Free, Fun, or Cheap – Store Special Events, Free Tickets, Workshops and Classes

Fun, Free or Cheap Store Special Events for Everyone

If you are looking for some fun on a budget, we have compiled a list of store special events from national retailers with hands-on workshops and free events.

Make some memories and try a new workshop, lesson, or craft. If you enjoy these free activities, be sure and bookmark this master list of store special events or PIN It for later!

Share this fun,money-saving list with your friends and family. And, if you know of any others to include, please let us know! It is always best to call ahead and make sure that your local store or retailer is participating to avoid disappointment.

[ This post was last updated right before store closures due to the pandemic. Please contact each store to learn their current event schedules.]

American Girl Special Store Events

Special events differ by location. During September they include the BeForever Postcard Craft, Grandparents’ Day Card Craft, Princess Bitty Baby Story Time, Autumn Card Craft, Acorn Pouch Craft, Paper Pumpkin Craft, and more.

Many of the American Girl in-store events are free, however, some have a fee and some have age restrictions. Get the details here and find participating stores.

Apple Store Skills Workshops and Summer Camp for Kids

Find workshops for kids and adults at local Apple stores. Go here for current information.

Barnes & Noble

Free Story Time, NOOK events and Author Events – Find the times and participating Barnes and Noble stores here.

Bass Pro Shops

Ongoing – Outdoor Skills Workshops – free classes offered on a regular basis on topics such as bass fishing, fly fishing, hunting and more. Contact your local store here for details.

Bowling – Kids Bowl Free all Summer

Kids Bowl for Free at select bowling centers. Just join their mailing list to get notified of the next Kids Bowl Free Day.

Broadway Week Two for One Tickets

Typically the first two weeks in September. Get two for one tickets for many of the top Broadway shows and musicals. Get more information and tickets here.

Fitness Classes

Athleta – From wellness workshops to industry nights, fitness classes and community excursions, we offer a variety of events, in and out of our stores, designed to unleash your limitless potential. Find an event near you and join us!

Lululemon locations offer store fitness events, go here for schedules and locations.

Flying Lessons for Kids

Young Eagles – kids ages 8 to 17 experience aviation and get free rides in private aircraft flown by experienced pilots. Get more information here.

Home Depot Workshop for Adults

Check out the free hands-on workshops offered at your local Home Depot and learn how to do many home projects yourself.  Get the schedule and pre-register online here.

Home and Garden Shows

If you like Home and Garden shows, this site will give you a free pass. Check the ACS Home Show site.

Lakeshore Learning Store

Kids make and take fun crafts in-store. Get more information here.

Lego Mini Model

Usually held monthly in stores, kids ages 6 to 14 can build models. Contact your closest LEGO® Store here for details.

Lowe’s  Workshops

Are you looking to build your skills for the next home improvement project? Find small group workshops, women’s skills workshops and Kids” DIY Workshops. These are free, monthly, in-store events designed to grow confidence and DIY skillset. Get more information and pre-register here.

Major League Baseball Clinics for Kids

Through the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, kids can attend baseball clinics in many locations across the country. The program is called Legends for Youth Clinics.

Michael’s Kids Club and Show In Tell for Adults

Kids Club – for $2 per child, you can reserve 30 minutes for kids to create while you shop at Michael’s. Sessions start every half hour from 10AM – 11:30. See a store associate to sign up or get more information here.

Michael’s Classes for Adults

Learn something new with in-store demonstrations for new craft ideas, techniques, and creative new trends. From cake decorating, jewelry making, art painting, paper crafting and more, get your local calendar of events right here.

National Parks Free Entrance Day

Come experience the national parks! On five days, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates. Go to the National Park Service website for more information and to find all participating national parks.

Roller Skating for Kids

Kids Roller Skate for Free: Find the closest participating facility right here.

Sephora In-Store Beauty Classes

Sign up for confidence-building beauty classes inside Sephora stores to learn everything from building a skincare routine to creating the perfect smoky eye. Check here for schedules and times.

SKI Passport for 5th Graders

Go to www.5thgradeskipassport.com to get a free pass in Idaho or the Pacific Northwest. For other areas, search for your state with the words “5th grade ski pass + your state”, or the name of your local ski resort.

Smithsonian Magazine Free Museum Day

Museum Day is an annual celebration of boundless curiosity hosted by Smithsonian magazine. Participating museums and cultural institutions across the country provide free entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket. The Museum Day ticket provides free admission for two people. Request your tickets here.

Target – Free Community Events

Target is also sponsoring FREE community events ranging from free museum admission, free theater tickets, family activities and tours at some of our countries most famous venues. Times and locations vary by city. Find free family activities sponsored by Target in your area right here.

Williams-Sonoma Free Technique Classes

Experience exclusive events, cooking classes free technique classes & product training. See the schedules and get more information here.

YOGA Month

September is National Yoga Month with over 1,600 yoga studios offering 1 free week of yoga classes during September and October for new students. Get more information here.

Celebrate Crazy Holidays

Have some silly fun on a budget! Celebrate Chocolate Milk Shake Day, Peanut Day, and Hug Your Hound Day, and more! Get the schedule here.

For inexpensive and sometimes free tickets to local events, I am a fan of Goldstar tickets. Watch your emails for the heading “Comp Train” from Goldstar. If you are new, you can set up a free account here.

Be sure and check out your local library and parks and recreation departments for free programs and events right in your hometown!

 

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