Looking for Something to Do? Free Pasadena Events July 28 to Aug. 3

Here are events scheduled Saturday, July 28, to Friday, Aug. 3.

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

Teens are invited to the finale party for the Reading Takes You Everywhere summer reading program Saturday, July 28, from 3 to 5 p.m. at La Pintoresca Branch Library featuring the musical sounds of  teens who participated in a multiweek DJ workshop.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents The Princess Bride (1987, PG) starring Robin Wright and Cary Elwes Saturday, July 28, at 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado. While sick in bed, a young boy learns about the fairytale adventure of a princess and the gallant hero who rescues her from an evil villain. Arrive early to secure your seat.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema wraps up for the year with The Muppet Movie (1979, G) with the voice talents of Jim Hensen and Frank Oz Saturday, July 28, at 8:30 p.m. at Central Park. Kermit the Frog is persuaded by an agent to pursue a career in Hollywood where he meets Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo and a motley crew of other Muppets with similar aspirations, all the while eluding the grasp of the owner of a chain of restaurants that serves frog legs. Bring a beach chair or blanket and a picnic. Come as early as 6:30 p.m. for activities that celebrate the art of puppeteering plus Glenn Red DJ sets and free ice cream from Paradis (while supplies last).

The Playhouse District Association Summer Jazz Concert Series presents the Danny Green Trio Sunday, July 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the courtyard adjacent to Vroman's Book Store.

Children ages 6 to 8 will explore musical instruments and discover the relationship between music and math Monday, July 30, at 2 p.m. in the Children's Story Room at Central Library. Call 626-744-4066 ext. 4 to sign up.

The summer concert series for all ages at the Pasadena Senior Center kicks off with the Susie Hansen Latin Band Monday, July 30, from 6 to 7 p.m. This year, the concert series will move from Memorial Park to the air conditioned comfort of the center's Scott Pavilion. Bring a picnic; all ages are welcome; membership at the Pasadena Senior Center is not required. The concert series will continue every Monday through Sept. 3.

Saxophone students will perform in recital Monday, July 30, at 7 p.m. in Barrett Hall at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music. Recitals offer students the opportunity to perform in a formal setting and gain confidence as musicians.

Kinderwise will perform a special summer program for children of all ages Tuesday, July 31, from 10 a.m. to noon in the open-air Garfield Promenade on the street level at Paseo Colorado.

Is there a great book you think everyone should read for the 2019 community reading celebration? Pasadena Public Library's One City, One Story selection committee invites your input for the 2019 book. Send your suggestions to creeder@cityofpasadena.net no later than Wednesday, Aug. 1, including the book's title, author and why you recommend it.

Anyone who lives, works or is a student in Pasadena is invited to see the current exhibition Dreaming the Universe: The Intersection of Science, Fiction & Southern California Wednesday, Aug. 1, from noon to 5 p.m. 

Goosebumps (2015, PG) starring Jack Black and Odeya Rush will be shown Wednesday, Aug. 1, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. A teenaged boy who is a transplant from a big city to a small town meets the girl next door whose father is R.L. Stine, author of the best-selling Goosebump series, whose imaginary demons have been set free from the books. 

Adults 18 and older are invited to walk on Mars, visit the International Space Station, do some guided meditation or try a number of other virtual reality experiences Thursday, Aug. 2, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Central Library's Studio on 4th (fourth floor). A signed waiver is required to use the equipment, which includes Oculus Rift Touch, virtual reality visor and hand sets.

Parks After Dark presents The Lego Ninjago Movie (2017, PG) with the voice talents of Jackie Chan and Fred Amison Thursday, Aug. 2, at 7:30 p.m. at Villa-Parke. Shunned by everyone for being the son of an evil warlord, a teenager seeks to defeat him with the help of his fellow ninjas.

The first Friday (and third Thursday) of every month is Free Admission Day at the Pasadena Museum of California Art. On Friday, Aug. 3, from noon to 5 p.m. enjoy the current exhibitions and everything else the museum has to offer.

I, Tonya (2017, R) starring Margot Robbie and Allison Janney will be shown Friday, Aug. 3, at 1 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. Troubled Olympic figure skater Tonya Harding finds herself in the middle of one of the most sensational scandals in sports history. You do NOT have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend, but you must be 50 or older. 

The first Friday of every month is Free Admission Day at the Norton Simon Museum. On Friday, Aug. 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. enjoy the current exhibitions and everything else the museum has to offer.

