7 Best Things to Do in Metro Phoenix This Week

New Times picks the best things to do in Phoenix and Tempe during this abbreviated work week from Tuesday, July 5, through Thursday, July 7. For more events, see our curated online calendar.

Dan Flores Book-Signing
You’re not an apex predator — you’re merely hiding yourself from those who’d eat you. And along with hybrid Florida supersnakes descended from abandoned pets (God, we’re idiots), our continent is sprinkled with coywolves, undoubtedly contemplating liaisons with snakes.

Plain old coyotes are tough enough on their own, though too smart to eat people. Dan Flores’ new book, Coyote America: A Natural and Supernatural History, imparts the fascinating story of how humans laughably attempted to control Wile E.’s population and habitat. It also illuminates the cultural significance of Canis latrans in the Americas.

Meet Flores and purchase a copy of the book for signing at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, at Changing Hands Bookstore, 6428 South McClintock Drive in Tempe. Call 480-730-0205 or visit www.changinghands.com. Julie Peterson

"Crafting the Collection"
For some, the word “craft” conjures memories of preschool projects with glitter and glue sticks. If you’re among them, it’s probably time to hone your definition of craft.

There’s more to it than that, as evidenced by ASU Art Museum’s “Crafting the Collection” exhibition – which showcases the sophistication of contemporary and conceptual craft through 30 recently donated objects, plus a quilt created by Japanese artist Ai Kijima using a curtain, pillow case, bed sheets, clothes, apron, handkerchief, and tablecloth.

You can see this exhibition (and several more) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5, at the ASU Art Museum, 51 East 10th Street in Tempe. Museum admission is always free, and “Crafting the Collection” continues through September 3. Visit asuartmuseum.asu.edu. Lynn Trimble

Flow Yoga
Find yourself bent out of sorts come Wednesday? The Newton has just the solution. On July 6, the inviting community event space (located at 300 West Camelback Road and home to repurposed chandeliers and a towering fireplace from its former life as Beefeaters) transforms into a yoga studio. Instructor Evon Hart will lead an all-levels flow class designed to work out those midweek kinks — and realign for the workdays that remain. Registration for the 5:30 p.m. class is $15 and can be completed through www.changinghands.com or by calling 602-274-0067. Becky Bartkowski

Everyday Frida
Long before the advent of selfie sticks, Mexican artist Frida Kahlo was consumed with making self-portraits. And now, more than six decades after her death, a worldwide clique of Frida aficionados pause to celebrate her July 6 birthday each year.

During the past year, local Frida fans have seen photographs from the artists’ own collection at the Heard Museum, where dancers performed a Frida-inspired work, and at Bentley Gallery. No shortage to be found, the Valley’s even home to a Latina artist collective called the Phoenix Fridas.

To take part in remembering the influential artist, go to Everyday Frida! at the Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center, 47 East Adams Street. From 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 6, visitors can celebrate her birthday with visual and performance art, plus reflections on her legacy. Visit www.alacaz.org. Lynn Trimble

International Artwalk
Maybe your bucket list includes hitting famed art biennials from Venice to São Paolo, but those plane tickets are looking a little too pricey. Don’t sweat it; you can still explore international arts and culture through the local gallery and museum scene.

The Scottsdale Gallery Association is turning its weekly art walk into an International Artwalk from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 7, along sections of Main Street and Marshall Way near Indian School and Scottsdale roads.

Calvin Charles Gallery, located at 4201 North Marshall Way, is featuring works by three Vietnamese artists. And local artist Gennaro Garcia, whose works are infused with Mexican culture, will be live painting at the gallery. (Editor's note: Garcia has had to drop out of the event due to illness.) Expect exhibitions, presentations, and cool summer treats with an international twist. Visit www.scottsdalegalleries.com. Lynn Trimble

Vibes & Verbs
If your Thursday night needs spoken-word acts, fashion displays, and visual art, then your presence may be appreciated at Vibes & Verbs. Part two of a cultural series produced by Square 1, it’s a themed poetry show happening at the MonOrchid, 214 East Roosevelt Street, on Thursday, July 7, from 7 to 10 p.m. Hosted by Jay Tatum, the show will feature poetry acts Mark Reed Jr., Andrew Washington, Tomas Stanton, PK Tha Poet, Dominique Flagg, My Boy B, and simply Jose. Presale tickets are $7 at vibesandverbs.eventbrite.com. General admission is $10. Visit www.facebook.com/events/270299629985400. Lauren Cusimano


Indie AZ Film Fest
Cannes is too far away and it gets too cold at Sundance, so instead our picky movie buffs will be getting their annual independent film fix at the Indie AZ Film Fest. Held for the first time last year, the second edition of this short but impressive event brings together Arizona’s independent film producers, directors, and talent for an evening of short film screenings and awards. Attendees will also get the chance to meet greats like Mel Novak (the assassin Stick in Bruce Lee’s Game of Death), Playboy playmate Charlotte Kemp, local radio dude Dave Pratt, and Coy Duke himself, Byron Cherry. Plus, 10 percent of the event’s profits go to Agnes' Centers For Domestic Solutions.

The Indie AZ Film Festival begins 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 7, at Pollack Tempe Cinemas, 1825 East Elliot Road. Early bird tickets are $11, general admission is $16, and VIP access is $21. Visit indieazfest.com for more. Zach Fowle