{"id":393578,"date":"2025-11-21T02:06:10","date_gmt":"2025-11-21T02:06:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/393578\/"},"modified":"2025-11-21T02:06:10","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T02:06:10","slug":"free-things-to-do-in-dallas-fort-worth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/393578\/","title":{"rendered":"Free Things to Do in Dallas-Fort Worth"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>You don\u2019t need us to tell you that everything is more expensive these days: Groceries. Housing. Even <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasobserver.com\/food-drink\/state-fair-of-texas-vendors-walloped-with-higher-prices-in-2025-40602893\/\">the State Fair of Texas<\/a>. And because this is a city known for being business-minded, opulent and doing everything bigger (or at least pretending to \u2014 <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasobserver.com\/news\/how-to-speak-dallas-an-unofficial-big-d-dictionary-22698286\/\">they don\u2019t call them $30k millionaires for nothing<\/a>), it\u2019s not surprising that Dallasites are <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasobserver.com\/news\/dallas-residents-are-more-concerned-about-inflation-than-others-21901247\/\">concerned more about rising costs<\/a> than the average American.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s never a shortage of things to do around here, but sometimes your wallet needs a relief, especially during the holiday season. Besides, we\u2019d never judge you (in this economy?!) for scoping out all of the ways to have a fun while staying fiscally responsible. So, we\u2019ve put together a list of free things to do this weekend:\n<\/p>\n<p>Friday, Nov. 21<\/p>\n<p><strong>Moonkill at Armoury D.E.<\/strong><br \/>2714 Elm St.<br \/>Armoury in Deep Ellum is one of the neighborhood\u2019s best low-key, no-fuss bars. It\u2019s not uncommon that you can catch a free show there, and this weekm that\u2019s headlined by Austin \u201chorror punk\u201d band Moonkill. Dallas\u2019 Volume Creep and MNKR open this 21+ show, and <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/armouryde.com\/\">doors open at 9:30 p.m<\/a>.\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>When news happens, Dallas Observer is there \u2014 <\/strong><br \/><strong>Your support strengthens our coverage.<\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p class=\"fundraising-thermometer-body\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWe\u2019re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to you. If the\u00a0Dallas Observer\u00a0matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p><strong>7th Annual Thanksgiving Fest at Canales Furniture<\/strong><br \/>Various Locations<br \/>Not only is this event free to attend, you get to leave with free stuff, too. Canales Furniture is hosting a community-forward giveaway from 6-8 p.m. by offering free turkeys and pantry goods to celebrate the season of giving. Plus, you can sip on champurrado and treat yourself to some pan dulce. Locations include Arlington, Oak Cliff, Plano, Waxahachie, Weatherford, Fort Worth and Irving. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/o\/canales-furniture-23433976553\">Details here.<\/a>\n<\/p>\n<p>Saturday, Nov. 22<\/p>\n<p><strong>Deep Ellum Block Party<\/strong><br \/>Various venues across Deep Ellum<br \/>This one is so stacked it\u2019s almost hard to believe it\u2019s free. One of Dallas\u2019 most celebrated historic arts and entertainment neighborhood will be engulfed by one big party this weekend. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/deepellumblockparty.com\/en-usd\">Deep Ellum Block Party<\/a>, which held its inaugural showcase last year, returns for a festival of sorts that includes free concerts from more than 100 local musicians, a vendor market, wine walk and so much more. For more on what you can expect, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasobserver.com\/music\/2025-deep-ellum-block-party-concert-preview-40618467\/\">read here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ready, Set, Read at Pan-African Connection <\/strong><br \/>4466 Marsalis Ave.<br \/>One of the city\u2019s best bookstores is hosting a special event that will provide a free lunch and book to each child in attendance from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. In a time when books are being banned across the state of Texas, an event like this seems like a necessity. Ready, Set, Read is for ages between 0-8, and parents must be in attendance. More information <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toastforcharity.org\/ready-set-read\">can be found online<\/a>.