Looking for Something to Do? Free Pasadena Events February 16 to 22

Here are events scheduled Saturday, Feb. 16, to Friday, Feb. 22.

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

The 37th Black History Parade and Festival Saturday, Feb. 16, will begin at 10 a.m. on Fair Oaks Avenue at Figueroa Drive in Altadena, head south on Fair Oaks Avenue and end with a festival at Robinson Park from noon to 4 p.m. The parade will feature bands, equestrians, community leaders and more; the festival will include live entertainment, children's activities and more.

The Black History Festival at Central Library Saturday, Feb. 16, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. will include exhibits, presentations, a documentary film, praise dancers, gospel choirs and more. 

The Screening Mimis Film Discussion Group presents Touching the Void (2003, R) Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 1 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. The documentary follows the adventures of two young mountaineers who set off in 1985 to climb the treacherous west face of the Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes. The film will be preceded by a presentation about its hidden history and followed by a lively discussion. You do not have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend, but you do have to be 50 or older.

Teens are invited to watch the anime film Beyond the Boundary and then make a zombie craft Tuesday, Feb. 19, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Santa Catalina Branch Library.

The American President (1995, PG-13) starring Michael Douglas and Annette Bening will be shown Wednesday, Feb. 20, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. When widowed President Andrew Shepherd falls in love with an environmental lobbyist, he must contend with approval ratings, an inquiring press and an aggressive political opponent just to go on a date with her.

What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015, NR) will be shown Thursday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. in Barrett Hall at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music. The documentary tells the story of legendary singer, pianist and civil rights activist Nina Simone, who gave up her career at the height of her fame to move to Liberia. While the event is free, tickets are required.

The Pasadena Playhouse and Playhouse District Association present the final concert in The Soul of Ragtime concert series: the Michael Haggins Band blending smooth jazz with funk, R&B and classic soul Friday, Feb. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the courtyard at the Pasadena Playhouse.

Photo credits: Pasadena Weekly, Valentine Black History Month, Animation DO, Universal Pictures, Moxie Firecracker Films, Pasadena Playhouse