Your Guide to Free Fun in Dallas This Weekend
With rising costs making everything pricier, finding affordable fun in Dallas can be a challenge, especially during the holiday season. Thankfully, the city and surrounding areas offer a plethora of free activities this weekend and beyond, proving you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy the best of Big D.
Dallasites are more concerned about inflation than the average American, making budget-friendly entertainment a priority. While Dallas is known for its opulent and business-minded spirit, it’s entirely possible to find fiscally responsible ways to have a great time. We’ve compiled a list of fantastic free events and ongoing attractions to help you plan an exciting and economical weekend.
Friday, November 21
Moonkill at Armoury D.E.
Head to Armoury in Deep Ellum for a free show featuring Austin horror-punk band Moonkill, with opening acts Volume Creep and MNKR. This 21+ event kicks off with doors opening at 9:30 p.m. at 2714 Elm St., offering a low-key, no-fuss night out.
7th Annual Thanksgiving Fest at Canales Furniture
Participate in a community-forward giveaway from 6-8 p.m. at various Canales Furniture locations, including Arlington, Oak Cliff, Plano, Waxahachie, Weatherford, Fort Worth, and Irving. Attendees can receive free turkeys and pantry goods, enjoy champurrado, and treat themselves to pan dulce, celebrating the season of giving.
Saturday, November 22
Deep Ellum Block Party
Deep Ellum will host its second annual Block Party across various venues, offering an incredible lineup of free concerts from over 100 local musicians. This festival-style event also features a vendor market and a wine walk, turning the historic arts and entertainment district into one massive celebration.
Ready, Set, Read at Pan-African Connection
One of Dallas’ best bookstores at 4466 Marsalis Ave. is hosting a special event for children aged 0-8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each child in attendance will receive a free lunch and a free book. Parents must accompany their children to this important event, supporting literacy in the community.
Thankful Threads Clothing Swap at Fort Worth Community Collaborative
Head to 8700 Chapin Rd., Fort Worth, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a seasonal clothing swap. This event allows you to trade gently used clothes for a fall wardrobe refresh, promoting sustainability with fellow traders and local vendors at the FWCC Closet.
Pilates at Oak Cliff Brewing
Jump at the chance for a free mat Pilates class at Oak Cliff Brewing (1300 S Polk St #222) at 10 a.m. Just bring your mat and a positive attitude. Afterwards, you can enjoy a $5 beer special from OCB, having earned it after your workout.
Sunday, November 23
GM Financial Parade of Lights in Downtown Fort Worth
Get into the holiday spirit with over 100 illuminated holiday-themed floats parading through Downtown Fort Worth. The 1.5-mile parade begins at 6 p.m. on Weatherford and Throckmorton Streets. A family-friendly pre-parade celebration will also be hosted by the Sid Richardson Museum from 2-5 p.m.
Lights at Legacy
The Shops at Legacy East in Plano (5741 Legacy Dr.) are kicking off the holiday season from 4 – 6:30 p.m. Enjoy live entertainers, mini train rides, inflatables, and complimentary food and drink samples from the shopping center’s retailers.
2-Step Lessons at Madam Pearl’s Dancehall and Saloon
Experience Fort Worth’s cowboy culture with weekly 2-step and line dance lessons hosted by the Fort Worth Wranglers. Head to 302 West Exchange Ave., Fort Worth, any Sunday from 6-8 p.m. for free lessons and a taste of Texas tradition.
Ongoing Free Fun in Dallas
Beyond this weekend’s special events, Dallas offers numerous attractions that are free to enjoy any day of the week.
Dealey Plaza Historic District
Explore the significant site of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination at 4000 Main St. Walk across the infamous “grassy knoll” and observe the former Texas School Book Depository. It’s a sobering yet important historical experience, conveniently located in a public area.
Karaoke at Round Up Saloon
For a dose of free entertainment seven days a week, head to Round Up Saloon at 3912 Cedar Springs Rd. This Oak Lawn favorite, recognized for its karaoke, charges a cover from 10 p.m. to midnight Friday through Sunday, so plan accordingly to enjoy it completely free.
Dallas Museum of Art (DMA)
Dallas’ premier art museum at 1717 N. Harwood St. offers free entry to several long-term exhibitions, including the Keir Collection of Islamic Art and postwar and contemporary art galleries. The entire museum is also open to the public for free on the first Sunday of every month.
Klyde Warren Park
Known as “The Town Square of Dallas,” this 5.4-acre green space at 2012 Woodall Rogers Freeway is always bustling. Enjoy year-round amenities like a dog park, playground, food trucks, and an interactive water feature. The park frequently hosts live music, movies, parties, and holiday programming, making it a vibrant spot for all ages.
The Giant Eyeball
Snap an iconic Instagram photo with Tony Tasset’s fiberglass statue, “Eye,” located at 1601 Main St. This eye-catching public art piece is a unique and quirky photo opportunity that won’t cost you a dime.
Katy Trail
Stretching over three miles from Victory Park to Southern Methodist University, this scenic trail in Uptown is built on an old railway. It offers a shady, traffic-free path perfect for walking, jogging, or biking, passing by ample dining and shopping opportunities.
The African American Museum
Located at 3536 Grand Ave. in Fair Park, this museum houses one of the most expansive collections of African American art and artifacts in the country. Entry is generally free, and they frequently host free events, lectures, and live entertainment.
Thanks-Giving Square
Find peace and gratitude at 1627 Pacific Ave. This community space features lush green areas and a beautiful chapel adorned with stained glass. It’s a tranquil spot to reflect and appreciate the principles of gratitude and community.
John Neely Bryan Cabin
Step back in time at 600 Elm St. to see a recreation of the original home of Dallas’ founder, John Neely Bryan. Built after the 1930s flood, this historic cabin offers a glimpse into early Dallas life and is a short, free walk from Dealey Plaza.
- Are there family-friendly free events this weekend?
Yes, the Deep Ellum Block Party, Ready, Set, Read, GM Financial Parade of Lights, Lights at Legacy, and Klyde Warren Park offer great options for families. - Can I find free music events in Dallas?
Absolutely! The Deep Ellum Block Party features over 100 local musicians, Moonkill at Armoury D.E. is a free concert, and Round Up Saloon hosts free karaoke every night (check cover charge times). - Are there any free holiday-themed activities?
Yes, the 7th Annual Thanksgiving Fest at Canales Furniture, GM Financial Parade of Lights in Fort Worth, and Lights at Legacy in Plano are all fantastic free holiday events. - Where can I find free fitness activities?
Pilates at Oak Cliff Brewing offers a free mat Pilates class this Saturday, and the Katy Trail is perfect for free walking or running any day. - Are Dallas museums generally free to enter?
The Dallas Museum of Art offers free general admission, with some rotating exhibitions being ticketed. The African American Museum also generally provides free entry to its extensive collections.
Whether you’re looking for music, culture, or family fun, Dallas offers plenty of free options to keep your weekend exciting without emptying your wallet. Get out and explore the best of what Big D has to offer!
Dallas Free Fun Amid Rising Costs
