5 Free & Cheap Culture Events This Week

If it feels like there’s been a bit of a lull in events across the city, it’s because there has been. Summertime doldrums are a real thing, and not only because it’s too damn hot to do anything but lie in a cold bath. You might think that there’s just nothing going on in the city — who would even want to go anyway? — but you’d be totally wrong.

This week, you can check out five interesting and engaging arts and culture events that won’t cost you a damn thing. Whether you’re interested in politics, live music, cycling or fashion, there’s something here that will get you out of the house and into the world. Or, you know, you could just re-watch those episodes of The Good Wife again.

Bar Politics Episode Four: Let’s Legislate!
Wednesday, July 29
The Foundry
Free

Talking politics in bars is sort of passé, unless that’s the whole reason you’ve gathered. In this installment of Bar Politics, playwright and activist David Marquis will explain the havoc that you can expect the Texas Legislature to wreak in its upcoming 85th session, along with recapping the last 140 days of bills of all kinds. “Open carry” water gun wars, live music and, of course, that fried chicken from Chicken Scratch will be on offer, so you really have no excuse to go and make yourself a little more aware.

Decks in the Park
Thursday, July 30
Klyde Warren Park
Free

This monthly event showcases food, local music and visual art in the most interesting of ways. It isn’t often that you can hear both local and international EDM artists share an outdoor stage while kids run around and play, but that’s exactly what happens at Decks in the Park. This Thursday, you can dine from the food trucks, enjoy the sounds of DJ Sober and MSCLS, and wander through a sort of makeshift gallery of unique and interesting visual art of all kinds.

Bar Art
Texas Theatre
Thursday, July 30
Free

This grown-up version of a “kindergarten art class” is perfect for relieving all the pent-up stress of adult life, and it’s even better because you can drink while you draw. Oil and Cotton will provide arts supplies for your booze-fueled creativity, even if you’ve not progressed much beyond the stick-figures you first drew 20 years ago. Coloring and art as meditation are all the rage among stressed out yuppies, so it’s definitely worth a shot.

Runway Dallas Preview Show
The Venue At 400 North Ervay
Saturday, August 1
Free

Getting a pulse on Dallas’ independent fashion scene can be challenging, especially if you’re not really in the know. At Saturday’s Runway Dallas preview show, you can check out looks from local designers as they prepare for Dallas’ own version of fashion week. You’ll have to RSVP on Eventbrite, and you’ll want to hurry — tickets are going fast.


Explore Urban Dallas By Bicycle
Local Hub Bicycle Company (2633 Main St.)
Sunday, August 2
Free

If you’ve been wondering how to bike Dallas’ more urban areas — including Deep Ellum, downtown and The Cedars — head to this social bike ride and panel on the state of cycling hosted by Dallas Morning News reporter Robert Wilonsky. A group of local leaders and cycling enthusiasts, including Dallas’ own bicycle engineer, will lead a 10-mile social ride through Dallas, followed by a panel on Dallas’ bikeability. If you’re a dedicated cyclist, it’s a can’t-miss.