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 check out a ton of music in Downtown Phoenix, celebrate Earth Day or take an outdoor fitness class.

This weekend

VIVA PHX
Through April 20
Downtown Phoenix and beyond
What began as a one-day music festival in downtown Phoenix has evolved into a six-day celebration of art, music and food. This weekend, a number of downtown music venues will be hosting free concerts by local artists. Visit vivaphx.com to see your options for free live music.

Workout Class
Saturday, April 18
Biltmore Fashion Park, 2502 E. Camelback Road
Join lululemon for a free outdoor workout class this weekend. This week’s class is presented by Core Collective. Bring your own mat. The one-hour class begins at 9 a.m.

Earth Day Celebration
Saturday, April 18
Chandler Nature Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler
Show Mother Nature some love during this Earth Day celebration. Enjoy the beautiful landscape of Veterans Oasis Park while discovering ways to live an eco-friendly lifestyle through crafts, activities and information booths. Attendees can also create unique flower arrangements that will be gathered into a collaborative garden display. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon.

17th Annual FamBlam
Saturday, April 18
Hermoso Skate Park, 2030 E. Southern Ave.
Head to South Phoenix for a family-friendly day of fun and community. 
RootsLife Unity In The Community LLC will once again host the FamBlam, which offers attendees live music, kids’ activities, community booths and more. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Trivia Night
Sunday, April 19
Changing Hands Bookstore, 300 W. Camelback Road
Grab your brainiest friends and head to Changing Hands’ Phoenix location for the perfect end to a busy weekend, a fun, fast-paced trivia competition. Prizes await the top teams. The games begin at 5 p.m.

Plan ahead

‘The Constitution and Trump’
Wednesday, April 22
Changing Hands Bookstore, 6428 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe
There’s a lot of discussion lately about what is and is not legal under the Constitution. Constitutional lawyer Robert J. McWhirter, author of “Bills, Quills, and Stills,” and human rights attorney Dianne Post will break down the complexities of the subject during an evening of civic education and lively discussion. The event starts at 7 p.m.

Mesa Amplified
May 1-2
Downtown Mesa
The streets of downtown Mesa will be alive with the sound of music during the first weekend in May. Local artists will perform during the day inside area businesses. On May 1, from 7 to 10 p.m., enjoy a Neon Moon Dance Party inside the Neon Garden; on May 2, catch a free concert by The Ataris. Local act 2Tone Lizard Kings and Fourbanger are the supporting acts. The concert starts at 5:45 p.m. Get more info on the Mesa Amplified website.

‘All-American Celebration’
Sunday, May 3
Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler
The Chandler Symphony Orchestra, a nonprofit orchestra of professionally trained musicians who volunteer their time and talent, will perform a program that celebrates America’s 250th birthday. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and the show begins at 3. Seating is first-come, first-served. Reserve your spot on Eventbrite. 

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.