Category Archives: Stretch your Dollar!

Pssssst! Fridays, we post ideas for FREE (or really cheap) weekend entertainment for you and your family. Subscribe to our blog updates and you’ll receive this weekly weekend guide along with more budget stretching ideas and tips throughout the week!
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:: FREE 51st Annual American Paint Horse Association
…World Championship Show
…Daily, Now through November 14, 2015

Experience quintessential Fort Worth at the World Championship American Paint Horse Association Show! This year’s 51st Anniversary show and competition will feature some of the finest horses and riding talents in the country.

Details, details
What: For more information about the event, click here.
To find out more about the American Paint Horse, click here.
When: Now through November 14.
For a daily schedule of events, click here.
Where: Will Rogers Coliseum, Fort Worth

:: FREE Admission to the Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth
…Sunday, November 8, 2015

Visitors to the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth can now receive free admission to the museum’s permanent collection and exhibitions on all Sundays in 2015!

Details, details
What: Learn more about free Admission at The Modern here.
When: Sundays in 2015
Where: Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell Street
Cost: FREE!

::

:: FREE Cowtown Opry Performance at The Stockyards
…Sunday, November 8, 2015

Hear classic western music come to life as Cowtown Opry members perform a free music exhibition on the steps of the Livestock Exchange building. This live family friendly music event will take place every Sunday and will feature a different theme each week ~ Western Gospel music will be featured on the 5th Sunday of the month.

Details, Details
What: For more information, visit the Cowtown Opry website.
When: Sunday, November 8, 2015, 2:00PM.
See the complete performance schedule here.
Where: The live performance will take place on the steps of the historic Livestock Exchange building ~ 131 East Exchange Ave. in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.
Cost: FREE!

::

:: Take a FREE Cooking Technique Class at Williams-Sonoma
…And, Get 10% OFF Your In-store Purchase!
…Sunday, November 8, 2015

In this weekend’s in-store class, Williams-Sonoma will offer tips and techniques for planning and preparing an impressive Thanksgiving meal along with smart shortcuts to streamline prep on the big day, including tablesetting ideas and a timeline for the week. Trust us, it’s totally doable! Plus, if you attend this class, you can enjoy 10% OFF savings on same-day purchases from their stores.  Note: You’ll want to call to reserve your spot since class size is limited.

Details, details
What: For more information and to view the current month’s schedule for Williams-Sonoma technique classes and demonstrations, click here.
When: Sunday, November 8, 2015. Note: 1 hour class times vary from store to store, so be sure to call for exact times and date.
Where: Go here to find a Williams-Sonoma store near you.
Cost: FREE! Call your local store to RSVP.

:: FREE! Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering & Western Festival
   Friday to Sunday, October 23-25, 2015

Join the Red Steagall Cowboy gathering in the Fort Worth Stockyards to celebrate the 25th Anniversary celebration of this première celebration of the West. Weekend activities include Wagon Train and Trail Ride from Jacksboro, Ranch Rodeo, Chuck Wagon Camp and Competition, Cowboy Poetry and Cowboy Music, Fiddle Contest, Cowboy Gospel Concert, Western Swing Dances, Cowboy Church and lots more! Voted Best Gathering and Best Family Event by the readers of American Cowboy Magazine.

Details, Details
What: Get more event info at the Red Steagall website.
When: Friday to Sunday, October 23-25.
Where: Fort Worth Stockyards. Find a map & directions here.
Cost: Most outdoor street events on the schedule are FREE to the public. To get access to indoor events (like the rodeo), get tickets here  (children under 12 are FREE to everything except the Saturday night Rodeo).

::

:: FREE Fall Festival Family Events
…Daily Activities, October 24-31, 2015

Are you looking for a fun and safe way to celebrate the weekend’s fall festivities with your family? Lots of churches, schools, and businesses in the community have put together fun festivals with safe places to trick or treat and play games.

