You don’t have to stay home just because you’re trying not to spend a fortune this weekend.
From a huge arts and jazz festival in Denton to Italian cars in Grapevine, live music in Plano and a night under the stars in Frisco, there’s plenty happening across Dallas-Fort Worth September 11 through 13 that won’t cost you admission.
And this time, we really mean across DFW.
1. Denton Arts & Jazz Festival
If you want something that can fill an entire afternoon — or an entire weekend — start in Denton.
The Denton Arts & Jazz Festival runs all three days at the North Texas Fairgrounds, with five outdoor stages featuring jazz, blues and other music, along with artists, vendors, food and activities for kids.
The festival is built around making music and art available to the public free of charge.
When: Friday, September 11, 3–11 p.m.; Saturday, September 12, 10 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sunday, September 13, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Where: North Texas Fairgrounds, 2217 N. Carroll Blvd., Denton Admission: Free
Photo Courtesy: Discover Denton
2. Catch a Movie Under the Stars in Irving
Friday night can be as simple as grabbing a lawn chair and heading to Heritage Park.
Irving’s Movies on Maincontinues with The Sheep Detectives, a family-friendly mystery about a flock of sheep trying to solve a case involving their shepherd.
The movie starts at 7:30 p.m., and the city encourages people to arrive early, grab food nearby or visit one of the on-site vendors. Free parking is available at several nearby locations.
When: Friday, September 11 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Heritage Park, 217 S. Main St., Irving Admission: Free
3. Community Field Day in Flower Mound
Remember field day at school? Flower Mound is bringing back the idea — just on a much bigger scale.
The Community Field Day & Summer Social at Heritage Park includes classic field-day games, try-a-sport stations, pop-up fitness classes, creative activities and a Park & Play zone. There will also be a DJ, food trucks and community organizations on site.
The event was originally scheduled earlier in the summer but was moved to September because of excessive heat.
When: Saturday, September 12, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Where: Heritage Park, 600 Spinks Rd., Flower Mound Admission: Free; food and other purchases extra.
The W.A.T.E.R. Festival includes hands-on educational activities, crafts and demonstrations centered around one of North Texas’ most important resources — water.
It’s family-friendly and free to attend.
When: Saturday, September 12, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Where: River Legacy Nature Center, 703 NW Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington Admission: Free
Photo Courtesy: River Legacy Foundation
5. More Than 90 Italian Cars Take Over Grapevine
Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Fiat and more will roll into historic Nash Farm Saturday for the 22nd Annual ItalianCarFest.
Organizers call it the largest show of premier Italian automobiles in the Southwest, with more than 90 classic and modern vehicles expected.
ItalianCarFest also serves as a warm-up for Grapevine’s 40th annual GrapeFest, which arrives the following weekend.
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6. Shop Local at the McKinney Cotton Mill
You don’t have to buy anything to wander through the MillHouse Makers Market, but there may be plenty to tempt you.
The indoor market at the historic McKinney Cotton Mill brings together local artisans selling everything from jewelry and candles to chocolate, ceramics, textiles, photography, leather goods and home décor.
The September market also includes the Texas Trailblazing Women gallery exhibition.
When: Saturday, September 12 at 8 p.m. Where: McCall Plaza, Downtown Plano Admission: Free
Photo Courtesy: Visit McKinney
8. Free Live Music in Downtown Plano
Saturday night, head to McCall Plaza for another edition of Downtown Sessions.
The Capitoltakes the stage at 8 p.m., and admission is free. McCall Plaza sits in Historic Downtown Plano, so you can make a night out of it with restaurants and shops within walking distance.
When: Saturday, September 12 at 8 p.m. Where: McCall Plaza, Downtown Plano Admission: Free
Photo Courtesy: thecapitoljam.com
8. End the Night Stargazing in Frisco
Finish Saturday by looking up.
Frisco Starfest returns to Frisco Commons Park for its monthly public stargazing night. Members of the Texas Astronomical Society bring telescopes and help visitors spot planets, stars and other objects in the night sky.
There’s no admission or registration required, but this one is obviously weather dependent, so check conditions before making the drive.
When: Saturday, September 12, beginning around sunset Where: Frisco Commons Park, Frisco Admission: Free
Photo Courtesy: tenthousandmornings.com
A Full Weekend Without the Admission Price
That’s Denton, Irving, Flower Mound, Arlington, Grapevine, McKinney, Plano and Frisco — eight different parts of the Metroplex with something happening this weekend.
Just remember that while admission to these events is free, food, drinks, merchandise and some optional activities may cost extra. Outdoor schedules can also change because of weather, so it’s always smart to check with organizers before heading out.
And wherever the weekend takes you, take the hits with you.
