Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. I put this weekend’s newsletter together in a white linen shirt, linen pants, and with a glass of rosé in hand. Apparently all three are off-limits after Labor Day. Who came up with these rules anyway?
In Today’s News N’ Roses:
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Labor Day in Pasadena
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Olympic Diving Could Land in Pasadena
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Events This Weekend
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Civil News: Pasadena Labor Day Closures and Service Changes
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
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THE DIGEST
Labor Day in Pasadena
Labor Day isn’t just the unofficial “end of summer”. It’s a holiday born out of the labor movement in the late 1800s, created to honor the people whose work shaped the country. Today, it’s a weekend for rest, reflection, and time with family and community.
In Pasadena, Labor Day weekend has its own rhythm. The last summer concerts fill Memorial Park, neighbors gather for backyard cookouts or head to the beach for the day, and the city takes a collective breath before fall begins. Kids are back in school, some of us have returned from summer travels, and life is settling back into its rhythm. Still, it’s a moment to slow down, look around, and appreciate both the work we’ve done and the people we share it with. Have a great Labor Day weekend, Pasadena!
Olympic Diving Could Land in Pasadena
Pasadena might get its own Olympic moment in 2028. Organizers of the LA28 Summer Games are proposing to move diving events from USC’s historic 1932 pool to the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center!
Why the change? Cost savings, better athlete amenities, more seating for fans, and fewer headaches for organizers. Yeah, traffic will probably be crazy but the move could save and generate up to $17.6 million for the Games while giving Pasadena a front-row role in the world’s biggest sporting event.
The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center isn’t new to the spotlight. It hosted training for the 2000 U.S. Olympic swim and dive team and held the national diving championships in 2008. If the plan is approved, the center will once again be making waves on the international stage.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
All Weekend
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🍜 626 Night Market: Santa Anita Park transforms into a buzzing open-air bazaar with hundreds of food stalls, shops, games, and live entertainment. From late-night bites to one-of-a-kind finds, it’s the ultimate weekend hangout in the San Gabriel Valley. Friday to Sunday from 4:00PM–11:00PM.
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🖨️ Family Letterpress: Armory Center for the Arts is opening its letterpress studio for a rare two-day family workshop. Adults and kids team up to explore vintage presses and create handmade posters together—a hands-on dive into the timeless craft of printmaking. Saturday & Sunday at 10:00AM
Friday
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🌵 42nd Annual Succulent Plants Symposium: A full day at The Huntington dedicated to the fascinating world of succulents, featuring international experts, talks on cactus conservation and pollinators, and a special plant sale for attendees. Friday, August 29 from 9:00AM–5:30PM.
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🏟️ Rose Bowl Public Tours: Step inside America’s Stadium with a guided tour that takes you through historic locker rooms, press boxes, and behind-the-scenes spaces while reliving iconic sports and music moments. Friday, August 29 at 10:00AM & 12:30PM.
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🖼️ Tour: 50 Years: Art of the 20th Century: A Norton Simon Museum educator leads an intimate tour through highlights of the 20th century collection, exploring the stories behind its gifts, purchases, and acquisitions. Friday, August 29 from 1:00PM–2:00PM.
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💃 Adult Dance & Movement: Step into a playful, open-level class that’s all about creative movement and reconnecting with your body. Expect exercises and improvisations that boost balance, coordination, and body awareness in a supportive space for all experience levels. Friday, August 29 at 5:30PM.
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🎬 Summer Movie Nights: Paddington 2: Pack a blanket, grab some snacks, and settle in on The Huntington’s lawn for a family favorite. Paddington 2 brings heart, humor, and plenty of marmalade to the big screen under the stars. Friday, August 29 from 6:30PM–9:30PM.
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🍸 Rumors: A High Tea, Immersive Theatre Experience: Neil Simon’s farce Rumors takes over the Madeline Garden Bistro, turning high tea into high comedy as dinner guests spiral into a whirlwind of lies, scandal, and absurdity. With a full high-tea meal served during the show, it’s theatre that blends laughter with indulgence. Friday, August 29 – Sunday, August 31, 7PM.
Saturday
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🥕 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Victory Park: Saturday mornings feel better with a stroll through Victory Park—picking up fresh produce, baked goods, and seasonal specialties straight from local growers. A perfect spot to stock up and connect with Pasadena’s farming community. Saturday, August 30 from 8:30AM–12:30PM.
