5 Free Things to Do in Metro Phoenix This Week

Yes, knowledge is power. But gaining that knowledge can get pretty expensive. This week we've gathered some workshops, storytelling events, film screenings and more that will help you hone in on some new skills and keep some of that hard-earned cash in your wallet, where it belongs. And we also found some that are just plain fun. 

Don't Tell Anyone (No Le Digas A Nadie) Film Screening and Discussion
The Phoenix Center for the Arts will present a screening of Phoenix-native Mikaela Shwer's Don’t Tell Anyone (No Le Digas a Nadie) this Wednesday, December 9, at 6 p.m. The film follows Angy Rivera as she becomes an activist for undocumented youth in the United States. In the film, the Colombian-born 24-year-old discusses her YouTube advice channel, her experience with sexual abuse, and her 2013 interview with the New York Times. Find more details on Arizona Humanities' website.

Show & Tell
Everyone loves hearing an embarrassing story, but only the bravest people enjoy telling them. Six local storytellers will be at FilmBar in downtown Phoenix on Wednesday, December 9, to divulge some of their most shameful, awkward or vulnerable moments. The 21-and-over show starts at 9 p.m. You can find further details and a complete list of storytellers on the event's Facebook page.

Caffeine Corridor
This Friday, December 11, at {9} the Gallery's Caffeine Corridor, Bill Campana and Russ Kazmierczak Jr. will join the Valley's wordsmiths in a night of poetry and refreshments. Campana's third book, Poems from Deep South Scottsdale, will come out later this month and was created with help from Four Chambers Press. Kazmierczak's passion is in self-publishing, particularly comic books like his own Amazing Arizona Comics. Sign up starts at 6:45 p.m. and open mic starts at 7. Visit the event's Facebook page for more information, or call 602-349-9557.

Space Between Sparkles
Some local holiday enthusiasts are transforming a vacant lot at 513 N. 1st Street in downtown Phoenix into a Christmas-tree emporium that will serve as harbinger of joy and sparkles. It opens this Thursday, December 10, and will offer visitors the chance to browse through a "temporary pocket park" and see solar-powered Christmas lights, salvaged trees, downtown-themed decorations, and locally-crafted benches.The lot will remain open until New Year's Eve. More information is available on the event's Facebook page.

I Tried To Drown My Sorrows... Bar Crawl
Fridaphiles, now is your chance to shine. The Phoenix Fridas are hosting a bar crawl throughout downtown Phoenix and encourage you to come along. To enjoy the drink specials and Frida Kahlo trivia, all you need to do is dress up as either the artist herself or as her man, Diego Rivera, and be at Fez by 5 p.m. Featured bars will also include Valley Bar, Club Downtown, and Gypsy Bar. There will be a best costume award, so start investing in floral patterns — and maybe don't pluck the eyebrows this week. You can find more information on the bar crawl's Facebook page or by calling 602-754-9725.