Dancing Under the Stars continues with Salsa Night featuring Louie Cruz Beltran Friday, Aug. 3, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Garfield Promenade on the street level at Paseo Colorado. 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!

SAVE THE DATE!

California Assemblyman (and former Pasadena City Councilman) Chris Holden's annual block party on the 500 block of East Jackson Street is always a fun event. Everyone is invited Saturday, Aug. 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for free hot dogs and lemonade, classic car show, live entertainment, game trucks, arts and crafts for children, school backpacks (while supplies last), community resource fair and more. 

Photo credits: Pasadena Public Library, Act III Communications, Henson Associates, Danny Green, Susie Hansen, The Talon, Lego System A/S, Clubhouse Pictures (II), Norton Simon Museum, Paseo Colorado

Looking for Something to Do? Free Events July 21 to 27

Here are events scheduled Saturday, July 21, to Friday, July 27.

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

The Third@First concert series presents Piano Spectacular! with pianists Paul Floyd and Junko Ueno Garrett Saturday, July 21, from 4 to 6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church featuring music by Mozart, Lutoslawski, Rachmaninoff and Milhaud.

Parks After Dark presents a live concert with the theme '80s Vibes Saturday, July 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Central Park. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a no-alcohol picnic.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents Wonder Woman (2017, PG-13) starring Gal Gadot and Chris Pine Saturday, July 21, at 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado. Enjoying an idyllic life on an island occupied by warrior women, an Amazon princess finds her life interrupted after she rescues a pilot who has crash landed nearby and told her the world is at war, she vows to use her superpowers to restore peace to the Earth. Arrive early to secure your seats. Free popcorn will be provided by iPic (while supplies last). 

The Martians are coming! (to the Pasadena Museum of History, that is) Sunday, July 22, from 1 to 4 p.m. during a community event celebrating the current exhibition Dreaming the Universe: The Intersection of Science, Fiction & Southern California. The event will include theatrical readings from MARTIANS -- An Evening with Ray Bradbury by Arcane Theatre Works at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. plus science fiction-related activities for adults and children.

The Playhouse District Association Summer Jazz Concert Series presents the Joe LoPiccolo Trio performing contemporary jazz Sunday, July 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the courtyard adjacent to Vroman's Book Store.

The BeatBuds will perform as young children sing along Tuesday, July 24, from 10 a.m. to noon in the Garfield Promenade on the street level at Paseo Colorado.

Pianist Junko Ueno Garrett will perform Schubert's Impromptu Op. 142 No. 3 and Beethoven's Sonata Op. 31 No 3 Wednesday, July 25, from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. for the popular Music at Noon recital series at Pasadena Presbyterian Church.

Inkheart (2008, PG) starring Brendan Fraser and Eliza Bennett will be shown Wednesday, July 25, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R.Wright Auditorium at Central Library. A man and his 12-year-old daughter share an extraordinary gift for bringing characters from books to life, but whenever this happens, a real person disappears into the books' pages.

Children ages 5 to 12 will learn simple sounds and rhythms as embark on a jungle journey with Chazz Ross's drum circle featuring 26 African Djembe drums Wednesday, July 25, at 2 p.m. at Allendale Branch Library. This event is part of the Reading Takes You Everywhere summer reading program.

Guest artists from MUSE/IQUE will explore how innovative music by composers ranging from Irving Berlin to Lin-Manuel Miranda and dance groups including Ballet Hispánico make America a musical Home Sweet Home for everybody Friday, July 27, at 3:30 p.m. at the Pasadena Senior Center. RSVP at the center's Welcome Desk or by calling (626) 795-4331. You do NOT have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend, but you do have to be 50 or older. 

Parks After Dark presents My Little Pony: The Movie (2017, PG) with the voice talents of Emily Blunt and Liev Schreiber Thursday, July 26, at 7:30 p.m. at Villa-Parke. Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity embark on an unforgettable journey beyond Equestria where they meet new friends and exciting challenges on a quest to use the magic of friendship to save their homeland.

Parks After Dark presents Moana (2016, PG) with the voice talents of Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson Friday, July 27, at 7:30 p.m. at Victory Park. In ancient Polynesia, an adventurous teenage girl sets out on an ocean voyage to save her people.