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🌱 Weekend Projects: Garden Rebuild with Sybil Grant: Spend Saturday morning at Arlington Garden rolling up your sleeves for hands-on projects that help the garden thrive. From replanting natives to prepping beds for wildflowers, it’s a chance to learn regenerative gardening while giving back to a beautiful space. Saturday, August 30 from 9:00AM–12:00PM.
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🌾 Altadena Farmers’ Free Community Market: What was once a traditional market has become a vital community hub after the Eaton Canyon wildfire—offering free, farm-fresh produce to local residents. Vouchers can be requested online and redeemed at the Saturday market outside Fairoaks Burger in Altadena. Saturday, August 30 from 9:00AM–12:00PM.
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🤝 Altadena Community Donation & Volunteer Day: A neighborhood gathering all about sharing, supporting, and rebuilding together. Browse free clothing, books, and household items—or bring donations to help others. Volunteers are welcome, too. Saturday, August 30 from 11:00AM–2:00PM.
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🎶 Summer Park Concert Series: The season wraps up at Memorial Park with one last night of live music under the summer sky. Closing out the series is Past Action Heroes, an ’80s tribute band guaranteed to bring the throwback party vibes. Saturday, August 30 at 5:00PM (music starts at 6:00PM).
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🌆 Old Pasadena Twilight Walking Tour: Explore Pasadena’s historic heart as the sun sets—wandering alleyways, vintage signs, and hidden courtyards that tell the story of the city’s preservation and rebirth. A docent-led stroll that brings Old Pasadena’s past to life. Saturday, August 30 from 6:30PM–8:00PM.
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🕺 Saturday Night Swing: The Rattle Rollers: Grace Hall jumps back to the ’50s with The Rattle Rollers bringing vintage swing energy to the floor. Kick things off with a free beginner lesson, then dance the night away to live music, snacks, and classic vibes. Saturday, August 30 at 7:30PM (lesson), 8:00–11:00PM (band).
Sunday
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🎭 One Man, Two Guvnors at A Noise Within: Set in 1960s Brighton, this Tony Award-winning farce follows a hapless man juggling two bosses who must never find out about each other. Expect quick wit, physical comedy, and a live skiffle band in this riotous modern twist on a classic. Runs August 31 – September 28.
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🌌 Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome: Leelou and Friends: Under the soaring dome of Mt. Wilson’s historic 100-inch telescope, Leelou blends vocals and cello with a set spanning Norah Jones to Edith Piaf. Joined by Arnaud Dunoyer and Liam Hayden, the performance pairs stunning acoustics with a setting unlike anywhere else. Sunday, August 31 at 3:00PM (reception at 4:00PM).
Save the Date
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🌺 Free Day at The Huntington: Explore gardens, galleries, and historic collections at no cost during The Huntington’s monthly Free Day. Advance reservations are required, and tickets go fast, so set your reminder early. Thursday, September 4.
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🧸 Free First Fridays at Kidspace Children’s Museum: An afternoon of play and discovery awaits with free admission to Kidspace. Families can explore interactive exhibits and outdoor spaces designed to spark creativity and curiosity. Friday, September 5 from 2:00PM–5:00PM.
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🖼️ Free First Fridays at Norton Simon Museum: Stroll the galleries and garden without the price tag—Norton Simon opens its doors for free on the first Friday evening of the month. A perfect way to end the week surrounded by world-class art. Friday, September 5 from 4:00PM–7:00PM.
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🎸 Oasis Live ’25 North American Tour: The Rose Bowl hosts one of the biggest comebacks in music as Oasis takes the stage with special guest Cage The Elephant. Both nights are already sold out, marking Pasadena as part of this historic return. Saturday, September 6 at Rose Bowl Stadium.
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🎶 Pasadena POPS Summer Concert Series: Michael Feinstein steps out from behind the conductor’s podium to sing his way through the Great American Songbook—from Gershwin classics to Billy Joel favorites, with a moving tribute to lyricist Alan Bergman. Saturday, September 6 at 7:30PM.
