25 listings in Phoenix, AZ: free concerts, theater, art and nights out, no kids required.
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Tue–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun noon–5pm (closed Mon)
Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum, Mesa Arts Center
The contemporary art museum inside Mesa Arts Center is free to visit, with changing exhibitions. It's open Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays and most major holidays). Free guided tours run Saturdays at 1pm.
Verified Oct 27 · mesaartscenter.com
No catch
Tue–Sat 10am–5pm (closed Sun, Mon and city holidays)
Tempe History Museum
The City of Tempe's history museum tells the story of the city, and admission is free. It's open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am–5pm, and hosts events, most of them free.
Verified Oct 27 · tempe.gov
No catch
Tue–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 1–5pm (closed Mon)
Chandler Museum
The City of Chandler's museum covers local history and is free to visit. It's open Tuesday through Saturday 10am–5pm and Sunday 1–5pm.
Verified Oct 27 · chandleraz.gov
No catch
Fri–Sun 11am–5pm (site also lists Wed–Sun; check before going)
ASU Art MuseumTempe
Arizona State University's art museum on the Tempe campus never charges admission. Exhibitions change through the year. The site lists hours as 11am–5pm but shows both Wednesday–Sunday and Friday–Sunday, so check before a weekday visit.
Verified Oct 27 · asuartmuseum.org
No catch
Saturdays at 1pm (1 hour)
Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum, Mesa Arts Center
Every Saturday at 1pm, a member of the museum's gallery team leads a free, one-hour interactive tour of the current exhibitions. Museum admission is free too, so no ticket is needed.
Verified Oct 27 · mesaartscenter.com
No catch
Tue, Nov 3, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
HD SouthGilbert
Volunteer Laura Hardon leads a hands-on workshop at HD South in Gilbert where you turn bags and tags into a holiday-themed altered book. Some craft supplies are provided and no experience is needed; you're welcome to bring your own drink. Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 6–8pm.
Verified Oct 27 · hdsouth.org
Catch: Registration required on HD South's event page (limited spots) · Ages 14 and up
Fri, Nov 6 – Sun, Nov 15 · check hours
Scottsdale Waterfront
Scottsdale Arts' Canal Convergence returns for its 15th year, Nov 6–15, 2026, with large-scale light artworks along the canal plus workshops, performances and live music. This year's theme is Western Nature. Daily schedules hadn't been posted yet, so check the event page for times.
Verified Oct 27 · scottsdalearts.org
No catch
Sat, Nov 7, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
HD SouthGilbert
Local author Nahid Sewell discusses and reads from her novel "The Ruby Tear Catcher," about an Iranian woman whose life is uprooted by the Islamic Revolution. Free at HD South in Gilbert, Saturday, November 7, 2026, 10:30am–noon.
Verified Oct 27 · hdsouth.org
Catch: Registration required on HD South's event page
Sat, Nov 7, 6:00 PM
Murphy ParkGlendale
Glendale's LiVE! @ Murphy Park series brings the West Valley Youth Symphony to downtown Glendale for an evening of orchestral music under the stars. Gates open at 6pm and the music starts at 7pm. Bring a chair or blanket.
Verified Oct 27 · glendaleaz.gov
No catch
Tue, Nov 10, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Tempe Center for the Arts
The ASU MTO Singers (Music Theatre and Opera) perform in Tempe Center for the Arts' lakeside room overlooking Tempe Town Lake, part of the free monthly Performance with a View series. No ticket needed. Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 10–11am.
Verified Oct 27 · tempe.gov
No catch
Tue, Nov 10, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
HD SouthGilbert
ASU professor emeritus Duane Roen, founding coordinator of a project on writing and recording family history, leads HD South's free Family History Workshop, "Life and Lemons," on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 6:30–8pm in Gilbert.
Verified Oct 27 · hdsouth.org
Catch: Free RSVP on HD South's event page
Wed, Nov 11, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
HD SouthGilbert
An intuitive watercolor art class for adults set to live sound-meditation music, with a guided visualization to start. Led by Debra McVay and Jennifer Sherman at HD South in Gilbert; no art experience needed. Wednesday, November 11, 2026, 6:30–8pm.
Verified Oct 27 · hdsouth.org
Catch: Registration required on HD South's event page (limited spots)
Thu, Nov 12, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Century LibraryPhoenix
Community Legal Services attorneys give free one-on-one help at Phoenix's Century Library if you have an Arizona conviction you may be able to set aside, including Prop 207 marijuana expungements. Thursday, November 12, 2026, 3:30–5:30pm. Space in the room is limited, so there may be a short wait.
