Looking for Something to Do? Free Events July 29 to August 4

Here are events schedule Saturday, July 29, to Friday, Aug. 4.

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

Children will enjoy Avengers Adventure, an afternoon filled with activities, crafts and crime fighting fun Saturday, July 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Central Library's Studio on 4th. There will be Avenger tryouts, spider web making, a scavenger hunt and a costume contest.

Perla Batalla in the House of Cohen will present a fresh take on the songs of the late Leonard Cohen Saturday, July 29, at 8 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic or purchase dinner at the park. A pre-concert festival will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents "Inside Out" (2015, PG) with the voice talents of Amy Poehler and Lewis Black Saturday, July 29, at 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado (Hugus Alley). When a young girl is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions -- joy, fear, anger, disgust and sadness -- conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school.

The Playhouse District Summer Jazz Concert Series presents the Danny Green Trio Sunday, July 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the courtyard adjacent to Vroman's Bookstore.

The Chambers Brothers featuring Joe Chambers and Willie Chambers will perform their hits and more Sunday, July 30, at 7 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic or purchase dinner at the park. A pre-concert festival will begin at 5:30 p.m.

I scream, you scream...cool off with some delicious Paradis ice cream Tuesday, Aug. 1, beginning at 2 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado (while supplies last). A pop-up will be in the courtyard every Tuesday in August at 2 p.m., compliments of One Colorado.

The first Tuesday of every month is Free Family Night at Kidspace Children's Museum. On Tuesday, Aug. 1, from 4 to 8 p.m. children will celebrate space pioneers while they learn about comets, create comet art, make their own viewers for the Aug. 21 total eclipse of the sun and more. Don't miss a 6 p.m. interactive presentation in the Stone Hollow Amphitheater.

The Susie Hansen Latin Band will perform fiery jazz and salsa Tuesday, Aug. 1, at 6 p.m. at the Gold Shell in Memorial Park for the Pasadena Senior Center's summer concert series for all ages. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic. You do not have to be a senior or a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend.

"The Great Elephant Escape" (1995, NR) starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Stephanie Zimbalist will be shown Wednesday, Aug. 2, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. An American boy in Africa and his Kenyan friend find an orphaned baby elephant and try to save the animal from the hands of an uncaring businessman who wants it to be the centerpiece of a tourist atrraction in the U.S.

The Frets Afire guitar orchestra, made up of  35 master guitar students from the Pasadena Conservatory of Music and the Ensemble Guitarreando of Stuttgart, Germany, will perform classical, jazz and rock works during its final summer tour concert Wednesday, Aug. 2, at 7:30 p.m. in the Westerbeck Recital Hall at PCC's Center for the Arts (Building CA on this map). 

Paseo Colorado's Moonlight Movies presents "Moana" (2016, PG) with the voice talents of Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson Wednesday, Aug. 2, at 8 p.m. In ancient Polynesia, an adventurous teenage girl sets out on an ocean voyage to save her people. Arrive as early as 6:30 p.m. for seating on a first come, first served basis. The first 100 children under age 15 will receive a free gift.

"20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" (1954, NR) starring Kirk Douglas and James Mason will be shown Thursday, Aug. 3, at 6:30 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. A 19th century seaman, a scientist and a diver, who set out to investigate why so many whaling ships have been disappearaing, are captured by the megalomaniacal Captain Nemo who skippers the Nautilus, a lavish, scientifically advanced submarine. The film is based on the novel by Jules Verne.

Justin Roberts will perform music for children (and everyone) Thursday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic or purchase dinner in the park. A pre-concert festival will begin at 5:30 p.m.

The first Friday (and third Thursday) of every month is Free Admission Day at the Pasadena Museum of California Art. On Friday, Aug. 4, from noon to 5 p.m. enjoy the current exhibitions and everything else the museum has to offer. 

The first Friday of every month is Free Admission Night at the Norton Simon Museum. On Friday, Aug. 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. enjoy the exhibition Maven of Modernism: Galka Scheyer in California and everything else the museum has to offer. 

Paseo Colorado's Dancing Under the Stars presents percussionist Louie Cruz Beltran and his Latin jazz band Friday, Aug. 4, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Garfield Promenade (street level). 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!