There are an abundance of choices, and we’ve put together a short list of ideas to get you started:

• Bass Pro Shops Charlie Brown Pumpkin Event ~ Daily
Grapevine Location (2501 Bass Pro Drive) • Daily, October 24-31
FREE daily events vary and include trick or treating throughout the store, kids’ costume parade, crafts, scavenger hunt, studio quality photos, and more. Get more details and a daily event schedule here.

• Fall Family Festival at Crossroads 2035 ~ Saturday
Crossroads 2035 Church in Fort Worth, 5001 South Freeway
October 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
If you are looking for a safe place to take your little ones, join Crossroads for a night of fall family fun including carnival games, candy, food, face painting, jump house, hay rides, and more fun!. More details here.

• Trunk or Treat at the Met Church ~ Sunday
Met Church in Fort Worth, 11301 Old Denton Rd
October 25, 3:00-5:30 p.m.
Bring your whole family for a great time! Trick-or-Treat while enjoying a variety of carnival games and fun family activities. There will be lots of candy, prizes and safe fun for everyone. More details here.

• Other local DFW carnivals and festivals
(lots of family friendly choices)
Pop over here for a terrific line-up of family safe, Halloween alternatives and fall festivals put on by churches, businesses and schools throughout Fort Worth, Dallas and surrounding areas throughout the next week. Thanks to radio station KLTY 94.9 for putting together this lengthy and helpful list.

:: Fort Worth Botanic’s Japanese Garden Fall Festival
    Saturday and Sunday, October 24-25, 2015

The Fort Worth Botanic’s Japanese Garden, voted as one of the most
beautiful places in Fort Worth by the Star Telegram’s readers poll, is celebrating their annual Fall Festival this weekend! Feast your eyes on this beautiful garden while you and your family enjoy traditional Japanese dance, music, demonstrations, papermaking, and tea ceremonies.  PLEASE CHECK THE WEBSITE — event may be cancelled due to severe storms.

Details, details
What: For more information about the festival, click here.
Where: 3220 Botanic Garden Boulevard.
All festival parking will be in the Linden Street lot click here.
For directions to the gardens and other details,  click here.
When: October 24-25, Sat: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM,
Sun: 11:00 PM – 5:00 PM  PLEASE CHECK THE WEBSITE — event may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
 Cost: Adults $5.00, Children (4-12yrs.) $3.00, under

::

:: FREE Extended Morning Adult Hike at River Legacy
…Living Science Center in Arlington
…Saturday, October 24, 2015

Explore the flora and fauna of River Legacy Parks during a guided nature hike along the off-road mountain bike trails in River Legacy Parks. Meet in the parking lot of the DORBA trailhead. Free, but space is limited. Hike is best suited for ages 18 and up. TO RSVP, call 817.860.6752.

Details, details
What: To find out more about the FREE guided hike, go here.
Where: River Legacy Living Science Center, 703 NW Green Oaks Boulevard (at the intersection of N. Cooper Street and Green Oaks) in Arlington.
When: Saturday, October 24, 2015 ~ 7:30am
Cost: FREE, but donations are appreciated and space is limited.

::

:: FREE 15th Annual Public Safety Fall Festival in Keller
…Saturday, October 24, 2015

This Saturday, public safety vehicles, equipment and uniforms will be on display when the Keller police and fire departments host their 15th annual Public Safety Fall Festival. Designed to bring the community together to support local law enforcement, this year’s event will also feature free food and drinks, bounce houses and other children’s activities.

Details, details
What: For more information, click here.
When:  Saturday, October 24, 2015, 3-6:00pm
Where: Keller Lions Club Grounds, 532 Keller Pkwy
Cost: FREE!

:: FREE Admission to the Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth
…Sunday, October 25, 2015

Visitors to the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth can now receive free admission to the museum’s permanent collection and exhibitions on all Sundays in 2015!

Details, details
What: Learn more about free Admission at The Modern here.
When: Sundays in 2015
Where: Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell Street
Cost: FREE!

