Free, Fun Events in Dallas! (and how to get the invite)

As a fairly recent college graduate living in a major metropolitan area, finding (cheap) fun things to do can be a bit, shall we say, challenging. While having your own place, driving a new car and cashing a paycheck are fun, writing rent checks, making car payments and paying taxes are not. Venturing out to try new restaurants or going to events not only provide a night away from take out, but also allow you the chance to try dishes you wouldn’t attempt at home (for fear of contracting salmonella or burning down your apartment complex).  Attending events in the city allow you the chance to network, meet new people and potentially land you the dream job.  Yes, clearly all of these suggestions are obvious, but managing them on a budget seems impossible. When it’s between saving money that you will need for your rent or going out on the town, the responsible thing to do is stay in and eat ramen. Good for you, you know you have reached adulthood when you settle for the less fun option despite having a credit card. Go you! Now that you have made this very adult summation, I am here to be your money-saving, adventure-having fairy godmother.

Thanks to the invention of the internet and the emersion of online coupons, there is a way to have it all. Because I have signed up various sites like thrillist.com, I am now in the loop for free things to do (involving food and sometimes alcohol) in Dallas. But sites like this aren’t just for Dallas, you can select the city you live in and the site will send you invites to free events. Not only is this site great for inside events information, but they will also tell you about restaurant deals and when to go for the cheapest fare. From Thrilllist I found out about the free events happening this weekend like the vegan food fair at White Rock Lake, the “Tequilla with Models” party and the Buick Food and Wine event featuring Food Network star Michael Psilakis. Because I don’t particularly care for food that doesn’t involve cheese and I particularly dislike both tequilla and models, I registered for the food and wine event at the Ritz.  We showed up a couple hours late so we missed all of the obligatory Buick car demonstrations and made it just in time for free cheese, a wine tasting class and a presentation by Chef Michael Psilakis, whose Greek style is both fairly easy to replicate and tasty to boot!

Meatball made with pork and veal and incredibly delicious

During the wine tasting, I learned several things about the proper way to taste, as well as how to tell what a bottle will taste like before you order it. Apparently warmer climates like Argentina and Australia will create more full bodied wines versus more mild climates like France will produce milder, lighter wines. Chef Michael demonstrated how to make the perfect meatball, and we were given one of our own to eat, along with a copy of his new cookbook, “How to Roast A Lamb”, autographed by the chef himself. So you see, if you keep your eyes peeled and know where to look, there are plenty of free, fun events to attend in your area. Sign up and see what adventures might be in store!