Roderick Pullum
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 more concerned 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, March 20
A Look Through History with American Girl Dolls
J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young St.
Learn about pre-colonial North America through the story of nine-year-old Kaya, or the perils of the War of 1812 with Caroline, or about the ever-present classicism with Samantha, a young, wealthy girl living in the Edwardian era or reflect on how the Great Depression impacted Kitt Kittredge. American Girl Dolls and its staple line of historical characters, paired with novel series, have been known for their historical accuracy and diversity since the first doll was released in the ’80s. This event is free.
‘Til Midnight at the Nasher
Nasher Sculpture Center, 2001 Flora St.
The Nasher Sculpture Center opens its doors until midnight for one day each month. The night isn’t just a bunch of sculptures in the dark, though; the schedule is jam-packed with activities. Local musician Remy Reilly will play original music, followed by indie band Chanpan. Then, an edited version of Everything Everywhere All At Once will be screened. The museum will serve its cafe menu crafted by Wolfgang Puck. If you’re a member, you also get two complimentary drinks. See you there.
Thin Line Film Music Festival
Various Locations in Denton
Thin Line Film Music Festival is the oldest documentary film festival in Texas. The five-day event that runs through the entire weekend is completely free. It started in 2007 and has since grown to a city-wide celebration of the arts. Across the city, dozens of artists, including national acts, will play, photographers will share their works and documentaries will premiere. Any proceeds from VIP ticket sales go directly back into the festival production, but if you wanted to go without spending a dime, you certainly could. Registration is required.
Saturday, March 21
Movies in the Park: Zootopia 2
Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway
We love free movies, can you tell? The screening is from 6 – 8 p.m in the center of Dallas. The story, told by an anthropomorphic animal police unit, tackles topics like racism, gentrification and political corruption. We have thoughts for the plotline and screening of Zootopia 3, something with million-dollar police pension debt payments. They could screen it on the side of the Lew Sterrett Justice Center. Until then, we’ll be on the lawn of Klyde Warren.
Dallas Art Book Fair
Dallas Contemporary, 161 Glass St.
This annual event is back at the Dallas Contemporary. The event features art books, zines and other visually gripping print media. We’re big fans of the Dallas Art Book Fair, such big fans that we named it the best market in the city for our Best of Dallas Awards last year. There’s also complimentary refreshments. Support local media, support local artists and especially support them when they converge.
Behind the Strings: Music Symposium
1816 Routh St.
Nonprofit music organization Swan Strings, led by Dallas music pillar Jess Garland, is hosting its inaugural community-focused event at St. Paul United Methodist Church from noon to 6 p.m. This first showcase honors rock icon Sister Rosetta Tharpe and her legacy in shaping not only Black history, but also rock ‘n’ roll and American music at large. The event promises a mix of live music, film and educational programming from featured artists like Grammy winner Kam Franklin of The Suffers, Dallas favorite Kierra Gray Thomas and more. The event is free with an RSVP.
Sunday, March 22
Tiny Casa Sundays
Tiny Victories, 604 N Tyler St.
Tiny Casa Sundays are a new bi-weekly party at the small cocktail bar tucked on Tyler Street. The night, from 6-10 p.m., will feature R&B, hip-hop, rap, house and afrobeats. It’s free with an RSVP.
Sunset Sessions at Green Light Social
2625 Floyd St.
You don’t even have to concern yourself with the “Sunday scaries” if you chase the weekend chaos with good music. That’s what we’re telling ourselves, anyway. The Ruby Room at Green Light Social presents Sunday Sessions this weekend. This weekend’s lineup includes sets from DJs Quadz, Silverman and more.
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.