Photo credits: Linda Padovani, ACE Agency, Walt Disney Pictures, Danny Green, Hollywood Improv, Karen Y., Inquisitr, Susie Hansen Latin Band, Signboard Hill Productions, Noozhawk, Walt Disney Productions, Pasadena Museum of California Art, Norton Simon Museum, Louie Cruz Beltran, 

Looking for Something to Do? Free Events July 22 to 28

Here are events scheduled Saturday, July 22, to Friday, July 28.

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

The opening reception for "We Belong," an exhibition of works by adult artists with developmental disabilities in the City of Pasadena Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation Program, is Saturday, July 22, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Armory Center for the Arts. The exhibition, which follows a theme of connection and community, will be in place through Sept. 8.

Unbound Productions presents staged readings of new plays adapted from classic mystery literature Saturday, July 22, and Sunday, July 23, at 3 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. While each event is free, reservations are required.

Multiple Grammy Award-winning songwriter Jimmy Webb will perform Saturday, July 22, at 8 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic or purchase dinner at the park. A pre-concert festival will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents "Mamma Mia!" (2008, PG-13) starring Amanda Seyfried and Meryl Streep Saturday, July 22, at 8:30 p.m. at Central Park. The daughter of a hotelier on a Greek island wants to discover the identity of her father -- out of three possibilities -- before her wedding so he can walk her down the isle. Songs made famous by ABBA are sung throughout this cult classic. Come as early as 6:30 p.m. for ABBA music played by a DJ, temporary henna tattoos, dance lessons (Do the Hustle!) and more. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic or purchase dinner at the park.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents "Doctor Strange" (2016, PG-13) starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Chiwetel Ejiofor Saturday, July 22, at 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado (Hugus Alley). A disgraced former surgeon goes on a journey of physical and spiritual healing and becomes a powerful sorcerer under the tutelage of a mystic.

The Playhouse District Association's Summer Jazz Concert Series presents the Michael Haggins Band Sunday, July 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the courtyard adjacent to Vroman's Book Store. 

The Lao Tizer Band will perform contemporary jazz Sunday, July 23, at 7 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic or purchase dinner at the park. A pre-concert festival will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Dr. Lee Scott Thiesen, an expert on Latin American food, culture and history, will discuss xocalatl (chocolate) Monday, July 24, at 1 p.m in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. Learn the captivating history of chocolate from the discovery of cacao trees hundreds of years ago to the present day -- a story of intrigue and desire with wondrous culinary and scientific aspects. Chocolate tasting will follow the presentation. While the event is free, reservations are required at the Welcome Desk or by calling (626) 795-4331. You do not have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend.

Teens are invited to see "Selena" (1997, PG) starring Jennifer Lopez and Edward James Olmos (based on a true story) Tuesday, July 25, at 5 p.m. at the La Pintoresca Teen Education Center. Texas-born Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez rose from cult status to performing in major arenas while her songs topped the Latin music charts, until she was murdered by someone on her staff. 

The Pasadena Summer Youth Chamber Orchestra will perform Hermann's theme from "Psycho," Holst's St. Paul Suite, Copland's Hoe-Down and other works Tuesday, July 25, at 6 p.m. at the Gold Shell in Memorial Park for the Pasadena Senior Center's summer concert series for all ages. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and picnic. You do not have to be a senior or a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend.

Children will love the Buster Balloon Show with its wild and wacky mix of comedy, magic and twisted balloon creations Wednesday, July 26, at 11 a.m. at San Rafael Branch Library.

"Max" (2015, PG) starring Thomas Haden Church, Lauren Graham and Carlos (as Max) will be shown Wednesday, July 26, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. A military Malinois dog on duty with U.S. Marines in Afghanistan is adopted by his late handler's grieving family, and his close bond with the soldier's brother leads to a life-altering revelation.

Teens interested in filmmaking are invited to learn about storyboards -- visual panels that tell a story -- and design their own commercials Wednesday, July 26, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Central Library's Teen Central. Email jgov@cityofpasadena.net or call (626) 744-4246 to sign up.

Paseo Colorado's Moonlight Movies summer series kicks off with "Finding Dory" (2016, PG) with the voice talents of Ellen DeGeneres and Albert Brooks Wednesday, July 26 at 8 p.m. Dory, the friendly but forgetful blue tang fish, begins a search for her long-lost parents and discovers the true meaning of family. Arrive as early as 6:30 p.m. for seating on a first come, first served basis. The first 100 children under age 15 will receive a free gift.

