Melissa Hennings
Audio By Carbonatix
You don’t need us to tell you that everything is more expensive these days: Groceries. Housing. Even the State Fair of Texas. And because this is a city known for being business-minded, opulent, and doing everything bigger (or at least pretending to — they don’t call them $30k millionaires for nothing), it’s not surprising that Dallasites are more concerned about rising costs than the average American.
There’s never a shortage of things to do around here, but sometimes your wallet needs a break. Besides, we’d never judge you (in this economy?!) for scoping out all of the ways to have fun while staying fiscally responsible. So, we’ve put together a list of ways to spend your weekend without having to spend a dime:
Friday, Feb. 27
Boot Scootin’ Night
3110 Commonwealth Drive
This free show at Community Beer Company will feature country cover band 90 Proof playing all the greatest hits from the golden age of country. Expect classics from icons like Shania Twain, George Strait and Garth Brooks. Free line dance classes will also be offered on the dance floor. Reservations are recommended.
Saturday, Feb. 28
DPA Pet Vendor Market at Community Beer Company
This weekend Dallas Pets Alive is producing a market for all things pets at Community Beer Company. With offerings from local vendors, the no-kill shelter is inviting pet parents to bring their pooch for a shopping trip. Grab a beer on tap, pick up some bones and maybe make it home with another new friend. Who knows?
Get Lit: Grown-Up Book Fair
1515 Young St.
Do you miss the joy of a book fair? Craving a bit of literary nostalgia? Us too. Head to the Dallas Public Library this Saturday to relive the glory days, before you knew what a W-2 was. This book fair pairs literature with beer. Have we sold you yet?
Group Hike at Big Cedars Wilderness
8991-8999 Isom Lane
If you need an accoutabili-buddy to get your steps in, how about 15? This group hike will complete the roughly 3-mile loop, beginners welcome. The hike takes off at 10 a.m., finishing around noon. Don’t be late or you’ll fall to the back of the pack, which is usually who gets eaten by the bear first.
Sunday, March 1
Blood Orange Listening Party and Ticket Raffle
338 Jefferson Blvd.
Ahead of the March 5 concert at the Bomb Factory, Top Ten Records is hosting an album listening party for indie artist Blood Orange. The album, Essex Honey, was released to rave reviews, granting the artist the flowers he’s worked years to attain. The record shop will also be raffling tickets to the upcoming concert.
Sunset Sessions at Green Light Social
2625 Floyd St.
You don’t even have to concern yourself with the “Sunday scaries” if you chase the weekend chaos with good music. That’s what we’re telling ourselves, anyway. The Ruby Room at Green Light Social presents Sunday Sessions this weekend with DJs Wrd of Mouf, ZO and more.
Ongoing
Dealey Plaza Historic District
4000 Main St.
The 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy looms large over Dallas’ 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 over the infamous “grassy knoll,” 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.
Karaoke at Round Up Saloon
3912 Cedar Springs Rd.
There’s a reason we named this Oak Lawn favorite among our 2025 Best of Dallas awards for Best Karaoke Spot: 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’re lucky, you might rub elbows with someone like Kacey Musgraves here.
Dallas Museum of Art
1717 N. Harwood St.
Dallas’ 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 the DMA’s website.
Klyde Warren Park
2012 Woodall Rogers Freeway
In addition to being a pleasant green space in the city’s densest part, “The Town Square of Dallas” 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 Klyde Warren Park’s website.
The Giant Eyeball
1601 Main St.
This fiberglass statue by artist Tony Tasset, officially titled “Eye,” 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’s an eye?
Katy Trail
Uptown
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’s 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.
The African American Museum
3536 Grand Ave.
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 African American Museum’s website.
Thanks-Giving Square
1627 Pacific Ave.
Here’s 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’re grateful for architecture, stained glass and gardens. We suspect you might feel the same way.
John Neely Bryan Cabin
600 Elm St.
This wooden cabin, nestled in the heart of Downtown Dallas, is a recreation of the home of Dallas’ 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’s a must-see for history buffs, and conveniently enough, it’s a short walk from Dealey Plaza.
