First Day of Spring

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. Today is the spring equinox—the exact moment the Northern Hemisphere tilts back toward the sun while the Southern Hemisphere heads into fall. Fun fact: the U.S. won’t see a March 20^th equinox again until 2101. Meanwhile, meteorologists have been calling it spring since March 1—but today just feels more official. 🌱

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• Pasadena International Film Festival Returns This April

• Events this Weekend

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

P.S. Happy birthday to my brother-in-law Ahmad! 🎂

And Eid Mubarak to the Muslim community of Pasadena! 🌙

THE DIGEST

Pasadena International Film Festival Returns This April

The Pasadena International Film Festival (PIFF) returns for its 13th edition from April 9–16 at Laemmle NoHo 7, featuring more than 160 films from over a dozen countries.

The eight-day festival includes a mix of features, shorts, documentaries, and animated films, with screenings grouped into blocks followed by Q&As with filmmakers. Beyond the screenings, PIFF will also host industry panels, a nightly passholders’ lounge, and an “Old Hollywood Glamour”-themed closing night awards ceremony.

Opening night will feature a California-themed showcase, an ’80s-inspired film block, and the world premiere of the thriller Blood Yolk. The weekend continues with workshops, special screenings, and appearances from actors and filmmakers across film and TV.

The lineup also highlights stories tied to California, including several films focused on recent wildfires.

The festival wraps with its annual awards ceremony, celebrating standout films and talent from this year’s program. For more information, click here.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Friday (3/20)

🍶 Sake Tasting at the Gamble House: A slide lecture on the cultural history and art of sake by Meher McArthur, followed by a guided tasting of several varieties available in the U.S. (21+). The Gamble House | Friday | 7PM–9PM

🐙 Octopus’s Garden: A world premiere play where two marine biologists and a composer confront obsession and ambition after discovering an octopus that creates extraordinary music. Boston Court Pasadena | Friday | 7:30PM

🧘 Caltech Tai Chi Club: Learn and practice Hao-style tai chi along with other forms in a welcoming, beginner-friendly environment. Caltech’s Hameetman Center 220 – Multipurpose Room | Friday | 7PM

🎭 “Essex Corners”: A world premiere play exploring generations of one family in a changing America. PCC Center for the Arts Theater – CA 135 | Friday | 7:30PM

🎭 Sideways Stories from Wayside School: A stage adaptation of Louis Sachar’s book series following the unpredictable and humorous happenings inside Wayside School. Theatre 360 | Friday | 7PM

Saturday (3/21)

🚶 Breakthrough T1D, Walk Los Angeles: A community walk raising awareness and support for type 1 diabetes research and advocacy. Rose Bowl Stadium | Saturday | 8AM

🥕 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Victory Park: Shop fresh, locally-grown fruits, vegetables, and farm products directly from certified farmers. Victory Park | Saturday | 8AM–12PM

🌿 Wildlife “Sit” and Nature Journaling at Arlington Garden: Spend the morning observing nature and journaling with guidance from Pasadena Humane wildlife staff. Arlington Garden | Saturday | 8AM–10AM

🤖 Caltech Entrepreneur’s Forum: Humanoid Robots are Here: Explore advances in humanoid robotics with keynote speakers, expert panels, and networking opportunities. 1216 E. California Blvd. | Saturday | 10AM–12:30PM

☕ Rosebud Coffee Grand Opening – Highland Park: Celebrate the opening of Rosebud Coffee’s second social enterprise café with a ribbon-cutting, coffee tastings, and a look at how every cup supports career pathways for youth through Coffee With A Cause. Rosebud Coffee – Highland Park | Saturday | 11AM

🛍️ Pasadena Commons Makers Market: Shop from 30+ local makers and enjoy live music, workshops, and hands-on experiences. Pasadena Commons | Saturday | March 21 | 11AM–4PM

🎭 Letters to Harriet Tubman: A two-character play using songs and stories from the Civil War era to tell the life and impact of Harriet Tubman. Sierra Madre Playhouse | Saturday | 11AM

🍸 Marchtini at Robbins Brothers: Sip cocktails, enjoy aura readings, and browse jewelry during this festive in-store event featuring music, refreshments, and special savings. 20% OFF everything! Robbins Brothers Pasadena | Saturday | 12PM–4PM

🎭 2026 LA Freeway Circuit: A festival production featuring a time-spanning romance about connection and love across decades. LA Freeway Circuit | Saturday | 3PM, 4PM, 6PM, 7:30PM

