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 attend a Pride party, play trivia or go to the First Friday artwalk, all for zero dollars.

This weekend

Crafter Hours
Friday, June 5
FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel, 1100 N. Central Ave.
Get creative at FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel during Crafter Hours, a free, recurring event the property kicked off in May. Bring your own supplies and whatever project you’re working on, and make progress while sharing space with other artists. Hours are 1 to 6 p.m.

First Friday
Friday, June 5
Downtown Phoenix
It’s time to head downtown for another First Friday artwalk. This month, you can see the “Emerge 2026” group exhibition at Modified Arts; experience a wide range of activities including a beginner skateboarding clinic and live mural painting at Arizona Center; go through Phoenix Art Museum and see the debut of a new work by Cara Romero; and much more. First Friday hours are approximately 5 to 9; check websites before visiting a location.

Cockpit Closeup
Saturday, June 6
Falcon Field Airport, 4800 E. Falcon Drive, Mesa
Falcon Field’s monthly Cockpit Closeup event is taking a turn for the patriotic in June. For the event’s America 250 Celebration theme, visitors can view the Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona F-16, the Army Heritage Group Huey helicopter and the Mesa Fire ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting) truck. The Mesa Library Bookmobile will also be on-site, along with patriotic displays, America 250 coloring activities, summer water balloon games and a photo booth. Hours are 8 to 10 a.m.

Pride Party
Saturday, June 6
Centerpoint Plaza, 660 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
The city of Tempe’s annual Pride Party returns on Saturday. Visitors can tap into the Silent Disco with multiple rotating DJs and enjoy photo ops, a market featuring local, queer-owned businesses, drag performances from host royalty, free rainbow roses and complimentary health checks. Hours are 7 to 11 p.m.

Trivia Night
Sunday, June 7
Changing Hands Bookstore, 300 W. Camelback Road
Show off that big brain of yours during Changing Hands’ twice-monthly trivia night. Teams will answer questions for the chance to win prizes and, of course, epic bragging rights. The event runs 5 to 7 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.