3 Free Things to Do This Week in Metro Phoenix

While students around the state are facing the start of another year of school, we find ourselves facing an equally daunting though somewhat less cerebral challenge: figuring out what we're going to do this week, and how we're going to pay for it. Thankfully, there's plenty to keep everyone entertained this week without dipping into that college savings account. How about a night for appreciating those zines you've been working on all summer? Or maybe you're looking for a little light-hearted laughter as a preemptive stress reliever. We'll just direct your attention below.

 Zine Night
We know you've been slaving away all summer long on the newest edition of your zine. Now's your chance to show off all your hard work. On Wednesday, July 29, two local zine creators, Charissa Lucille of Fem Static Zine and Marna Kay of B-Sides Magazines, will host a Zine Night at Tempe's Cartel Coffee Lab, 225 West University Drive, Suite 101. Be there at 7 p.m. with your zines, supplies, and creativity to share what you've been working on, keep working on your zines, bounce ideas off other zine-lovers, or simply join in the general appreciation for this art. For more information, visit the Facebook event at www.facebook.com/events/1476411982669771. 

National Comedy Theatre Phoenix's Level 2 Workshop Showcase
For the past 12 weeks, a group of hilarious and quick individuals have been working furiously to master the art of improv comedy. With the help of the wise, experienced leaders within the National Comedy Theatre Phoenix, these budding stars have honed their skills and brushed up on all the techniques. They've learned to always say "Yes, and...", to focus on the situation in front of them, and, no matter what, to fully commit. And now, they're ready. See the fruits of their labor Thursday, July 30, at 7:30 p.m. at 1111 South Longmore in Mesa. For more information, visit the the Facebook event at www.facebook.com/events/1598718163714931. 

More Than A Survivor: More Than A Story Photography Exhibit
Join the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute as they take a deeper looking into human trafficking through the photography of J Shotti. Shotti photographed portraits of 22 women who survived human trafficking and have gone on to become leaders in their respective fields. One of these portraits shows Savannah Sanders, Sandra Day O’Connor Institute’s SAFE Action Project Training Coordinator. Sanders will be releasing her book on preventing sex trafficking that night as well. During the event, the O'Connor Institute will acknowledge and honor a number of local organizations who assist human trafficking victims. See these powerful images Friday, July 31, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at {9} the Gallery, 1229 Grand Ave. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. See more information on the event's Facebook page.