::

:: FREE Cowtown Opry Performance at The Stockyards
…Sunday, October 25, 2015

Hear classic western music come to life as Cowtown Opry members perform a free music exhibition on the steps of the Livestock Exchange building. This live family friendly music event will take place every Sunday and will feature a different theme each week ~ Western Gospel music will be featured on the 5th Sunday of the month.

Details, Details
What: For more information, visit the Cowtown Opry website.
When: Sunday, October 25, 2015, 2:00PM.
See the complete performance schedule here.
Where: The live performance will take place on the steps of the historic Livestock Exchange building ~ 131 East Exchange Ave. in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.
Cost: FREE!

:: FREE 14th Annual Octoberfest in Southlake
…Friday to Sunday, October 2-4, 2015

Spend this first weekend of October at Southlake Town Square enjoying some of the area’s greatest talents at the Chamber of Commerce sponsored 14th Annual Octoberfest.  This 3-day event provides a lengthy list of entertainment, art booths, food and fun — see the event and entertainment schedule here.

Details, Details
What: Learn more about the Southlake Octoberfest and the entertainment line-up here.
When: Friday-Sunday, October 2-4, 2015
Where: Southlake Town Square – Main St. @ Southlake Blvd. (F.M. 1709)
Cost: FREE!

::

:: FREE Studio Five 90 Art Class at The Kimbell Art Museum
…Friday, October 2, 2015

::

:: Enjoy a Day in Dallas at the Texas State Fair
…Daily, Now through October 18, 2015

This is the second weekend of the month-long State Fair of Texas entertainment extravaganza in Dallas, and you can attend for FREE or cheap (learn how here)! The Texas State Fair runs now through October 18th and covers just about every area of interest. There are literally hundreds of entertainment choices and music performances throughout the month including many well-known names. There is something for everyone!

Details, details
What: Get links to entertainment schedules, discount ticket details and more State Fair of Texas scoop here.
Where: Fair Park, 3921 Martin Luther King Blvd ~ Dallas, TX
When: Daily, now through October 18, 2015
Cost: Go here to learn how to get FREE or cheap discount tickets.

::

:: FREE Kids Art Class at The Kimbell Art Museum
…Saturday, October 3, 2015

The Kimbell Kids drop-in program introduces children (ages 12 and under) and their adult companions to fun and inspiring ways to enjoy art together. Each session features a brief gallery activity and a related studio-art project. Sign up at the entrance to the education studios in the Renzo Piano Pavilion one hour before the program. Do note that you may want to arrive early to sign up as space is very limited.

Details, Details
What: For more information, visit the the Kimbell’s event site.
When: Saturday, October 3, 2015 ~ 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM
Where: The Kimbell Art Museum ~  3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth.
Cost: FREE!

::

::

::

:: Bank of America Cardholders: Take advantage of FREE
…ADMISSION to the Fort Worth Museum of Science &
…History and the Perot Museum in Dallas
…Saturday and Sunday, October 3 & 4, 2015

Bank of America’s 2014 national program, Museums On Us offers FREE admission, the first full weekend of every month, to 150+ participating museums throughout the country. In DFW, this FREE Admission program takes place this weekend at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and in Dallas at The Perot Museum of Nature & Science.

Details, details
What: To learn more about the Museums On Us program, go here.
How: Show a photo ID and any Bank of America Card to get FREE admission for each Bank of America Card Holder.
Where: The Fort Worth Science & History Museum is located at 1600 Gendy St. (corner of Montgomery and Burnett Tandy). The Perot Museum can be found at 2201 N. Field Street in Dallas.
When: Saturday and Sunday, October 3 & 4, 2015
Cost: FREE to Bank of America Cardholders

::

:: FREE Caffeineted Town Hall with Mayor Betsy Price
…Saturday, October 3, 2015

Mayor Betsy is teaming up with other members of City Council to host community coffees throughout Fort Worth. Come on out to chat with Mayor Betsy and your council member about what is important to you in your neighborhood and around town.

Details, details
What: Learn more about Town Halls for All here.
Where: ET 109-111, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 1000 Montgomery St. (District 7)
When: Saturday, October 3, 2015 ~ 10:00am
Cost: FREE!

