Free Events for Kids & Parents

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that brings you the tea without spilling your coffee.

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

• Celebration of the Young Child

• Black Education Expo (BEE)

• Events This Monday & Tuesday

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

P.S. Happy birthday to my wife, Sirina, who supports me in everything I do and with every step of the way. 🎂

THE DIGEST

Celebration of the Young Child

Every fall, Pasadena puts its youngest residents at the center of the spotlight with the Celebration of the Young Child. The annual tradition brings together libraries, parks, and community partners to remind families that learning and play go hand in hand—and that raising kids is something a whole community can celebrate.

Pasadena’s Celebration of the Young Child is underway, with free family-friendly events running through Friday, Sept. 27. The week is dedicated to highlighting early learning, joyful play, and the importance of community in a child’s growth. It kicked off with a Fall Festival at Brookside Park and continues with storytimes, puppet shows, cultural performances, and plenty of chances for kids to take home free books and crafts.

Tuesday, Sept. 23

• Public Health Resource Booth — 9–11 a.m., Villa Parke Farmers Market
  Free dental kits, recipe books, and family resources.

• Fall into Storytime — 10 a.m., Villa Parke Park
  Outdoor storytime celebrating the start of fall.

• Danza Azteca Xochipilli — 4–5 p.m., Altadena Library
  Traditional dance, music, and storytelling.

Wednesday, Sept. 24

• Book/Craft Giveaway — All day, Loma Alta Park

• Bob Baker Marionette Show — 4 p.m., La Pintoresca Library
  A classic puppet show for kids and families.

Thursday, Sept. 25

• Book/Craft Giveaway — All day, Bob Lucas Memorial Library

• Preschool Sensory Celebration — 3 p.m., Jefferson Branch Library
  Crafts, scavenger hunt, and a preschool performance.

Friday, Sept. 26

• Book/Craft Giveaway — All day, Altadena Library

• Joy of Reading Party — 2–4 p.m., Pacific Clinics Head Start
  Reading activities, art projects, and free books.

• Reading Buddies — 3–5 p.m., Families Forward Learning Center
  Parents and kids read together, make crafts, and bring home books.

More information here.

Black Education Expo (BEE)

The K–12 Black Education Expo (BEE) returns Saturday, October 4, 9AM–2PM at the Pasadena Convention Center. Think of it as a joyful family reunion for students, parents, and educators across SoCal.

Here’s what to expect:

• 70+ exhibitors — colleges, workforce programs, STEM, trades, healthcare, and entrepreneurship resources.

• Zones for everyone — Joy Zone with games and play, Teen Zone with a career panel, Parent Zone with resources, plus storytelling and face painting.

• Book giveaways — hundreds of free books at the BEE Book Corner.

• Scholarship ceremony — five BEE Scholars honored at 12:15 p.m.

Admission is free. More info: blackeducationexpo.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Monday

• 🌹 Music in the Rose Garden: Stroll through The Huntington’s Rose Garden as live classical music from Pasadena Conservatory musicians fills the air. Monday, September 22 from 1PM–3PM.

• 🎼 MUSE/IQUE Offstage Encounters: Enjoy an intimate hour with guest artists from MUSE/IQUE’s 2025 season, sharing music and stories in a casual setting. Monday, September 22 at 3:30PM at Pasadena Senior Center.

• ♟️ Chess Night: All skill levels are welcome to drop in, play, and sharpen their game in a friendly, relaxed setting. Monday, September 22 at 5:30PM at Altadena Library.

Tuesday

• 🍎 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Villa Parke: Shop fresh, locally grown fruits, veggies, and farm products straight from the growers, plus jams, jellies, and more. Tuesday, September 23 from 8:30AM–12:30PM at Villa Parke.

• 🎻 Camerata Pacifica in Concert: Hear world-class chamber musicians perform Arensky, Vasks, and Brahms in the elegant setting of The Huntington Library. Tuesday, September 23 at 7:30PM.

• 📰 What’s Happening in Town: The State of Local News: Join Councilmember Rick Cole and local media voices for a community forum on staying informed and engaged in Pasadena’s civic life. Tuesday, September 23 at 7PM at Jefferson School Auditorium.

Save the Date (Updated)

• 🏊 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.

  

• 🎬 Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month Movie Night: Bring the family for a free outdoor screening of Disney and Pixar’s Elio, plus complimentary popcorn for the perfect movie night. Friday, September 26 from 7PM–9PM.

• 🌿 Free Day at The Huntington: Explore the gardens, library, and art collections at The Huntington with free admission—just be sure to reserve your tickets in advance. Thursday, October 2.

• 🎃 Carved at Descanso Gardens: Stroll a glowing autumn trail of hand-carved pumpkins, towering wood spirits, and dazzling light displays, with seasonal treats and a special nighttime railroad ride. Friday, October 3–Thursday, October 30 from 6PM–10PM.

• 🖼️ Free First Fridays at Norton Simon Museum: Explore world-class art and the sculpture garden with free admission during this monthly evening event. Friday, October 3 from 4PM–7PM.

• 🛍️ Pasadena City College Flea Market: Browse antiques, collectibles, and treasures from 400+ vendors at this long-running community market. Sunday, October 5 at PCC parking lots.

• 🎉 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

Monday

86 🌡️ 62 |☀️| 💨 SW 2 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 51 (Good)

Tuesday

90 🌡️ 70 |☀️| 💨 S 3 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• ☕ Triple Shot Jazz Trio: Ease into your week with modern jazz, blues, and a touch of funk from this Pasadena-based trio. Monday, September 22 at 9AM at Jones Coffee Roasters.

• 🌹 Music in the Rose Garden: Stroll through The Huntington’s Rose Garden as live classical music from Pasadena Conservatory musicians fills the air. Monday, September 22 from 1PM–3PM.

• 🎹 The Coffee Shop Jazz Trio: Wake up to modern jazz and Latin fusion from pianist Matt Politano and friends in this lively weekly set. Tuesday, September 23 at 8:30AM at Jones Coffee Roasters.

• 🎻 Camerata Pacifica in Concert: Hear world-class chamber musicians perform Arensky, Vasks, and Brahms in the elegant setting of The Huntington Library. Tuesday, September 23 at 7:30PM.

THANKS!

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