Free things to do in Phoenix Arizona

You made it to the weekend: Time for some fresh opportunities for fun and entertainment around metro Phoenix.

This weekend, you can attend a music festival, take a Pilates class with your dog or see some art.

This weekend

‘Finding Nemo’
Friday, May 1
Kiwanis Park, Mill Avenue and All-America Way, Tempe
“Finding Nemo” came out almost 23 years ago, and it’s still one of our favorite comfort flicks. The city of Tempe and the Tempe Diablos hosting an outdoor screening this weekend, and it’s sure to draw families as well as those looking for a dose of nostalgia. Snow cones will be available for purchase, but feel free to bring your own snacks, as well as blankets or chairs to sit on. The film starts at dusk, around 7:30 p.m., but there will be booths set up at 5:30 p.m. to give out information about community activities and volunteer opportunities.

Queer Art Exhibit
Friday, May 1
Pat O’s Bunkhouse Saloon, 4428 N. Seventh Ave.
LGBTQ+ creative collective thems presents its annual queer art exhibition this weekend. This show explores sensuality, kink and the body as sites of expression, resistance and transformation. Centering work often censored or excluded from traditional gallery spaces, it invites artists to share intimate, provocative and boundary-pushing perspectives. Hours are 8 to 10 p.m.

Mesa Amplified
May 1-2
Downtown Mesa
The streets of downtown Mesa will be alive with the sound of music during the first weekend in May. Local artists will perform during the day inside area businesses. On May 1, from 7 to 10 p.m., enjoy a Neon Moon Dance Party inside the Neon Garden; on May 2, catch a free concert by The Ataris. Local act 2Tone Lizard Kings and Fourbanger are the supporting acts. The concert starts at 5:45 p.m. Get more info on the Mesa Amplified website.

Puppies & Pilates
Saturday, May 2
Biltmore Fashion Park, 2502 E. Camelback Road
Start the weekend off right with a Saturday morning exercise class on National Pilates Day. Instructors from Life Time Fitness will lead an energizing Pilates session designed for all levels on the mall’s lawn. Bring your mat, water and a friend, and for this event, your well-behaved dog is invited, too. Check in begins at 8 a.m. for the 8:30 class. 

‘All-American Celebration’
Sunday, May 3
Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler
The Chandler Symphony Orchestra, a nonprofit orchestra of professionally trained musicians who volunteer their time and talent, will perform a program that celebrates America’s 250th birthday. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and the show begins at 3. Seating is first-come, first-served. Reserve your spot on Eventbrite. 

Plan ahead

Moonlight Movie Nights
Friday, May 8
Plaza at Mesa City Center, 50 N. Centennial Way Mesa
Enjoy an outdoor movie on Friday night at Mesa’s ASU MIX Center. This month’s title is “Luca,” the 2021 Pixar film about a sea monster boy who transforms into a human to go exploring. Attendees should bring their own blankets or chairs. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. 

Ongoing

Free Museums and Museum Free Days
Days, times and locations vary
There a number of institutions around the Valley that are either free all the time or offer no-cost admission on certain days. The ASU Art Museum and its cool architecture are free to visit any time it’s open, and Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum is always free as well. Phoenix Art Museum is pay-what-you-wish on Wednesdays from 3 to 8 p.m., and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is pay-what-you-wish on Thursdays and every second Saturday of the month.

Estrella Star Tower
Daily until 8:15 p.m.
8614 Estrella Parkway, Goodyear
The entrance to a far-West Valley housing development is also home to a charming, unique landmark. The Estrella Star Tower has a spiral staircase that leads visitors up to sprawling views and shines with tiny lights beginning at dusk. The tower’s design was created by local astronomy personality Steven Kates. The tower is really a feature of the neighborhood, so be respectful, stayed on marked paths and remember that it closes at 8:15 p.m.

Dobbins Lookout
Days and times vary
10919 S. Central Ave.
One of the most beautiful views of Phoenix is just a short car ride (or, if you’re in better shape than we are, a bike ride) up South Mountain. Dobbins Lookout stands at 2,330 feet, allowing for unobstructed views of the Valley from one side to another. Check the Phoenix Parks & Rec website for hours and closures.

Phoenix Run Club
Wednesdays
Biltmore Fashion Park, 2502 E. Camelback Road
Want to get a jump on those New Year’s resolutions and start that running habit now? The Phoenix Run Club is here to help. Its free weekly community run welcomes runners of all levels and paces for an all-ages trek through Biltmore Fashion Park’s outdoor setting. The event gets going at 6:30 p.m. at the Biltmore Fashion Park center lawn by Williams Sonoma.

Jazz Happy Hour
Thursdays
The Nash, 110 E. Roosevelt St.
What better way to celebrate almost making it through the week than with some smooth sounds? Downtown Jazz mecca The Nash hosts a weekly happy hour show with Delphine Cortez, Joel Robin and other musicians. Drinks are available for purchase. The show starts at 5 p.m.

Scottsdale Art Walk
Every Thursday, 7 to 9 p.m.
Old Town Scottsdale
Every Thursday, the many art galleries in Old Town Scottsdale open their doors for an art walk that has been going on for 50 years. Some even offer wine and small bites. Check the Scottsdale Galleries website for information on the Gold Palette Art Walks, which usually happen one Thursday a month and can include live music and other entertainment. (Note: The art walk is not happening on Thanksgiving.)

Do you know of a great free event? We update this list throughout the week; send information to [email protected].