::

:: Take an “Art-Full” Trek to Dallas to the Nasher Sculpture
…Center’s First Saturdays Family Fun Day.
…Saturday, October 3, 2015

The Nasher Sculpture Center and Target present First Saturdays for families ~ bring the kids and enjoy free admission and fun family programming on the first Saturday of every month. Target First Saturdays are designed especially for children in preschool to elementary school and feature a lineup of activities that encourage creative thought through a monthly “Big Idea.” Children can engage in art projects and experience creativity in action through scavenger hunts, performances, story-time and more.

Details, details
What: For details, including a complete schedule, click here.
When: Saturday, October 3. FREE admission: 10 am – 5 pm
Family Tours hourly from 10:15 am – 12:15 pm
Where: For directions to Nasher Sculpture Center, click here.
Cost: FREE

:: FREE Admission to the Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth
…Sunday, October 4, 2015

Visitors to the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth can now receive free admission to the museum’s permanent collection and exhibitions on all Sundays in 2015!

Details, details
What: Learn more about free Admission at The Modern here.
When: Sundays in 2015
Where: Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell Street
Cost: FREE!

::

:: FREE Cowtown Opry Performance at The Stockyards
…Sunday, October 4, 2015

Hear classic western music come to life as Cowtown Opry members perform a free music exhibition on the steps of the Livestock Exchange building. This live family friendly music event will take place every Sunday and will feature a different theme each week ~ Western Gospel music will be featured on the 5th Sunday of the month.

Details, Details
What: For more information, visit the Cowtown Opry website.
When: Sunday, October 4, 2015, 2:00PM.
See the complete performance schedule here.
Where: The live performance will take place on the steps of the historic Livestock Exchange building ~ 131 East Exchange Ave. in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.
Cost: FREE!

::

:: Take a FREE Cooking Technique Class at Williams-Sonoma
…And, Get 10% OFF Your In-store Purchase!
…Sunday, October 4, 2015

Williams-Sonoma founder Chuck Williams turns 100, and they’re celebrating all weekend long! At Sunday’s free in-store class they’ll show you how to prepare some of Chuck Williams’ classic, well-known recipes. On the menu: Blacksmith salad (a traditional salad from Modena, Italy), a succulent roast chicken, a traditional potato gratin, spinach risotto, and chocolate mousse. Note: You’ll want to call to reserve your spot since class size is limited. Plus, if you attend this class, you can enjoy 10% OFF savings on same-day purchases from their stores.  Note: You’ll want to call to reserve your spot since class size is limited.

Details, details
What: Hour-long technique classes are free and include tastings of prepared dishes. For more information and to view the current month’s schedule for Williams-Sonoma technique classes and demonstrations, click here.
When: Sunday, October 4, 2015. Note: 1 hour class times vary from store to store, so be sure to call for exact times and date.
Where: Go here to find a Williams-Sonoma store near you.
Cost: FREE! Call your local store to RSVP.

:: FREE Admission To Fort Worth Museums and
…Cultural District Destinations At Day In The District
…Saturday, September 26, 2015

Fort Worth’s cultural side will shine during its annual Day in the District open-house event. Ten museum and cultural district destinations will offer FREE admission and FREE family friendly performances, activities, and other special events throughout the day. Visitors can park their cars and enjoy events and venues all day, as the district is pedestrian friendly with a free bus circulator to move you between locations.

Free event destinations include:

1. Amon Carter Museum
2. Kimbell Art Museum
3. Fort Worth Botanic Garden 
4. Fort Worth Museum of Science and History 
5. National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
6. Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
7. Fort Worth Community Arts Center
8. Cattle Raisers Museum
9. The Art Galleries at TCU
10. Sid Richardson Museum

Details, details
What: Learn more about the event here.  For a complete schedule of special programs and events at each location, click here .
Where: For venue location details, go here.
When: Saturday, September 26, 2015 ~ 10:00am to 5:00pm
Cost: FREE all day. Go here to learn about free parking and the bus circulator.
Tip: Up the fun and use bike share to hop between the museums for Day in the District on Saturday! Enter promo code092615 at any B-cycle station for a $4 B-cycle 24-Hour Membership (usage fees apply). They’ll even have a temporary station at the Farrington Field parking lot, so you can park-and-ride!

