Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. The newsletter that covers events almost as big as the Super Bowl… maybe not quite, but for us Pasadenans, we think so.
In today’s News N’ Roses:
-
Pasadena Selected to Host 2028 Olympic Soccer Semifinals and Finals
-
ArtNight Pasadena Returns March 13
-
Events this Monday & Tuesday
-
Civic News
-
Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
P.S. Happy birthday my coolest friend in NY, Liz Cruz!
THE DIGEST
Pasadena Selected to Host 2028 Olympic Soccer Semifinals and Finals
Pasadena will host the men’s and women’s soccer semifinals and finals during the 2028 Olympic Games, Mayor Victor Gordo confirmed Tuesday, calling the announcement a major moment for the city.
The matches will take place at the Rose Bowl, alongside Olympic diving events at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center. Together, the events will put Pasadena in front of a global audience during the Games.
With this selection, the Rose Bowl becomes one of only two venues in the world, along with the LA Memorial Coliseum, to host Olympic events in 1932, 1984, and 2028.
Organizers with LA28 said teams will move from east to west as the tournament progresses, with the final rounds held in Pasadena. A full match schedule is expected ahead of the first Olympic ticket release in April 2026.
The 2028 Games will also mark the first time the women’s soccer tournament includes more teams than the men’s. City officials said Pasadena is preparing to welcome athletes and visitors from around the world as the Games approach.
ArtNight Pasadena Returns March 13
Save the date! ArtNight Pasadena returns this spring. The citywide arts open house is set for Friday, March 13, 6:00–10:00PM, with free entry and programming across dozens of cultural venues.
Produced by the City’s Cultural Affairs Division, ArtNight brings together visual art, music, dance, theater, and literary events all in one evening. Museums, performance spaces, libraries, and community centers open their doors for special programming, while smaller arts groups can apply for MiniGrants to perform at larger partner venues. A full schedule of events is expected in the coming weeks.
Participating organizations include the Norton Simon Museum, USC Pacific Asia Museum, Armory Center for the Arts, The Gamble House, Lineage Performing Arts Center, and many more across Pasadena. Click here for more information.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Monday (2/9)
🐴 Make a Horse Marionette for Lunar New Year: Celebrate the Year of the Horse by creating an adorable pony marionette with all materials provided while supplies last. La Pintoresca Branch Library | Monday, February 9 from 4PM–5:30PM
🐉 Adult Dungeons and Dragons: Join a guided game night welcoming both beginners and experienced players for an evening of tabletop adventure. Odyssey Games, 1795 E. Colorado Blvd. | Monday, February 9 at 6PM
🏃 Run With Us: Monday Fun Run: Join a social run with 4- and 6-mile options, open to all paces, with chances to test shoes and connect with fellow runners. Run With Us | Monday, February 9 at 6PM
🌌 Astronomy on Tap – How You Saved NASA Science and What Happens Next with Jack Kiraly and Studying Exoplanet Atmospheres with Space Telescopes Large and Small with Tom Green: Enjoy an evening of accessible science talks on NASA funding and exoplanet atmospheres, followed by trivia, Q&A, and guided stargazing. Dog Haus Biergarten Old Town | Monday, February 9 from 7:30PM–9:30PM
Tuesday (2/10)
🥬 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Villa Parke: Shop fresh, locally grown produce and farm products sold directly by certified farmers at this weekly neighborhood market. Villa Parke | Tuesday, February 10 from 8:30AM–12:30PM
🍻 Thirsty Bears – Happy Hour at El Patron: Join the San Gabriel Valley Bears for a group happy hour supporting a local Altadena restaurant impacted by the Eaton Fire. El Patron | Tuesday, February 10 from 5PM–7PM
🎷 A Valentine’s Jazz Homecoming: Tierney Sutton & Tamir Hendelman Return to Bacchus’ Kitchen: Enjoy an intimate evening of jazz as vocalist Tierney Sutton and pianist Tamir Hendelman reunite for a special Valentine’s-season performance. Bacchus’ Kitchen + Wine Bar | Tuesday, February 10 at 6PM
🧠 T. Boyle’s Tavern: Geeks Who Drink Trivia: Team up with friends for a weekly trivia night featuring rotating questions and a lively pub atmosphere. T. Boyle’s Tavern | Tuesday, February 10 at 8PM
Save the Date
🎤 Distinguished Speaker Series – Pete Buttigieg: Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg discusses today’s political landscape, followed by a moderated audience Q&A. Distinguished Speakers of Southern California | Wednesday, February 11 from 7:30PM–9PM
