5 Free Culture Events to Put Some Sunshine in Your Week

Thanks to the torrential rain over the past few weeks, many of us are experiencing some serious stir-craziness. Flash-flooding doesn’t exactly make you want to get out and enjoy the world around you, especially when you’ve got booze and a big TV at home. Fortunately (hopefully) the weather looks to be m ore cooperative this week, which means that you have no excuse to continue being a hermit.

There are plenty of eclectic and interesting arts and culture events going on this week, and you won’t even have to spend a dime to attend some of the best. We’ve rounded up five free arts, music, and food-related events that you can’t miss this weekend, but it’s going to be a little difficult figuring out how to spend your Saturday. There’s so much great stuff going on this weekend, we don’t envy you having to narrow it down to one or two. 

MSHR @ OFG.XXX
Oliver Francis Gallery
Friday, May 22
Free
When art and music collide, things are bound to get interesting. This Friday, the Oliver Francis Gallery will host MSHR, a Portland-based duo that first came together while with the Oregon Painting Society. MSHR create “sculptural synthesizers, ritualistic performances and installations,” which “place the human body into a dynamic relationship with sound and light, generating expanded sensory experiences.” If it sounds trippy, that’s because it probably is. Plan accordingly.

Old School Vinyl Hip-Hop With DJ Love
The Wild Detectives
Saturday, May 23
Free
This bookstore/coffee shop/gathering spots is easily one of our favorites. This weekend, you can indulge in an aural history of hip-hop with DJ Love while relaxing in The Wild Detectives’ beautiful backyard. DJ Love will play hip-hop throughout the decades and across genres from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m., giving you the perfect soundtrack for thumbing through a new book or enjoying a great cocktail.

Thai Culture & Food Festival
Buddhist Center of Dallas
Saturday, May 22 and Sunday, May 23
Free
Don’t believe people when they tell you that Dallas doesn’t have plenty of diverse people and the culture that goes along with it. This weekend, the Buddhist Center of Dallas will host the second-annual Thai Culture & Food Festival, a celebration of all things authentically Thai. In addition to cuisine from all four major regions of Thailand, including plenty of vegan options, the celebration will include Muay Thai demonstrations, performances from Thai dance troupes, and art.

Bradley Cruse: Chance
CentralTrak
Sunday, May 23 through June 6
Free
Bradley Cruse, a student and artist at the University of Texas at Dallas, will present the culmination of his MFA work, Chance, at CentralTrak starting on May 23. Cruse’s work in new media uses “advanced technology to detail the impact of chance on the human psyche,” and focuses on techniques used in the film and gaming industry to explore this topic. CentralTrak will host an opening reception for the exhibition on May 23.

Urban Bazaar
Community Beer Company
Saturday, May 23
Free
Shopping local is always great, but it’s even better when paired with excellent craft beer, food and live music. This weekend, Community Beer Company plays host to Urban Bazaar, a sort of flea market for hipsters. Dozens of vendors will be on hand selling their handcrafted wares, including art, skincare products, and even locally made goodies for pets. Food vendors like Steel City Pops and Texas Burrito Company will be on hand, and Community Beer Company will have plenty of suds flowing to pry open those pocketbooks.