Kick off tax filing season by shredding sensitive documents and helping Youth for Troops. Bring up to four banker-sized boxes of paper products to Freeman Income Tax Service. No cardboard or plastic bags will be accepted. Free; donations accepted. 41111 N. Daisy Mountain Dr., Anthem. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. 623-518-2157

Downtown Phoenix comes alive with music and the sound of running shoes hitting the pavement. Full marathon starts at CityScape. Half marathon starts in downtown Tempe. Registration fee varies. No charge for spectators. See website for check in and route details. 7:50 a.m. 800-311- 1255

Writing under the nom de plume Nicolas D. Charles, Dr. Gary Lindner presents the pulp fiction era, 1900-1950s. His insights into the differences between the pulps and the slicks, the authors, and the prevalent writing styles of that era are sure to please old and young alike. Free. Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Rd.,...

Musical Instrument Museum presents blazing soul-blues rocker Tommy Castro and his band. $33.50–$43.50. 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. 7 p.m. 480-478-6000

True West magazine executive editor Bob Boze Bell and publisher Ken Amorosano will present the 2019 True Westerner Award to American screenwriter, producer and television series creator John Fusco, best known for Young Guns and Young Guns II. RSVP to Ken@twmag.com by Jan. 15. Cattle Track Arts Compound, 6105 N. Cattletrack Rd., Scottsdale. 5:30–7:30 p.m.

The human microbiome consists of trillions of microbes that live on and in your body. Surprisingly, they are actually essential for good mental and physical functioning. This Big Ideas Forum presentation will give you a new understanding of just what "germs" really are and why you need them. Free. Anthem Community Center, 3701 W. Anthem...

The sky will be filled with colorful hot-air balloons participating in the thrilling “Hare & Hound” race Saturday and Sunday morning. Friday and Saturday evenings, a field full of illuminated, tethered hot-air balloons glow in time to music. AZ StreetFoodFest, family fun zone and more. $15; active military and children under 12 free. Parking $5....

Christian Artists Group, which meets regularly to support each other in their art and their Christian faith, will hold a juried exhibition titled “Light and Beauty” at Holland Gallery of Fine Art. A wine and chocolate reception will be held February 9, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oil painters Lucy Dickens, Linda Budge and Joye DeGoede;...

Life is “ruff” when you’re a dog! Bring your friendly pup for music, yummy eats, vet tips, special guests and more. Free. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

The Valley Chamber Chorale presents an eclectic repertoire, including unaccompanied works of the Renaissance and selections by twentieth century American composers. Free. Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, 34605 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale. 4 p.m.