5 Free & Cheap Events This Week

As important as it is to support the local arts scene, it’s also important that you have a damn good time while doing it. If you’re still working out whether you’re more into experimental theater or visual art, it can be difficult to drop a bunch of cash on something that you’re not sure will actually be enjoyable. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to take in some of Dallas’ most interesting art, film, and theater without spending more than $10.

This week, you can experience a pretty impressively diverse selection of arts & culture events without spending a dime at all. With film, theater, live music, and plenty of booze, there’s something here to suit even the most confused of the culturally curious.

Shakespeare At The Bar: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The Wild Detectives
Monday, June 29, 2015
Free

Even if you’re not a real fan of Billy Shakes, one has to appreciate the idea of performing his older-than-dirt work in one of the city’s most interesting bar patios. Shakespeare At The Bar’s first installment at The Wild Detectives was a smash, and you can bet that this week’s show will be equally entertaining. Be warned: this event sold-out quickly, but you might be able to snag some no-show’s ticket starting at about 8:30 p.m.. If you miss this week’s event, try again next week when Shakespeare At The Bar moves to Community Beer Company for a special performance.

U.S. vs. Germany Watching Party
Granada Theater
Tuesday, June 30
Free

Normally, we would never encourage that you do any kind of watching of sports, but the U.S. women’s World Cup team could certainly use your support. On Tuesday, Granada Theater will host an FC Dallas-sponsored viewing party for the U.S. team’s semifinal match against Germany. After making it out of the “group of death,” the women’s team could be headed for a World Cup victory, and as an American, it’s your duty to use all your patriotism and eagle power to propel them to victory. USA! USA! USA!

Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten Screening
Texas Theatre
Thursday, July 2
$10

You probably aren’t particularly familar with Cambodian rock music from the 1950s and 1960s, but this film convincingly makes the case that you absolutely should be. Making its Dallas premiere at the Texas Theatre, Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten details the rich and colorful history of Cambodian rock, which took “western rock and roll and stood it on its head” as the Khmer Rouge brutally stamped out western influence. The film has garnered rave reviews from critics across the country, and will certainly expand your horizons.

Henderson Ave Block Party
McMillan at Henderson Ave
Friday, July 3
Free

It doesn’t exactly count as cultural enrichment, but there is plenty of anthropological study to be done of your fellow Dallasites at the 3rd annual Henderson Ave Block Party. The brainchild of Beauty Bar, Barcadia, and High Fives, the Henderson Ave Block Party celebrates all there is to love about this part of east Dallas, particularly the booze. Cocktails and jello shots are on special all day, and you can even do a little swimmin’ in Barcadia’s redneck pool. If that doesn’t appeal, you should still show up for a free day of live music at these three venues. 

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Bath House Cultural Center
Friday, July 3
Free

If you need a little post-modern apocalyptic art in your life, this exhibit at the Bath House Cultural Center is right up your morbid little alley. The exhibition, featuring artists from a variety of disciplines from performance art to painting, will focus on “constructions of identity in an imagined post-apocalyptic cultural landscape.” So, sort of like going to see the new Mad Max, but better for your brain.