Not to be bullish, but these freebie activities in Dallas are top-notch. | Photo via Dfwcre8tive/Wikicommons
You don’t need major funds to have fun in Dallas; just look at these free activities.
We promise these are more than just an aimless walk-in-the-park. Instead, we’re making sure you get your money’s worth (even though you aren’t spending it).
History
Pioneer Plaza | Before the Dallas Cowboys were playing football in Arlington, they were driving cattle across the state along the Shawnee Trail. The area that passed through Big D is now known as Pioneer Plaza and it features many of the iconic longhorns as sculptures.
For kids
Basically Beethoven | This group hosts family-friendly orchestral concerts throughout the year. It’s a local leader in getting kids connected to the music scene with free lessons.
Klyde Warren Park | From kid-friendly music nights to read aloud sessions, this 5.4-acre park offers plenty of space for all ages to have fun for free.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys | 7:20 p.m. | AT&T Stadium, Arlington | $411+ | Don’t miss the start of a new season as our Cowboys play the defending Super Bowl champions in a tough home opener.
Eagles vs. Cowboys Watch Party | 7:20-10:20 p.m. | Grandscape, The Colony | Free | If you can’t make it to the game, watch it here and enjoy food and drink discounts all evening.
Friday, Sept. 5
Queen Tribute | 6 p.m. | Legacy Food Hall | $15+ | Don’t stop us now — we’re having such a good time dancing to all of our favorite Queen songs.
M.A.D.E. Market | 6-9 p.m. | Dallas Farmers Market | Free | Stroll the farmers market under evening lights while shopping and listening to live music.
Saturday, Sept. 6
Flutter Fest | 9 a.m. | Dallas Zoo | $43+ | Purchase a general admission ticket and you’ll have access to a royal event featuring a variety of butterfly species, like the monarch.
Houseplant Fest | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Green Acres Nursery & Supply North Texas | Free | Get your hands dirty at this nature-loving event where you can pick up new plants and meet other gardeners.
Sunday, Sept. 7
Free First Sundays: Access for All | 11 a.m. | Dallas Museum of Art | Free | Explore exhibitions like “Tiffany Chung: Rise Into the Atmosphere” and “The Keir Collection of Islamic Art Gallery” at no cost.
“Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie": Meet & Greet | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Perot Museum of Nature and Science | $12+ | Gabby fans do not want to miss this meet-and-greet that promises to be purr-fect.
✨ This reimagined classic will be an awfully big adventure
Presented by Texas Ballet Theater
Pictured: Principal Dancer Andre Silva and Soloist Rieko Hatato. | Photos provided by Texas Ballet Theater, Steven Visneau
Like some children, some stories never grow old — especially with a little faith, trust, and pixie dust. Sound familiar?
“Peter Pan” flies back on stage at Winspear Opera House from Friday, Sept. 19, through Sunday, Sept. 21 with a bold new look.
This high-energy, family-friendly ballet blends classic magic with bright neons, edgy mohawks, and reimagined mischief in a charmingly colorful take on a timeless tale.
Ready to see Wendy, Peter, Tinkerbell (and more) dance across land, sea, and even air?
McKinney officials are seeking to approve a new budget that is valued at nearly $1 billion. If it passes, the budget includes a multi-million expansion for the McKinney National Airport. (WFAA)
Coming Soon
Wan Kim, the CEO of Smoothie King, is bringing a new chicken finger fast-casual concept to Dallas. “Flock & Fresh” is aiming to open by this winter. Like any good chicken shop, it will have plenty of delicious dipping sauces, like it’s specialty “Flock Sauce.” (CultureMap Dallas)
Sports
The SMU Mustangs rode their way to victory last week against East Texas A&M, and now face Baylor this Saturday, Sept. 6. They also play TCU in late September, so there are still plenty of chances to see some Texas football this month.
Biz
Something to keep an eye on... AT&T is searching Dallas’ suburbs for a new office. Reports indicate they have met with The Park at Legacy in Plano, and possibly other sites. (WFAA)
Closed
Siren Rock Brewing in Rockwall is now closed. The popular brewery opened in 2021, but owners cited costs of goods and the general economy as major reasons behind the closure. (WFAA)
Featured
If it’s too soon, we get it. Multiple reporters with connections to the Cowboys detailed the long-winding decision that led to Micah Parson’s trade from Dallas to Green Bay. (ESPN)
Biz
It’s not all bad news for Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys. Forbes released its newest NFL team valuations, and the Cowboys are still at the top, this time valued at $13 billion. (CultureMap Dallas)
Listen
Texas did not put its best foot forward when facing Ohio State last weekend. Can it be fixed? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Longhorns with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Trending
Dallas may soon experience high temperatures less than 90° this weekend — should we breakout our winter coats? Regardless of your fashion choice, we recommend getting your weather updates from WFAA’s Mariel Ruiz on X.
Real Estate
This low-maintenance rental community blends modern living with room to breathe. At Oxenfree Rowlett, residents enjoy smart layouts, private outdoor space, and amenities like a resort-style pool, pocket parks, and a vibrant community hub. Peek inside the space.*
Older Adults
Aside from megapacks and weekly coupons, did you know several retailers offer customers 55+ hefty discounts — sometimes up to 20% off? Learn about key Senior discounts and several more savings hacks older adults should know about to continue saving and building wealth at age 50+.*
When some of the big investors who backed companies like Uber and eBay before they IPO’d invest in a new company, people take note. That’s the case with Pacaso — 10,000+ everyday investors are already in. But the chance to join them ends Thursday, Sept. 18. Learn more about the opportunity.†‡*
Finance
Finance
This former Zillow exec is targeting a $1.3 trillion market
Presented by Pacaso
Austin Allison’s Pacaso has already earned $110 million+ in gross profit to date. | Image provided by Pacaso
Austin Allison sold his first company to Zillow for $120 million. Now he’s building another real estate innovator in Pacaso.
Pacaso has already made $110 million+ in gross profits to date by disrupting the $1.3 trillion vacation home market, and the same big investors that backed Uber and eBay have already invested.
But unlike Austin’s previous companies, everyday investors (like you) can invest in Pacaso as a private company. Over 10,000 individuals already have.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Happy Thursday, Dallas. There are plenty more freebies in Big D, so if we missed your favorite, send it our way and I’ll update our guide.
‡‡Finance “investment method” disclaimer: This is a paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the Nasdaq is subject to approvals. Comparisons to other companies are for informational purposes only and should not imply similar success. Under Regulation A+, a company has the ability to change its share price by up to 20%, without requalifying the offering with the SEC.
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