Pictured: QuakeCon. Photo from QuakeCon Facebook page.
Tired of sitting at home on the couch to avoid the summer heat? There are plenty of fun — and air conditioned — activities and events going on around Fort Worth. And some of them are free. Here are a few to check out.
1. Tour the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
If you've ever wondered how money is made (or just a nerd when it comes to currency), you can tour one of only two locations in the U.S. that prints money, right here in Fort Worth. Take a free, 45-minute tour to see money being produced. There are also historical displays showcasing the evolution of currency production. And don't forget to buy uncut sheets of currency at the Money Store. You can tour the facility every Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 9000 Blue Mound Road.
2. Attend a free art show.
Enjoy artwork from over 30 local artists at ArtLandish and Ensemble Coworking's new summer art show, “Bombshell,” focusing on pop art and pop culture works. There will be live music and other activities too. If you are an artist wanting to showcase your work, sign up on the event's ARTIST registration form before July 15. The art show will take place on July 21 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Ensemble Coworking at 1617 Park Avenue, Ste. 110.
3. Raise money for the opera — and get something back.
The Fort Worth Opera and Kendra Scott will host a night full of food, shopping and charity. Come out to the Kendra Scott Fort Worth boutique at University Park Village for complimentary drinks and sweets while you shop around the store. Twenty percent of all proceeds made during the night will be donated to the Fort Worth Opera. Stop by on July 12 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 1612 South University Drive, Ste. 401-C.
4. Play games at the largest LAN party.
QuakeCon is a free, multi-day, non-stop gaming festival. Attend North America's largest Bring Your Own Computer (BYOC) LAN party, listen to panels (including a talk from Bethesda about upcoming games), and check out tournaments and workshops. You will also be able to play the latest games and check out tech companies' newest gaming accessories and hardware. The festival is in the Gaylord Texan at 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, from Aug. 9-12.
5. Hold a piece of Mars.
Learn how to identify a meteorite, or create your own terrestrial impact crater at the Monnig Meteorite Gallery at TCU. One of the largest university-based meteorite collections in the world, Monnig currently has nearly 3,000 samples from more than 2,300 meteorites. You can tour on Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sid Richardson Science Building at 2800 South University Drive.
6. Tour Mrs. Baird's bread factory.
Who isn't a bread fanatic? To schedule a tour of Mrs. Baird's factory here in Fort Worth, make sure you notify the bakery two to three weeks in advance. Don't forget to wear pants and closed-toe shoes. For more information, call Mrs. Baird's at 817-293-6230. Tours take place Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7301 South Freeway.