Five Free Things To Do In and Around Phoenix November 5 - November 20, 2008

This week I am featuring free activities in Glendale, Chandler, Scottsdale and Mesa.

What: Film Viewing: The Kite Runner
When: Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in the Roadrunner Room
Where: Foothills Library, 19055 N. 57th Avenue, Glendale
"Like the bestselling book upon which it's based, The Kite Runner will haunt the viewer long after the film is over. Amir is a young Afghani from a well-to-do Kabul family; his best friend Hassan is the son of a family servant. Together the two boys form a bond of friendship that breaks tragically on one fateful day, when Amir fails to save his friend from brutal neighborhood bullies. Amir and Hassan become separated, and as first the Soviets and then the Taliban seize control of Afghanistan, Amir and his father escape to the United States to pursue a new life. Years later, Amir - now an accomplished author living in San Francisco - is called back to Kabul to right the wrongs he and his father committed years ago." (Description from publisher.) Starring Khalid Abdalla and Atossa Leoni (2007) Rated PG-13; 128 minutes. For more information, call 623-930-3844.

What: Star Party / East Valley Astronomy Club
When: Friday, November 7, 2008 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler
Chandler’s Environmental Education Center (EEC) is hosting its first Star Party on , at The event will feature members of the East Valley Astronomy Club (EVAC), who will bring their telescopes to the park and help visitors explore Arizona’s amazing night sky. Pre-registration is not required. Check visibility Friday afternoon, and if the sky is cloudy call the EEC at 480-782-2890 prior to 5 p.m. to find out if the program will be held.

What: Can't Stop, Won't Stop: The Elements of Hip Hop
When: Saturday, November 8, 2008
Where: Glendale Main Library lawn, 5959 W. Brown St., from 1-4 p.m.
Join a host of DJs, b-boys, b-girls, muralists and hip hop enthusiasts as they gather to commemorate one of the most exciting and influential arts and cultural movements of the 20th Century. Scheduled artists include The Escape from Sun City Collective, featuring DJ Smite, Johnny D. and DJentrification; DJ Darrel D, DJ Mantis Claw, and Element-The Human Radio. See also muralists Pablo & Lalo and members of New York's legendary Rock Steady Crew. The event is hosted by DjayClene and funded by the Glendale Arts Commission. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the library auditorium. Call for more information 623-930-3566.

What: Night Lights on the Canal
When: November 20, 2008 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: The Waterfront in Downtown Scottsdale
Scottsdale Public Art features premier light-based art installations and musical acts on the Scottsdale Waterfront. Various interactive works and art activities will be taking place along the North Bank, South Bank, and the Marshall Way Trolley Bridge.

What: Mesa Sculptures
When: Whenever you choose!
Where: Mesa Downtown Main Street between Country Club and Mesa Drives Mesa's permanent collection of sculptures of now includes 36 pieces. You can download a list of the sculptures and their locations at the web site. Head down to downtown Mesa, and see if you can find them all!

This is by no means everything! Some of the larger, annual festivals and events and also free. You'll find those listed in the monthly calendar. If you've arrived at this page and find that the event dates are past, check my recent blog entries for more Free Things -- I write about free things to do in Greater Phoenix several times per month!