5 Free Things to Do In Metro Phoenix This Week

'Tis the season for gifting. This week, our gift to you is a guide to free and fun events happening around the Valley. Rest assured, there's something for everyone, including the storyteller, the writer, the artist, the fashion expert, and everyone in between. 

Digital Storytellers
The folks at Chandler's Gangplank are focusing this month's meetup on the art of digital storytelling. On Monday, December 14, filmmakers, writers, video bloggers, and more are welcome to discuss and share their ideas and skills with each other. Specifically, attendees can expect to learn about using YouTube as a platform for their work. All levels of experience are welcome to meet at the Chandler shop from 6 to 8 p.m. You can find more information on the meetup's Facebook page.

Wasted Ink Zine Night
Tempe's newest zine library, Wasted Ink Zine Distro, is starting its first month off strong with a Zine Night on Wednesday, December 16. From 7 to 8 p.m., you can join owners Marna Kay and Charissa Lucille in a night of revelry and "all things small press." There will be creating, reading, trading, and more. The shop is located at 2121 W. University Drive. Visit the event's Facebook page or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

"Psychic Space Twins"
Palabra Art Collective will open its latest exhibition, "Psychic Space Twins," on Friday, December 18, at 7 p.m. The "haunted psychedelic art show" will feature Oliver Hibert and Jacqueline Denton, who have worked together on multiple projects sine 2013. Hilbert, a Phoenix-based artist, has worked on designs with The Flaming Lips, Nike, and MTV, and he has been featured in museums around the world. This, however, will be his first exhibit in almost 10 years. Denton's work plays off of sexuality and femininity and has been shown across the country. For more information, visit the event's Facebook page. 

Ugly Holiday Sweater Walk 
If you're still looking for opportunities to rock that ugly sweater, Chandler is the place to go on Friday, December 18. Beginning at 6 p.m., you and yours can walk around downtown and check out local art, a little bit of caroling, and other holiday festivities, all for free. For more information, head over to downtownchandler.org. 

PPC Fashion II: The End is the Beginning is the End
Local designers and models will gather at The Hive downtown to celebrate PPC Fashion's second show at 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 19, and you might want to be there, too. Local designers, including Jessica Kelley, Joey Gamboa, Parisa Zahedi, Ashley Macias, and Shela Yu, will demonstrate their latest work while local musicians provide the musical backdrop. Performances will include Krovak, Andy Warpigs, and more. Check here for updates on the show.