5 Free and Cheap Things to Do This Week in Metro Phoenix

Still recovering from that post-holiday financial slump? That doesn't mean you need to sit around waiting for that next paycheck to roll in. Take a stand against boredom this week with these totally free events.

"Buckhorn Baths I: Identity - Authenticity - Eternity of a Landmark"
Once a thriving bathhouse known for its alleged healing powers, Mesa's historic Buckhorn Baths has been closed since 1999. And the building has been for sale ever since. After a recent defunct sale to the City of Mesa, the future of the Buckhorn Baths is uncertain. Join community movers and shakers from The University of Arizona and Mesa Preservation at "Buckhorn Baths I: Identity - Authenticity - Eternity of a Landmark" to discuss the history and future of the once-bustling tourist spot at Mesa Arts Center's Museum of Contemporary Arts Dobson Lecture Hall at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 12. Visit the Facebook event for more information. 

"11 Miles of Color" 
It's art anew. Celebrate the opening reception of "11 Miles of Color," an exhibition hosted by Scottsdale Public Art that repurposes the acrylic braid fibers used in the collection Spring Crossing by Randy Walker at 2014's Canal Convergence and works them into new pieces. The artists, which include Valerie Doe, Shawn Rost, Valerie Fair and eight others, will discuss their new takes on these old fibers at Scottsdale Public Library on Thursday, January 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. Visit scottsdalepublicart.org or call 480-874-4645.

Play on Palabras
Bilingual players will have a unique advantage at this Scrabble game night at Palabras Bookstore on from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, January 15. Play on Palabras will bring together Spanish and English speakers for a four-team tournament to find the most language-limber player. If Scrabble isn't your thing, note that games of Jenga, Uno, Sorry, Risk, and Lotería will also take place. Perhaps best of all, there's free Mexican hot chocolate for anyone who stops by. Reserve your spot by emailing [email protected]. Visit palabrasbookstore.com for more information. 

Emerging Arts Leaders (EAL) Phoenix: Third Friday on Grand
It'll be a Grand ol' time this month with the Emerging Arts Leaders of Phoenix. No, really. The core team at EAL will meet at ThirdSpace on Friday, January 15, at 5 p.m. for drinks and snacks before taking to the streets of Grand Avenue at 6:30 p.m., hitting up galleries along the way like Abe Zucca Gallery, {9} The Gallery and Palabras Bookstore. Heck, you might even run into the Play on Palabras game night during your journey. Visit the EAL Phoenix Facebook page for more information. 

Gilbert Art Walk 
The land of strip malls and chain restaurants is slowly emerging with an arts scene. See it for yourself on Saturday, January 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Fourth Annual Gilbert Art Walk brings together painters, sculptors, photographers, printmakers and more on the quaint streets of Downtown Gilbert at Water Tower Plaza. The event will take place alongside the Gilbert Farmers Market until noon, so you can nourish your need for art and, well, actual nourishment, all in one day. Visit gilbertartwalk.com for more information.