Greek Fest in Pasadena Starts Today

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that believes tradition tastes best when it’s shared.

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

• 67 Years of Food, Dance, and Heritage at Pasadena Greek Festival

• Cinnabon Swirl Brings First California Location to Pasadena

• Events This Weekend

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST

67 Years of Food, Dance, and Heritage at Pasadena Greek Festival

The Pasadena Greek Festival kicks off today and runs all weekend at Saint Anthony’s, powered by more than 200 volunteers spanning four generations. Some of the same neighbors who spent recent months clearing fire debris are now rolling grape leaves and frying loukoumades, keeping alive a tradition that has never felt more meaningful. In a year when many festivals go corporate, this one remains fully volunteer-run, with Greek-owned businesses donating ingredients despite their own challenges. From yayas teaching phyllo folding to Gen Z adding new touches like mastiha cocktails and social media savvy, the festival is as much about resilience as it is about food. Expect souvlakia, baklava, dancing, live music, kids’ activities, and a bustling marketplace. Admission is $5 (kids under 12 free), with parking and shuttle from Santa Anita Race Track.

Click here for more information on the festival. See you there!

Cinnabon Swirl Brings First California Location to Pasadena

California’s first Cinnabon Swirl has opened in Pasadena across from PCC, bringing together Cinnabon’s famous rolls with Carvel soft serve. Husband-and-wife team Laura and Del Londono opened the shop on Sept. 5, serving sundaes, cinnamon roll and ice cream creations, and rotating flavors you won’t find anywhere else in the state. A TikTok post helped spread the word beyond Pasadena, and the Londoños are already making community a priority with student discounts, school fundraisers, and neighborhood events.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

This Weekend

• 🇬🇷 Pasadena Greek Festival: Take a trip to the Mediterranean without leaving Pasadena! This annual festival is packed with authentic Greek food, live music, traditional dancing, and a warm community vibe that makes everyone feel like family. Stroll the grounds, enjoy folk performances, and soak up the lively atmosphere that’s perfect for all ages. Friday, September 19 from 5PM–10PM; Saturday & Sunday, September 20–21 from 12PM–10PM.

  

• 🖋️ Golden State Tattoo Expo: The Pasadena Convention Center transforms into a three-day celebration of tattoo culture—get inked, explore art and fashion, catch live performances, and see tattoo legends up close. September 19–21 (Fri 4PM–12AM, Sat 12PM–12AM, Sun 12PM–7PM).

• 💎 65th Annual Gem & Mineral Show: The Pasadena Lapidary Society hosts its 65th Annual Gem & Mineral Show at the Arcadia Masonic Center, featuring dazzling displays of rocks and minerals, lapidary demonstrations, kid-friendly activities, raffles, and dealers selling gems, crystals, fossils, and artisan jewelry. Saturday, September 20 from 10AM–5PM and Sunday, September 21 from 10AM–4PM.

  

• 🎨 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.

  

Friday

• 🎃 Halloween at Kidspace: Kick off spooky season with costume parades, trike rides through a “haunted” house, Adopt-a-Monster crafts, potion-making, and pumpkin bowling—pure kid joy all day long. Friday, September 19 (All day) at Kidspace Children’s Museum.

• 🇬🇷 Pasadena Greek Festival: Savor Greek food, music, and lively dancing as this beloved festival brings a slice of Greece to Pasadena in a family-friendly celebration. Friday, September 19 from 5PM–10PM.

• 🇲🇽 Fiestas Patrias at Villa Parke: A lively celebration of Latin American independence with music, traditional dance, and plenty of community spirit—family-friendly and full of color. Friday, September 19 from 5PM–9PM.

• 🌅 End of Summer Celebration: Stroll the gardens at sunset with live music, hands-on activities, and a makers’ night spotlighting local artisans—an evening just for Descanso members and La Cañada residents. Friday, September 19 from 5PM–7PM.

• 👻 Haunted Pasadena: Wander through alleys, courtyards, and tunnels as Pasadena Walking Tours reveals the city’s ghostly past with tales of phantoms, mysteries, and shady dealings. Friday, September 19 at 6:30PM.

• 🧘 Caltech Tai Chi Club: Wind down your week with an open-to-all tai chi class, where beginners and seasoned practitioners alike can learn Hao- and Yang-style forms in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Friday, September 19 at 7PM on the Caltech campus.