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p><strong>Thankful Threads Clothing Swap at Fort Worth Community Collaborative<\/strong><br \/>8700 Chapin Rd., Fort Worth<br \/>Thanksgiving isn\u2019t just for sharing food. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/thankful-threads-fall-clothing-swap-at-fwcc-tickets-1963649850563?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">This seasonal clothing swap<\/a> allows for trading gently used clothes for the perfect fall wardrobe refresh. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. traders, local vendors and more will gather at the FWCC Closet for a Saturday made for sustainability.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pilates at Oak Cliff Brewing<\/strong><br \/>1300 S Polk St #222<br \/>It feels like you can find a Pilates Studios on every corner you turn in Dallas, but supply and demand is defied here, because none of them are particularly cheap. So, you might to jump (literally and figuratively) at any chance to score a free session. The team at Oak Cliff Pilates is hosting <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/pilates-brew-at-oak-cliff-brewing-co-tickets-1965641079382\">a free mat pilates class<\/a> at 10 a.m. at Oak Cliff Brewing. All you need to bring is your mat and a good attitude. If you get thirsty afterward, you can grab a $5 beer special from OCB \u2014 we won\u2019t judge for morning drinking, you\u2019ll have earned it anyway.<\/p>\n<p>Sunday, Nov. 23<\/p>\n<p><strong>GM Financial Parade of Lights in Downtown Fort Worth<\/strong><br \/>Downtown Fort Worth \u2013 Throckmorton Street<br \/>If you need a reason to get in the holiday spirit (the early summer-like weather in November we\u2019re fighting right now doesn\u2019t help, we know), this is for you. More than 100 holiday-themed floats will illuminate the streets of Cowtown for <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/fortworthparadeoflights.org\/parade-information\/\">the 1.5-mile parade<\/a>, while the Sid Richardson Museum will host a family-friendly pre-parade celebration from 2-5 p.m. The actual parade begins at 6 p.m. on Weatherford and Throckmorton Streets. You can check out the full <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/fortworthparadeoflights.org\/parade-information\/map\/\">parade map here<\/a>.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p><strong>Lights at Legacy<\/strong><br \/>5741 Legacy Dr., Plano<br \/>The Shops at Legacy is making clear where it stands on the debate about when you can put holiday lights up: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/lights-at-legacy-tickets-1762416508219?gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=ebps&amp;utm_campaign=PSNB_CUAL_PMK_PDO_0_US_0_BAU_0_GA05&amp;utm_term=&amp;aff=ebmkmxperformance&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21767988938&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAlfvIBhA6EiwAcErpyeoyTWna1NERjHO7kxY1pw2nVUl57NTcD3haSSD0cadstEcN3b06kBoCiTIQAvD_BwE\">this Sunday<\/a>. From 4 \u2013 6:30 p.m., live entertainers, mini train rides, inflatables and more will take over The Shops at Legacy East. Complimentary food and drink samples will also be on-site courtesy of the shopping center\u2019s retailers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2-Step Lessons at Madam Pearl\u2019s Dancehall and Saloon<\/strong><br \/>302 West Exchange Ave., Fort Worth<br \/>When in Fort Worth, do as the cowboys \u2014 or at least as the urban cowboys \u2014 do. The Fort Worth Wranglers host weekly 2-step and line dance lessons <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/social-sundays-line-dance-and-2-step-lessons-tickets-1306107335199?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">every Sunday from 6-8 p.m<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Ongoing<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dealey Plaza Historic District<\/strong><br \/>4000 Main St.<br \/>The 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy looms large over Dallas\u2019 reputation, but at least the so-called City of Hate got a solid afternoon of things to do out of it. Despite its dark history, Dealey Plaza is a public area that many Dallasites drive through every day on the way to work. At all hours of the day, visitors can walk through over the infamous \u201cgrassy knoll,\u201d stand on the spot where Kennedy was shot and observe the still-standing book depository where Lee Harvey Oswald pulled the trigger. We encourage visitors to stay mindful of both oncoming traffic and conspiracy theorists.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p><strong>Karaoke at Round Up Saloon<\/strong><br \/>3912 Cedar Springs Rd.