This week you can see native dancers, create cool art, train like an Olympian, unleash your whimsy, see a Christmas movie, make a movie, see seniors strut their stuff, get a tattoo, go to Ecuador, hunt for barks and make a fashion statement.
This column includes activities and programs in the Greater Phoenix area that have free admission. If you are looking for fundraisers, seminars, workshops, and other community programs that have an admission charge, or where donations are expected, I have a separate column for those. I call them "Phoenix Area Programs, Fundraisers & Events" and you can find those listings in my blog. They tend to cover a wider range of dates than a week, because advance registration is often required. For a long list of programs and festivals that are annual events in Greater Phoenix check the calendar.
What: WOW! Wednesday: Yellow Bird Indian Dancers
When: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Foothills Library, 19055 N 57th Avenue, Glendale
Experience the rich tradition of the American Indian through Native storytelling, song and dance, including the creativity and sheer athleticism of the Hoop Dance. Tickets (required) will be distributed from the Youth Department on a first-come, first-served basis at 1:45 p.m. Space is limited so come early.
What: Free Art Friday
When: Friday, July 20, 2012 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Edna Vihel Activity Center, 3340 S. Rural Road, Tempe
Preschoolers get artistic with the theme: Christmas in July.
What: Welcome Olympics!
When: Saturday, July 21, 2012
Where: CrossFit Scottsdale, 14885 N. 83rd Place, Scottsdale
Free Olympic-style classes all day Saturday, July 21 a week before the games begin in London. Everyone from kids to teens and adults can participate in free classes that focus on Olympic-style weight lifting and gymnastic movements demonstrated throughout the 2012 Games. Participants are encouraged to dress in their favorite country's colors or uniforms to better demonstrate the sprit of this global competition. Children and teens will also be awarded medals for their participation in this festive fitness event. All workouts and exercises are scaled to the individual's fitness levels and highly-trained coaches will be on hand to assist visitors and ensure each participants safety. Classes open to all adults at 9 and 10 a.m.; Kids Class for ages 6-12 at 11 a.m.; Teens Class for ages 13-17 at 11:30 a.m.
What: Free Art Workshops
When: Saturday, July 21, 2012 from noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Tempe Center for the Arts
A walk-in workshop where participants work with an artist on an artistic endeavor. This week: Tea Set Families with Jane Kelsey-Mapel. Create a whimsical family tea set with polymer clay.
What: Monday Matinee: "Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws"
When: Monday, July 23, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Foothills Library, 19055 N 57th Avenue, Glendale
Rated G. Take a fantastic journey to the magical world of the North Pole. Join the Buddies (Budderball, B-Dawg, Rosebud, Buddha and Mudbud) in a wonderfully wacky twist on a classic Christmas favorite. Bring a snack and enjoy a movie with your friends. Children ages nine and under must have a parent, teen sibling, or other caregiver at the program. Groups are welcome; please have an adult for every five children.
What: Film Production Lab
When: Monday, July 23, 2012 through Friday, July 27, 2012 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Scottsdale Public Library, Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale
Work with experts from Sailbear Labs to produce a student script from the Phoenix Film Festival written by KReatIve Productions. Students will cast roles, create a set, break down a script, film, and edit during the lab. Space is limited. Registration required. Ages 12 - 18.
What: Avondale Active Adult Fashion Show
When: Tuesday, July 24, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Avondale Community Center, 1007 S. 3rd St. Avondale
The annual fashion show for lovely 60+ models. This year's event has a theme, Fashion Florals. Watch as adults 60 and over strut their stuff on the catwalk.
What: D.I.Y. Teen: Mehndi
When: Tuesday, July 24, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Foothills Library, 19055 N 57th Avenue, Glendale
Alter your appearance than with the ancient art of temporary henna tattooing! Teens, 12-18, will learn to create and apply the unique designs of this Indian art form. Registration is required.
What: Wild Wednesdays
When: Wednesday, July 25, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Tempe History Museum, 809 E. Southern Ave., Tempe
Drop in Wednesdays and learn about Tempe's Sister Cities through a variety of activities, games, crafts and performances. This Wednesday: Cuenca, Ecuador. An annual summer program, Wild Wednesdays is presented by the Tempe History Museum and provides parents and children an educational and entertaining learning opportunity. Created for children in pre-school through sixth grade, this series features a different theme each year. This year's theme introduces families to Tempe's eight sister cities and each week celebrates a different culture.
What: Scorpion Hunting with Alec the Science Kid
When: Saturday, July 28, 2012 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: NW Corner of Litchfield Rd and Cactus Rd, Surprise
Come join Alec the Science Kid as he goes scorpion hunting. You must bring with you: Scorpion flashlight / portable blacklight (so you can see the scorpions). The group only looks for scorpions and does not touch them. Anyone under the age of 18 must have an adult with them. No one 9 years of age or under may participate. Register before July 25.
What: Altered T-Shirts
When: Monday, July 30, 2012 at 6 p.m.
Where: Velma Teague Branch Library, 7010 N. 58th Ave., Glendale
Teens ages 12-18, can learn how to use bleach and stencils to transform a plain, dark-colored t-shirt into a funky and unique fashion statement. The library will supply everything but the shirts (dark-colored 100% cotton t-shirts work best). Register online or call 623-930-3431.
More Freebies
If you've arrived at this page and find that the event dates have past, check my recent blog entries for more Free Things -- I write about free things to do in Greater Phoenix several times per month. Also, check that same blog list for another column on upcoming fundraisers, walks, runs, seminars, workshops and programs that might interest you.
If you know about a free event that's open to the public that you'd like me to consider for this weekly column, complete and submit this form at least 8 days prior to the event and I'll consider it.
All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.
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