::

:: FREE Party on the Porch Family Event at the Amon Carter
…Saturday, September 26, 2015

The Amon Carter Museum of American Art is offering a fun and FREE event packed with family activities for all ages.  Everyone is welcome to experience the Amon Carter at night with art, local food, hometown music, and the best view of Fort Worth—all at the Amon Carter! This FREE event marks the completion of the museum’s renovation project.

Details, details
What: Learn more about the Amon Carter Party on the Porch and the schedule of events here.
Where: Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie Boulevard. Get directions and parking details here. For helpful information about Party on the Porch parking and accessibility, call 817.989.5030 or email visitors@cartermuseum.org.
When: Saturday, September 26, 2015 ~ 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Cost: FREE!

::

:: FREE Entrance to Local Museums and Cultural Centers
…Saturday, September 26, 2015

Get 2 free museum tickets, valid at 100s of Museums across the country as part of Museum Day Live (an annual event hosted by Smithsonian magazine). During the event, participating museums open their doors for free to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket. You do need to sign up to get your tickets ahead of time, here.

DFW museums offering FREE tickets include:

• American Airlines C.R Smith Museum ~ Fort Worth
• Log Cabin Village  ~ Fort Worth
• Arlington Museum of Art  ~ Arlington
• Holocaust Museum ~ Dallas
• Frontiers of Flight Museum ~ Dallas
• Heritage Farmstead Museum  ~ Plano
• Irving Arts Center ~  Irving
• Chestnut Square Historic Village ~ McKinney
  

Details, details
What: Learn more about Smithsonian’s National Museum Day, and get your free tickets (limited to 2 tickets), here.
Where: Find participating locations around the country, here.
When: Saturday, September 26, 2015
Cost: FREE with museum tickets.

::

:: Enjoy a Day in Dallas at the Texas State Fair
…Daily, Now through October 18, 2015

This is the grand opening weekend of the month-long State Fair of Texas entertainment extravaganza in Dallas, and you can attend for FREE or cheap (learn how here)! The Texas State Fair runs now through October 18th and covers just about every area of interest. There are literally hundreds of entertainment choices and music performances throughout the month including many well-known names. There is something for everyone!

Details, details
What: Get links to entertainment schedules, discount ticket details and more State Fair of Texas scoop here.
Where: Fair Park, 3921 Martin Luther King Blvd ~ Dallas, TX
When: Daily, now through October 18, 2015
Cost: Go here to learn how to get FREE or cheap discount tickets.

::

:: FREE Admission to All National Parks
…Saturday, September 26, 2015

The National Parks Service is offering FREE entrance to all parks on National Public Lands Day, Saturday, September 26th. As part of the celebration, you can enjoy over 400 National Parks for FREE. Do note that not all national parks charge fees, but those that do will waive their costs these days (for example, $25 a car at Big Bend or $20 a car at Rocky Mountain National Park). There is a long list of participating locations within a drivable distance of DFW, here.

Details, details
What: Go here to learn more about this national event. 
Where: For a list of participating national parks in Texas, go here.
When: Saturday, September 26, 2015
Cost: FREE at all locations!

::

:: FREE South St. Art Festival in Downtown Arlington
…Friday to Sunday, September 25-27, 2015

This weekend, enjoy the 3rd Annual South St. Art Festival in Downtown Arlington which showcases 75 artists at this juried fine art show.  You’ll also find savory food, live concerts, performance artists, and more!

Details, details
What:  Learn more about South St. Art Festival here.
Where:  East South St. in Downtown Arlington.  The main entrance to this festival is on Mesquite St.
When: September 25-27, 2015.  See the full schedule here.
Cost:  FREE!

