If you're in Pasadena and looking for some summertime fun that won't cost you a dime, look no further. The City of Pasadena Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department is bringing back their Parks After Dark (PAD) program for its 13th year, starting July 11. The series promises to fill those warm summer evenings with a wide range of activities spread over Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays up until August 10, designed to provide a healthy and safe recreational haven for youth and families.
Things are set to kick into gear on July 11 from 5 to 9 p.m., with a kickoff festival at Robinson Park, featuring free food, live DJs, arts and crafts, and the inflatable games everyone secretly loves, no matter their age. Plus, there's some softball rivalry to watch, with community members swinging bats against the Pasadena Police. According to a release from the City, "Join us for an exciting evening of softball action! Watch as community members go head-to-head against the Pasadena Police, followed by games from the City of Pasadena EAB Softball Tournament."
For all the movie buffs out there, Fridays will spark your interest with the Movies in the Park series. Each week a different park will play host to a movie night starting at 7 p.m., including animated hits like "Trolls Band Together" and "Kung Fu Panda 4", as well as the action-packed "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem." It's an open-air cinema experience that just requires you to ensure you've grabbed a good viewing spot before dusk.
If you'd rather groove to some live tunes, there will be concerts in the park to get you to move or just chill on August 3 and August 10. If you love sports but want to try something different, definitely look to participate in the Glow Sports events on July 18, and August 1. These evenings promise to light up the night with "fun interactive carnival-style games." Whether you're into basketball, soccer, or looking to pick up some boxing skills, there's a clinic or league just waiting for you to enthusiastically join in.
Let's not forget the pool parties. Aptly named Aqua Boogie Nights, these Saturday splash fests at various local pools include swimming, music, and dancing every Saturday from July 13 to August 10, ensuring that summer nights in Pasadena are as cool as they can be. If you want to immerse yourself in culture or just bust a move, there's the Aztec Dance on July 27 or the teen-exclusive Glow Party on July 25 to look forward to.
All told, Parks After Dark seems to be jam-packed with opportunities for community engagement, fitness, and entertainment. For full details on the events and to keep an eye on any changes, visit the City of Pasadena Parks and Rec page. Mark your calendars, Pasadena, because it’s shaping up to be a lively summer in your local parks. No registration is required for most activities, so just show up and enjoy. And hey, getting out there might just be the perfect chance to build new bonds, or to at least laugh at how bad you are at inflatable obstacle courses. And there’s no shame in that game, folks.
