Looking for Something to Do? Free Pasadena Events January 5 to 11

Here are events scheduled Saturday, Jan. 5, to Friday, Jan. 11,

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

Bring the kids for Nature Tails Storybook Time featuring books about animals and nature Saturday, Jan, 5, at 10:30 a.m. in the Children's Corner inside the Eaton Canyon Nature Center. Nature Tails are scheduled every Saturday morning.

Children ages 5 to 12 are invited to read books to gentle, well-trained dogs at Barks and Books Monday, Jan. 7, at 3 p.m. at La Pintoresca Branch Library Wednesday, Jan. 9, at 4 p.m. at Villa-Parke Branch Library and/or Thursday, Jan, 10, at 4 p.m. at Central Library. 

The first Tuesday of every month is Free Family Night at Kidspace Children's Museum. Since the first Tuesday in January is New Year's Day, Free Family Night will be Tuesday, Jan, 8, from 4 to 8 p.m. Explore folk art and create your own. At 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., watch folk dancing demonstrations. 

Children ages 6 and older will learn how to use woodworking tools safely, design and build a woodworking project in the SideStreet Woodworking Bus during a five-week workshop Tuesdays, Jan. 8 to 29 and Feb. 5, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at La Pintoresca Branch Library. Call (626) 744-7268 to sign up.

Classical flutist Michelle Matsumune, accompanied by pianist Galina Barskaya, will perform Wednesday, Jan. 9, from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. for the popular Music at Noon recital series at Pasadena Presbyterian Church.

Written on the Wind (1956, NR) starring Rock Hudson and Lauren Bacall will be shown Wednesday, Jan. 9, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. A Texas oil family drives itself to ruin through lust, greed and relationships that wreak havoc on the dynasty.

Teens are invited to join the Tournament of Roses Royal Court for a delightful afternoon of tea, Q&As and photo opportunities Wednesday, Jan. 9, at 3 p.m. at Allendale Branch Library.

Pianist Bob Lipson and commentator/singer Saul H. Jacobs will lead a musical journey through the life and works of George and Ira Gershwin Thursday, Jan. 10, at 2 p.m. at the Pasadena Senior Center. You do not have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend but you do have to be 50 or older.

The Great Gatsby (1974, PG) starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow will be shown Friday, Jan. 11, at 1 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. A man claws his way from rags to riches only to find his wealth complicates his life and cannot bring him happiness. You do not have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend but you do have to be 50 or older.

Learn about the latest missions on Mars, the biggest Martian storm in a decade, rolling and drilling on Rubin Ridge, a new rover under construction a a recent arrival on Mars that's preparing to get down to business Friday, Jan. 11, at 7 p.m. in Caltech's Ramo Auditorium in Baxter Hall (#77 on this map). Parking in Caltech lots and parking structures is free after 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Photo credits: Child's Play International, Feiwel & Friends, Sleeping Bear Press, Spectrum News1, Foutz Trading Co., SideStreets Projects, Michelle Matsumune, Universal International Pictures, Pasadena Now, Gershwin Enterprises, Paramount Pictures, Jet Propulsion Laboratory.