Paseo Colorado's all-summer-long Dancing Under the Stars continues with Swing Night featuring the Crown City Bombers Friday, July 27, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Paseo Colorado's Garfield Promenade on the street level. Come as early as 7 p.m. for a swing dance lesson from the Pasadena Ballroom Association, then enjoy the live music -- whether you decide to kick up your heels or not!

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents How Much Further (original title: Qué tan lejos -- 2006, NR) starring Tania Martinez and Cecilia Vallejo Friday, July 27, at 8 p.m. at Distant Lands. In Ecuador, a Spanish tourist looking for new experiences and a cynical college student yearning to escape her South American roots become stranded in barren countryside due to a transit strike and try to hitch a ride back to civilization, leading to a soul-searching trek during which they meet interesting characters who help them re-evaluate the purpose of their journey. Spanish with English subtitles. Seating is limited, so arrive early to claim your seats.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents 500 Days of Summer (2009 PG-13) starring Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt Friday, July 27, at 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado. An aspiring architect who earns his living as a greeting-card writer falls head over heels for his boss's secretary who doesn't believe in love. Arrive early to secure your seats. Free popcorn will be provided by iPic (while supplies last).

SAVE THE DATE!

Have you read a great book you think everyone should read for the 2019 community reading celebration? Pasadena Public Library's One City, One Story selection committee invites your input for the 2019 book. Send your suggestions to creeder@cityofpasadena.net no later than Wednesday, Aug. 1, including the book's title, author and why you recommend it.

Photo credits: First United Methodist Church, Gist Piano Center, Warner Bros., Tim Burton Productions, Joe LoPiccolo, The BeatBuds, Junko Ueno Garrett, New Line Cinema, Good News Report, Last.fm, Heroic Hollywood, Lionsgate, Walt Disney Pictures, Paseo Colorado, corporación Ecuador para Largo, Fox Searchlight Pictures

Looking for Something to Do? Free Events July 14 to 20

Here are events scheduled Saturday, July 14, to Friday, July 20.

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

The Sri Lanka Day festival and parade Saturday, July 14, from noon to 10 p.m. in Centennial Square in front of Pasadena City Hall will feature the island nation's food, art, music, dances, theater, vibrant costumes and more.

AstroFest kicks off Saturday, July 14, with a festival of hands-on activities, robotics demonstrations, creative art displays, planetarium shows and more from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Pasadena Convention Center plus star gazing via telescopes from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Pasadena Convention Center and Paseo Colorado. It's all part of Pasadena Astronomy Week, a week-long series of public events that celebrates Pasadena's rich history as an international leader for telescopic celestial discovery and robotic space science.

First Stab Festival II: Wicked Lit will be an afternoon of new short plays adapted from classic horror literature presented as staged readings by the playwrights Saturday, July 14, and Sunday, July 15, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. Two short plays will be presented each afternoon, followed by a discussion between the playwrights and the audience. This event is not age-appropriate for anyone younger than 13.

The opening reception for Utopia, a exhibition of works by adult artists with developmental disabilities, is Saturday, July 14, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Armory Center for the Arts. Works depict each artist's perfect day. Several artists will be there with their artworks. Light refreshments will be served. The artists are participants are participants in the City of Pasadena Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation Program. The exhibition will be in place through Aug. 19.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents Mars Attacks! (1996, PG-13) starring Jack Nicholson and Glenn Close Saturday, July 14, at 8:30 p.m. at Central Park. In this parody of science fiction B movies, UFOs have been seen over major world capitals, and the president of the United States is assured by his science advisor that the coming aliens are peaceful while a U.S. general advises the president to annihilate them. Bring a beach chair or blanket and picnic. Come as early as 6:30 p.m. for KCRW-FM DJ sets and free ice cream from Paradis.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents Star Wars: The Force Awakens  (2015, PG-13) starring Daisy Ridley and John Boyega (with Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher) Saturday, July 14, at 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado. Three decades after the Empire's defeat, Luke Skywalker is missing when the galaxy needs him most, so it's up to the desert scavenger Rey and the defecting stormtrooper Finn to join forces with Han Solo and Chewbacca in a desperate search for the one hope of restoring peace. Arrive early to secure your seats.

The Summer Jazz Concert Series in the Playhouse District presents Kira and the Major 3 Sunday, July 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the courtyard outside Vroman's Bookstore. The series continues every Sunday through Aug. 26.

