31 Free Things You Gotta Do This September In Dallas
You can't put a price tag on these must-dos of the month!
The hot weather may be far from over (as we know all too well), but the carefree mood of summertime bliss and vacay vibes are transitioning their way into the back-to-the-grind busyness of the fall season.
If the back-to-work or back-to-school September scaries are getting so real for you, it’s time to think happy thoughts and redirect your attention to a different to-do list — one that you’ll actually want to do.
With this roster of 31 free things to do in the Dallas area, you can freewheel your way through the 30 days of the month and have all the fun while you're at it. We have a feeling you’ll want to check the box on every single one of these.
DFW Free Day of Yoga Dallas Kickoff Festival
Where: Dallas Farmers Market, 920 S. Harwood
When: Sept. 1, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
@dfwfreedayofyogaNamaste all day at this must-attend fest for any yogi. Mini classes include sound healing bhakti yoga, a conscious dance party with DJ Noor, meditation, yin yoga, core workouts, Ashtanga fundamentals, acro jam, and more.
AT&T Performing Arts Center First Saturday Tours
Where: Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora St.
When: Sept. 1, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
@visit_dallasGo behind-the-scenes (and behind-the-stage) with a rare glimpse at the AT&T Performing Arts Center’s innovative and award-winning performance spaces.
Oak Cliff Brewing Company Grand Opening
Where: 1300 S. Polk
When: Sept. 1, 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
@oakcliffbrewingThe long-awaited grand opening of Oak Cliff Brewing Company is finally here — and you can be one of the first to see the taproom and taste their core craft lagers and IPAs along with specialty, limited-run beers.
Public Works Dallas: The Winter’s Tale
Where: Wyly Theatre, 2400 Flora St.
When: Sept. 1 – 2, times vary
@revoluarchShakespeare’s tale of mystery and magic comes to life as never before in this Public Works Dallas musical adaptation of the beloved fable. Tickets are free, but required and based on a first-come, first-serve basis.
DFW Free Day of Yoga
Where: Multiple locations
When: Sept. 3
With too many yoga classes to count at multiple studios across the metroplex, the only problem you’ll have is deep-breathing your way through choosing the ones to attend. So much yoga, so little time.
@dallasacroyogaJanmashtami Celebration
Where: Radha Kalachandji Temple, 5430 Gurley Ave.
When: Sept. 3, 4:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
@servants_of_krishnaembedded via
Maybe you’ve been to Kalachandji’s for a vegetarian dream meal. But, you’ve never seen the restaurant-slash-Hare Krishna temple quite like this before. To celebrate Lord Krishna’s appearance day, there’s a free vegetarian feast along with live entertainment, singing and dancing, a special midnight arati, and more.
Uptown Movies in the Park Series
Where: Griggs Park, 2209 Clark St.
When: Sept, 6, 13, 20, 27; 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
@uptowndallasSee a movie under the stars every Thursday night in September. The blockbuster weekly schedule goes like this (in this order): Top Gun, The Devil Wears Prada, Black Panther, and Mrs. Doubtfire.
CitizenFEST
Where: Gilley’s Dallas, 1135 S. Lamar St.
When: Sept. 8, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
@citizenuniversityembedded via
Learn how to get your voice heard, foster new ideas, and make meaningful civic connections at this festive learning summit, hosted by Citizen University, that brings together activists, artists, and attendees for a day of skill-building workshops, performances, and deep community convos. It’s free, but registration is recommended.
Market at The Star x Flea Style
Where: The Star, One Cowboys Way, Frisco
When: Sept. 8, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
@cahootshandbagsEveryone’s fave vintage and handmade destination, Flea Style, pops up at The Star in September for an open-air market featuring a curated mix of fashion, jewelry, home décor, and other unique lifestyle goods vendors. Admission is free, but we can’t promise you that you won’t want to buy something while there.
ItalianCarFest
Where: Nash Farm, 626 Ball St., Grapevine
When: Sept. 8, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
@lamboclubdallasItaly’s finest wheels drive into to Grapevine for the 15th annual high-octane event that’s basically a show-off fest of fast cars — with more Lambos, Ferraris, and Maseratis than you’ve probably ever seen at one time. Talk about la dolce vita.
