Pasadena Film Festival Begins

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. I love movies, films, music, and the art of making them. And I’m excited about PIFF. But, why not show the films in Pasadena? Afterall, it’s the Pasadena International Film Festival. Wouldn’t that be cool? Well, I might be working on an idea.

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• The Pasadena International Film Festival (PIFF) Kicks Off Tomorrow

• Pasadena Marks Week of the Young Child, April 11–17

• Events this Wednesday & Thursday

• Civic News

• Restaurant Spotlight: Handel’s

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST

The Pasadena International Film Festival Kicks Off Tomorrow

Eight days of film, parties, and industry panels start tomorrow, Thursday, April 9, and if you haven’t grabbed your passes yet, now’s the time.

PIFF runs April 9–16 at the Laemmle NoHo 7 (5240 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood), and the programming covers serious ground. Over eight days, the festival showcases more than 130 films from 15+ countries, including features, shorts, documentaries, music videos, animation, and more. Every screening block wraps with a moderator-hosted Q&A.

Thursday, April 9 opens with a short film block including Nani, Marcelo Dreams of Charros, and Lifesaver, moves into California-themed work (California Is Burning, Altadena: The Heart, the Art & the Soul), then shifts into genre territory (1.21 Gigawatts, Cosmic Crusaders, Dungeon of Deceit), and closes with two features: Chocolate Milk and Blood Yolk. First block starts at 1:35 PM.

After the screenings, the Opening Night party is an all-’80s bash called “Radical Rewind” at Brews Brothers NoHo just down the street, starting at 9 PM. Passholders get happy hour prices all night.

Friday, April 10 kicks off at noon with a free industry panel. Talent agent Jake O’Flaherty of Dangerfield Talent Agency talks navigating today’s entertainment landscape: self-tapes, finding representation, and creating your own content. Screenings follow through the evening, with films including Sake Battle, Isle of Devils, The Forgotten Door, Rain Check, and The Last Hunt, among others. Last block starts at 9:55 PM.

The festival runs through Wednesday the 15th, closing out with the PIFF Gala and Award Ceremony on Thursday, April 16 at Der Wolf RestoBar in Pasadena. Red carpet at 7 PM, ceremony at 8 PM. Black tie optional, 1920s attire suggested.

For the full schedule and to purchase passes, head to pasadenafilmfestival.org/piff-2026.

Pasadena Marks Week of the Young Child, April 11–17

Mayor Victor M. Gordo has officially proclaimed April 11–17, 2026 as Week of the Young Child in Pasadena. The proclamation recognizes the importance of quality early childhood education in supporting kids’ intellectual, emotional, and physical development, and calls out the teachers, parents, and organizations working to expand access to high-quality preschool in the community. The declaration coincides with the 55th anniversary of the national Week of the Young Child celebration.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Wednesday (4/8)

🌿 Earth Month Cleanup: A volunteer stewardship event at Brookside Park where participants will remove trash, clear invasive grasses, and help prepare the Arroyo landscape for an upcoming herd of grazing goats supporting natural land management. Brookside Park | Wednesday | April 8 | 9:30AM

🎭 Pasadena Rotary Club Weekly Meeting: Pasadena Playhouse Producing Artistic Director Danny Feldman speaks on the topic of re-imagining Brigadoon. University Club of Pasadena | Wednesday | April 8 | 12PM

🌱 From Ashes to Action – Growing a More Resilient Landscape #2: A community program at the LA County Arboretum covering post-Eaton Fire recovery efforts, including the work of the new Landscape Recovery Center at Eaton Canyon and native seed conservation efforts — free with advance reservation. LA County Arboretum | Wednesday | April 8 | 5PM

🖼️ Female Artist Series – Mixed-Media Assemblage: A workshop inspired by the work of fiber artist Lenore Tawney, where participants create their own assemblage structures using found objects and materials — personal memorabilia welcome. Remainders Creative Reuse | Wednesday | April 8 | 6PM

🧠 Trivia Night: A weekly trivia night hosted by Game Night Live, best enjoyed with friends and a Stone brew. Stone Brewing | Wednesday | April 8 | 6PM

🌱 Little Shop Teaser: A sneak preview event for LPAC’s upcoming production of Little Shop of Horrors, featuring cast introductions, musical numbers, and stories from Leilani Jones Wilmore, who originated the role of Chiffon in the very first production. Lineage Performing Arts Center | Wednesday | April 8 | 7PM

🎸 Wine & Song: Quenby; Miss Emily: Montana-based alt-country/Americana songwriter Quenby and Juno-nominated blues and R&B vocalist Miss Emily perform back to back. Dinosaur Farm “Speakeasy” | Wednesday | April 8 | 7PM

🎬 The Natural on the Big Screen!: The 1984 classic starring Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, and Kim Basinger, about a mysterious middle-aged batter who leads a losing 1930s baseball team to the top of the league. Regency Academy 6 | Wednesday | April 8 | 7:30PM

