Looking for Something to Do? Free Pasadena Events February 23 to March 1

Here are events scheduled Saturday, Feb. 23, to Friday, March 1.

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

Adults and teens are invited to a craft meetup Saturday, Feb. 23, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Allendale Branch Library. Bring your current project and get to know like-minded people who knit, crochet, embroider, make paper crafts, etc. Leave any fancy-schmancy equipment, such as knitting machines, at home. If you don't have a project, come anyway and a simple project, including materials, will be provided. The next craft meetup will be March 23.

Time After Time (1979, PG) starring Malcolm McDowell and Mary Steenburgen will be shown Saturday, Feb. 23, at 2 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. When Jack the Ripper travels forward in time from 1880s London to 1970s San Francisco in H.G. Wells's time machine, Wells follows to try to prevent the serial killer from continuing his rampage into a new century.

Children ages 5 to 12 will explore Asian and Pacific Island cultures, arts and practices through storytelling and artmaking Monday, Feb. 25, at 3:30 p.m. in Studio on 4th (fourth floor) at Central Library, presented by educators from the USC Pacific Asia Museum. Call (626) 744-4066, option 4 to sign up.

Soprano Anastasia Malliaras will perform Wednesday, Feb. 27, from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. for the popular Music at Noon recital series at Pasadena Presbyterian Church.

Waitress (2007, PG-13) starring Keri Russell and Andy Griffith will be shown Wednesday, Feb. 27, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. A pregnant woman with a gift for making unusual pies secretly hopes to save enough money from her waitressing job at a pie diner to leave her abusive husband.

SAVE THE DATE!

Enjoy free food, interactive games and much more at the Jump Into Summer fair Saturday, March 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Central Park where you'll learn about fun, free and low-cost activities and programs planned this summer by the City of Pasadena for children, teens, adults and families, including summer day camps, aquatics, wellness programs, computer labs, concerts, game days, movie nights, martial arts, sports, STEAM activities, book discussions, arts and crafts, creative writing, summer reading programs and more.

Enjoy an evening of art, music, dance, drama and more when our community's arts and cultural institutions open their doors for free during ArtNight Pasadena Friday, March 8, from 6 to 10 p.m. Hop on/off shuttles at every venue will take you door to door, or you can drive, ride your bike or amble at your own speed.

Photo credits: Oscar Foss Memorial Library, Orion Pictures, Red Ted Art, Center Stage Opera, Night and Day Pictures

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

Looking for Something to Do? Free Pasadena Events February 9 to 15

Here are events scheduled Saturday, Feb. 9, to Friday, Feb. 15.

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

Enjoy a spellbinding afternoon of eclectic, eccentric and exemplary works from poems to true stories to hilarious monologues and more as 15 members of the Independent Writers of Southern California read aloud some of their witty, emotional and thoughtful works Sunday, Feb. 10, beginning at 2 p.m. at Vroman's Bookstore in the Playhouse District. 

The Black History Month Film Showcase Sunday Feb. 10, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Jackie Robinson Center will feature Mudbound (2017, R) starring Jason Mitchell and Mary J. Blige. During World War II, a black family and a white family are pitted against each other by the ruthless hierarchy of the Jim Crow south yet bound together by the shared farmland of the Mississippi Delta. The film will be followed by a panel discussion.

Express yourself by writing and presenting biographical, fictional, fantasy or other works Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 10 a.m. at the Pasadena Senior Center. The Writing Club meets weekly. You do not have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend, but you do have to be 50 or older.

Children and families will love The Wacko Show, a comedy and magic extravaganza Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 11 a.m. at San Rafael Branch Library.

Classical pianist Michael Sellers will perform Wednesday, Feb. 13, from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. for the popular Music at Noon recital series at Pasadena Presbyterian Church.

Same Time, Next Year (2004, PG) starring Alan Alda and Ellen Burstyn will be shown Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. Over the course of 25 years, a man and woman meet for a weekend every year at the same hotel for a romantic interlude, then go back to their respective lives.

Children ages 9 to 12 will create jewelry to give as Valentine's Day gifts Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 4 p.m. at Villa-Parke Branch Library. All materials will be provided. Call (626) 744-6510 to sign up.

Join pianist Bob Lipson and commentator/performer Saul Jacobs Thursday, Feb. 14, at 2 p.m. at the Pasadena Senior Center for a fun and interactive musical journey that will highlight Harold Arlen, who composed the music for such iconic American songs as Over the Rainbow, Stormy Weather, It's Only a Paper Moon, That Old Black Magic, One for My Baby (and One More for the Road) and many more. You do not have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend, but you do have to be 50 or older.

When the Hastings Branch Library opened its doors in February 1959, the City of Pasadena's plan to bring library services within a mile of every home within the city limits was complete. Join the celebration of Hastings Branch Library's 60th birthday Thursday, Feb. 14, from 2 to 5 p.m. featuring stories, face painting, balloon art, birthday cake and more.

Children ages 5 to 12 will decorate mugs as Valentine's Day gifts Thursday, Feb. 14, at 3:30 p.m. at Hill Avenue Branch Library.

Valentine's Day fun in the courtyard at One Colorado Thursday, Feb. 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. will include a special photo booth where you can be photographed giving your special someone a memorable smooch or polite peck (they'll even provide a pretend significant other if you're single), a strolling accordionist performing romantic tunes and more.

Shooting Architecture is the topic of the next open forum of PasadenaPhotographicArts Thursday, Feb. 14, at 7 p.m. at the Armory Center for the Arts. UCLA instructor and architecture/interior design photographer Doug Hill will show and tell about the role of architecture in the history of fine art and commercial photography. Be sure to register.

