Free things to do in Phoenix this weekend

You made it to the weekend: Time for some fresh opportunities for fun and entertainment around metro Phoenix.

This weekend, you can learn about scorpions on a guided nature walk, listen to experts talk about the future of Phoenix or party at an art museum, all for zero dollars.

This weekend

Summer Break @ SMoCA
Friday, June 26
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 E. Second St., Scottsdale
If you’re feeling like it’s too hot to be outside, cool down at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art on Friday night. The museum is hosting a fun-filled evening of treats, drinks, performances and games. All ages are welcome, and there will be activities throughout the evening for kids and adults. The event is technically pay-what-you-wish, so slide them a few bucks if you can, but if not, just come and enjoy. The fun starts at 6:30 p.m.

Stars, Stripes and Scorpions
Friday, June 26
McDowell Mountain Regional Park, 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr., Fountain Hills
Everyone’s celebrating America’s 250th birthday in different ways. This Friday, at McDowell Mountain Regional Park, join Ranger Olivia for a hike and nature lesson titled “Stars, Stripes and Scorpions: The Historic Importance of Scorpions to Arizona.” Participants will walk through the park looking for scorpions and finding out why scorpions are so intertwined in Arizona’s history. Bring flashlights and/or blacklights and plenty of water, and leave the dogs at home. The program runs 7:30 to 9 p.m. and no registration is necessary.

Caffeine and Chrome
Saturday, June 27
Gateway Classic Cars of Scottsdale, 9451 N. 79th Ave., #100, Peoria
Early birds can head to the west side on Saturday for a morning of ogling some gorgeous automobiles. Gateway Classic Cars’ monthly Caffeine and Chrome event gives attendees free coffee and doughnuts (while supplies last) and plenty of vehicular eye candy. All ages are welcome, as are well-behaved dogs. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon.

Vintage Market
Saturday, June 27
Newell Vintage and Rielle’dio, 3010 N. 24th St.
Retail neighbors Newell Vintage (clothes and accessories) and Rielle’dio (furniture and home decor) are quietly making a splash in the Valley vintage scene. If you haven’t checked them out yet, drop by Saturday for their market event, which will include wine, food and wares from local vintage vendors. Hours are 6 to 9 p..m.

‘(The) Show and Tell: Walkability’
Sunday, June 28
Changing Hands, 300 W. Camelback Road
Real talk: Phoenix is not known for its walkability. And though the downtown area is thriving, parking is increasingly a hassle. What’s a Phoenician to do? Join Lauren Gilger, co-host of KJZZ’s newsmagazine program “The Show,” along with community advocate David Crummey, artist Jen Urso, and transit planner and sustainability specialist Arden Holloway for a panel discussion about what it might take to make way for pedestrians in metro Phoenix. The event starts at 5 p.m. There’s no cost to attend, but RSVPs are requested.

Ongoing

Free Museums and Museum Free Days
Days, times and locations vary
There a number of institutions around the Valley that are either free all the time or offer no-cost admission on certain days. The ASU Art Museum and its cool architecture are free to visit any time it’s open, and Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum is always free as well. Phoenix Art Museum is pay-what-you-wish on Wednesdays from 3 to 8 p.m., and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is pay-what-you-wish on Thursdays and every second Saturday of the month.

Estrella Star Tower
Daily until 8:15 p.m.
8614 Estrella Parkway, Goodyear
The entrance to a far-West Valley housing development is also home to a charming, unique landmark. The Estrella Star Tower has a spiral staircase that leads visitors up to sprawling views and shines with tiny lights beginning at dusk. The tower’s design was created by local astronomy personality Steven Kates. The tower is really a feature of the neighborhood, so be respectful, stayed on marked paths and remember that it closes at 8:15 p.m.

Dobbins Lookout
Days and times vary
10919 S. Central Ave.
One of the most beautiful views of Phoenix is just a short car ride (or, if you’re in better shape than we are, a bike ride) up South Mountain. Dobbins Lookout stands at 2,330 feet, allowing for unobstructed views of the Valley from one side to another. Check the Phoenix Parks & Rec website for hours and closures.

Phoenix Run Club
Wednesdays
Biltmore Fashion Park, 2502 E. Camelback Road
Want to get a jump on those New Year’s resolutions and start that running habit now? The Phoenix Run Club is here to help. Its free weekly community run welcomes runners of all levels and paces for an all-ages trek through Biltmore Fashion Park’s outdoor setting. The event gets going at 6:30 p.m. at the Biltmore Fashion Park center lawn by Williams Sonoma.

Jazz Happy Hour
Thursdays
The Nash, 110 E. Roosevelt St.
What better way to celebrate almost making it through the week than with some smooth sounds? Downtown Jazz mecca The Nash hosts a weekly happy hour show with Delphine Cortez, Joel Robin and other musicians. Drinks are available for purchase. The show starts at 5 p.m.

Scottsdale Art Walk
Every Thursday, 7 to 9 p.m.
Old Town Scottsdale
Every Thursday, the many art galleries in Old Town Scottsdale open their doors for an art walk that has been going on for 50 years. Some even offer wine and small bites. Check the Scottsdale Galleries website for information on the Gold Palette Art Walks, which usually happen one Thursday a month and can include live music and other entertainment. (Note: The art walk is not happening on Thanksgiving.)

Do you know of a great free event? We update this list throughout the week; send information to editorial@phoenixnewtimes.com.