@jeremyjohnsonSelf Defense and Snow Cones
Where: Chamberlain Studios of Self Defense, 2739 Bachman Lake Dr.
When: Sept. 8, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
@hilarykennedyYou go girl. Empower yourself at this women’s self-defense workshop that’s led by Chamberlain Studios founder Nick Chamberlain, a 10th degree black belt. RSVP is requested.
Healthy Living Expo Dallas
Where: Dallas Market Hall, 2200 N. Stemmons Fwy.
When: Sept. 8, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
@veganproteinsGet your health on with this expo that has an array of vendors to explore including allergen and gluten-free foods, sports and fitness companies, skincare, supplements, and alternative health solutions.
Sunday Night Football Watching Party
Where: Box Garden at Legacy Hall, 7800 Windrose Ave., Plano
When: Sept. 9, 3:25 p.m.
@legacyfoodhallGo Cowboys! The first game of the 2018 season is an away game, so you might as well hole up at Legacy Hall to watch them take on the Carolina Panthers from a really big screen. Of course, you’ll probably want to bring some pocket change for a craft brew and brisket nachos. Sure beats the stale chips you’d be having at home.
Second Thursdays with a Twist
Where: Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood St.
When: Sept. 13, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
@artbydaishaBreak out your cone bras and oversized bows for a “Material Girl” evening that’s all about Madonna’s signature style and music. The pop culture-inspired, artsy event is an unexpected and entertaining way to spend a night at the museum. It costs $5, so it’s technically not free. But, that’s a small price to pay to live in a material world.
@dallasmuseumartHighland Park Village LOCAL
Where: Highland Park Village, Corner of Preston Rd. and Mockingbird Ln.
When: Sept. 15, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
@hp_villageThe seasonal outdoor neighborhood market couldn’t be a lovelier way to shop a variety of Dallas-Fort Worth’s very-chic artisan vendors to a background of live music and entertainment from local performers
Master Class with Diavolo | Architecture in Motion
Where: Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, 2501 Flora St.
When: Sept. 15, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
@diavolo_laIf you’ve ever dreamed of dancing with the pros, the L.A.-based Diavolo dance company is about to make your dreams come true. Before they take the stage at the Moody Performance Hall later in the evening, they’re hosting a master class that explores the many components of their signature style of movement called Architecture in Motion. It will be an intense, invigorating class — and you’ll likely see lots of attendees with dance backgrounds.
Athletic shoes, pants, and knee pads are recommended.
West Village Movie Night
Where: West Village between Mi Cocina and Magnolia Theatre, 3699 McKinney Ave.
When: Sept, 19, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
@westvillage_dallasembedded via
Grab your besties for the outdoor screening of Mean Girls. The movie starts at 8:30 p.m., but you’ll want to get there early for the best seats. In fact, you might as well set up shop on the patio at Taco Diner or Mi Cocina for some margs and chips-and-guac all night long.
Lucy Spraggan at The Rustic
Where: 3656 Howell St.
When: Sept. 20, 8:30pm – 10 p.m.
@lspragganThe chart-topping singer-songwriter and The X Factor alum comes to The Rustic for a concert you won’t want to miss.
‘Til Midnight at the Nasher
Where: Nasher Sculpture Center, 2001 Flora St.
When: Sept. 21, 6 p.m. – 12 a.m.
The magical Nasher garden comes alive with an outdoor concert from the new pop super-group CCFX followed by an outdoor movie screening of the fave fashionista flick, The September Issue. Plus, you’ll also be able to wander through the museum’s renowned collection of modern and contemporary art, if you so desire.
@rebecca_arnoldNite at The Rustic
Where: 3656 Howell St.
When: Sept. 21, 9:30pm – 11 p.m.
@wearetheniteA unique hybrid of electronic-tinged rock with a nod to ’80s-influenced dream-pop, the sounds created by twin brothers Kyle and Myles Mendes of Nite is worth a listen — and something a bit different than the country sounds you might expect at The Rustic.
Trinity River Kite Festival
Where: Trinity River and the Dallas Floodway, 146 W. Commerce St.