The documentary film Tea with the Dames (2018, NR) will be shown Friday, Feb 15, at 1 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. Four legends of the British stage and screen -- Dame Maggie Smith, Dame Judi Dench, Dame Aileen Atkins and Dame Joan Plowright -- spend a weekend in the country as they reminisce and discuss everything from acting to aging to love. 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 Soul of Ragtime concert series presents The Vignes Rooftop Revival Friday, Feb. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the courtyard adjacent to Vroman's Bookstore in the Playhouse District. 

SAVE THE DATE!

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. 

Photo credits: South Pasadena Public Library, Armory Films, Teaching Ideas, The Wacko Show, Michael Sellers, Parent Map, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), 123RF, Craft Lightning, Happy Shappy, PasadenaPhotographicArts, Field Day Films, The Vignes Rooftop Revival.

Looking for Something to Do? Free Pasadena Events February 2 to 8

Here are events scheduled Saturday, Feb. 2, to Friday, Feb. 8.

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, Feb. 2, at 10:30 a.m. in the Children's Corner inside the Eaton Canyon Nature Center. Nature Tails are scheduled every Saturday morning.

Armory Center for the Arts, Kidspace Children's Museum and USC Pacific Asia Museum are among 45 Southern California institutions that will open their doors for free during the annual Museums Annual Free-For-All Day Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 2 and 3, during regular respective business hours. Some will be free one day only and others on both days, so double-check the website for specifics.

Celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year (Year of the Pig) in the Playhouse District with three events Sunday Feb. 3:

* 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. -- The USC Pacific Asia Museum presents a Lion Dance, martial arts presentation, cultural dances, performances by the Zhejiang Conservatory of Music visiting from China, art activities, a musical petting zoo and more.

* 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. -- Children will enjoy a special Lunar New Year storytime followed by fun crafts including paper plate dragons, mobiles and lanterns at Vroman's Bookstore. The purchase of books is not required to attend.

* Noon to 4 p.m. -- Mahjong is a tile-based game developed in China nearly 400 years ago and now popular worldwide. Learn how the game is played during a workshop in the courtyard at the Pasadena Playhouse.

(Click into the Playhouse District link above for more details about these events.)

Caltech Chamber Music presents a Super Bowl alternative concert Sunday, Feb. 3, at 3:30 p.m. in the Dabney Lounge at Caltech's Dabney Hall (#40 on this map). The program will be announced. Parking in Caltech lots and parking structures is free on weekends.

Children ages 5 to 12 are invited to read books to gentle, well-trained dogs at Barks and Books Monday, Feb. 4, at 1 p.m. at San Rafael Branch Library and/or 3 p.m. at La Pintoresca Branch Library. 

The Screening Mimis Film Discussion Group presents The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980, PG) starring N!xau and Marius Weyers Tuesday, Feb. 5, at 1:30 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. After a Coke bottle thrown from a passing plane lands in the middle of his village, a Kalahari bushman believes it to be a gift from the gods. 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.

Tuesday Musicale of Pasadena presents classical trios performed by Mary Brooks on flute, Elizabeth Elliot on cello and Barbara Burgan on piano; performances by Jacqueline Stong on oboe and Jo Ann Jaycraft on piano; arias sung by soprano Gwendolyn Brown with Geraldine Keeling at the piano; and a performance by pianist Jamie Caridi Tuesday, Feb 5, at 2:30 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library.

The first Tuesday of every month is Free Family Night at Kidspace Children's Museum. On Tuesday Feb. 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. learn how textiles are made, create art using textiles and explore the history of textiles with fun activities. Don't miss a traditional Chinese ribbon and fan dance at 6 p.m. in the central courtyard.

The two-episode TV miniseries Separate But Equal (1991, PG) starring Sidney Poitier and Burt Lancaster will be shown Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Central Library. Based on the groundbreaking 1954 Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka case, the miniseries follows a young Thurgood Marshall who argued the racially charged lawsuit before the U.S. Supreme Court that led to the desegregation of American public schools.

A.R. Gurney's iconic play Love Letters will star Tom Laskey and Sandy Mansson Thursday, Feb. 7, at 2 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. The two characters sit side by side as they read notes, letters and cards they exchanged over the course of 50 years while they led separate lives. You do not have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center to attend, but you do have to be 50 or older.

A Star is Born (2018, R) starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga will be shown Friday, Feb. 8, at 1 p.m. in the Scott Pavilion at the Pasadena Senior Center. A seasoned musician discovers natural talent in a woman who has given up on her dream of becoming a successful singer, then helps her advance her career while his alcoholism sends his own career into a downward spiral. 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 Pasadena Playhouse and Playhouse District Association present ragtime pianist John Reed-Torres Friday, Feb. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the courtyard at the Pasadena Playhouse. The Soul of Ragtime concert series will continue every Friday until Feb. 22.

Scientific ballooning provides a reliable, low-cost and moderate-risk platform for helping the next generation of scientists, engineers and instruments for unmanned space flight. The Ridiculous World of Ballooning Friday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. in Ramo Auditorium at Caltech's Baxter Hall (#77 on this map) will feature Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Dr. Jose V. Siles and Dr. Laura Jones-Wilson, who will take the audience through a presentation about how our oldest flight technology paves the way for the future. Parking at Caltech lots and parking structures is free weekdays after 5 p.m.

Photo credits: SoCal Museums, USC Pacific Asia Museum, C.A.T. Films, George Stevens Productions, Maier Vidorno, Pine Plains Memorial Hall, Spectrum News1, Warner Bros. Pictures, Maria de Vedia, Jet Propulsion Laboratory