Michelle Sasonov
Audio By Carbonatix
Congratulations: You made it to the weekend. For your troubles, you’re getting two days of warm weather and sunny skies to fill with fun and relaxation.
Read on for some free fun to be had around town.
This weekend
House Tour
Saturday, Feb. 21
Elias-Rodriguez House, 927 E. Eighth St., Tempe
This weekend is your chance to see inside one of the oldest houses in Tempe. The Elias-Rodriguez House dates to about 1882 and was built in the Sonoran style. The historic landmark will be open from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. on Saturday. No need to make a reservation; just show up to take a tour.
Arizona Matsuri
Feb. 21-22
Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road
Arizona Matsuri, a festival celebrating Japanese culture, is a decades-long Phoenix tradition that will take over Steele Indian School Park this weekend. Enjoy cultural performances, a cosplay contest, shopping, food and drink vendors and more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Native Spirit Dancers
Sunday, Feb. 22
Scottsdale Waterfront, 7124 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale
The Native Spirit Dancers offer viewers the opportunity to take a step into the culture and dances of Native America. See entertaining and educational presentations of dances that have survived thousands of years. Hours are 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Plan ahead
AZ Festival of Nations
Feb. 28-March 1
Dr. AJ Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler
Celebrate global culture at this two-day event that includes international food and craft vendors, food trucks and live entertainment. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Desert Rivers Audubon Society Bird Walk
Saturday, March 7
Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler
The Desert Rivers Audubon Society is here to teach folks of all ages about the birds (but not the bees). They hold a Chandler bird walk on the first Saturday of each month. Guided bird walks begin at 8 a.m. and leave approximately every 15 minutes from the ramadas near the parking areas. The last bird walk leaves at 11 a.m. Loaner binoculars for adults and kids are available. Participants should bring water, sunscreen and a hat. No registration required.
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.