😂 Pasadena Comedy Show: A free weekly stand-up comedy show hosted by Paddy, featuring guest comedians and 2-for-1 drinks all night. The Mixx Pasadena | Wednesday | April 8 | 8PM

Thursday (4/9)

🌱 Free Compost for Pasadena Residents: Pasadena residents can pick up free nutrient-rich compost on a self-serve basis while supplies last — bring your own containers. Seco St and West Drive | Thursday | April 9 | All Day

☕ “Meet Me at the Village!”: A casual drop-in gathering hosted by Pasadena Village members and staff over coffee and bagels, open to anyone interested in learning more about the organization. Pasadena Village Office Community Room | Thursday | April 9 | 10AM

🎨 Easy Collage Workshop: Featured artist Luciana Abait leads a mixed-media collage workshop using photographs of Descanso Gardens landscapes, image cutouts, and acrylic paint — no experience or advance registration required, free with admission. Descanso Gardens | Thursday | April 9 | 12PM

🎹 The Great American Songbook: Pianist Bob, vocalist Don, and friends perform classic standards and Broadway tunes while sharing stories about the music — reservations requested. Pasadena Senior Center | Thursday | April 9 | 1:30PM

🎬 PIFF 2026 Film Screenings: The Pasadena International Film Festival screens four blocks of independent short films and features throughout the day, with a moderated Q&A following each block. Laemmle NoHo 7 | Thursday | April 9 | 1:35PM | 3:40PM | 5:40PM | 7:45PM

🎨 Village Connections: Decoupage a Wish Box: A free wellness gathering for adults 65+ where participants decoupage their own wish boxes while exploring resilience-building skills — materials and refreshments provided, walk-ins welcome. Washington Park Community House | Thursday | April 9 | 2PM

🧋 Poetry & Boba Tea Party: Teens ages 11–17 are invited to make their own magnetic poetry kits and enjoy boba tea in celebration of National Poetry Month — no registration required. Crowell Public Library | Thursday | April 9 | 3PM

🎻 Violin Master Class | Lina Bahn: Acclaimed violinist Lina Bahn coaches Pasadena Conservatory of Music violin students in an open master class. Pasadena Conservatory of Music | Thursday | April 9 | 6:30PM

🎩 Terry Crews signs Terry’s Many Hats: If you didn’t know, Terry Crews lives in Pasadena and you may see him around town often. Tonight, Terry will be signing copies of his debut picture book about a kid with big dreams and a limitless collection of hats, with a photo opportunity included — ticket price includes a copy of the book. Vroman’s Bookstore | Thursday | April 9 | 6PM

✍️ Writer’s Block: Creative Writing & Meaningful Connection: A free drop-in writing session facilitated by poet Zahida Sherman where writers of all levels can free-write, share their work, and receive positive feedback. Octavia’s Bookshelf | Thursday | April 9 | 6PM

🎭 Death of a Salesman: A Noise Within presents Arthur Miller’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, directed by Julia Rodriguez-Elliott, following aging salesman Willy Loman as his dreams and sense of identity unravel. A Noise Within | Thursday | April 9 | 7:30PM

🎤 Breaking The Ice: Open Mic: A free open mic night at the Ice House hosted by Asher Kassin, open to new and upcoming comics who get 3 minutes of stage time. The Ice House Comedy Club | Thursday | April 9 | 7PM

🎬 Pasadena International Film Festival 2026 Opening Night Party: A 90s-themed opening night party for PIFF 2026 featuring a red carpet, photographers, and a chance to mingle with filmmakers, actors, and press. Brews Brothers NoHo | Thursday | April 9 | 9PM

Upcoming Events

👗 Inspiration LA: A vintage fashion and lifestyle event featuring clothing, accessories, and collectibles from the 1920s through the 1990s. Pasadena Convention Center | Friday–Saturday | April 10–11 | 10AM

🥊 2026 Southern California State Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament: Amateur boxers from across California compete for a state championship title, featuring top-level male and female competitors ages 18 and older — winners advance to represent California at the National Tournament of Champions in Tulsa. Victory Park Recreation Center | Saturday | April 11 | 12PM

🍦 Carmela Ice Cream Class: A demonstration-based class where Jessica Mortarotti teaches how to make ice cream and sorbet using seasonal ingredients. Carmela Ice Cream | Sunday | April 12 | 9:30AM

🍵 The Pasadena Festival of Tea: A festival celebrating tea with tastings, vendors, and demonstrations in a Japanese garden setting. The Huntington Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden | Sunday | April 12 | 10AM

🛍️ Rose Bowl Flea Market: A monthly market featuring over 2,500 vendors selling antiques, vintage clothing, local art, and specialty products. Rose Bowl Stadium Parking Lot | Sunday | April 12 | 6AM

🛍️ SoCal Etsy Guild Market: A monthly outdoor market featuring handmade vendors and live art, free to attend and pet friendly. The Paseo, Old Town Pasadena | Saturday & Sunday | April 11 & 12 | 12PM

🎨 Jackalope Art Fair: An outdoor marketplace featuring over 200 independent makers selling original fashion, jewelry, home décor, art, photography, food, and more — free to attend, all ages and leashed pets welcome. Central Park, Old Pasadena | Saturday & Sunday | April 25 & 26 | 10AM

