This weekend in Garland, TX

Steppes Artisan features a body-of-work artisan competition that will recognize both a novice champion and the next Steppes Artisan. A dedicated youth display area welcomes young participants to share their projects and creative progress. Adult registration is $30, with a $20 rate available for adult members, and admission is free for ages 0 to 17. Checks may be made payable to SCA Inc./Barony of the Steppes. Preregistration is available. Minors must attend with a parent or legal guardian, or with an adult age 21 or older who has a signed and notarized Minor Event Waiver from the parents.

The Sachse Farmers Market showcases fresh farm produce, baked goods, and artisan crafts, all centered on community, fun, and more.

Season of Smiles Foundation hosts a family friendly morning focused on back to school readiness and celebrating children with summer birthdays. Kids can receive free backpacks and school supplies while supplies last, helping them start the new school year feeling prepared. Festivities include a bounce house, face painting, a balloon artist, giveaways, and refreshments, along with a special appearance by a Lightning McQueen show car. The event is free, and registration is required so organizers can prepare enough supplies and activities. Volunteer opportunities are available for setup, registration, backpack distribution, children’s activities, and cleanup. The foundation’s mission is to bring smiles to children in every season of life.

Acacia Collective offers practical CPR classes presented by Rockwall CPR, with credentialed instructors guiding participants through CPR techniques, AED operation, and effective emergency response. The program welcomes the entire community and suits all experience levels, from first timers to those refreshing their skills. It can help you renew a certification, meet workplace requirements, or gain the confidence to act when needed. Registration is required.

Experience an open-air marketplace filled with local flavor at the Farmers Market at Firewheel. Browse stands stocked with seasonal produce from nearby growers, tangy salsas, small-batch jams and pickles, spice blends, fresh sourdough, and an array of sweet treats. Discover artisan goods like skincare, soaps, body butters, and unique handmade pieces crafted by local makers, along with farm-sourced beef. Food trucks and neighborhood vendors serve hot meals and cold drinks throughout the day, creating an easy place to linger. Between bites and shopping, enjoy complimentary games such as axe throwing, basketball, giant checkers, and cornhole while spending relaxed time with friends and family.

Enjoy a three round tournament with snacks and prize giveaways. More details about scoring and other specifics will be shared soon. Entry is $55, payable via Venmo to @mahjontexas or by Zelle at mahjontexas@gmail.com. Capacity is limited, and refunds are issued only if the spot can be filled.

Bankhead Brewpub hosts Derian, a 24 year old singer songwriter from Texas known for ukulele and acoustic guitar arrangements that span pop punk and Broadway show tunes. He has released his first single titled 'Second to...'.

Adrian, Camille, and the L.A.K.E. Foundation bring a Day of Impact to Hawaiian Waters, combining family fun with community support. Enjoy water park attractions with live music and games while supporting Garland families. When purchasing tickets online, use the code LAKEGIVE to contribute throughout the summer. The Back to School Drive welcomes donations like backpacks, notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, and more so local students start the year prepared. A Food Drive will also be underway, gathering canned goods, pasta, rice, peanut butter, cereal, and other non-perishable items. Partners include Hawaiian Waters, Jack & Jill of America, and Garland ISD.

Explore the flowing world of alcohol ink in a hands-on class that introduces bright, quick-drying pigments and simple techniques for striking results. Learn to blend hues into smooth gradients, experiment with layered effects and pooled textures, and guide the movement of the ink with tools such as a heat gun, straws, and alcohol. It offers a friendly setting to build a new creative skill and make unique artwork. Open to ages 11 and up, $40 per person, with all materials provided.

Cub Scout Pack 434 hosts a Raingutter Regatta with games, snacks, and drinks, with the regatta as the highlight. Children register for the race, build their own boats, and compete by age group. Prizes are announced. Between races, children can use the playground, making it a family friendly event.

Northside Drafthouse and Eatery hosts karaoke with a catalog of more than 50,000 songs. Choose your favorites, take the mic, and show off your vocals for a fun night of singing.

Every weekend, a friend can visit for free. Present this event at the front desk and the usual $15 guest fee for your friend will be waived. Guests must be at least 18, and all club rules remain in effect. For full details, check with the club.

This easygoing outing invites paddlers to bring a kayak or paddleboard and share a relaxed experience on the water with a friendly community of outdoor enthusiasts. It is welcoming to both newcomers and experienced paddlers. Everyone launches together, keeps a comfortable pace, enjoys the scenery, and has time to connect with others. Many participants choose to go to lunch together after the paddle. A life jacket is required for every participant, and it may be kept within reach rather than worn. Water shoes suited for lake use are strongly encouraged to make launching and landing safer and more comfortable. Please bring water and sunscreen, and come with a positive attitude.

Explore the Farmers Market at Firewheel, an outdoor marketplace featuring fresh locally grown produce, artisan sourdough, sweets, salsas, jams, pickles, seasonings, and local farm-raised beef. Shop skincare, soaps, body butters, and a variety of handmade creations from local artists and makers. Food trucks and vendors serve ready-to-eat dishes and cold drinks so it is easy to enjoy a meal while you browse. Free activities include axe throwing, basketball, giant checkers, cornhole, and more.

RibsU is an instructional and entertaining class focused on the ins and outs of smoking southern-style ribs at home. It introduces six cuts, including beef plate short ribs, beef chuck ribs, beef back ribs, St. Louis style pork ribs, pork baby back ribs, and lamb ribs. The session demonstrates how to turn a rack of spareribs into the St. Louis style, explains techniques for great results, and clarifies when a sweet finish, a dry rub, or a sauced approach makes sense. It also shows how to slice and serve each type so you can bring confident know-how to your home rib cooking.

Pop In & Paint offers a relaxed, self-guided way to get creative. Unlike a traditional paint and sip, you set the pace and select any art piece that sparks your interest. Arrive during the designated Pop In hours or reserve in advance, then settle in to craft your own masterpiece. All materials are provided, along with written or video instructions to guide each step. No experience is required. The format is flexible and welcoming for participants of all ages.

A steering committee meeting at Aladdin Cafe invites input to help plan fall and winter events. The planning session incorporates a Middle Eastern themed experience alongside Aladdin Coffee and Tea Bar, providing a setting for brainstorming and conversation.