Best Free Labor Day Events In DFW

Labor Day may be cause to celebrate the contributions of American workers, but it's also the time to enjoy the unofficial end of summer. Fortunately, the metroplex is offering plenty of free things to do over the long weekend, including free art activities at area museums, a parade, fireworks and even a free comedy show by the lake. Here are five ways to bid adieu to summer without ever having to open your wallet.

Date: Sept. 7, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Garland's historic downtown square is where you'll find the metroplex's only true Labor Day celebration. Sponsored by the Noon Exchange Club of Garland, the day-long event kicks off at 9 a.m. with what's been billed as the largest Labor Day parade west of the Mississippi. The parade route begins at North Glenbrook Drive and travels along 11th Street before heading downtown to Main and Fifth Streets. Following the parade, there will be a massive street festival in the square boasting everything from live entertainment, bounce houses and pony rides to food, merchandise vendors and a car show. In addition to Monday's festivities, the city is hosting a free outdoor showing of Jurassic Park on Friday, Sept. 4th at Heritage Crossing, also in downtown Garland.

Date: Sept. 4, 2015 from 9:30 p.m.

'Tis the last weekend to enjoy the fabulous free Friday Night Fireworks spectacle put on by the City of Grapevine. The show, which blasts off at 9:30 p.m., can be best viewed from atop the parking garage at the Gaylord Texan Resort. Along with plenty of space to spread out, spectators can also groove to music provided by a live DJ. Alternatively, you can take in the fireworks display from the parking areas at Grapevine Mills Mall.

Date: Sept. 4, 2015 from 7 - 10 p.m.

Hailed as the largest outdoor comedy gig in north Texas, Irving's annual Laughs by the Lake event on Lake Carolyn not only features a cracking lineup of comedians, such as Ryan Perrio, Eunice Elliot and award-winning Texas funny man Paul Varghese, but also a live concert by the group Memphis Soul Band. The event is free and open to all ages, however, this event is more geared for adults.

Related: Best DFW Day Trips For Under $100

Date: Sept. 5, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Every first Saturday of the month, the Nasher Sculpture Center opens its doors for free to the public. Along with the chance to view Raymond and Nancy Nasher's stunning private collection of one of the most extraordinary assemblages of modern and contemporary sculptures in the world, kids can take part in a multitude of fun art-centric activities. The September event focuses on heritage, and features everything from family-friendly tours of the facility to crafts, yoga, story-time and a scavenger hunt.

Date: Sept. 5, 2015 From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Admission is always free at The Crow Collection, where visitors can explore an array of Asian art that covers everything from ancient objects, paintings and scrolls to large architectural pieces dating back to the 10th century. Also, the museum hosts a free family day event on the first Saturday of each month that features live performances, face painting, storytelling and art activities. September's theme focuses on samurai warriors and includes a special storytelling session with samurai expert Midori Oka, from New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. As an added bonus, your little samurai warrior will get to create his or her own personalized set of armor to play with at home.

Related: Best Day Trips On A Budget Near DFW