Looking for Something to Do? Free Events July 22 to 28

Here are events scheduled Saturday, July 22, to Friday, July 28.

All events are free, so take a look -- and don't you dare say there's nothing to do in Pasadena!

The opening reception for "We Belong," an exhibition of works by adult artists with developmental disabilities in the City of Pasadena Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation Program, is Saturday, July 22, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Armory Center for the Arts. The exhibition, which follows a theme of connection and community, will be in place through Sept. 8.

Unbound Productions presents staged readings of new plays adapted from classic mystery literature Saturday, July 22, and Sunday, July 23, at 3 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. While each event is free, reservations are required.

Multiple Grammy Award-winning songwriter Jimmy Webb will perform Saturday, July 22, at 8 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic or purchase dinner at the park. A pre-concert festival will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents "Mamma Mia!" (2008, PG-13) starring Amanda Seyfried and Meryl Streep Saturday, July 22, at 8:30 p.m. at Central Park. The daughter of a hotelier on a Greek island wants to discover the identity of her father -- out of three possibilities -- before her wedding so he can walk her down the isle. Songs made famous by ABBA are sung throughout this cult classic. Come as early as 6:30 p.m. for ABBA music played by a DJ, temporary henna tattoos, dance lessons (Do the Hustle!) and more. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic or purchase dinner at the park.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents "Doctor Strange" (2016, PG-13) starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Chiwetel Ejiofor Saturday, July 22, at 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado (Hugus Alley). A disgraced former surgeon goes on a journey of physical and spiritual healing and becomes a powerful sorcerer under the tutelage of a mystic.

The Playhouse District Association's Summer Jazz Concert Series presents the Michael Haggins Band Sunday, July 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the courtyard adjacent to Vroman's Book Store. 

The Lao Tizer Band will perform contemporary jazz Sunday, July 23, at 7 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic or purchase dinner at the park. A pre-concert festival will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Dr. Lee Scott Thiesen, an expert on Latin American food, culture and history, will discuss xocalatl (chocolate) Monday, July 24, at 1 p.m in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. Learn the captivating history of chocolate from the discovery of cacao trees hundreds of years ago to the present day -- a story of intrigue and desire with wondrous culinary and scientific aspects. Chocolate tasting will follow the presentation. While the event is free, reservations are required at the Welcome Desk or by calling (626) 795-4331. You do not have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend.

Teens are invited to see "Selena" (1997, PG) starring Jennifer Lopez and Edward James Olmos (based on a true story) Tuesday, July 25, at 5 p.m. at the La Pintoresca Teen Education Center. Texas-born Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez rose from cult status to performing in major arenas while her songs topped the Latin music charts, until she was murdered by someone on her staff. 

The Pasadena Summer Youth Chamber Orchestra will perform Hermann's theme from "Psycho," Holst's St. Paul Suite, Copland's Hoe-Down and other works Tuesday, July 25, at 6 p.m. at the Gold Shell in Memorial Park for the Pasadena Senior Center's summer concert series for all ages. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and picnic. You do not have to be a senior or a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend.

Children will love the Buster Balloon Show with its wild and wacky mix of comedy, magic and twisted balloon creations Wednesday, July 26, at 11 a.m. at San Rafael Branch Library.

"Max" (2015, PG) starring Thomas Haden Church, Lauren Graham and Carlos (as Max) will be shown Wednesday, July 26, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. A military Malinois dog on duty with U.S. Marines in Afghanistan is adopted by his late handler's grieving family, and his close bond with the soldier's brother leads to a life-altering revelation.

Teens interested in filmmaking are invited to learn about storyboards -- visual panels that tell a story -- and design their own commercials Wednesday, July 26, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Central Library's Teen Central. Email jgov@cityofpasadena.net or call (626) 744-4246 to sign up.

Paseo Colorado's Moonlight Movies summer series kicks off with "Finding Dory" (2016, PG) with the voice talents of Ellen DeGeneres and Albert Brooks Wednesday, July 26 at 8 p.m. Dory, the friendly but forgetful blue tang fish, begins a search for her long-lost parents and discovers the true meaning of family. Arrive as early as 6:30 p.m. for seating on a first come, first served basis. The first 100 children under age 15 will receive a free gift.

The Sam Hill Duo will perform classical music for flute and guitar Thursday, July 27, from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. for the popular Music at Noon recital series at Pasadena Presbyterian Church.

"Bungalow Heaven: Preserving a Neighborhood" will be shown Thursday, July 27, at 7 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. The documentary follows the hard-fought struggle for Bungalow Heaven to become the first entire neighborhood in the U.S. to be designated a historic landmark district. A 6:30 p.m. reception will precede the screening, and a Q&A with the filmmaker, Joaquin Montalvan, will follow the screening. 

The Party Animals will perform music for children (and everyone) Thursday, July 27, at 7 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic or purchase dinner at the park. A pre-concert festival will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Paseo Colorado's Dancing Under the Stars presents Phat Cat Swinger Friday, July 28, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Come as early as 7 p.m. for a swing dance lesson from the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association, then enjoy the live music -- whether you decide to kick up your heels or not!

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents "Cairo Time" (2009, PG) starring Patricia Clarkson and Alexander Siddig Friday, July 28, at 8 p.m. at Distant Lands. When a magazine editor travels to Cairo to vacation with her husband, he is delayed and asks an Egyptian friend to escort her around the beautiful and exotic city, leading to a brief and unexpected affair that catches them completely off guard.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents "School of Rock" (2003, PG-13) starring Jack Black and Joan Cusack Friday, July 28, at 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado (Hugus Alley). A heavy metal guitarist gets kicked out of his band and becomes a substitute teacher at an elite private elementary school, where he teaches his students the art of rock and roll -- with an ulterior motive.

Photo credits: City of Pasadena, Unbound Productions, Jimmy Webb, Universal Pictures, Marvel Studios, Michael Haggins, Leo Tizer Band, Pasadena Summer Youth Chamber Orchestra, Buster Balloon Show, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Ed Cook, Walt Disney Pictures, La Jolla Community Center, James Stout, The Party Animals, Phat Cat Swinger, Foundry Films, Paramount Pictures,