Free things to do in Phoenix this week

We made it through January, possibly the longest month in history. Now, February brings a new crop of things to do.

Here are a few no-cost suggestions for the coming week.

This week

‘Jimmy Smith: Model Glue & Other Bad Influences… A Cautionary Tale’
Through Feb. 11
ArtSpace West, 4873 W. Verde Mall
Barrett-Jackson is over, but you can still appreciate cool cars at this art exhibition that’s open to the public at Arizona State University’s west campus. The show features vivid Hot Rod car designs and illustrations by internationally renowned Glendale-based artist Jimmy Smith. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

History Tours
Tuesday, Feb. 3
Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St.
Ever wanted to explore the gorgeous, historic Orpheum Theatre in downtown Phoenix? Here’s your chance. The theater will host two free tours on Tuesday afternoon at noon and 1:30 p.m. Guided tours of the theater include all public and many non-public areas. Plan to arrive 10 minutes before the tour time. Tours are limited to 25 people; walk-ups are welcome, or secure your spot by registering on Eventbrite.

Sunset Yoga
Tuesday, Feb. 3
The Esplanade, 2501 E. Camelback Road
There’s nothing better than a good stretch at the end of a long workday. Head to the Esplanade Plaza for a weekly yoga session appropriate for all ages and skill levels. The class runs 5:15 to 6 p.m. Register for individual sessions on Eventbrite.

Plan ahead

Community Day at the Garden
Tuesday, Feb. 10
Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway
The garden’s monthly free day happens again next week. Stroll through the many trails and see ongoing multimedia exhibit “Desert Pulse.” Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free but registering for an entry time is strongly recommended.

Moonlight Movie Nights
Friday, Feb. 13
Plaza at Mesa City Center, 50 N. Centennial Way, Mesa
Enjoy an outdoor movie on Friday night at Mesa’s ASU MIX Center. This month’s title is “A Wrinkle in Time,” the 2018 adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s classic children’s novel. Attendees should bring their own blankets or chairs. The show starts at 6:30 p.m.

The Chocolate Affaire
Feb. 14-15
Glendale Civic Center, 5750 W. Glenn Dr., Glendale
The annual chocolate-themed event returns to Glendale with a diverse selection of chocolate vendors, food trucks, live entertainment and family-friendly activities. Admission and parking are free. Hours are yet to be announced. 

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.