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 the history of local radio, attend an art opening or win prizes at a horror movie pop-up, all for zero dollars.

This weekend

‘Radio That Rocked the Valley’
Through Sept. 27
Chandler Museum, 300 S. Chandler Village Drive, Chandler
The current exhibition at Chandler Museum is “Radio That Rocked the Valley,” which explores local broadcasting over the last century through legendary stations like KRUX, KOY and KZZP, tracing how the medium evolved from primitive AM broadcasts of the 1920s into a soundtrack for generations of Valley listeners. Hours are 10 a.m to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

‘Obsession’ Pop-Up
Friday, May 15
Terror Trader, 941 W. Elliot Road, #3, Chandler
“Obsession,” the new horror flick that everyone is talking about, officially releases on May 15, and to celebrate, horror marketplace Terror Trader is hosting a special scavenger hunt event. Find one of the movie-related Post-It Notes hidden around the space and you’ll win an official “Obsession” T-shirt. Hours are 4 to 6 p.m.

Global Sounds Concert
Friday, May 15
Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria
Start your weekend with the next installment of the city of Peoria’s Global Sounds concert series. This month, enjoy a performance by Serenity Dance, an Arizona-based, student-led community service performing arts group dedicated to showcasing Vietnamese traditional dance and modern K-pop. The performance starts at 7 p.m. and lasts about 80 to 90 minutes including an intermission. Complimentary tickets may be reserved through the TheaterWorks box office by visiting theaterworks.org or calling 623-815-7930.

‘Nappy Roots, The Homecoming’
Friday, May 15
Alwun House, 1204 E. Roosevelt St.
Attend the opening reception of the newest exhibition at the iconic Alwun House. Paintings by Myja Lark take viewers on a journey into the roots, beauty and complexity of Black identity, using hair and heritage to tell stories. Hours are 6 to 10 p.m.

Monster Market
Sunday, May 17
Thunderbird Lounge, 710 W. Montecito Ave.
Finish the weekend on a spooky note at the final Monster Market of the season. Cult Classics brings together 30 vendors and DJs for a night of music, shopping and dark vibes. Food and drink will be available for purchase. All ages are welcome. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m.

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.