“The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band, America’s oldest professional musical organization, will perform for free on Halloween evening.

Tickets are required for the 7:30 p.m. performance at Mesa Arts Center, but there is no charge for them, and no purchase is necessary.

The United States Marine Band.

Founded in 1798, the U.S. Marine Band has performed for every U.S. president since John Adams. Given the title “The President’s Own” by Thomas Jefferson, it performs a varied repertoire, including new works for wind ensemble, traditional concert band literature, orchestral works and, of course, spirited patriotic marches and popular favorites.

Led by Colonel Michael J. Colburn, the Marine Band performs in the style of its 17th director, John Philip Sousa, who initiated the concert tour tradition in 1891. The band is composed of world-class musicians, most of whom hold advanced degrees from top music schools.

For tickets and information, call (480) 644-6500 or visit www.mesaartscenter.com.

"The President's Own" United States Marine Corp Band, ca. 1798. Watercolor by Lt. Col. Donna Neary, USMCR, late twentieth century. United States Marine Corp Band, Washington, D.C.

From burritos to gift cards, all sorts of retailers are offering freebies for Halloween.

At Macy’s, for example, the first 100 customers in the door on Halloween morning get a free $10 gift card to spend in the store. Click here for store locations and hours.

Other deals to be had over the holiday:

• Dress like a burrito, you can get a burrito for free at Chipotle restaurants. The deal is good 5 p.m. to closing on Halloween. Click here for details.
• Get a free Halloween-themed photo collage during Sears portrait studios’ Halloween Special. There’s no sitting fee, and the deal is good through Oct. 31. It’s a perfect way to remember your child in this year’s Halloween costume.
• Another Sears deal: Print this coupon to get $5 off any $20 or more toy purchase. The coupon mentions a free Mattel toy giveaway for in-store trick-or-treating on Oct. 31, but no Arizona stores are participating in that offer. The coupon is good through Nov. 1.
• Children get a free trick-or-treat pail, instruction in three hands-on activities, a balloon and candy during a free Halloween event at Michael’s craft stores. It takes place 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 31. Just show up; no purchase is necessary.
• Visit Taco Bell between 6 p.m. and midnight on Halloween, and you’ll get a free Black Jack Taco. All you have to do is ask; no costume or coupon is required.
• Like to bowl? You can print coupons for free games at Brunswick bowling centers in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa and the rest of the Valley. They’re good through Nov. 24.
• Buy a nine- or 14-piece Flame Grilled Feast at El Pollo Loco Oct. 31 through Jan. 3, 2010, and you’ll get an eight-serving bundt cake for free. The cakes come in Chocolate Fudge or Lemon flavors. The feasts include citrus-marinated chicken, two large sides, tortillas and salsas.

You’ll have to act fast, but this morning you can get a free bagel from Einstein Bros. Bagels when you present this coupon. The offer is only good before 11 a.m. today (Friday, Oct. 30). No purchase is necessary.

Arizona teens ages 15 to 19 who are newly licensed drivers or who hold a valid learners permit can get free training in specially equipped vehicles that simulate hazardous road conditions.

The Ford Driving Skills for Life program will host four free driver-training sessions Nov. 11-12 at Firebird International Raceway in Chandler. The program will accept 100 teen drivers per session.

During the training, teens will work with professional instructors to improve skills in four key areas: hazard recognition, vehicle handling, space management and speed management. They will drive Ford vehicles specially outfitted to simulate wet or potentially dangerous driving conditions.

Sessions will be held 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 11 and 12.

The Ford program was created in 2003 in conjunction with the Governors Highway Safety Association. Other partners include Arizona Ford Dealers and the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

Registration is limited to 100 teen drivers per session. For more information or to sign up, call (888) 987-8765 or www.drivingskillsforlife.com.

NYPD Pizza is bringing back its 99-cent slice promotion this Saturday, Oct. 24.

Just as they did last month for National Cheese Pizza Day, the restaurant chain is now celebrating National Pizza Month by making a one-topping slice of pizza 99 cents (regularly $2.55 plus tax).

The offer is good for dine-in or takeout at all 10 Valley locations from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Information: www.aznypdpizza.com

Just as back in April, Fry’s Food Stores is sponsoring free general admission this weekend (Oct. 24-26) at the Arizona Science Center.

Special discounted pricing will be offered on four of the Center’s ticketed experiences, including shows in the Dorrance Planetarium, movies in the IMAX Theater, a ride across the Evans Family SkyCycle and entrance into ROBOTS: The Interactive Exhibition.

The science center is also hosting a variety of hands-on demonstrations and activities throughout the weekend that include “Stomach This! A Digestion Demonstration,” “Elephants Toothpaste,” “Super Taster,” “Combustion,” “Static Electricity,” “Seeing Inside the Eye” and more.

In addition to free admission, guests will be able to try free samples of Fry’s products 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

But be on your best behavior — or not — because recruiters from the TV reality show Supernanny will be on site each day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Via Nerdvana