Check out light-based installations, including HYBYCOZO, during Canal Convergence at the Scottsdale Waterfront.

Lukasz Szczepanski

It’s a ridiculously busy weekend around the Valley. There are countless things to do, though only a few carry a price tag of exactly zero dollars. But we found them for you.

From Nov. 7 to 9, you’ve got your pick of no-cost fun, including festivals, movies and anniversary parties. Here’s to having fun and saving money.

Ongoing

Free Museums and Museum Free Days
Days, times and locations vary
There a number of institutions around the Valley that are either free all the time or offer no-cost admission on certain days. The ASU Art Museum and its cool architecture are free to visit any time it’s open, and Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum is always free as well. Phoenix Art Museum is pay-what-you-wish on Wednesdays from 3 to 8 p.m., and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is pay-what-you-wish on Thursdays and every second Saturday of the month.

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Estrella Star Tower
Daily until 8:15 p.m.
8614 Estrella Parkway, Goodyear
The entrance to a far-West Valley housing development is also home to a charming, unique landmark. The Estrella Star Tower has a spiral staircase that leads visitors up to sprawling views and shines with tiny lights beginning at dusk. The tower’s design was created by local astronomy personality Steven Kates. The tower is really a feature of the neighborhood, so be respectful, stayed on marked paths and remember that it closes at 8:15 p.m.

Dobbins Lookout
Days and times vary
10919 S. Central Ave.
One of the most beautiful views of Phoenix is just a short car ride (or, if you’re in better shape than we are, a bike ride) up South Mountain. Dobbins Lookout stands at 2,330 feet, allowing for unobstructed views of the Valley from one side to another. Check the Phoenix Parks & Rec website for hours and closures.

Scottsdale Art Walk
Every Thursday, 7 to 9 p.m.
Old Town Scottsdale
Every Thursday, the many art galleries in Old Town Scottsdale open their doors for an art walk that has been going on for 50 years. Some even offer wine and small bites. Check the Scottsdale Galleries website for information on the Gold Palette Art Walks, which usually happen one Thursday a month and can include live music and other entertainment.

Hanging out on the sidewalk along Grand Avenue.

This week

Canal Convergence
Nov. 7 to 16
Scottsdale Waterfront, Scottsdale
The annual 10-day festival presented by Scottsdale Arts brings together eye-popping art installations, live music, hands-on activities and more. Food and drink, and a few activities, cost money, but the majority of what Canal Convergence has to offer is completely free.

Grand Avenue Festival
Saturday, Nov. 8
Grand Avenue between Seventh and 15th avenues
The Grand Avenue arts district will host one of the fall’s liveliest events on Saturday. The annual Grand Avenue Festival includes live music, vendors and art, plus opportunities to check out the many stores and galleries in the area (along with the famous “Swamp King” Trump billboard). Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Nature Fest PHX
Saturday, Nov. 8
Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area, 2801 S. Seventh Ave.
Join the city of Phoenix for a day of celebrating nature. Show up at 8 a.m. to help with the river cleanup, or just attend the festival, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include hourly prize drawings, birding walks, wildlife encounters, an outdoor puppet theater, a Kids ArtZone and much more.

The Chill Room Anniversary Party
Saturday, Nov. 8
1320 E. Broadway Road, #108, Tempe
Celebrate the second anniversary of no-alcohol hangout The Chill Room this weekend. The Mardi Gras-themed event includes live music and food and nonalcoholic beverages for purchase. The event runs 1 p.m. to 2 a.m.

‘Home Alone’ screening
Saturday, Nov. 8
Scottsdale Airport, 15000 N. Airport Drive
Kick off the holiday season with a screening of modern classic family film “Home Alone.” Gates open at 5 p.m. for the 6 p.m. showing. Free parking is available across from the main aviation building; enter at the north gate of the main aviation building. Attendees can enjoy food trucks, a beer and wine garden, a static plane display, and a fire truck presentation. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating and a nonperishable food donation. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.

The Sugar Thieves
Sunday, Nov. 9
Heritage Presbyterian Church, 5830 W. Greenbriar Drive, Glendale
One of the Valley’s most celebrated blues bands will perform Sunday as part of the Jazz for the Soul series. Doors open at 4:45 p.m. for the 6 p.m. concert. Register on Eventbrite.

Plan ahead

Herberger Festival of the Arts
Saturday, Nov. 15
Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St.
The 16th annual Herberger Festival of the Arts offers guests two stages featuring live music, dance and dynamic performances. Explore art demonstrations, hands-on kids’ activities, a vendor market, food trucks, and a beer and wine garden. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Do you know of a great free event? We update this list throughout the week; send information to editorial@phoenixnewtimes.com.