Saturday

• 🥕 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Victory Park: Stock up on fresh, locally grown fruits, veggies, and farm products straight from the growers, plus enjoy tasty finds like jams, jellies, and fish. Saturday, September 20 from 8AM–12PM at Victory Park.

• ❤️ Greater Los Angeles Heart & Stroke Walk: Join the community at the Rose Bowl for a family-friendly walk that celebrates heart health, honors survivors, and raises funds for life-saving research and training. Saturday, September 20 at 9:30AM.

• 🌿 Hahamongna Native Plant Nursery Season Opening: Kick off planting season with free coffee, refreshments, and a wide selection of California natives—plus learn about the water-saving and ecological benefits they bring. Saturday, September 20 at 9AM.

• 🧒 Celebration of the Young Child: Families are invited to enjoy a day of free activities, resources, and fun as Pasadena kicks off a weeklong celebration honoring early learning and childhood development. Saturday, September 20 from 10AM–2PM.

• 🚒 Pasadena Children’s Safety Fair: A family day full of fun and learning—kids get free helmets, can check out fire engines and police vehicles, and enjoy food, drinks, and prize drawings while exploring community booths. Saturday, September 20 from 10AM–2PM at the Salvation Army Campus.

• 📚 Musical Storytime at the Gamble House: Spread out on the lawn with a blanket and snacks as children’s books come alive through music, led by Pasadena Conservatory’s Rachael Denny. Saturday, September 20 at 11AM at the Gamble House.

• 🎉 Sierra Madre’s First-Ever Latino Heritage Fiesta: Celebrate Latino & Hispanic Heritage Month with live music, authentic food, cultural performances, and family activities at this historic first-time community event. Saturday, September 20 from 4PM–8PM at Memorial Park.

• ✨ Lineage Performing Arts Center Annual Gala “Magic”: An enchanting evening of performances, storytelling, and community connection awaits at Lineage’s annual gala, celebrating the transformative power of the arts. Saturday, September 20 at 5PM.

• 🌙 Nocturnal Party: Art Show Reception: Explore art inspired by nature’s nighttime creatures while mingling in Tail Town’s cozy cat adoption lounge, complete with light refreshments and first pick of the artwork. Saturday, September 20 from 6PM–8PM.

• 🌟 Starlight Benefit Rooftop Party: Enjoy a glamorous evening under the stars with live performances, specialty mocktails, and a night market, all in support of women medical students and nurses. Saturday, September 20 from 6PM–9PM at Shriners for Children Medical Center Pasadena.

• 🖼️ The Palermo Portraits Opening Reception: Experience Matthew Rolston’s haunting triptych from the Capuchin Catacombs—an evocative meditation on beauty, mortality, and the sacred and secular in dialogue. Saturday, September 20 at 6PM at ArtCenter’s Mullin Transportation Design Center.

Sunday

• 🧘 The Courtyard Series | Wellness Activities: Start your Sunday with movement and mindfulness in One Colorado’s beautiful courtyard, featuring energizing fitness and restorative wellness sessions. Sunday, September 21 from 10AM–11AM.

• 🎨 Paint/Sculpt-Out and Family Day: Watch artists at work in the gardens of The Old Mill and enjoy a family-friendly day celebrating the new “Golden State” exhibition. Sunday, September 21 from 11AM–2PM.

• 📚 Avatar Book Club at dym Books & Boba: The Dawn of Yangchen: Dive into F.C. Yee’s latest Avatar novel with a community of readers (and boba fans) for an in-depth discussion on Yangchen’s story and its place in the Avatar universe. Sunday, September 21 from 11AM–12:30PM.

• 🎼 Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome: Under the vaulted dome of Mt. Wilson’s historic 100-inch telescope, the New Hollywood String Quartet performs an all-Schubert program with Artistic Director Cécilia Tsan. A reception with light refreshments follows the performance. Sunday, September 21 at 4PM.

Save the Date

• 🏊 RBAC Annual Benefit: “Cheers to 35 Years”: Noor Pasadena hosts an evening celebrating community, leadership, and the future of aquatics. Olympic gold medalist Cullen Jones leads the night with honors for local leaders and standout student athletes, plus a powerful call to action for water safety. Tuesday, September 30 starting at 5:30PM.