Pasadena Astronomy Week presents an introduction to Central Library's Innovation Lab Monday, July 16, at 5 p.m. Learn how to use the library's 3D printers, digital sewing and embroidery machines, laser cutter and 3D carving machine. A valid Pasadena Public Library card is required (they're free).

Oakwood Brass will perform classical works Wednesday, July 18, from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. for the popular Music at Noon recital series at Pasadena Presbyterian Church.

Wind Dancer (1993, PG) starring Mel Harris and Matt McCoy will be shown Wednesday, July 18, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. 

Take a tour of the Tournament House any Thursday at 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. through Aug. 27. Owned by the City of Pasadena, the former Wrigley estate is home to the Tournament of Roses Association. A docent will lead you through the 18,500-square-foot Italian Renaissance mansion built in 1906. In addition to 21 magnificent rooms, you'll see displays related to Rose Bowl Games, Rose Queens and their Courts and plenty of historic photos and other memorabilia, from football trophies to tiaras. Then visit the adjacent 4.5-acre Wrigley Gardens with 1,500 varieties of roses.

Children ages 5 to 12 will take a trip around the world during a magical hour filled with songs and stories using joyful puppets Thursday, July 19, at 3 p.m. at Hill Avenue Branch Library. This event is part of the Reading Takes You Everywhere summer reading program.

There's plenty to see and do the Third Thursday of every month from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Playhouse District throughout the summer (July 19, Aug. 16 and Sept. 20), including live music, performance art, photo exhibitions, giant games, free admission to the Pasadena Museum of California Art and the USC Pacific Asia Museum, and much more.

Pasadena Astronomy Week presents the opening reception for the MOONS exhibit Thursday, July 19, from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Williamson Gallery at the Art Center College of Design hillside campus. Free shuttles will loop between the Pasadena Convention Center and Art Center from 6:30 to 10 p.m.

Parks After Dark presents Coco (2017, PG) with the voice talents of Anthony Gonzalez and Gael Garcia Bernal Thursday, July 19, at 7:30 p.m. at Villa-Parke. Despite his family's baffling, generations-old ban on music, young Miguel aspires to be an accomplished musician and enters the Land of the Dead where he meets an array of extraordinary characters who help him unlock the real story behind his family history.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents A Quiet Place (2018, PG-13) starring Emily Blunt and John Krasinski Thursday, July 19, at 8 p.m. at CTRL Collective. In a post-apocalyptic world, a family of four must navigate their lives in silence after mysterious creatures that hunt by sound threaten their survival. Seating is limited, so arrive early to secure your spot.

Chicago (2002, PG) starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renée Zellweger will be shown Friday, July 20, at 1 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. Two murderers, one a small-time chorus girl and the other a major Vaudeville star, vie for the fame inside the Cook County Jail that will keep them from the gallows in 1920s Chicago with the help of a hotshot attorney and a scheming prison matron. You do NOT have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend, but you must be 50 or older.

Dancing Under the Stars continues with Swing Night featuring The Kid and Nic Show from Las Vegas Friday, July 20, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Garfield Promenade on the street level at Paseo Colorado. 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 In Bruges (2008, R) starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson Friday, July 20, at 8 p.m. at Distant Lands. When two hitmen are ordered by their boss to cool their heels for a couple of weeks in Bruges, Belgium, they find themselves in one strange encounter after another with locals, tourists, an American actor and Dutch prostitutes. Seating is limited, so arrive early to secure your spot.

Pasadena Astronomy Week presents a look at what's up in the night sky with the help of Caltech astronomers Friday, July 20, from 8 to 10 p.m. Meet in the Hameetman Auditorium at Caltech's Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics (the one on the north side of California Boulevard that looks like it got hit by an earthquake -- #17 on this map). 

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents The Incredibles (2004, PG) with the voice talents of Craig T. Nelson and Holly Hunter Friday, July 20, at 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado. A man and wife team of former superheroes who now live a quiet life in suburbia with their three children go back into action for a top-secret assignment to save the world. Arrive early to secure your seats.

Photo credits: Sri Lanka Foundation, Carpe Diem! Los Angeles, Unbound Productions, Armory Center for the Arts, Tim Burton Productions, Lucasfilm, Kira and the Major 3, Gizmodo, Oakwood Brass, Majestic Entertainment, Tournament of Roses, Pasadena Public Library, Playhouse District Association, Planetary Society, Walt Disney Pictures, Miramax, Nicole Tracy, Ian Morison