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 play some water games, tour a scientific research facility or browse a cool vintage market.

This weekend

Summerfest
Saturday, July 11
Brat Haus, 3622 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
Cool off with Brat Haus’s Summerfest party this weekend. The outdoor party for adults will feature a large slip and slide, misters, squirt guns and water games alongside food and drink offerings, including Jell-O shots, boozy snow cones and a wide beer selection. Guests are encouraged to dress for the heat in beach-ready attire and should expect to get wet. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. RSVPs are encouraged.

Free Family Saturday
Saturday, July 11
Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave.
What better way to escape the summer heat than a free visit to the world-renowned Heard Museum? The Free Family Saturday event is open to all, but kids in particular will find plenty to do, including a number of Alaska-themed art projects and activity stations throughout the museum. (Admission to the museum’s “Molly of Denali: An Alaskan Adventure” exhibition does carry a ticket price.) Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ASU Force Open House
Saturday, July 11
ASU Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building 2, 850 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe
This weekend, the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University is opening its doors to the public. The behind-the-scenes tour allows visitors to see the state-of-the-art laboratory facilities of FORCE (Facility for Open Research in a Compressed Environment). Activities include live equipment and technology demonstrations, meet-and-greets with the research team, light refreshments and giveaways. Hours are 10 a.m. to noon. Reserve your spot on Eventbrite.

Melrose Vintage Market
Sunday, July 12
The Duce, 525 S. Central Ave.
The final Melrose Vintage Market of the season pops off at The Duce on Sunday. Enjoy vintage shopping, local artists, tunes spun by the Ladies Who Brunch DJ collective and more. For purchase, there will be coffee, brunch and cocktails. The all-ages event is free to attend, but there is a suggested $5 donation to Push Forward, a Phoenix nonprofit empowering youth through skateboarding, academics, wellness, creativity and community. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

‘Love Island’ Finale Watch Party
Sunday, July 12
The Pemberton, 1121 N. Second St.
It’s hard to believe that “Love Island USA” season 8 is coming to a close, but here we are. The season finale will air on Sunday, and The Pemberton is celebrating with a watch party so we can see which couple wins the competition. (Our money’s still on Bryce and Trinity.) Head to the Muertos section of the downtown party spot for drink specials and all the reality TV drama you can handle. The viewing starts at 6 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.