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🎷 Live Rooftop Jazz with the Karolyn Dudro Quartet: Soak up the South Pasadena night sky with Karolyn Dudro’s soulful vocals backed by a top-tier quartet. Expect smooth jazz, bossa nova, and fresh spins on pop favorites—all from a rooftop setting made for music lovers. Saturday, September 13 from 7:00PM–9:30PM.
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🎨 Pasadena ARTWalk: Playhouse Village comes alive with over 180 artisans showcasing fine art, photography, fashion, jewelry, home goods, and more. A vibrant outdoor weekend market that celebrates creativity and handmade artistry. Saturday & Sunday, September 20–21 from 11:00AM–6:00PM.
Nothing in this section is sponsored. These are just the things you need to know. I’ll always let you know if something is sponsored!
CIVIL NEWS
Pasadena Labor Day Closures and Service Changes
Pasadena will observe Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 1, with most city services closed. City Hall, the Permit Center, and Municipal Services will reopen Tuesday.
🚨 Emergency Services: Police, Fire, and paramedics remain fully staffed. Dial 9-1-1 for emergencies or (626) 744-4241 for non-emergency police assistance.
🗑️ Trash & Recycling: Collections will be delayed one day all week, ending with Friday’s pickup on Saturday. No bulky item pickups on Saturday or Monday.
💡 Water & Power: Call (626) 744-4673 for power issues or (626) 744-4138 for water emergencies. Payments and account management available at PWPweb.com.
🚗 Parking: Meters free on Labor Day, but overnight parking and safety violations (red curbs, hydrants) will still be enforced.
🚌 Transit: Route 33 runs on a Sunday schedule. All other routes and Dial-A-Ride are paused until Tuesday.
📚 Libraries: Closed Sunday, Aug. 31 and Monday, Sept. 1.
🌳 Parks: Open for public use, but community centers are closed and no reservations accepted for park sites.
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Friday
91 🌡️ 70 |☀️| 💨 E 1 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 29 (Good)
Saturday
93 🌡️ 70 |☀️| 💨 SW 7 mph
Sunday
93 🌡️ 70 |☀️| 💨 SW 7 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
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🎸 Live Tribute to The Cure Show & Dance Party: Pasadena’s The Mixx is turning up the volume with Pictures of You, a tribute band channeling the moody magic of The Cure. Expect all the hits, a packed dance floor, and DJ Jack Tames spinning video mixes late into the night. Friday, August 29 at 8:00PM.
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🎷 Jenny & The Jazz Birds: Sip your coffee to the smooth sounds of live jazz as Jenny & The Jazz Birds bring their classic style back to Jones Coffee Roasters. A local favorite with a loyal following, they’re known for blending blues, funk, and timeless jazz flair. Saturday, August 30 at 10:00AM.
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🎶 Summer Park Concert Series: The season wraps up at Memorial Park with one last night of live music under the summer sky. Closing out the series is Past Action Heroes, an ’80s tribute band guaranteed to bring the throwback party vibes. Saturday, August 30 at 5:00PM (music starts at 6:00PM).
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🎶 The Gold Line Jazz Collective: Led by pianist Hank Mehren, this rotating group of top local musicians brings cool jazz, hard bop, and Latin fusion to Jones Coffee Roasters. A laid-back Sunday morning set that pairs perfectly with your cup. Sunday, August 31 at 10:00AM.
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🎷 Jazz Sundays with Catlin & Rosser: Settle in at Jones Coffee for an afternoon of eclectic jazz from Barb Catlin and Ken Rosser, a duo whose tight chemistry blends classics from legends like Billy Strayhorn and Wayne Shorter with originals of their own. Sunday, August 31 at 2:00PM.
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🎻 Music @ the Playhouse: Street Symphony: Led by violinist Vijay Gupta, Street Symphony brings world-class musicians together with community voices for an evening that blends Bach, mariachi, and powerful storytelling. Expect a moving concert that bridges music with connection and hope. Sunday, August 31 at 4:00PM.
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🎸 Music in the Park: 90s Rockshow: La Canada Memorial Park turns into a summer stage with a throwback to the best of the ’90s. Pack a picnic, spread out on the lawn, and enjoy a night of grunge, alt-rock, and nostalgia under the evening sky. Sunday, August 31 from 6:00PM–8:00PM.
THANKS!
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