5 Free Things to Do in Metro Phoenix This Week

Congratulations on surviving the past week, Phoenicians. Holiday hangovers and burnout can be difficult to avoid, and with one more big holiday approaching we want to help make things as easy for you as possible. There are plenty of free alternatives to those pricey parties and lavish events happening this week — and we've gathered them here in a convenient little list. You can find movies, art shows, workout classes, and more happening in and around Phoenix, so you can hang on to all those old acquaintances and some of that hard-earned cash in 2016.

"Bringing Street Art Home for the Holidays"
Jesse Perry's work is instantly recognizable; the bright colors and cartoonish characters decorate downtown murals and brighten local businesses all over Phoenix. For what remains of 2015, you can see a collection of his work at Practical Art for free. The exhibition, called "Bringing Street Art Home for the Holidays," features a number of Perry's pop culture- and southwest-inspired works. The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Call the gallery at 602-264-1414 for more information. 

Wednesday Afternoon Movie: Holiday Inn
The Burton Barr Library will play an old-Hollywood classic on Wednesday, December 30, for anyone still looking for a little holiday cheer. Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire star in Holiday Inn, a 1942 picture about dancing, relationships, and, of course, hotel management. The film will be open to the public and starts at 2 p.m. in the first-floor auditorium. Call the library at 602-262-4636 for more information. 

First Friday at the Heard Museum
Celebrate the New Year and First Friday at the Heard Museum this week with an array of exhibits and artist speakers. The museum will waive all admission frees and offer guests a peek at all 12 of its galleries, which currently display two Frida Kahlo exhibits, Helen Hardin etchings, "We Are! Arizona’s First People," and more. DJ Seduce and painter Mike Zillioux will also be in attendance starting at 6 p.m. Visit heard.org for more information. 

"FRESH aFLAME"
Local artists Abby and Justin Queal take a collaborative approach to their work. They pass pieces back and forth to each other until they feel it's completed, creating pieces that combine both of their individual styles into intricate and colorful works of art. Their work will be on display at {9} the Gallery from Friday, January 1, to Wednesday, January 13, with the opening reception taking place on New Year's Day at 7 p.m. You can call the gallery at 602-349-9557 for more information, and or check the event's Facebook page for updates.

Free Workout Weekend
Let's Grow Studio at 4100 S. Lindsay Road, Suite 101 in Gilbert, is stepping up to help with all those New Year's fitness resolutions by opening up its weekend workout schedule to the public. The studio will offer a complimentary class every hour between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 2 and every hour between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 3. Options include barre, Zumba, and yoga classes. Call the studio at (480) 699-1004 or visit letsgrowstudio.com for more information.