Seven Free Things To Do In and Around Phoenix - November 2009

This week our focus on free things to do around the Phoenix area brings us heart-healthiness, walking with birds, floating your boat, attending a new farmers market, becoming environmentally friendly, open mic-ing, and riding a trolley.

What: Heart-healthy Party Survival Guide
When: Thursday, November 6, 2009 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Arizona Golf Resort Ballroom, 425 S. Power Rd., Mesa
Barbara Lambeth, RN. Sticking to a heart healthy diet during the holidays may seem next to impossible when faced with so many goodies at parties and with numerous treats around. Get tips to help you make the best of the worst choices plus give you general heart healthy information, along with a food demo to learn how to love what you eat. Banner Health will offer free blood pressure and cholesterol checks as part of the Heart Healthy Campaign. Reservations required. Register online using key word "love eating" or call 602-230-CARE (2273). (NOTE: Originally Dr. Michelle May was scheduled to appear, but I am informed that she will not be a part of this program nor will any free books be given out. 11-3-09)

What: Family Birdwalk
When: Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 8 a.m. to noon
Where: Veterans Oasis Park, Chandler
The change of seasons is bringing many species of migratory birds through the Valley with the fall migration. To learn more about Arizona's diverse bird population, and observe a variety of these species in the wild, come to Chandler's Veterans Oasis Park on the first Saturday of each month. Hour-long walks starting every half hour. Volunteers from the Desert Rivers Audubon Society present the walks and people of all ages are welcome to come learn about the more than 90 different species of birds that frequent the park's desert and wetland habitats. Birdwalks depart from the park's Environmental Education Center (EEC) approximately every 30 minutes until 11 a.m. and typically last about one hour. Free loaner binoculars will be provided. These birdwalks will be held each month through April, and they are a great way to enjoy nature with the entire family or with scouting, church or school groups. In addition to the walks, the Liberty Wildlife organization will be on hand with live, rehabilitated birds, such as owls, hawks, and falcons. On the same day as the November, December, and February birdwalks, the EEC is also hosting a Birdwatching For Kids class.

What: Free Boating Day
When: Saturday, November 7, 2009 from p.m. to p.m.
Where: SRP Town Lake Marina, College Avenue south of Curry Road, Tempe
To celebrate the tenth birthday of Tempe Town Lake, the City of Tempe is offering a free day of boating. This is the first day that everyone who owns a boat can use it on Town Lake at no cost. Normally, one day boat permits cost $5. If you don't have a boat, Tempe Parks and Recreation will have free kayaks for people to try. Many of the boat clubs that operate at Tempe Town Lake will offer rides and demonstrations to visitors. Check out the dragon boats, sailboats, outrigger canoes and rowing shells. Arizona Game and Fish will offer boating safety classes. US Coast Guard Auxiliary will teach life jacket (PFD) safety. Those participating can register for great prizes like an overnight stay at the Tempe aloft hotel and dinner at Monti's la Casa Vieja. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Free kayaking, boating and safety demonstrations. Bring your driver's license or Arizona Identification Card to paddle a kayak on the lake at no charge and take a look at the boating clubs on Town Lake, sign up for Parks and Recreation classes and learn boat safety. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Free boating for boat owners. Staff will be ready to issue one-day permits to boats that meet Town Lake guidelines. No gas-powered boats are allowed on Tempe Town Lake; only boats that are manually powered, wind-powered or electric-powered.

What: Gila River Farmers' Market at Wild Horse Pass
When: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon
Where: Rawhide
In addition to fresh produce, you'll learn traditional arts, crafts and foods from artists and cooks from the Gila River Indian Community; walk the 2.5 acre organic garden; cooking demonstrations; live music; experience a traditional Pima Village and Maricopa House; games and activities for kids. Admission and parking is free, some activities may have a charge.

What: Open House at the Environmental Education Center
When: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: City of Chandler Environmental Education Center
The EEC offers a number of fun and free nature-based activities for people of all ages. Activities will change each month and may include crafts, hikes, movies, stories, music, and science labs. Registration is not required; just stop by and join the fun!

What: Walk-in Wednesdays Open Mic
When: Wednesdays, November 11, 18 and 25, 2009 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Tempe Center for the Arts
Take in spectacular views, shake off the stress of the week and enjoy music by emerging songwriters at Walk-in Wednesdays, the Valley's unique showcase for emerging songwriters. All musicians are welcome. Food and beverage available. 7 to 11 p.m. every through at the , 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway.

What: Cultural Trolley Tours
When: Second Saturday of every month at at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Downtown Scottsdale
Free Cultural Trolley tours of Downtown Scottsdale take place the second Saturday of every month. Tours are filled through November, but spots may available for the Dec. 12 tour. The tours begin at the Old Town Farmer's Market parking lot on the northwest corner of Brown and Second Street. From there attendees tour the Old Mission and then board a trolley for a two-hour guided tour of the arts district, Civic Center campus, Hotel Valley Ho, Southbridge and the Waterfront area. To reserve a spot on the December tour, please call (480) 634-6850.

This is by no means everything! Some of the larger annual festivals and events are 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!