Benjamin Leatherman
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You made it to the weekend: Time for some fresh opportunities for fun and entertainment around metro Phoenix.
This weekend, you can make new friends while crafting, listen to some juicy true stories or take a yoga class, all for free.
This weekend
Crafter Hours
Friday, July 31
FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel, 1100 N. Central Ave.
Enjoy some quality time with your fellow crafters during FOUND:RE’s recurring Crafter Hours series, which invites the public to bring their works in progress to the hotel for an afternoon of creativity. There’s no cost to participate, and food and drink are available for purchase. Hours are 1 to 6 p.m.
Release Da Freak
Friday, July 31
Gracie’s Tax Bar, 711 N. Seventh Ave.
Cut loose after a long, hot week during Release Da Freak, a new all-vinyl freak fest hosted by Trip Hazard Ash. Celebrate the origins of dance music and party culture with house anthems, electronic music and more. Freak flag attire is strongly encouraged. The party starts at 10 p.m.
Yoga Class
Saturday, Aug. 1
Gateway Library, 5036 S. Eastmark Parkway, Mesa
Start your Saturday with a stretch during a free yoga class courtesy of the Mesa Public Library system. Adults of all ages and skill levels can enjoy a fresh, accessible evolution of traditional yoga that blends stretching, breathwork, mindfulness and relaxation into one powerful practice. Attendees should bring their own mat and water. The class runs 9 to 10 a.m.
Rooster Club
Sunday, Aug. 2
The Dirty Drummer, 2303 N. 44th St.
Until 2010, Arizona’s Blue Laws prohibited the sale of alcohol before 10 a.m. on Sundays. When those regulations were repealed, some locals celebrated with the creation of the Rooster Club, and the tradition continues to this day. Show up at The Dirty Drummer at 6 a.m. on Sunday for a morning of music, socializing and totally legal early-morning drinking.
Spill the Tea Storytelling Night
Sunday, Aug. 2
Downside Up, 12820 N 19th Ave.
Are you a nosy Nelly who lives for drama? Head to social lounge Downside Up on Sunday night for an evening of good vibes, honest stories and plenty of laughs. You can get up and tell a story, sit back and enjoy the tales or both. The event is for people ages 18 and up, and it runs 6 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.
