5 Free Things to Do in Metro Phoenix This Week

You work hard for your money, and you shouldn't have to spend it all just to have a good time. This week, metro Phoenix offers plenty of options for those looking to socialize and save, including talks, presentations, yoga, and poetry. Take some time to relax your mind, spirit, and wallet. You deserve it.

Theatre Matters
This monthly meeting held by ASU's School of Film, Dance and Theatre will focus on community building and putting the word out about theater in the Valley. It'll also be a great opportunity to geek out with your fellow stage patrons about the school's own performing arts program. This month's will feature discussions about A Steetcar Named Desire, Hasamelis, and a talk about developing new plays. Free pizza is included. The meeting will be in the School of Film, Dance and Theatre in the Herberger Institute in Tempe from 3 to 4:15 p.m on Monday, October 5. Visit the meeting's Facebook page for more information or to reserve a spot.

Downtown Sundown
There are few things in this world more soothing than leisurely strolling through a marketplace and admiring artists' work. On Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m., the Phoenix Public market transforms into a marketplace of food, jewelry, music, and more. Guests can wander and see works of art and creations by local artisans while musicians from around the Valley complete the market atmosphere. This week, you'll be able to find handmade yoga bracelets by Lotus & Lava, shop for all natural candles by Use Your Scents, and find many more locally-based clothing and jewelry brands. For more information, visit the market's website.

Walking with Purpose: Reinventing 19th Century Desert Exploration for 21st Century Desert Knowledge
If you've ever had dreams of packing everything up and traversing through unknown territory, this is the talk for you. Andrew Harper, the founder of Australian Desert Expeditions, will lead a discussion on rainfall in the Simpson Desert, as well as what it means to be a young explorer. Hosted by the Arizona Museum of Natural History and the Explorer's Club, the presentation promises to be an informative and exciting look at traveling and studying the earth. Registration is not required, but seating is first come, first served so plan on getting to the AzMNH Theater around 6:30 p.m. to secure a spot. Find more details on the program's Facebook page. 

Caffeine Corridor Poetry Series
Leah Marche is a young wordsmith making a name for herself in the national poetry scene (she was also a Big Brain finalist back in 2013), and Christopher Danowski is a local playwright whose work has been shown around the country. Both will be at {9} the Gallery on Friday, October 9, to share their respective work for the venues Caffeine Corridor series. If you're looking to read your own work, sign up starts at 6:45 p.m. For everyone else, readings start at 7 p.m. Find more information here.

Community Yoga Project
The workweek creates a lot of space and tension that can leave you feeling stiff and cranky. The YMCA downtown wants to help alleviate some of that by putting on a free Ashtanga yoga session for anyone looking to relax and unwind on Saturday mornings. Those interested can meet in the Civic Space Park at 8:30 a.m. Leave your money at home, but be sure to bring your own mat and water. Call 602-262-4734 for more information.