Summer Saturdays at Central

Summer Saturdays are a chance to experience free events, meant to entertain and educate. From solving crime scenes, to dancing at a Court of Thorns inspired masquerade, you can grab a drink, learn something and meet new people, all at the library. Events are free and so is parking, in the library parking garage.  

SMART Summer Kickoff Party- June 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Summer is here, so head to the library! Register for summer reading, play games, join in activities and take home free books. This program is geared towards families. 

True Crime Mini Con- June 10, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Immerse yourself from true crime. Hear from professionals, including DPD's Cold Case Squad, and solve a crime scene. This program is geared towards teens and adults. 

Juneteenth Celebration- June 17th, 11:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. Celebrate Juneteenth with activities for all ages, including speakers, exhibits and performances. This Juneteenth celebration is centered on the 10th Street Neighborhood. This program has elements for all ages.  

Pride Celebration- June 24th, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Enjoy family crafts, stroll a LGBTQIA+ resource fair, view the art fair and capture the day with a photo in our rainbow photo booth. This program is for all ages. 

Job Readiness & Resource Fair- July 1, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Connect with Dallas organizations and learn about their resources that can help you get one step closer to your goals. Get resume help and take a head shot. This program is geared towards teens and adults. 

Shakespeare's Ren Day- July 8, 12-4 p.m. Get a taste of the renaissance fair without leaving Dallas. Enjoy activities, vendors, food, drinks, miniature horses, music and more! This program is perfect for all ages.

Natural Dallas Community Nature Expo- July 15 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Experience natural Dallas with local wildlife, native plants, fossils and live animals. Visit with vendors, take a pollinator garden tour and hear from Master Naturalists. This program is perfect for all ages. 

Santos Rodriguez Murder 50th Anniversary Commemoration- July 29, 1-3 p.m. Learn about the murder of Santos Rodriguez and hear an original poem from Dallas Poet Laureate, Joaquín Zihuatanejo. This program is geared towards teens and adults. 

Dark Fae Masquerade- July 29 from 6-8 p.m. Dance the night away as the library transforms into an enchanting land of faeries, adventure and magic. Themed after A Court of Thorns and Roses, the masquerade will include food, drink, activities and require fine apparel. This program is geared towards teens and adults. 

Discovery Faire- Aug. 5 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tinker, create, explore and make. Flex your brain before you head back to the classroom. Participate in activities on all eight floors of the library. Presented in conjunction with Big Thought. This program is geared towards families. 

These programs are in thanks to the generous support of The Friends of the Dallas Public Library and Dallas Shakespeare.