Category Archives: Frugal Fun in Fort Worth (Cheap/Free Entertainment Ideas)

The Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine invites visitors to experience a fun outing, at the grandest hotel in the area. Thursdays through Sundays, until September 6, they will feature a variety of festive events and entertainment. 

Some of the resort’s family fun events include:

Strolling Entertainment ~ Friday to Sunday
Discover a variety of strolling entertainment throughout the hotel grounds, including magicians, balloon artists, guitar players, caricature artists, the Gold Cowboy, jugglers, Miki the Monkey, the Texas Roper, and face painters!
Dates and Times: 
Friday, 4:00-9:30 p.m.
Saturday, 4:00-9:30 p.m.
Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location & Cost: Throughout Gaylord Texan’s indoor atriums.  FREE!

“Summer Blast” City of Grapevine Fireworks ~ Friday
Summer nights at the Gaylord Texan will sparkle with spectacular firework shows presented by the City of Grapevine. Fireworks can be viewed on top of Gaylord Texan’s garage or on their outdoor grounds.  The garage viewing area is for all ages and will have a DJ, games for kids, and food and beverage for purchase. Both local and hotel guests can attend. 
Date and Times: Family Friendly games and events, Friday 8:30-10:00 p.m., Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Location & Cost: Level 5 of the Resort Garage.  FREE!

Texan Rocks! ~ Saturday
Texas musical trio, “3 Fools on 3 Stools” will entertain visitors on top of the hotel’s large canyon rocks with their music, savvy wit, and audience interaction! All ages welcome.
Dates and Times: Saturday, 9:00-9:30 p.m.
Location & Cost:  Lone Star Atrium at Gaylord Texan. FREE!

Texas-sized Electric Train Exhibit ~ Friday to Monday
Gaylord Texan’s train exhibit, sponsored by Lionel, is sure to impress train enthusiasts of all ages!
Dates and Times: Available for viewing day and night until Sept. 6.
Location & Cost: Riverwalk Atrium at Gaylord Texan.  FREE!

Click here for directions to the Gaylord Texan Resort.

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FRUGAL WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT OPTION #3

Take an Art-FULL Trek to Dallas

Activity 1: Nasher Sculpture Center ~ Saturday Morning Free Admission for Families (Sept. 5).  The Nasher Sculpture Center presents First Saturdays for families.  Held the first Saturday of every month, this special event features free admission from 10 am to 2 pm and a fun schedule of activities for the kids.  For details, including complete schedule and directions to the Nasher, click here.

Activity 2: Saturday Morning Walking Tour Through the Dallas Arts District (Sept. 5).  Listen to experienced docents share the area’s history and architecture while strolling by the Crow Collection of Asian Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas Museum of Art, Meyerson Symphony Center, historic Belo Mansion and more. Get a close up view of the Winspear Opera House and Wyly Theatre under construction (set to open fall 2009).  Tour starts in front of the Crow Collection of Asian Art (2010 Flora Street, Dallas)  at 10:30am on Saturday (Sept. 5). RSVP by email to artsinfo@downtowndallas.org or call 214-744-6642.  Click here for more information about the Crow collection. 

Activity 3: Saturday Night In The City: Nasher Sculpture Garden Concert Series, presenting Cary Pierce.  Bring your friends, grab a blanket, and experience music in downtown Dallas’ only Garden oasis.   Concert featuring, Cary Pierce, begins at 7:30 (for more information on Cary Pierce, please click here).   Al Fresco Dining options include Wolfgang Puck’s signature Pizza or a reservations only dinner (Click here for dining details).  Members attend for free. For non-members, the concert is included with the cost of museum admission.

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FRUGAL WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT OPTION #4

Man of La Mancha ~ Onstage in Bedford

Based on the classic story of Don Quixote in 16th century Spain, this beautiful and uplifting musical recounts the fable of an ailing gentleman who spends his last days in the quest for “The Impossible Dream.”  A quality stage production, performed by Onstage in Bedford(voted Best Community Theatre in the DFW area by WFAA-Channel 8).

Dates and Times: September 4-5 (Fri./Sat. 8pm & Sat. 2pm)
Location & Cost:  Onstage in Bedford, 2819 Forest Ridge Drive. $12-$15.
For More Info and Tickets: 817-354-6444 or www.onstageinbedford.com.

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FRUGAL WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT OPTION #5

 Take a FREE Ride on Fort Worth’s New Molly the Trolley
~ Routes: Downtown, Sundance Square, Stockyards, and more ~ 

Don your favorite Cowboy hat and boots, and tour some of Fort Worth’s favorite locations!  Enjoy a free trolley ride around Sundance Square and other parts of downtown (or take the trip to The Stockyards for a small fee). Fort Worth’s new “Molly The Trolley” is a vintage-style streetcar and a great way to visit key sites, dining, and other locations.  

MOLLY THE TROLLEY DETAILS

What: Use the Trolley to get to Bass Hall, Fort Worth Water Gardens, the Stockyards, Convention Center, and more.  Click here for complete route details.

When: Monday-Sunday 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM  (through Nov. 28, 2009) 

Where:Park for free at Sundance Square or the parking garage next to the Bass Hall or one of the many other parking spaces close to the routes.