Jennifer Goldberg
Audio By Carbonatix
A new week brings fresh opportunities for entertainment in Phoenix.
Read on for some free fun to be had around town.
This week
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.
Drink N’ Draw
Monday, March 23
Changing Hands Bookstore, 300 W. Camelback Road
Sometimes, it’s more fun to be creative in a group. Join other artists for a Drink N’ Draw event at Changing Hands Bookstore’s Phoenix location. Bring whatever materials you use to create, and if you want to spend a couple bucks, support the store’s First Draft Book Bar by buying a happy hour drink or snack. The event starts at 6 p.m.
History Tours
Tuesday, March 24
Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St.
Ever wanted to explore the gorgeous, historic Orpheum Theatre in downtown Phoenix? Here’s your chance. The theater will host two free tours on Tuesday afternoon at noon and 1:30 p.m. Guided tours of the theater include all public and many non-public areas. Plan to arrive 10 minutes before the tour time. Tours are limited to 25 people; walk-ups are welcome, or secure your spot by registering on Eventbrite.
Sunset Yoga
Tuesday, March 24
The Esplanade, 2501 E. Camelback Road
Start 2026 off healthy with three months of free yoga classes. Head to the Esplanade Plaza for a weekly session appropriate for all ages and skill levels. The class runs 5:15 to 6 p.m. Register for individual sessions on Eventbrite.
Out to Lunch Concert Series
Thursday, March 26
Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa
Take a break from your desk and enjoy an afternoon concert in the East Valley. Vinyl Station is this week’s featured artist at Mesa Arts Center’s Lunchtime Concert series. They’ll play rock and indie rock tunes beginning at 12:30 p.m. Food is available for purchase.
Back to the ’80s Block Party
Thursday, March 26
Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd.
Let the nostalgia take over at this retro-themed festival. The event features a live DJ spinning classic tunes, ’80s-themed photo ops, games, prizes for the best dressed and a themed craft. The fun runs from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is free but tickets are required.
Plan ahead
Merchantile Market
March 28-29
Scottsdale Civic Center, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale
At this outdoor market, browse more than 200 vendors, have interactive experiences, listen to live music, try your luck at giveaways and more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
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.
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.
