Courtesy of UT Dallas
Audio By Carbonatix
This list is refreshed every Thursday. Bookmark this page for weekly updates on free weekend arts and culture happenings in Dallas.
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, May 8
Dallas is Lit! Literary Fair
Several locations
Dallas is Lit! is an annual literary fair produced by the nonprofit, The Writer’s Garrett. The fair, which occurs at several venues and bookstores in Oak Cliff, hosts poets, authors and readers for open mics, poetry slams and book fairs. The event goes from May 6-9, but Friday’s offerings include a symposium on creating community through narrative works. The symposium is free.
“How to Train Your Dragon” Screening
8:45 p.m., Doubletree Ranch Park, 310 Highland Village Road, Highland Village
It often seems like at any given moment, somewhere in North Texas, there’s a free movie screening in a park. This week, “How to Train Your Dragon” will screen at Doubletree Ranch Park in Highland Village. If you’ve forgotten how underdog Hiccup bonds with the untouchable and unbelievably cute dragon, Toothless, or you’ve never known, take the trek to the ‘burbs. Don’t forget your lawn chairs, plus there‘s free popcorn.
Saturday, May 9
Folklorico Festival of Dallas
6-9 p.m., Latino Cultural Center, 2600 Live Oak St.
The Latino Cultural Center is celebrating all of May. This weekend, they’re welcoming a variety of Latin dance troupes and instructors for a folklorico festival that also celebrates Mother’s Day. The program is presented by the Ollimpaxqui Ballet Company. The night will feature salsa, cumbia and Afro Peru dance workshops. There will also be performances from the Grupo Sumak Kawsay of Ecuador and local dance troupes. Take your mama dancing.
The Far Far Away Market – Celebrating 25 Years of “Shrek“
11 a.m.-2 p.m., Dallas Public Library – Oak Lawn Branch, 4100 Cedar Springs Road
You think people would stop at Shrek raves? Wrong. This celebratory Shrek-themed event advertises music, merriment and lots of green. What else might it include? We’re unsure, but if you do go, it’s impolite to arrive empty-handed, so maybe bring an onion for good measure.
Sunrise Yoga
9:15 a.m, Glen Lawn at the Village, 5605 Village Glen Drive
After a Friday night on the town, you’re gonna need a good stretch, ideally a free one to recover from the damage. There’s no hangover cure like a 9 a.m. downward-facing dog, or at the bare minimum, no system-clearing measures like hanging upside down. RSVP is recommended.
Sunday, May 10
Chess Lessons with Texas Chess Center
2 p.m., Klyde Warren Park
Chess went through a moment during the pandemic. If you were a counter-culturist and weren’t one of the millions who became really good at chess in quarantine, take the opportunity this weekend to learn from the pros. For an hour, Chess experts will be in Klyde Warren Park teaching newbies the ropes and teaching intermediate players how to never lose a game.
The Underground Market on Oram Street at Lower Greenville
11 a.m.-4 p.m., 5700 Oram St.
The underground market in Lower Greenville takes place every weekend, transforming the bustling neighborhood into a European-style outdoor market. It’s got all the makings of a good market, and there’s never been a better time to support small, local business owners. The market is free, but good luck not spending any money.
“The Trial” at Brookhaven College
3939 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch
Is your mom a big fan of theater? Spend Mother’s Day catching the local theater adaptation of Franz Kafka’s 1925 novel, “The Trial.” Admission is free, but a reservation is encouraged. If you can’t make the Sunday afternoon show, there are a couple of showings earlier in the weekend.
Mother’s Day Brunch at Community Beer Co.
3110 Commonwealth Dr.
If you’re a last-minute planner and still need a Mother’s Day move, Community Beer Co. is giving you a one-two punch. Brunch isn’t free, but you can grab your mom some free on-site flowers and enjoy a live jazz trio. She’s a mom, so surely she’ll also love a stop in the photo booth, too. The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 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 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 it to be truly free. If you’re lucky, you might run into someone like Kacey Musgraves here. But if you’re not so lucky, you might have to be the act who has to follow her.
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 post-war 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 Rodgers 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 park entertainment for Dallasites of all ages, while year-round amenities like a dog park, playground, food trucks and an 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 atop an old railway extends for 3 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, including lectures, courses and live entertainment, many of which are 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.