☕ Community Coffee at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center: Start the morning with coffee, casual conversation, and a chance to connect with members of the RBAC community. Rose Bowl Aquatics Center | Thursday, February 12 from 8:30AM–10:30AM
🧭 February’s Chapter Event: Camino, ft. Krystie Yen: A morning conversation exploring personal paths, creativity, and community as part of the ongoing Camino series. Free event with pastries and coffee included. CTRL Collective | Friday, February 13 from 8:30AM–10AM
💘 Romance Along the Arroyo – A Valentine’s Day Event: Stroll between two historic homes for an evening featuring live music, poetry, floral traditions, and Valentine’s-inspired treats. Pasadena History | Saturday, February 14 from 4PM–7PM
🐲 Lunar New Year @ PAM: Celebrate the Year of the Horse with live performances, family-friendly activities, crafts, and free museum admission throughout the day. USC Pacific Asia Museum | Sunday, February 15 from 11AM–5PM
🧧 Lunar New Year at One Colorado: Celebrate the Year of the Horse with live music, a traditional Lion Dance, festive treats, and lucky red envelopes throughout the afternoon. One Colorado | Sunday, February 15 from 1PM–4PM
🧧 Lunar New Year Festival at The Huntington: Welcome the Year of the Horse with lion dances, martial arts, music, and family-friendly performances across the gardens. The Huntington | Saturday–Sunday, February 21–22
🛍️ 1042 Flea Market: Browse a curated flea market where everything is priced at $25 or under, featuring a mix of vintage, resale, and unique finds. CTRL Collective, 112 E Colorado Blvd. (Parking Lot) | Saturday, February 21 from 11AM–4PM
✊🏾🎉 44th Annual Black History Festival: Celebrate Black history and culture with a full day of community programming, performances, and activities. Robinson Park | Saturday, February 21 from 10AM–3PM
📚 Rare Books Pasadena: Browse rare and antiquarian books from dozens of booksellers from around the world as this major book fair returns to Pasadena across two venues. Raymond Theatre | Saturday, February 21 from 10AM–6PM & Sunday, February 22 from 11AM–4PM
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!
CIVIC NEWS
Finance/Audit Committee Special Meeting
Attend a public meeting of the City Council’s Finance/Audit Committee to review and discuss city financial matters. Click here for agenda. Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers | Monday, February 9 at 3PM
Senior Commission Meeting
Attend a public meeting where the Senior Commission advises City Council on issues affecting seniors’ needs and quality of life. Click here for agenda. Jackie Robinson Community Center | Tuesday, February 10 at 2PM
Municipal Services Committee Meeting
Sit in on a City Council committee meeting focused on municipal services and infrastructure topics. Click here for agenda. Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers | Tuesday, February 10 at 4PM
Environmental Advisory Commission Meeting
Join a public meeting where commissioners advise City Council on environmental policy and sustainability initiatives. Click here for agenda. Pasadena City Hall Grand Conference Room | Tuesday, February 10 at 6PM
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Monday
77 🌡️ 55 |⛅| 💨 S 3 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 27 (Good)
Tuesday
65 🌡️ 55 |🌧️20%| 💨 SE 8 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
🎸 The Riner Scivally Trio: Guitarist Riner Scivally leads his trio through jazz standards, Brazilian tunes, and original compositions. Edwin Mills | Monday, February 9 from 6AM–10PM
🎷 A Valentine’s Jazz Homecoming: Tierney Sutton & Tamir Hendelman Return to Bacchus’ Kitchen: Enjoy an intimate evening of jazz as vocalist Tierney Sutton and pianist Tamir Hendelman reunite for a special Valentine’s-season performance. Bacchus’ Kitchen + Wine Bar | Tuesday, February 10 at 6PM
🎷 Jumpin Joz Band: Enjoy an upbeat night of swing, jazz, and early R&B with a high-energy band known for music that’s just as fun to dance to as it is to listen. Edwin Mills | Tuesday, February 10 from 6PM–10PM
THANKS!
Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who is calling out of work today to recover from the Super Bowl celebrations.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up.
Want to partner with News N’ Roses or plan an event with us that will reach over 5,100+ people? Email me.
Did I miss something or make a mistake?
Have an event you’d like me to add to the newsletter?
Let me know at [email protected].
