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You made it to the weekend: Time for some fresh opportunities for fun and entertainment around metro Phoenix.
This weekend, you can explore the night sky, join a group ride bike, see some art and more.
This weekend
Prism Gallery Pop-Up
Through March 31
Biltmore Fashion Park, 2502 E. Camelback Road
Gallery space at Biltmore Fashion Park is filled with eye-catching, thought-provoking works in multiple mediums by renowned local artists. The exhibition is presented by Artlink in conjunction with the monthlong Art Detour event.
CycloMesa
Saturday, March 28
The Plaza at Mesa City Center, 56 E. Main St.
This outdoor event celebrating cycling, safety and active transportation kicks off with a 40-minute, all-ages community bike ride through downtown Mesa, followed by a day of activities including BMX stunt shows, live DJ, a children’s bike rodeo, obstacle courses, a foam party, roller derby demonstrations, bicycle maintenance classes and interactive family activities. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fountain Hills Dark Sky Festival
Saturday, March 28
Fountain Hills Community Center, 13001 N. La Montana, Fountain Hills
Celebrate the nighttime at the annual Fountain Hills Dark Sky Festival. The community event offers attendees the chance to look through telescopes, virtual reality tours of the solar system, talks by astronauts, encounters with nocturnal animals, live music and more. Hours are 4 to 9 p.m.
Rainbows Festival
March 28-29
Heritage Square Park, 113 N. Sixth St.
Celebrate love, pride and acceptance at the annual Rainbows Festival presented by Phoenix Pride. See live entertainment, browse vendors, talk with community organizations and more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Arizona Dragon Boat Festival
March 28-29
Tempe Town Lake, 550 E. Tempe Town Lake, Tempe
The 20th annual Arizona Dragon Boat Festival brings together two days of competition, live music, martial arts demonstrations, shopping, food and drink vendors and more. The fun begins at 8 a.m. each day and ends around 5 p.m. or a little after. Parking at the marina is free, too.
Sun & Sounds
Sunday, March 29
Scottsdale Civic Center, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale
Scottsdale Arts closes its Sun & Sounds series for the summer with one last free outdoor event. The main event is the R&B sounds of Ang Sirena and the Latin/tropical fusion of Jaleo, but there will also be vendors, food and drinks for sale and more. Hours are noon to 4 p.m.
Plan ahead
Bad Bunny Easter Takeover
Saturday, April 4
The Pemberton, 1121 N. Second St.
If you like your bunnies less “Easter” and more “bad,” head to The Pemberton for a night of fun. Throughout the day, DJs Aja Cruz and Miss DJ MJ will be spinning reggaeton, dembow and Latin beats, while guests partake in an Easter Egg hunt, Bad Bunny-themed bingo, a perreo drag show, a themed photo station inspired by Bad Bunny’s album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” a Bad Bunny lookalike contest and tattoos by Sad Boys. There’s no cover before 9 p.m.
Moonlight Movie Nights
Friday, April 10
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, in honor of Earth Day, is “FernGully: The Last Rainforest,” the 1992 animated classic about the magical inhabitants of an endangered wilderness. Attendees should bring their own blankets or chairs. The show starts at 6:30 p.m.
Community Day at the Garden
Tuesday, April 14
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.
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.
