Good afternoon, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. Sunday, May 3rd, is National Ride a Bike Day day — a day to simply get out and ride! There are no specific routes or start locations. Go where ever you want. Ride with friends, take the family, or go solo. Look for biking events in the What’s Happening section. Enjoy riding!
In today’s News N’ Roses:
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Not So Fast on IPIC Pasadena
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Concorso Ferrari
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Events this Weekend
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The Box Office: Plays & Musicals
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Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
P.S. Happy Birthday to my softball teammate, Will! 🎉
THE DIGEST
Not So Fast on IPIC Pasadena
Back in March, I told you all that IPIC in Old Town was closing on April 28. I got that from multiple Pasadena news outlets, and the news spread quickly. I go to IPIC a lot, and I had even planned to watch my “last” movie there, Michael (which was really good by the way—you should watch it) on April 27. I even made an April Fools joke about it, which at the time felt funny but also like salt in the wound… turns out, maybe not so much anymore.
Nothing felt like the place was shutting down. Service was normal, everything was fully stocked, and movies were still scheduled, with tickets available into June for the Pasadena location. So, I started digging. I talked to multiple employees, called the theater, and did some research. I confirmed directly with the manager of the IPIC Pasadena that IPIC has not officially announced that they’re closing their Pasadena location. What was announced is that the company is going through a court-supervised sale process after filing for bankruptcy.
So as of now, IPIC Pasadena is still open. I’m really happy about that—but I also want to own this: I should have verified this more thoroughly before sharing it. I trusted reports from Pasadena news outlets like Pasadena Now that leaned too heavily into the headline. Even worse, I have yet to see any outlet retract its report on IPIC Pasadena’s closing!
But, this is on me. This newsletter isn’t about being sensational. I don’t cover overly-hyped content for clicks. The goal has always been to share fun, local news and events for the Pasadena community. Going forward, I’ll be double- and triple-checking anything major before I send it out.
The IPIC manager also asked me to share this page for official updates on IPIC Pasadena
— and for now, you can still go catch a movie.
Concorso Ferrari This Sunday
Colorado Boulevard doesn’t shut down often—basically just for the Rose Parade and this. Concorso Ferrari is back in Old Pasadena, bringing around 100 Ferraris to line the street from Pasadena Avenue to Fair Oaks. And this isn’t just a lineup of new models. You’ll see everything from early Enzo-era classics and Dinos to 458s, race-prepped builds, and even the newer Purosangue.
It’s run by the Ferrari Club of America’s Southwest Region, and the lineup is carefully curated. Some cars are judged, others are there purely to be admired, but either way, it’s a clean, no-frills show, no vendors, no distractions, just some of the most iconic cars ever made sitting right on Colorado.
It’s happening in Old Pasadena this Sunday from 9AM–3PM, and it’s free to attend.