  

• 🎉 Pasadena Latino Heritage Festival: Celebrate culture, resilience, and community at this year’s festival themed “Un Pasado con Orgullo, un Futuro con Esperanza” (A Proud Past, a Hopeful Future). Centennial Square in front of City Hall will come alive with music, food, and festivities honoring Pasadena’s Latino heritage. Saturday, October 11 from 5:00PM–9:00PM.

• 🛍️ Artazan Handcraft Market: The Pasadena Convention Center transforms into a vibrant marketplace with over 200 artisans showcasing ceramics, jewelry, textiles, fine art, and gourmet treats. Enjoy live music, hands-on workshops, and seasonal shopping that celebrates creativity and community. Saturday & Sunday, October 11–12 from 10:00AM–5:00PM.

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

Help Protect Pasadena’s Arroyo Seco on Sept. 27

Pasadena residents are rallying to protect the Arroyo Seco, often called the city’s greatest natural treasure. On Saturday, Sept. 27, from 9–11AM, volunteers will gather at the Casting Pond Parking Lot (415 S. Arroyo Blvd.) for a cleanup tied to National Public Lands Day. The effort, organized by the One Arroyo Foundation and the city, will clear brush, remove invasive plants, and collect debris to boost biodiversity and reduce wildfire risks. All ages are welcome (under 16 with an adult), and participants should bring water, sun protection, and closed-toed shoes. Register for free here.

Pasadena Water & Power Debuts Virtual Engagement Platform

Pasadena Water and Power has launched EngagePWP.org, a new virtual hub where residents and businesses can learn about utility services, give feedback, and help shape the city’s path toward sustainability. The site debuts with a community survey on PWP’s ongoing electric rate study and will soon host public input on the Optimized Strategic Plan, which outlines Pasadena’s goal of reaching 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030. PWP leaders say the platform is designed to keep rates, programs, and incentives aligned with community needs while advancing long-term equity and clean energy goals.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Friday

81 🌡️ 67 |☁️| 💨 SW 5 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 40 (Good)

Saturday

85 🌡️ 65 |🌧️| 💨 W 5 mph

Sunday

84 🌡️ 65 |🌧️| 💨 SW 3 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🎹 Larry Garf Performs: Start your morning with live piano from Larry Garf, who blends ragtime, early jazz, blues, and even a few Beatles favorites into his eclectic set. Friday, September 19 at 9AM at Jones Coffee Roasters.

• 🪗 Stanley Oropesa Performs: Settle in at Jones Coffee for a lively set from resident accordionist Stanley Oropesa, mixing everything from Bach and Chopin to ragtime, pop, and film scores. Friday, September 19 at 11AM.

• 🇬🇷 Pasadena Greek Festival: Authentic food, live music, and folk dancing fill this lively weekend celebration. Sept 19–21 at Santa Anita Park.

• 🎷 Jenny & The Jazz Birds: Enjoy a smooth Saturday morning with this beloved local jazz group, blending blues, funk, and classic jazz in a community favorite performance. Saturday, September 20 at 10AM at Jones Coffee Roasters.

• 🎶 New Artist Series: Joselyn & Don & The Odd Birds: Two rising folk acts share the stage for an evening of heartfelt songs, rich harmonies, and fresh acoustic sounds. Saturday, September 20 from 7:30PM–10PM at Pasadena Folk Music Society.

• 🎶 The Gold Line Jazz Collective: Led by pianist Hank Mehren, this ever-evolving group blends cool jazz, hard bop, and Latin fusion for a lively Sunday set. Sunday, September 21 at 10AM at Jones Coffee Roasters.

• 🎺 Jazz Sundays with Catlin & Rosser: Settle in for an afternoon of jazz with Barb Catlin and Ken Rosser, whose tight duo performances mix classics from jazz greats with original compositions. Sunday, September 21 at 2PM at Jones Coffee Roasters.

• 🎼 Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome: Under the vaulted dome of Mt. Wilson’s historic 100-inch telescope, the New Hollywood String Quartet performs an all-Schubert program with Artistic Director Cécilia Tsan. A reception with light refreshments follows the performance. Sunday, September 21 at 4PM.

• 🎶 West Coast Jazz Hour: Josh Nelson, Kevin van den Elzen + Friends: Step back into the golden era of LA jazz as this all-star quintet channels the iconic sounds of the ’50s and ’60s with fresh energy and flair. Sunday, September 21 at 7:30PM at Sierra Madre Playhouse.

THANKS!

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