Free Stuff To Do in Dallas

Here's a smattering of free stuff to do in Dallas and the surrounding area for Jul 3-9:

Thu, Jul 3

• All day, try out the Wii at Northeast Mall. I keep hearing that Wii Fit is the way to go. Anything air-conditioned appeals to me.
• 6 p.m.-8 p.m., singer Glenda Hill performs songs from the jazz era at the Dallas Museum of Art.
• 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., watch the Dallas Black Dance Performers at One Arts Plaza (1722 Routh Street) in the Arts District of downtown Dallas.
• 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., every Thursday, sketch masterpieces at the Dallas Museum of Art.

Fri, Jul 4

• Most Fourth of July fireworks and festivities are free.
• noon-6 p.m., NorthPark Center has a patriotic celebration in the area between Nordstrom and Macy's with live music, balloon artists, face painting, and giveaways.
• 7 p.m.-9 p.m., listen to patriotic songs, performed by Scott Jacob Loehr, at One Arts Plaza (1722 Routh Street) in downtown Dallas.

Sat, Jul 5

• All day, downtown Grapevine is sponsoring "Summer Nights". This week is "Picnic in the Park" where local restaurants offer samples of their fare. Enjoy live music and entertainment. Many stores will have sales.
• noon-11 p.m., day two of the Trinity River Festival in the West End continues the Fourth of July celebrations. Enjoy a carnival midway, health fair, kids' stuff, and live entertainment. Take DART's Red Line or Blue Line to the West End station.
• 1:30 p.m., every Saturday and Sunday, attend CowCamp at the Fort Worth Stockyards (130 East Exchange Avenue in Fort Worth) and learn about the life of a drover. Rope a dummy and learn some trick roping, compete in stick horse races, sing campfire songs, and dance.
• 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m., enjoy art, music, food, and kid activities at the Sabados de Primera en la Plaza at 1440 N. Main Street in Fort Worth.

Sun, Jul 6

• 2 p.m.-6 p.m., take the kids to NorthPark Center for face painting, balloon art, jugglers, clowns, and more.

Mon, Jul 7

• 1:45 p.m.-2:45 p.m., the Fort Worth Classical Guitarists Society is sponsoring a free music series at the Rose Marine Theatre (1440 N. Main Street) in Fort Worth.

Tue, Jul 8

• 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the Texas Discovery Gardens in Fair Park offers free admission on Tuesdays.
• 7 p.m., learn how to use a map and compass for those hiking trips you're planning. REI Dallas is located on north loop 635 (4515 LBJ Freeway) in Dallas. No registration required. Call (972) 490-5989 for more information.

Wed, Jul 9

• 10:30 a.m., every Wednesday, kids can enjoy storytime at the Amon Carter Museum in the Fort Worth Cultural District. Stories are read in front of an artwork appropriate for children with activities and refreshments afterward.
• noon-1 a.m., the Dallas Historical Society sponsors a Brown Bag Lunch series at the Hall of State in Fair Park in Dallas. This month's talk will be about cowboys and cattle barons. Bring a lunch. Reservations are not necessary for individuals, but groups should RSVP at (214) 421-4500 x 101.
• 7 p.m.-9 p.m., enjoy Latin guitarist Yoban Quijano at One Arts Plaza (1722 Routh Street) in downtown Dallas.