<br \/>There\u2019s a reason we named this Oak Lawn favorite among our 2025 Best of Dallas awards for <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasobserver.com\/best-of-dallas\/2025\/arts-and-entertainment\/\">Best Karaoke Spot<\/a>: not only is it free, but it happens seven days a week. Heads up, though: Round Up Charges a cover from 10 p.m. to midnight Friday through Sunday, so get there early or make it your last stop of the night if you want to make it truly free. If you\u2019re lucky, you might rub elbows <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasobserver.com\/music\/dallas-gay-bar-gets-a-kacey-musgraves-mini-concert-at-karaoke-night-21394572\/\">with someone like Kacey Musgraves here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dallas Museum of Art<\/strong><br \/>1717 N. Harwood St.<br \/>Dallas\u2019 premier art museum is the perfect place to get lost with friends, family or a really cool date. Entry is free and includes access to several long-term exhibitions, such as the Keir Collection of Islamic Art and the postwar and contemporary art galleries. Access to some of the rotating exhibitions is ticketed, though the entire museum is open to the public on the first Sunday of every month. More information can be found on <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/dma.org\/\">the DMA\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Klyde Warren Park<\/strong><br \/>2012 Woodall Rogers Freeway<br \/>In addition to being a pleasant green space in the city\u2019s densest part, \u201cThe Town Square of Dallas\u201d is always abuzz with activity. Live music, movies, parties and holiday programming give the 5.4-acre provide entertainment for Dallasites of all ages while year-round amenities like a dog park, playground, food trucks and interactive water feature make the park a vibrant, kinetic spot to spend any day. More information can be found on <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.klydewarrenpark.org\/\">Klyde Warren Park\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Giant Eyeball<\/strong><br \/>1601 Main St.<br \/>This fiberglass statue by artist Tony Tasset, officially titled \u201cEye,\u201d is one of the most eye-catching and eye-conic spots in Dallas. Snap an Instagram photo in front of this ocular oddity and you can eye-ssentially guarantee that all eyes will be on you. Did we mention it\u2019s an eye?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Katy Trail<\/strong><br \/>Uptown<br \/>This scenic trail built on top of an old railway extends over three miles from Victory Park to the campus of Southern Methodist University. It\u2019s shady, protected from traffic and passes by ample dining and shopping. Dallas is not known for being a particularly walkable city, so the Katy Trail is your best bet to see a large chunk of the city while getting your steps in.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The African American Museum<\/strong><br \/>3536 Grand Ave.<br \/>This Fair Park museum houses one of the most expansive collections of African American art and artifacts in the country, ranging from African folk art to more contemporary pieces. There are also frequent events that include lectures, courses and live entertainment, many of which are also free of charge. More information and programming can be found on the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/aamdallas.org\/\">African American Museum\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Thanks-Giving Square<\/strong><br \/>1627 Pacific Ave.<br \/>Here\u2019s a community space we can all be thankful for. Featuring lush green spaces and a beautiful chapel adorned with stained glass, Thanks-Giving Square was founded and built on the principles of gratitude and community. Off the top of our heads, we\u2019re grateful for architecture, stained glass and gardens. We suspect you might feel the same way.<\/p>\n<p><strong>John Neely Bryan Cabin<\/strong><br \/>600 Elm St.<br \/>This wooden cabin, nestled in the heart of Downtown Dallas, is a recreation of the home of Dallas\u2019 founder, John Neely Bryan. The original cabin was built around 1841, but was swept away in a flood in the 1930s. The version that stands today was built shortly after, which still makes it old enough to be haunted (according to legend). It\u2019s a must-see for history buffs, and conveniently enough, it\u2019s a short walk from Dealey Plaza.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"You don\u2019t need us to tell you that everything is more expensive these days: Groceries. Housing. 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