5 Free Things to Do This Week in Metro Phoenix

This week we've amassed a list of things to better your mind, body, spirit, and closet. Sounds expensive right? Wrong. All these events are free of charge and happening here in the Valley. Except for one, that is. It will require a road trip up the I-17 and into one of the seven natural wonders of the world. But still, free is free and you're guaranteed to find something that calls to you. 

Fitness at the District
If you're sick of ridiculously high gym fees, take note: Every Tuesday from September 22 to October 27 you can head on over to Westgate and participate in two-hour group fitness classes for free. Fitness in the District will feature workouts from P90x, INSANITY, Zumba, and more. After each class, participants will be able to speak and work with instructors one-on-one. Each class is open to all ages and levels of experience, but you must bring your own mat. Classes start at 6:30 in the WaterDance Plaza. Visit Westgate's website for more information. 

Bunky Boutique's 8-Year Anniversary 
Bunky Boutique in downtown Phoenix will celebrate its eighth anniversary with a launch of a new exclusive clothing line on Saturday, September 26. The newest clothing line, called The Neighborhood Collection, will feature T-shirts bearing the names of local neighborhoods and districts in various colors and fonts. While the party's free, the clothes and goods are not. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., guests will also receive an undisclosed special gift with each purchase. Visit the event's Facebook page for more information.


Beat Night
On Friday, September 25, 9 the Gallery will host Beat Night: the best minds of our generation (not yet destroyed by madness). From 7 to 9 p.m., the Downtown Poetry Workshop will share their favorite beat or beat-inspired works and for 15 minutes, and the first 15 poets who sign up early can read their favorites as well. If you plan on reading, plan on keeping it to three minutes long. Pressplay will provide jazz accompaniment. More information can be found at the event's Facebook page. 


National Public Lands Day
National Public Lands Day is Saturday, September 26, and before you yawn and scroll past this, that means you can get into the Grand Canyon for free. If you haven't been, this is your chance to soak in the wonder that is the canyon. If you have been, then you are well aware of the appeal. Free entrance into Arizona's greatest natural wonder means plenty of traffic, so you may want to head up a little bit early. Keep in mind that camping fees and tour prices are not included. Check out the National Parks Service's website for more information. 

Author Talk: Nicholas de Mounchaux
University of California Berkley Professor of Architecture Nicholas de Monchaux will be at SMoCA on Saturday, September 26, at 2 p.m. to talk about the design of the Apollo spacesuit and his latest book on the subject. The suit — which Monchaux says was designed by Playtex seamstresses — has long been studied for both its functionality and style elements. Monchaux discusses both these factors in his latest book, citing Dior's 1947 styles as inspiration for the suit. See SMoCA's website for more information.