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