5 Totally Free Art & Culture Events This Week, Oct. 13-18

Sometimes, not much seems to be going on in Dallas. Whether that's because of our general proclivity toward staying in comfortable bubbles or a lack of good public relations, it’s easy to feel like the only thing to do is spend yet another weekend at the mall or in a bar. This week, though, you have absolutely no excuse. So many excellent events are coming this week that we couldn’t even begin to put them all in one place.

So we stuck with the stuff that even the brokest of culture connoisseurs can enjoy. This week, you can take in Dallas’ most exciting public art display of all time, enjoy art from Antarctica, and eat all the fried vegetarian fare you can handle, all without spending a single dollar on admission fees.

Artist Talk: Light of the Midnight Sun
Tuesday, October 13
Zhulong Gallery
Free

Most of us will never make it to Antartica, but artist Erika Blumenfeld spent two months studying light phenomena there as the artist-in-residence for the Interpolar Transnational Art Science Constellation, and Light of the Midnight Sun is just one part of the work she completed there. On Tuesday, the artist will discuss her subtle approach to both light work and the importance of Antarctica to a healthy planet.

Aurora Dallas
Friday, October 16
Dallas Arts District
Free

To say that we’re stoked about Aurora would be an understatement. This night-long contemporary art exhibit plans to turn the Dallas Arts District into an “urban playground,” and it sounds like it’s going to be pretty damn spectacular. On Friday night, the Dallas skyline and other assorted buildings will serve as canvases for local and international work curated by the Dallas art world’s best and brightest. You’ll probably want to Uber and avoid the downtown traffic so you can wander the buildings and explore the art totally stress-free.

Tyler-Davis Fall Block Party
Friday, October 16
Tyler Davis Arts District
Free

You’ve probably heard of the Bishop Arts District, but Dallas’ affinity for micro-neighborhoods is taken to the next level with the Tyler-Davis Arts District, a much more well-defined boundary for this (still) up-and-coming artsy neighborhood. Celebrate the food, art, music and culture that surrounds the Tyler Davis District with some of its best tenants, including Joy Macarons, The Wild Detectives and Spinster Records. Shop the sidewalk sales, pop into the small businesses, take in a few shows and revel in the fact that Dallas has an awesome place like this.

Texas Veggie Fair
Saturday, September 17
Reverchon Park
Free

Despite the addition of a veggie dog to the Fletcher’s menu this year, vegetarians don’t get much love at the Texas State Fair, and vegans even less. That’s exactly why the Texas Veggie Fair has been around since 2011, bringing delicious (often fried) foods to folks who don’t consume animal products. Now it’s blossomed into a full-on celebration of plant-based lifestyles, ranging from chef demonstrations and speakers to music and vendors. Even if you’re the carnivorous type, there’s plenty to love here — and you might just (accidentally) eat something healthy.

Poetry Under the Stars
Sunday, October 18
Klyde Warren Park
Free

Spoken word is easily one of the most accessible and enjoyable ways to enter the world of poetry, especially when you’re enjoying a really excellent slam poet. This weekend, both newbies and seasoned slam lovers can take in the genre under the stars at Klyde Warren Park thanks to Dallas Poetry Slam. This free reading will feature some of Dallas’ best slam poets, including members of the 2015 Dallas Slam Team.