💃 Glow Before Dark LA: Dance the early evening away to a mix of 80s New Wave, 90s dance club classics, and modern EDM at this high-energy daytime dance party built for people who want the music without the late-night hours. The Mixx | Saturday | 5PM–9PM

🎹 Sords-Walz-Durkovic Piano Trio: The trio returns with a program of Mozart and Brahms in an intimate concert setting with complimentary champagne. Steinway Piano Gallery | Saturday | 7:30PM

💃 Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association’s Weekly Saturday Night Swing: Ashley Anne & The Carnations: Enjoy live swing music and dancing with Ashley Anne & The Carnations at this weekly event. Grace Hall | Saturday | 8PM

Sunday (3/22)

🌱 Holding Space With Hands in The Soil: A wellness gathering focused on rest, renewal, and connection through activities like movement, meditation, and creative expression. Arlington Garden | Sunday | 12PM–3PM

🎮 Entertainment Design Expo (ENTX): A full-day event featuring student and alumni work in animation, game design, and themed entertainment with exhibitions and interactive experiences. ArtCenter College of Design, Hillside Campus | Sunday | 12PM–5PM

🧵 Learn to use a Serger: Learn how to use a serger sewing machine, including threading, stitch variations, and creating a sampler. Remainders Creative Reuse | Sunday | 1PM

🎭 Death of a Salesman: A production of Arthur Miller’s play following Willy Loman as he confronts the realities of his life and the American Dream. A Noise Within | Sunday | 2PM

🌹 Women’s Project: The Rose Society: A play following four members of a struggling horticultural group as tensions rise during a monthly meeting. Parson’s Nose Theater | Sunday | 3PM

🥂 2026 Spring Fever CAPpy Hour: A social gathering celebrating College Access Plan’s community with drinks, snacks, and networking. The Grant | Sunday | 3PM–5PM

Upcoming Events

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!

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Friday

93 🌡️ 61 |🌤️| 💨 SW 7 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 151 (Unhealthy)

Saturday

84 🌡️ 61 |🌤️| 💨 SW 8 mph

Sunday

82 🌡️ 61 |🌤️| 💨 S 6 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

🎷 Jenny & The Jazz Birds: A local group performs classic jazz with influences of blues and funk. Jones Coffee Roasters | Saturday | March 21 | 10AM

🍀 Third@First: St. Patrick’s Day Concert: Celtic band Sligo Rags performs a concert of Irish music. First United Methodist Church (FUMC) | Saturday | March 21 | 4PM

🎶 Jake Cassman: Enjoy live music from Jake Cassman while you relax with drinks. Stone Brewing Tap Room | Saturday | March 21 | 5PM–8PM

🎶 Brazilian Jazz with Natalia Spadini & Marcelo Bucater: Enjoy an evening of Brazilian jazz with Natalia Spadini and Marcelo Bucater in a dinner-and-show setting. Bacchus’ Kitchen + Wine Bar | Saturday | March 21 | 6PM–10PM

🎶 Lala Lala – Heaven 2 Tour: Lala Lala performs songs from her album Heaven 2 as part of her tour. Lodge Room Highland Park | Saturday | March 21 | 7PM

🎷 Live Jazz on the Rooftop at Visionarium with Craig Cochrane: A rooftop jazz evening featuring Craig Cochrane performing classics from the golden age of jazz. Visionarium Live Italian – Rooftop | Saturday | March 21 | 7PM–9PM

🎹 Sords-Walz-Durkovic Piano Trio: The trio returns with a program of Mozart and Brahms in an intimate concert setting with complimentary champagne. Steinway Piano Gallery | Saturday | March 21 | 7:30PM

🎤 Vocal Jazz Night: An evening of vocal jazz featuring local singers with live accompaniment. Club 1881 | Saturday | March 21 | 8PM–11PM

🎷 The Gold Line Jazz Collective / Jazz With Catlin & Rosser: A rotating group led by pianist Hank Mehren performs an eclectic mix of jazz styles and Barb Catlin and Ken Rosser perform an eclectic mix of jazz standards and original compositions. Jones Coffee Roasters | Sunday | March 22 | 10AM / 2PM

🎶 Pasadena Pro Musica Presents Gospel Rhythms: A concert featuring gospel music with powerful vocals, harmonies, and uplifting melodies. Neighborhood Church
| Sunday | March 22 | 4PM

🎭 Hamid Rahmanian’s Song of the North: A multimedia production using shadow puppetry and animation to tell a Persian epic centered on the heroine Manijeh. The Pasadena Playhouse | Sunday | March 22 | 7PM

THANKS!

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