This week you can enjoy public art, see a flick, get to know your neighborhood, be an archaeologist, climb on a fire truck, tap your toes to country, appreciate the violin, get more energy, learn about architecture, understand annuities, save water and appreciate cultural differences.
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: Public Art in Phoenix
When: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at 7 p.m.
Where: Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix
Edward Lebow, director of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture Public Art Program, discusses how the program has developed under his leadership to include numerous innovative public projects. With one of the most active municipal percent-for-art-programs in the nation, Phoenix has more than 150 major projects completed since 1986.
What: Family Flick Under the Stars
When: Friday, October 19, 2012 at dusk, about 6 p.m.
Where: Kiwanis Park, Tempe
A Turtle's Tale, rated G. Families and friends can bring blankets and a picnic to watch the film on one of the largest inflatable screens in Arizona, located on the west side of Kiwanis Lake near the fire pit.
What: G.A.I.N. - Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods
When: Saturday, October 20, 2012 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Goodyear Ballpark
Featuring "Taste of Goodyear," safety information from City departments, live entertainment, rides, free giveaways and demonstrations. Admission and parking are free.
What: National Archaeology Day at Pueblo Grande Museum
When: Saturday, October 20, 2012
Where: Pueblo Grande Museum, Phoenix
Demonstrations of preservation and conservation methods used on the prehistoric Hohokam platform mound. Free Archaeology for Kids program from 9am to 12pm, where children can learn about archaeology by doing a simulated excavation of a Hohokam pithouse. Cooking demonstrations by the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community Huhugam Ki Museum will be along the ruin trail. Complimentary tours of the Museum and archaeological site will be available through the morning. Pueblo Grande Museum will also be offering free museum admission all day to celebrate National Archaeology Day.
What: 2012 GAIN Public Safety Night in Peoria
When: Saturday, October 20, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Rio Vista Recreation Center, Peoria
Kids of all ages will enjoy the chance to get an up-close look at police cars, fire trucks, specialty emergency vehicles and equipment. Safety organizations will also be out with displays offering to show how to keep you and your family safe. Bouncy activities, face painting and other kid-friendly activities. Free hot dogs while supplies last. G.A.I.N. (Getting Arizonans Involved in Neighborhoods) started in 1998 as a cooler weather alternative to National Night Out which is in August. The event is designed to bring all of the Peoria community together promoting our safe and family friendly city.
What: Beardsley Concert
When: Sunday, October 21, 2012
Where: Beardsley Park, Sun City West
Rondevous: new country. Gates open at 5 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. Concessions sold until 7 p.m.
What: Performance with A View
When: Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 10 a.m.
Where: Tempe Center for the Arts
Violin Studio/Students of Danwen Jiang. Coffee service (not free) begins at 9:30 a.m.
What: Why Am I So Tired?
When: Tuesday, October 23, 2012 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Mesa Library Main Branch, 64 E. First St., Mesa
This presentation will educate you on what the thyroid gland and adrenals do, what the symptoms are of dysfunctional adrenals and thyroid, and how natural treatments can help alleviate symptoms and restore balance. Presented by Dr. Janet Pragit, D.O. with AFC Primary Care - Mesa. Register by calling 480-726-2287 x103.
What: Lecture Series: Historic Phoenix Architecture & Landmarks
When: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Burton Barr Central Library, Pulliam Auditorium, Phoenix
The City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture lecture series, "Art Works, Culture Connects," highlights Phoenix's historic architecture and landmarks. The talks accompany the opening of "Phoenix Icons: The Art of our Historic Landmarks," at the Gallery @ City Hall. Today's lecture: Frank Henry, Architect, Taliesin West on Architecture in the Sonoran Desert.
What: Myths vs. Facts of Annuities Workshop
When: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Public Safety Building Auditorium (Police Department), 14250 W. Statler Plaza, Surprise
The workshop, presented by Mark Melkowski and Bobby King of the non-profit educational speakers' bureau The Joseph Foundation, will cover: What really is an annuity; What are the various types of annuities; Will they provide income for life; Which annuity is right for my circumstance. To register call 623.222.3242. Space is limited.
What: Water Conservation Landscape Workshop
When: Thursday, October 25, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale
Program Your Irrigation Controller: Take control of your landscape watering with step-by-step instructions and hands-on practice setting and adjusting the timer on your irrigation controller. Advanced registration is required and available online or by calling 480-312-5690.
What: Thunderbird Online Lunch and Learn: Cross-Cultural Communication and Negotiations
When: Tuesday, October 30, 2012 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: The Venue Scottsdale, 7117 E 3rd Ave, Scottsdale
The annual Lunch and Learn event in partnership with the Arizona Technology Council. Participants can expect to come away with high understandings and capabilities in the following categories: Appreciate the Impact of Culture; Prepare for Cultural Competence; Analyze Cultural Gaps; Practice Cultural Due Diligence; Practice Style Switching. Thunderbird Professor Karen Walch, Ph.D., has an academic background in international negotiation, cultural competencies, and political economy. She has several decades of experience in various business and academic contexts, including insurance, law, tourism, aquaculture, security studies, and MBA graduate education. Meal is provided. Deadline to register is October 22, 2012.
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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