The Sam Hill Duo will perform classical music for flute and guitar Thursday, July 27, from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. for the popular Music at Noon recital series at Pasadena Presbyterian Church.

"Bungalow Heaven: Preserving a Neighborhood" will be shown Thursday, July 27, at 7 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. The documentary follows the hard-fought struggle for Bungalow Heaven to become the first entire neighborhood in the U.S. to be designated a historic landmark district. A 6:30 p.m. reception will precede the screening, and a Q&A with the filmmaker, Joaquin Montalvan, will follow the screening. 

The Party Animals will perform music for children (and everyone) Thursday, July 27, at 7 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic or purchase dinner at the park. A pre-concert festival will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Paseo Colorado's Dancing Under the Stars presents Phat Cat Swinger Friday, July 28, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. 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 "Cairo Time" (2009, PG) starring Patricia Clarkson and Alexander Siddig Friday, July 28, at 8 p.m. at Distant Lands. When a magazine editor travels to Cairo to vacation with her husband, he is delayed and asks an Egyptian friend to escort her around the beautiful and exotic city, leading to a brief and unexpected affair that catches them completely off guard.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents "School of Rock" (2003, PG-13) starring Jack Black and Joan Cusack Friday, July 28, at 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado (Hugus Alley). A heavy metal guitarist gets kicked out of his band and becomes a substitute teacher at an elite private elementary school, where he teaches his students the art of rock and roll -- with an ulterior motive.

Photo credits: City of Pasadena, Unbound Productions, Jimmy Webb, Universal Pictures, Marvel Studios, Michael Haggins, Leo Tizer Band, Pasadena Summer Youth Chamber Orchestra, Buster Balloon Show, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Ed Cook, Walt Disney Pictures, La Jolla Community Center, James Stout, The Party Animals, Phat Cat Swinger, Foundry Films, Paramount Pictures,

Looking for Something to Do? Free Events July 15 to 21

Here are free events scheduled Saturday, July 15 to Friday, July 21.

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 Saturday, July 15, from noon to 10 p.m. at Paseo Colorado will feature the island nation's food, music, dances, a parade and much more.

"Moana" (2016, PG) with the voice talents of Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson will be shown Saturday, July 15, at 2 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. In ancient Polynesia, an adventurous teenage girl sets out on an ocean voyage to save her people. Enjoy a sing-along, photo opps and more.

Grammy Award-winning  Mariachi Divas will perform Saturday, July 15, at 8 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic or purchase dinner at the park. A pre-concert festival will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents "Wreck-It Ralph" (2012, PG) with the voice talents of John C. Reilly and Jane Lynch Saturday, July 15, at 8:30 p.m. at Central Park. A bad-guy character in a video game gets tired of being overshadowed by the good guy, so he sets off on a journey through video game generations to prove he has what it takes to be a hero. Come as early as 6:30 p.m. for a video arcade pop-up, costumed characters from the movie, superhero face painting and more. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic or purchase dinner at the park.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents "Ocean's Eleven" (2001, PG-13) starring George Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts Saturday, July 15, at 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado (Hugus Alley). A rag-tag group of con artists and ex-convicts teams up in Las Vegas for the heist to end all heists.

The South Lake Avenue Rooftop Cinema Series presents "Fast & Furious 6" (2013, PG-13) starring Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson Saturday, July 15, at 8:30 p.m. on the roof of the parking structure at 55 S. Lake Ave. Federal agent Luke Hobbs reassembles his team from far-off places to take down a group of international mercenaries. While the event is free, tickets are required. Bring a reclining beach chair (no blankets or tall chairs allowed). Arrive as early as 6 p.m. for DJ music and to claim the best spot. Bring a picnic or purchase dinner on the rooftop.

The Playhouse District Summer Jazz Concert Series presents the Donavan/Muradian Quintet Sunday, July 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the courtyard adjacent to Vroman's Book Store.

Percussionist Louie Cruz Beltran will perform Afro Cuban and Latin jazz Sunday, July 16, at 7 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and a picnic or purchase dinner at the park. A pre-concert festival will begin at 5:30 p.m.