Verified Oct 27 · calendar.phoenixpubliclibrary.org
Catch: For people with an Arizona conviction · Income eligibility for Community Legal Services applies
Thu, Nov 12, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
HD SouthGilbert
Certified instructors from East Valley Martial Arts teach physical self-defense and street smarts at HD South in Gilbert on Thursday, November 12, 2026, 6:30–7:30pm. Open to kids 7 and up, teens and adults; wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Verified Oct 27 · hdsouth.org
Catch: Registration required · Ages 7 and up; children need a parent or guardian present
Sat, Nov 14, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Tempe Sports Complex
The sixth annual Tempe Jam brings free live music from Joey Gutos Band, Goldwax Revival and The Hourglass Cats, dance battles, a drone show, stilt-walkers, hands-on art and food trucks to Tempe Sports Complex. No entry fee. Saturday, November 14, 2026, 6–10pm.
Verified Oct 27 · tempe.gov
No catch
Sat, Nov 21, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
THINKspot at Dobson RanchMesa
Learn the basics of collecting and using rainwater in your landscape, from simple DIY techniques to bigger systems, and start planning a project. All attendees are entered in a drawing for a $50 local nursery gift card. Saturday, November 21, 2026, 10–11:30am.
Verified Oct 27 · mesaaz.gov
No catch
Tue, Dec 8, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Tempe Center for the Arts
Students from ASU's collaborative piano studio perform in Tempe Center for the Arts' lakeside room overlooking Tempe Town Lake, part of the free monthly Performance with a View series. No ticket needed. Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 10–11am.
Verified Oct 27 · tempe.gov
No catch
Wed, Dec 9, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Red Mountain LibraryMesa
A free, beginner-friendly MesaMoves class on planning a ride, prepping your bike and riding safely on city streets. Everyone who takes part gets a free safety kit. Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 6–7:30pm.
Verified Oct 27 · events.mesalibrary.org
Catch: Registration required (opens Nov 18, 2026 at 9am) · Ages 12 and up
Fri, Dec 11, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saguaro LibraryPhoenix
CAN Community Health offers free, confidential rapid HIV and hepatitis C tests and a full STI panel (results in 3–5 days) at Phoenix's Saguaro Library. No insurance needed and walk-ins are welcome. Friday, December 11, 2026, 11am–3pm.
Verified Oct 27 · calendar.phoenixpubliclibrary.org
No catch
Sat, Feb 13 – Sun, Feb 14
Glendale Civic Center
Glendale's chocolate festival fills the Glendale Civic Center area on Valentine's weekend, February 13–14, 2027, 10am–5pm both days. Admission and parking are free; the treats themselves are sold by vendors.
Verified Oct 27 · glendaleaz.gov
Catch: Admission is free; food and chocolate are sold by vendors
First Friday of each month, 5–8pm
Phoenix Art Museum
Phoenix Art Museum opens its general galleries free on the first Friday of each month, 5 to 8pm. It's an easy evening plan downtown on the same night as the city's First Friday art scene. Special exhibitions still need a paid ticket.
Verified Oct 27 · phxart.org
Catch: Special exhibitions need a separate paid ticket
Second Friday of each month, 5:30–9:30pm (weather permitting)
Riparian Preserve at Water RanchGilbert
The East Valley Astronomy Club sets up telescopes at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch on the second Friday of each month, and anyone can come look at the night sky for free. Viewing begins at dusk (listed 5:30–9:30pm), weather permitting. Upcoming: Nov 13 and Dec 11, 2026.
Verified Oct 27 · discovergilbert.com
No catch
Thursdays, 7–9pm (not on Thanksgiving)
Scottsdale Arts District (Main Street and Marshall Way)
Old Town Scottsdale's galleries open their doors every Thursday evening from 7 to 9pm for the ArtWalk, a tradition since 1975. Wander Gallery Row on Main Street and Marshall Way. In the cooler months, themed Gold Palette ArtWalks start at 6:30pm. No ArtWalk on Thanksgiving.
Verified Oct 27 · scottsdalegalleries.com
No catch
Second Saturday, Oct–Apr, 5–9pm
Downtown Peoria
Downtown Peoria fills with local art, live music, artisan vendors and hands-on activities on the second Saturday of each month, October through April, 5–9pm. 2026–27 dates: Nov 14, Dec 12 (with the Holiday Festival), Jan 9, Feb 13, Mar 13 and Apr 10.
Verified Oct 27 · peoriaaz.gov
No catch
Second Friday 10am–10pm and third Thursday 10am–8pm
Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum, Mesa Arts Center
Twice a month the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum stays open late, with special programs and activities: second Fridays until 10pm and third Thursdays until 8pm. It's free. Upcoming nights include Nov 13, Nov 19, Dec 11 and Dec 17, 2026.
Verified Oct 27 · mesaartscenter.com
No catch
