A recent study published by the Lancet says lack of exercise kills roughly as many as smoking. Unfortunately the only thing the general public hates more than being called fat is going to the gym. But taking in some culture, could be your round about ticket to burning calories.
Art Walks have become fairly mainstream among the main streets of downtown cities in Metro Phoenix. The art walks listed below are your opportunity for free art, free exercise, and potentially free wine.
Downtown Phoenix Art Walk - First Friday (Monthly) 6-10 p.m.
One of the larger art walks out there, First Friday scales from Grand Avenue to Roosevelt Row, into Downtown and along 16th street; offering everything from art to "art," food trucks to bars, musical entertainment, to people watching entertainment. Participating venues include the Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, and an extensive list of galleries too long to name, but best navigated through with the help of Jackalope Ranch's First Friday Field Guide (note: these are updated monthly).
Downtown Chandler Art Walk - Third Friday (Monthly) 6-10 p.m.
Situated between San Marcos Place and Arizona Avenue, between Commonwealth Avenue and Boston Street, the Downtown Chandler Art Walk is bit more of a family affair. Showcasing live music and only DCCP jury-approaved artwork, this art walk offers an alternative air conditioned environment during the summer months. Next month, the event will be held at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Cibola Room.
Downtown Mesa Art Walk (a.k.a. Mesa's Second Night Out)- Second Friday (Monthly) 6-10 p.m. Happening on Main Street between Center and Country Club, Mesa's Second Friday Night Out delivers 70 plus art vendors, 5 live bands, dinning and shopping. Next month's art walk on August 10 will feature Nerdvanacon, a festival celebrating all that is Nerdavana with cosplay, tech demos, comic and pop culture themed art, genre discussion panels and movies screenings.
Scottsdale Art Walk -Art Walk the Line- Thursday (Weekly) 7-9pm
Located in Old Town Scottsdale, predominantly on either side of Scottsdale road along Marshall Way and Main Street, the Scottsdale Art Walk serves as a buffet of open house galleries, with live music, often free food, and possibly the largest concentration of southwestern (cowboy) art in metro phoenix, ironically surrounding the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (hey, it's all about balance).
Sunnyslope Art Walk - Second Saturday of April and October 5-9pm
Held during two of the only weather tolerable months, the Sunnyslope Art Walk runs along Central Avenue between Dunalp and the canal, featuring live music performances, vendors and displays from over 100 artists; some of which are displayed at participating local establishments along the way.
Downtown Glendale Art Walk - Artwerks Lateral 58- Second Saturday 10am-4pm (October through May) Named after the 58 Parallel (now 58 Avenue) in Glendale's historic downtown district, this smaller scale art walk delivers live performances not just in music but also by the artists themselves. Visitors can watch and learn as artists lead live demonstrations and workshops on the methods behind various mediums. This family friendly event pauses during the summer months and resumes back in October.
Tempe Art Walk - Final Friday (Monthly) Starts at 6pm Resurrected and gaining momentum, the Tempe Art Walk takes places throughout Mill Avenue and includes a growing list of businesses. It features live music, local art, vendors, and special deals at participating establishments. This Final Friday, stop by the Tempe Farmer's Market to watch belly dancing, purchase some handmade items, and maybe share of your work at their late night poetry jam.