The Concert Choir of the Los Angeles Children's Chorus will perform Friday, July 17, at 7 p.m. at Pasadena Presbyterian Church in a send-off concert before they set off for British Columbia for a seven-day tour.

Teens interested in writing and making movies are invited to a hands-on scriptwriting workshop Tuesday, July 18, at 4 p.m. at Hastings Branch Library where they'll learn scriptwriting basics including plot, characters, scenes, dialog and more. Call (626) 744-7262 to sign up.

Whiskey Hayride will perform classic country/rock that will get everybody up and moving Tuesday, July 18, at the Gold Shell in Memorial Park for the Pasadena Senior Center's summer concert series for all ages. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and a picnic. You do not have to be a senior or a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend.

Jazz vocalist Cat Connor will perform Wednesday, July 19, from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. for the popular Music at Noon recital series at Pasadena Presbyterian Church.

"The Wild Stallion" (2009, G) starring Miranda Cosgrove and Connie Sellecca will be shown Wednesday, July 19, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. When a girl embarks on a school project photographing horses in the wild, she has no idea they are about to become her passion.

The third Thursday of every month is Free Admission Night at the Pasadena Museum of California Art. On Thursday, July 20, from 5 to 8 p.m. enjoy the current exhibitions and everything else the museum has to offer, including a 6:45 p.m. conversation with Interstitial artists Jeff Colson and Rebecca Ripple with curator John David O'Brien about their works in a current exhibition, followed by Q&A.

SteveSongs will perform music for children (and everyone) Thursday, July 20, at 7 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic or purchase dinner at the park. A pre-concert festival will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents "Kubo and the Two Strings" with the voice talents of Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey Thursday, July 20, at 7 p.m. at at Flower Pepper Gallery. A clever and kind-hearted boy in Japan who tells stories to the people of his seaside town accidentally summons an evil spirit with a vendetta, so the boy must locate a magical suit of armor worn by his late father, a great Samurai warrior, to defeat it.

Dive-In Summer Movie Fest at the Villa-Parke Community Center swimming pool presents "The Secret Life of Pets" (2016 PG) with the voice talents of Louis C.K. and Kevin Hart Thursday, July 20, beginning at sunset. Our pets lead very interesting lives after we leave for work or school every day! Enjoy open swim and watch the movie poolside.

"Dirty Dancing" (1987, PG-13) starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey will be shown Friday, July 21, at 1 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. A teenage girl on vacation with her family at a resort in the Catskills learns some important life lessons and falls in love with a dancer in the floor show. You do not have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend.

The European-American Youth Guitar Orchestra will kick off its Frets Afire summer tour Friday, July 21, at 7:30 p.m. in Barrett Hall at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music.

Paseo Colorado's Dancing Under the Stars presents Aileen Quinn and the Leapin' Lizards Friday, July 21, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Garfield Promenade (street level). 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!

Movies in the Park presents "The LEGO Batman Movie" (2017, PG) with the voice talents of Will Arnett and Michael Cera Friday, July 21, at 7:30 p.m. at Victory Park. Batman must work within new realities to save Gotham City from The Joker's hostile takeover. Enjoy LEGO play areas, free popcorn and more!

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents "A Good Year" (2006, PG-13) starring Russell Crowe, Abbie Cornish and Albert Finney and Marion Cotillard Friday, July 21, at 8 p.m. at Distant Lands. A busy London-based investment broker travels to Provence to sell a small vineyard he inherited from his uncle.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema presents "Hugo" (2011, PG) starring Asa Butterfield and and Ben Kingsley Friday, July 21 at 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard at One Colorado (Hugus Alley). A wily and resourceful orphan boy who lives in a train station seeks to unlock a secret left to him by his father so he can find a safe and loving place to call home.

Photo credits: Sri Lanka Foundation, Walt Disney Pictures, Mariachi Divas, Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, Donavan/Muradian Quintet, TyphoonSantaMonica, Los Angeles Children's Chorus, The Writing Studio, Whiskey Hayride, Film More Entertainment, Pasadena Museum of California Art, Steve Roslonek, Laika Entertainment, Great American Films Limited Partnership, Aileen Quinn, DC Entertainment, Fox 2000 Pictures,