*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

Arts & Culture Commission Meeting

The City of Pasadena’s Arts & Culture Commission holds its monthly public meeting tonight to advise the City Council on arts and cultural programming. Click here to view agenda.
Hale Building | Wednesday | April 8 | 5:30PM

Human Services Commission Meeting

The City of Pasadena’s Human Services Commission holds its monthly public meeting tonight to advise the City Council on community human service needs. Click here to view agenda.
Jackie Robinson Community Center | Wednesday | April 8 | 6PM

Urban Forestry Advisory Committee Meeting

The City of Pasadena’s Urban Forestry Advisory Committee holds its monthly public meeting tonight to advise the City Council on the city’s master street tree plan and public tree protection. Click here to view agenda.
City Yards – Public Works | Wednesday | April 8 | 6PM

Planning Commission Meeting

The City of Pasadena’s Planning Commission holds its regular public meeting to advise the City Council on zoning, the General Plan, and city development programs. Click here to view agenda.
Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers | Wednesday | April 8 | 6:30PM

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

Handel’s — The Taittinger Champagne of Ice Cream

by Peter Dills, Local Food Dude ([email protected])
Listen to the ‘Peter Dills AKA LA Foodie’ podcast here or SoundCloud here.

By Peter Dills — L.A.’s King of Cuisine

Sometimes I like to think I can predict the weather. And this week in Pasadena? I nailed it. Today and tomorrow — perfect ice cream days. This weekend? Not so much. Which got me thinking… why haven’t I ever written a proper review about ice cream?

For a guy who’s spent years talking steaks, martinis, and white-tablecloth dining, this felt like new territory. But when the temperature creeps up and the San Gabriel Valley starts to warm, even Peter Dills knows — it’s time for a scoop.

That brings me to Handel’s in Lower Hastings Ranch. Some call it a national chain. I call it a great local stop — and one that surprised me. Now here’s how I judge ice cream, and this may sound unusual: I judge it by how heavy it is. On a warm day, light ice cream melts too fast — gone before you even get to the parking lot. Heavy ice cream? That’s the good stuff. It holds up. It satisfies. It feels like you got your money’s worth.

Which is why I’ll say it — and stand by it:
👉 Handel’s is the Taittinger Champagne of ice cream.

Yes, it costs more than your typical scoop or supermarket carton. But like a good bottle of champagne, the difference is obvious. Rich texture. Real flavor. Serious body. To make sure I wasn’t just caught up in the moment, I took a look at what others are ordering. Favorites include Buckeye, Graham Central Station, Mint Chocolate Chip, Banana Cream Pie, and Coffee Chocolate Chip — a lineup that reads more like a dessert menu than an ice cream case. As for me? I went with the Rocky Road. And it delivered — chocolate, texture, and enough weight to slow you down and enjoy it instead of racing against the melt.

What also stood out was the efficiency. This is still a service business, and Handel’s gets it. The line moves, the staff is sharp, and you’re in and out quickly — which matters when you’re holding something that can disappear in minutes. Ice cream may not be fine dining, but the rules still apply: Quality. Value. Service. And when all three show up — even in a cone — it’s worth talking about.

Heavy, rich, high-quality ice cream with fast service makes Handel’s a standout — especially on those perfect Pasadena afternoons when you know it’s time for something cold. Pro tip: park on side street.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Wednesday

79 🌡️ 55 |🌤️| 💨 SW 9 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 55 (Moderate)

Thursday

75 🌡️ 55 |☁️ 10% | 💨 SW 9 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

🎤 Douglas Roegiers at H.H. Gastropub in Pasadena: Live music, dining, and dancing with performer Douglas Roegiers. Hawg Heaven BBQ & Gastro Pub | Wednesday | April 8 | 7PM

🎸 The David Eastlee Trio: A jazz standards performance by guitarist David Eastlee, who has recorded and performed with Howard Alden, John Pisano, Pete Christlieb, and many others. Edwin Mills | Wednesday | April 8 | 6PM

🎺 World Jazz Night: The Quinn Johnson Trio performs an evening of world jazz. Club 1881 | Wednesday | April 8 | 8PM

🎹 The Great American Songbook: Pianist Bob, vocalist Don, and friends perform classic standards and Broadway tunes while sharing stories about the music — reservations requested. Pasadena Senior Center | Thursday | April 9 | 1:30PM

🎸 Doug MacDonald: West Coast jazz guitarist Doug MacDonald, who has performed with Ray Charles, Rosemary Clooney, Buddy Rich, and many others, brings his warm bop-influenced style to Edwin Mills. Edwin Mills | Thursday | April 9 | 6PM

🎸 Maria Somerville: An Irish dream pop artist from Connemara performing songs from her 4AD debut Luster, featuring atmospheric electronics, ethereal guitar, and hushed vocals, with support from Colle. Lodge Room Highland Park | Thursday | April 9 | 8PM

THANKS!

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