This week you can get mini treatments, meet reptiles, read and laugh, set a timer, play and dance, fly and splash, eat an empanada, go to a sock hop, make a collage, get a backpack, watch a movie, meet the reptiles again, see teeny trains and create with duct tape.
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: Spa at Gainey's 3rd Annual Spa Extravaganza
When: Wednesday, July 25, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Spa at Gainey Village, 7477 East Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale
Experience the latest and greatest in health, beauty and lifestyle. Top vendors from across AZ offer complimentary mini spa services, fitness and treatment demonstrations, raffle drawings, as well as consultations from the pros. Vendor booths will include: Decléor; Eminence; Yoganastix; Jan Marini; Nike; Jesse's Girl Jewelry; Ultra Smooth Skin; Whish; glo Minerals; Clarisonic. Mini treatments include: assorted massages, Opal Eye treatments, party lashes, make-up applications, hair styling by Oriba and Goldwell, and mini manicures. Cross-fit training, yoga and pilates demonstrations will be held throughout the day, along with skin analysis by PCA, hair analysis by Kerasatase, and semi-permanent eyelash extensions. All attendees will receive a $10 Spa Buck that can be used toward spa treatments, services and products. Attendees can also enter raffles for the chance to win complimentary spa services and products.
What: Reptiles of Arizona
When: Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Scottsdale Public Library, Palomino Branch, 12575 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale
Get up close and personal with some amazing local reptiles. Learn about reptile behavior, habitat, preservation and safety with a trained volunteer from Phoenix Herpetological Society. Registration required. Ages 6 and up.
What: WOW! Wednesday: Papa Chilly
When: Wednesday, July 25, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Foothills Library, 19055 N 57th Avenue, Glendale
Reading, laughter and magic - it's all lots of fun when kids spend time with Papa Chilly. 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: Set Your Timer - Water Conservation Class
When: Thursday, July 26, 2012 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Public Works Admin Building, 4980 S. 157th Ave., Goodyear
As much as 70% of an Arizona household's water can be used outdoors. Learn how to minimize water use and still have a beautiful landscape. Practice setting efficient watering schedules on irrigation timers. Receive scheduling guidelines.
What: Sizzlin' Summer Blitz with Radio Disney
When: Friday, July 27, 2012 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Desert Ridge Marketplace, Phoenix
Join the Radio Disney Road Crew at the AMC Fountain. Radio Disney celebrates with games, dances and prizes.
What: Free Empanadas at Pollo Campero
When: Friday, July 27, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Pollo Campero, 7745 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix
Pollo Campero will celebrate the arrival of its new Latin American inspired empanadas with free empanadas all day long. Participating Pollo Campero restaurants will carry the new menu item featuring three satisfying flavors starting July 23, 2012. Often filled with savory or sweet fillings, these empanadas are unique because they feature the signature Latin spices and herbs that Campero has been famous for over 40 years. They are made fresh to order. The three choices include a Spicy Chicken empanada filled with Campero's juicy chicken, green tomatillo salsa, Monterrey Jack cheese and freshly chopped cilantro; the Citrus Chicken empanada made with Campero chicken, grilled onions, tamarindo sauce and shredded Monterrey Jack cheese; and a Black Bean and Cheese empanada filled with black beans, Monterrey Jack cheese, fresh cilantro, diced onion, and a touch of smoked chipotle. One free empanada per person.
What: Come Back Buddy
When: Friday, July 27, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Chandler Center for the Arts in Downtown Chandler
Step back in time to the 'Sock Hop' era. Specializing in cover songs of rock 'n' roll sensations including Buddy Holly, Ricky Nelson, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Chuck Berry and Roy Orbison. The band completes their tribute to the 50's by also dressing the part; White Sport Coats, Poodle Skirts & Saddle Shoes. No tickets required. Foyer doors open at 6:30 p.m. and all seating is first come, first served. Donations accepted.