::

:: FREE Keller Rock the Park Outdoor Festival
…Saturday, September 26, 2015

The City of Keller is hosting a fun family friendly celebration this Saturday at Bear Creek Park. There will be plenty of live music and entertainment for all ages including bounce houses, arts & crafts, climbing wall, food trucks, and much more. Make sure to bring your blanket or lawn chairs to enjoy your favorite music. Event is FREE until 3pm (see info below).

Details, details
What: For more info, go to the Keller Rock the Park website.
When: Saturday, September 26, 2015 ~ View the schedule of events here.
Where: Keller ~ Bear Creek Park, 1100 Bear Creek Parkway
Cost:  Entry into the event is FREE from 11-3pm. Concert admission (starting at 3pm) is $10 for adults; kids 12 and under are free.

::

:: FREE Concert Series at the Levitt Pavilion in Arlington
…Friday to Sunday ~ September 25-27, 2015

Join your family and friends for an evening of FREE music at the Levitt Pavilion in Arlington – part of their fall series of free music and performing arts under the stars. Be sure to bring along a lawn chair or blanket to comfortably enjoy the outdoor entertainment. Snacks or a picnic dinner, and beverages are allowed, but no glass containers, please.

Details, details
What: To learn more about the Levitt Pavilion’s summer concert series and weekly artist line-up, click here.
Where: Founders Plaza in Arlington, 100 W. Abram St. (Corner of Abram and Center streets, directly across the street from City Hall). View the parking map for free parking options.
When: Concerts start at 8PM.  See the schedule of concerts, here.
Cost: FREE Admission (food is extra).

::

:: Preservation is the Art of the City
…Through Saturday, September 26, 2015

Preservation is the Art of the City is a multi-week public art show and sale featuring jury-selected artists. This non-profit gallery promotes and supports local studio artists as well as historic preservation in Fort Worth.

Details, details
What: Learn more at Preservation is the Art of the City.
When: Now through September 26, 2015
Where: Fort Worth Community Arts Center, 1300 Gendy Street
Cost: FREE to attend

::

:: FREE Admission to the Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth
…Sunday, September 27, 2015

Visitors to the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth can now receive free admission to the museum’s permanent collection and exhibitions on all Sundays in 2015!

Details, details
What: Learn more about free Admission at The Modern here.
When: Sundays in 2015
Where: Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell Street
Cost: FREE!

::

:: FREE Cowtown Opry Performance at The Stockyards
…Sunday, September 27, 2015

Hear classic western music come to life as Cowtown Opry members perform a free music exhibition on the steps of the Livestock Exchange building. This live family friendly music event will take place every Sunday and will feature a different theme each week ~ Western Gospel music will be featured on the 5th Sunday of the month.

Details, Details
What: For more information, visit the Cowtown Opry website.
When: Sunday, September 27, 2015, 2:00PM.
See the complete performance schedule here.
Where: The live performance will take place on the steps of the historic Livestock Exchange building ~ 131 East Exchange Ave. in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.
Cost: FREE!

::

:: Take a FREE Cooking Technique Class at Williams-Sonoma
…And, Get 10% OFF Your In-store Purchase!
…Sunday, September 27, 2015

Master the art of chopping, slicing and dicing like a professional chef. In this hands-on class, William’s Sonoma will cover the basic knife skills you need for everyday cooking. You’ll learn about the differences between German and Japanese knives, and how to keep your knives and skills sharp. Note: You’ll want to call to reserve your spot since class size is limited. Plus, if you attend this class, you can enjoy 10% OFF savings on same-day purchases from their stores.  Note: You’ll want to call to reserve your spot since class size is limited.

Details, details
What: Hour-long technique classes are free and include tastings of prepared dishes. For more information and to view the current month’s schedule for Williams-Sonoma technique classes and demonstrations, click here.
When: Sunday, September 27, 2015. Note: 1 hour class times vary from store to store, so be sure to call for exact times and date.
Where: Go here to find a Williams-Sonoma store near you.
Cost: FREE! Call your local store to RSVP.