light Social
2625 Floyd St.
If the term “Sunday scaries” sends chills down your spine, treat yourself to a little bit of respite with an evening of sounds from rotating DJs at the Ruby Room at Green Light Social. Admission is free with an RSVP, and the music runs from 4 p.m. to 2 a.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 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.