When: Sept. 22, 11 am. – 5 p.m.
@outdoordallasGo fly a kite takes on new meaning at this 8th annual outdoor extravaganza of wind, wings, and action featuring show kites, kite flying lessons, a Blackland Prairie raptor area with rehabbed birds, butterfly display, paper airplane making, and more. Little D Markets will also be there with crafts and artisan pop-up shops.
Smithsonian Day Live: Leonard Marcus Talk
Where: Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving
When: Sept. 22, 2 p.m.
@barbershopmaniacIf Charlotte’s Web holds a special place in your heart, you’ll want to swing by this talk from Leonard Marcus, an expert on children’s literature. He’s discussing his curation of the Garth Williams exhibit at Irving Arts Center, which presents the illustrator’s original work from a number of beloved books including Charlotte’s Web and Little House on the Prairie.
Otsukimi Moon Viewing Festival
Where: Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy.
When: Sept. 25, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
@soundstylesartCelebrate the Harvest Moon to the beat of Taiko drummers and the sounds of Japanese music along with dance performances, haiku, art, and other cultural activities, all hosted by the Japan-America Society of DFW and the Crow Collection of Asian Art.
Commerce Street Night Market
Where: Pike West Commerce, 444 W. Commerce St.
When: Sept. 28, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
@littledmarketsHighlighting local indie artists, makers, and entrepreneurs, the Night Market engages all the senses with pop-up vendors, musical performances, food tastings, and more.
Mindfulness Meditation
Where: Crow Collection of Asian Art Offices, 2001 Ross Ave., Ste. 3550
When: Sept. 10, 17, 24; 12 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
@crowcollectionThe meditation struggle is so real. That’s why a guided group meditation can be a welcome reprieve to help you achieve mind-body connection and a break from the chaos. Psychotherapist and coach Michael LaValle, Ph.D. leads the practice.
North Texas Giving Day Dallas Donation Station
Where: NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central Expy.
When: Sept. 16, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
@the_sparkfarmGive back — in style — as NorthPark Center hosts the Dallas celebration of the nation’s largest community giving day featuring meet-and-greets with local nonprofits, interactive activities, and live performances.
@theatrethreeAddison Oktoberfest
Where: Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle (entrance at Quorum Dr. and Addison Circle Dr.)
When: Sept. 20-23, hours vary
@tracy_brews_beerPretend you’re in Munich, Germany at this authentic recreation of Oktoberfest with all the biers you can imagine, plus food, entertainment, and games. Free admission is the Thursday and Sunday of the festival.
@conrad.fotoFarmstead Yoga
Where: The Heritage Farmstead Museum, 1900 W. 15th St., Plano
When: Sept. 20, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
@thenomadnat#Farmaste! The Heritage Farmstead Museum and the Junior League of Collin County are joining forces on North Texas Giving Day to put new meaning into downward dog — with all their farm animals. Local nonprofits will also be onsite to celebrate the good causes they support.
@fant.ass.tic_apMcKinney Oktoberfest
Where: Historic Downtown McKinney, Main Street
When: Sept. 22-24, times vary
@ettienemarketDust off that lederhosen and get set for a taste of Munich with authentic German food and drink, music, traditional costumes, and dancing. The “bier garden” covers a total of 14 blocks throughout McKinney’s Historic Downtown square with a huge arts and crafts Marktplatz of vendors, too — it's clearly plenty of space to savor all the German beer and bratwurst you can handle.
Hard Night’s Day: Beatles Tribute
Where: The Rustic, 3656 Howell St.
When: Sept. 29, 9:30pm – 11 p.m.
@boxgardentxSing along to all your Beatles faves with this tribute band that will definitely pack the house. RSVP is required.
Work out in Klyde Warren Park
Where: 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy.
When: Daily
@calypsomaiFrom yoga with Exhale, to Tai Chi with Tribe Wellness along with Zumba, Grit Fit Camp, Body Mountain Bootcamp, and Barre in the Park with The Barre Code, Klyde Warren has an outdoor sweat sesh with some of the city’s top studios practically every single day of the week.
@barrecode_dd