Katie Charland(ed note-Katie is our newest writer, lives in a retirement community and can scaled fences in heels)

I will be the first to admit that I had my doubts about the cultural and entertainment value of this desert city when I first moved here from Chicago just under two years ago. Chicago always appeared to have hundreds of things going on downtown or in its little niche neighborhoods. It didn’t matter that I couldn’t afford to attend more than half of the events as a poor college undergrad…I was in the heart of the Windy City.

Therefore it should come as no surprise I scoffed at the idea that Phoenix could ever replace my beloved Chi-town in the scope and quality of events offered. Consider this feature series my formally apology to the Valley of the Sun.

Phoenix not only offers a tremendous amount of worthwhile events to attend, but a great deal of these programs advertise at everyone’s favorite price…free.

Whether you are pinching pennies as a result of this unpredictable economy or have graduation looming on the horizon, this series is meant to help you enjoy Phoenix while staying within your budget.

my-shoesThat does not mean to say Phoenix is not deserving of your well-earned dollar. Phoenix has a plethora of free events that can help you “spread the love” if you will. Catch a free movie at the Phoenix Art Museum and then spend that $20 you saved on skipping the theater for a tasty lunch at Switch or Durant’s. Impress a date with a free trip to the Gilbert Observatory and still have cash for a glass of wine at Liberty Market.

Let me do the legwork for you. Be on the lookout for the “Phoenix Free” headline to view a compilation of activities offered in the Greater Phoenix area throughout the month of April.