Catch Mike and the Molotovs at Yucca Tap Room this weekend.
You made it to the weekend: Time for some fresh opportunities for fun and entertainment around metro Phoenix.
This weekend, you can watch a classic sci-fi movie, cool down in an ice bath or attend an EP release show, all for free.
This weekend
‘War of the Worlds’
Friday, Aug. 14
Chandler Museum, 300 S. Chandler Village Drive, Chandler
Head to the East Valley for a screening of a classic sci-fi flick this weekend. In 1953’s “War of the Worlds,” a mysterious, meteorlike object has landed in a small California town. All clocks have stopped. A fleet of glowing green UFOs hovers menacingly over the entire globe. The Martian invasion of Earth has begun, and it seems that nothing — neither military might nor the scientific know-how of nuclear physicist Dr. Clayton Forrester — can stop it. A discussion will be led by Ed Finn, the founding director for Center for Science and Education at ASU and associate director for School of Innovation and Society. Treats will be provided by Spooky Swirls. The fun starts at 6 p.m.
Park Cleanup
Saturday, Aug. 15
Kiwanis Park, 6111 S. All America Way, Tempe
Start your Saturday with a little civic responsibility. Keep Tempe Beautiful is asking for volunteers for a Kiwanis Park cleanup session on Saturday; participants will help with trash removal, as well as the removal of stinknet, an invasive plant. Everyone should wear sunscreen and bring water and a hat. There are two time slots, 7 to 8 a.m. and 8 to 9 a.m.; volunteers of all ages can sign up for one or both.
Cool Down Phoenix
Saturday, Aug. 15
Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd.
Breaking news: It’s hot in Phoenix. Desert Ridge is trying to help, which is why they’re hosting Cool Down Phoenix on Saturday. Attendees can hop in an ice bath, enjoy complimentary frozen treats and, for the grownups, frozen rosé, try out wellness treatments and more. There will also be giveaways and prizes. The event runs 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Mike & The Molotovs
Saturday, Aug. 15
Yucca Tap Room, 29 W. Southern Ave., Tempe
Spaghetti punk rock band Mike and the Molotovs are celebrating the release of their new EP, “Boot Lickin’ Boogie,” with a blowout show at Yucca Tap Room on Saturday. “It’s a really fun batch of songs that bounce between the same absurdist country and furious rock and roll that we love to mash together,” frontman Mike Lee wrote on Facebook. Supporting acts include Josh Williams, King Cherry, Dedd Horsemen and Katie Mae and the Lubrication. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Crafting Open House
Sunday, Aug. 16
Sunshine Craft Co., 700 W. Campbell Ave.
Hang out with other arty types during Sunshine Craft Co.’s free open house event on Sunday. You can bring your own project to make progress on, find something to make at Sunshine’s donation-based supplies table or purchase a studio kit. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 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 editorial@phoenixnewtimes.com.
Jennifer Goldberg
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