Looking for Something to Do? Free Pasadena Events August 11 to 17

Here are events scheduled Saturday, Aug. 11, to Friday, Aug. 17.

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

The Pasadena Police Department will host an open house Saturday, Aug. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Savor free BBQ and refreshments, see forensics demonstrations, tour the police building (including the jail), meet and greet police staff and more, including children's activities.

Anyone ages 13 to 18 is invited to Teen Anime Afternoon for classic anime, Japanese snacks and the newest manga in the library's collection Saturday, Aug. 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Children's Story Room at Central Library.

Parks After Dark presents a concert with the theme Latin Fiesta! Saturday, Aug. 11, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Villa-Parke.

Jessica Childress will perform R&B with a rock n' roll energy Saturday, Aug. 11, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado. Registration is encouraged. 

The second Sunday of every month is Free Admission Day at the USC Pacific Asia Museum. On Sunday, Aug. 12, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. learn about items in the museum's collection related to water, enjoy water-based art activities, docent-led tours of the galleries and a special storytime for children. 

The Playhouse District Association Summer Jazz Concert Series presents the Little Brazil Trio performing Brazilian jazz Sunday, Aug. 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the courtyard adjacent to Vroman's Book Store.

The summer concert series for all ages in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center continues with Pam Kay and the Tap Chicks entertaining with energetic dance routines, Vaudeville-style comedy and clever costumes Monday, Aug. 13, from 6 to 7 p.m. 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.

With plenty of props and costumes, Ruth and Emilia will perform for children Tuesday Aug. 14, from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Garfield Promenade on the street level at Paseo Colorado.

Classical pianist Stephanie Ng will perform Wednesday, Aug. 15, from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. for the popular Music at Noon recital series at Pasadena Presbyterian Church.

Lost in the Barrens (1990, NR) starring Nicholas Shields and Evan Adams will be shown Wednesday, Aug. 15, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. Two boys -- a white orphaned teen and a Cree boy -- get lost in the Canadian wilderness in 1935, and the only goal is to survive. The film is based on the 1956 novel by Farley Nowat. A classic cartoon will be shown as well.

Children and families are invited to a hands-on lesson in archaeology and a hunt for treasures that will lead to an ancient civilization Wednesday, Aug. 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. in Studio on 4th (fourth floor) at Central Library. Call 626-744-4066, ext. 4 to sign up. You'll be digging in dirt so make sure you wear old clothes.

The third Thursday (and first Friday) of every month is Free Admission Night at the Pasadena Museum of California Art. On Thursday, Aug. 16, from 5 to 9 p.m., in conjunction with the current exhibition Grafton Tyler Brown: Exploring California, join Red Hen Press and notable African American writers for a reading of contemporary poetry, then stay for a reception courtesy of Lagunitas Brewing Company.

The Playhouse District Association presents Third Thursdays every month throughout the summer. On Thursday, Aug. 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. watch featured artist Brenda Barrios paint a mural, enjoy free admission at the Pasadena Museum of California Art and the USC Pacific Asia Museum, listen to live musical performances at Boston Court and Lyd & Mo Photography, see a photo exhibition at the Ice House's Un-Gallery, participate in a collaborative art project at the Pasadena Playhouse, play jumbo versions of classic games, be part of the performance art at a Silent Disco headphones party, and much more. 

Singer Shana Halligan will perform sultry jazz Thursday, Aug. 16, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado. Registration is encouraged.

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006, PG-13) starring Will Smith and Thandie Newton will be shown Friday, Aug. 17, at 1 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. A talented, often unemployed single father struggles to make ends meet while raising his young son after they are evicted from their San Francisco apartment with nowhere to go. You do NOT have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend but you do have to be 50 or older.

Dancing Under the Stars continues with Salsa Night featuring Orquesta Charangoa Friday, Aug. 17, 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 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!

South Lake Business Association's Rooftop Cinema summer series kicks off with Jurassic Park (1993, PG-13) starring Sam Neill and Laura Dern Saturday, Aug. 18, at 8:30 p.m. on the roof of the parking structure at 55 S. Lake Ave. Two dinosaur experts are invited by an eccentric millionaire to preview his new amusement park on an island off Central America, where cloned dinosaurs begin to rage out of control. Arrive as early as 6 p.m. for priority seating and DJ spins. Bring a beach chair (no blankets or tall chairs) and a picnic or purchase dinner at the event. While the film is free, tickets are required for priority entry. Parking at 55 S. Lake Ave. will be complimentary. 

Photo Credits: Pasadena Police Department, JP Games, Sonoma County Philharmonic, Jessica Childress, USC Pacific Asia Museum, Little Brazil Trio, Pay Kay, Ruth and Emilia, Stephanie Ng, Atlantis Films, English Heritage, Pasadena Museum of California Art, Playhouse District Associaiton, Columbia Pictures, Paseo Colorado