Free things to do in Phoenix this week

We hope you had a great Thanksgiving weekend, one full of family, friends, food and fun.

The holiday is over, but the fun doesn’t have to stop. Your no-cost options over the next several days include a lunchtime concert, a high-tech open house and more.

And if you’re looking for free activities that are holiday-themed, check out our comprehensive guide to holiday events around the Valley.

This week

Fun at Foley Ranch
Tuesday, Dec. 2
Foley Ranch, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., #93
Western-themed eatery and nightspot Foley Ranch hosts several activities on Tuesday nights. Each Tuesday kicks off with three rounds of country-themed bingo at 6 and 7:30 p.m., followed by beginner-friendly line dance lessons led by local instructors at 7 and 8:15 p.m. The night wraps with country karaoke at 9 p.m. All the fun is free, but consider supporting the business by purchasing food and/or drinks.

Live at Lunch
Wednesday, Dec. 3
CityScape, 1 E. Washington St.
Get out of the office during lunchtime and enjoy a free concert at CityScape. On Dec. 3, the featured artist is the Chuck E. Baby Trio. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

MIXibition Fall 2025
Wednesday, Dec. 3
Media and Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center, 50 N. Centennial Way, Mesa
ASU Media and Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center invites the public to its biannual immersive showcase featuring large-scale media installations, applied projects, Dreamscape Learn and more. Hours are 6 to 8:30 p.m. An RSVP is required.

Phoenix Run Club
Wednesday, Dec. 3
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.

Nikon Tour
Dec. 4-8
Mark your calendars, shutterbugs: The 2025 Nikon Tour is stopping in the Valley this coming week, bringing cameras to try out, free workshops and photo walks. Register for any or all of the events on the Nikon website.

Plan ahead

Community Day at the Garden
Tuesday, Dec. 9
Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway
The garden’s monthly free day happens again on Tuesday. 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.

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.

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.