What: Free Art Workshops
When: Saturday, July 28, 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: Family Photo Collage with Stephen Marc. Participants will learn the digital process through hands-on computer demonstrations and create their own mixed media collage. Bring digital prints of favorite family photos to incorporate into the collage.
What: Big Island Public Pool Rail Jam
When: Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 1 p.m.
Where: Rhodes Aquatic Complex, 1860 S. Longmore, Mesa
Mesa has partnered with Circus Entertainment to bring the first ever wakeboard competition event to a public pool. Riders will be tethered to a high speed winch, pulled over ramps and rails, flying as high as 10-feet in the air performing big air tricks before splashing down to the pool. A wakeboard course will be built on the deck and in the pool of the complex. Professional and novice riders will be competing for the Rail Jam cash prize. The event is free for the public. Spectators are welcomed to hang out on deck, in the pool or experience the high-flying excitement from the bleachers. The pool will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the Rail Jam competition starting at 1 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for purchase along with a free raffle drawing for a $450 Wakeology Wakeboard. The FlowRider will be open during the competition, offering one-hour ride session at $5 for youth and $10 for adults.
What: McDonald's Free Backpack Saturday
When: Saturday, July 28, 2012 beginning at 8 a.m.
Where: McDonald's restaurants throughout greater Phoenix and Northern Arizona
Local McDonald's restaurants will give away more than 20,000 backpacks beginning at 8 a.m. during Backpack Saturday, an event created by local McDonald's owner/operators to help thousands of children get ready for school. The first 100 children who visit their local McDonald's restaurant will receive a free backpack. Arizona Department of Transportation will also provide information on Safe Routes to School. Backpack Saturday is taking place at McDonald's restaurants Maricopa, La Paz, Mohave, Yavapai, Coconino, Gila, Navajo, Apache, Graham, and Pinal counties. McDonald's Walmart and shopping mall locations are not participating in the event. In addition, 50 McDonald's restaurant locations will host Back to School Health & Safety Fairs with state, county and city community service organizations providing local families with health screenings and resources for dental care, health, nutrition and Safe Routes to School. Visit online for more information and a list of participating locations.
What: Monday Matinee: "The Lorax"
When: Monday, July 30, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Foothills Library, 19055 N 57th Avenue, Glendale
Rated PG. . An animated rendition of Dr. Seuss' classic book about the threat of industrialization to nature, The Lorax is entertaining and kids will enjoy the characters and bright scenery, while many adults will enjoy some of the subtle bits of humor. 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: Reptiles of Arizona
When: Monday, July 30, 2012 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Scottsdale Public Library, Appaloosa Branch, 7377 E. Silverstone Drive, Scottsdale
Get up close and personal with some amazing local reptiles. Learn about reptile behavior, habitat, preservation and safety with a trained volunteer from Phoenix Herpetological Society. Registration required. Ages 6 and up.
What: Model Train Exhibit
When: Monday, July 30 through Saturday, August4, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Mesa Public Library, Main Branch, 64 E. First St., Mesa
Train enthusiast will experience more than 300-feet of G-scale tracks with double main lines, garden size trains (1.5 to 2 times the size of O-scale Lionel trains), and dioramas with scenes from Arizona rail towns, compliments of The Arizona Big Train Operators. Parents and children will have the opportunity to operate the trains. ABTO members will be on hand to answer questions and provide historical information about the Arizona railway. A raffle prize drawing for two free coach tickets on the Grand Canyon Railway, valued at $140, will be given away along with a prize package from Roy's Train World located in Mesa. The Foundation for Mesa Parks and Recreation will also display a bell, whistle, headlight and other railroad memorabilia from the Southern Pacific Engine #2355 that currently resides at Pioneer Park.
What: D.I.Y. Teen: Duct Tape Designs
When: Tuesday, July 31, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Foothills Library, 19055 N 57th Avenue, Glendale
Create cell phone holders, wallets, roses, or many other things out of duct tape in this workshop for teens, 12-18. We supply the tape and instructions and let the teens create what they want in this duct tape mania class. Registration is required.
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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