This excited little boy was the first kid (of many) to enjoy the new interactive splash pad at Grand Park. Photo by Anna Chen/Metro

REDCAT’s New Original Works Festival is back, and week one features programs by Opera Povera, Poor Dog Group and Susan Simpson. Head out this Friday and catch some great theatre performances. The show starts at 8:30 p.m. at the Walt Disney Concert Hall complex and general admission tickets are $18. (Metro Red/Purple Line to Civic Center Station, Metro Bus 70 or 96 to Grand/2nd)

If you haven’t heard about Metro’s expanded late-night service yet…read about it now, and then start taking advantage of it! Go ahead and take Metro to Chinatown Summer Nights, you can stay the entire time and not worry about missing the last train home. With food, music, dancing and more, there will be plenty to keep you occupied. The first of three Summer Nights is this Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight and it’s absolutely free. Go Metro and receive a free souvenir at the info booth in Central Plaza while supplies last. (Metro Gold Line to Chinatown Station, Metro Bus 45 to Broadway & Chinatown)

The new late-night weekend service will also benefit those going to the 626 Night Market on Saturday. Okay, last time wasn’t the best experience for most attendees, but the night market has a new venue this time – Centennial Square in front of Pasadena City Hall – and you can bet the organizers are going to be ready for anything. Avoid the crazy traffic and jacked up parking fees by going Metro. The 626 Night Market is free to attend and lasts from 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. So go, eat, have fun and stay as late as you like, Metro will still be running when you feel like going home. (Metro Gold Line to Memorial Park Station, Pasadena ARTS Bus 40 to Marengo/Holly, Metro Bus 264/267 to Walnut/Garfield, please note that bus service ends around 8 p.m.)

Don’t forget, this weekend is also the downtown Grand Park opening celebrations. On Saturday, “the park for everyone” hosts the National Dance Day Celebration from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Free musical performances take place on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Go Metro and be entered in the raffle for the Grand Avenue Prize Package. Stay after dark to see the gorgeous fountain light up with all the colors of the wind. (Metro Red/Purple Line to Civic Center Station, Metro Bus 10/70/96 to Civic Center Station)