If you’re even slightly into cars, it’s an easy walk-through. And if you’re not, it’s still a pretty cool way to see a century of Italian engineering up close.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
🎭 The Box Office 🎫
🧜♀️ The Little Mermaid JR: A youth production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid following Ariel’s journey to life on land. Fremont Centre Theatre | All Weekend | Various Times
🎭 Rilke – One Million Words: A solo theatre performance inspired by the works of poet Rainer Maria Rilke. Sierra Madre Playhouse | All Weekend | Various Times
💃 DANCE | Ecos de España: A performance blending Spanish classical music and flamenco dance with audience interaction. Sierra Madre Playhouse | Saturday | May 2 | 11AM
🎭 Exit the King: A darkly comedic play about a king confronting mortality in his final days. A Noise Within | Sunday | May 3 | 2PM
Friday (5/1)
🧸 Free First Fridays at Kidspace!: Enjoy free admission to Kidspace with advance reservations required. Kidspace Children’s Museum (KCM) | Friday | May 1 | 2PM – 5PM
🎉 SALT Teen Social Pasadena: A free teen-only event with music, games, food, and wellness activities for ages 12–17. NATHA, 2019 Lincoln Ave. | Friday | May 1 | 3:30PM
🧵 Kids Machine Sewing Series: A beginner-friendly class where students create a wearable overall-style garment while learning foundational sewing skills. Remainders Creative Reuse (RCR) | Friday | May 1 | 4PM
🖼️ Umu Studios present Wall Works, a Contemporary Ceramics Show: A contemporary ceramics show featuring work from over 20 Los Angeles artists exploring wall-based ceramic pieces. UMU Studios | Friday | May 1 | 5PM – 9PM
📖 LitFest in the Dena 2026: A two-day literary festival featuring panels, workshops, readings, and interactive programming. Pasadena Presbyterian Church | Friday | May 1 | 6PM – 9:30PM
🍸 Speakeasy Friday Nights: An evening featuring live music, tequila tastings, and themed bites. Baldwin Oaks Estate | Friday | May 1 | 6PM – 8PM
🧘 Caltech Tai Chi Club: A weekly class to learn and practice Hao-style tai chi along with other forms in a beginner-friendly environment. Caltech’s Hameetman Center 220 – Multipurpose Room | Friday | May 1 | 7PM
🎩 An Evening of Magic: Benefit Show: A charity magic show featuring performers from the Magic Castle benefiting Alexandria House. Lineage Performing Arts Center | Friday | May 1 | 8PM – 9:30PM
Saturday (5/2)
🥕 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Victory Park: A certified farmers’ market offering fresh locally grown fruits, vegetables, and farm products. Victory Park | Saturday | May 2 | 8AM – 12PM
🚴 Pasadena Mural Ride: A guided bike tour of Pasadena murals and wall art led by a docent. USC Pacific Asia Museum | Saturday | May 2 | 9:30AM – 12:30PM
🛍️ 2026 Spring Remainders Maker Market: A community market featuring handmade goods from local artists and crafters. Remainders Creative Reuse (RCR) | Saturday | May 2 | 10AM – 4PM
📚 Patio Book Sale–The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library: A patio sale offering books, CDs, and DVDs with proceeds supporting Pasadena library programs. The Friends’ Bookstore 1500 E. Villa St. | Saturday | May 2 | 11AM – 2PM
📖 Musical Storytime: If I Built a Car by Chris Van Dusen: A musical storytime with crafts, movement, and a mini-concert for children ages 3–9. Vroman’s Bookstore, Pasadena Conservatory of Music | Saturday | May 2 | 11:30AM
🎉 Love LIFE Pasadena Celebration: A family-friendly community event focused on connection, activities, and mental health awareness. Lincoln Avenue Christian Church | Saturday | May 2 | 11AM
🏈 UCLA Spring Game & Cinco De Mayo at the Rose Bowl: A free event featuring a UCLA Football spring game, marketplace, boxing tournament, and live music. Rose Bowl Stadium | Saturday | May 2 | 12PM
🔥 Fire Stories Project: A staged reading sharing the experiences of young people impacted by the Eaton Fire, performed by professional actors. Boston Court Pasadena | Saturday | May 2 | 1PM
🖼️ Art Auction 2026: A biennial art auction supporting contemporary arts through the Pasadena Art Alliance Grant Program. The Pit Los Angeles | Saturday | May 2 | 6PM
💃 Danza Floricanto’s Cinco de Mayo in Pasadena: An annual Cinco de Mayo celebration with a dance performance and early craft activity. ARC (A Room to Create) | Saturday | May 2 | 7PM
🐱 Trivia Night: Team Tickets with Tail Town Cats: A team trivia night with four rounds of questions and prizes. Tail Town Cat Cafe | Saturday | May 2 | 7PM
🎩 An Evening of Magic: Benefit Show: A charity magic show featuring performers from the Magic Castle benefiting Alexandria House. Lineage Performing Arts Center
| Saturday | May 2 | 8PM
Sunday (5/3)
🚴 National Ride a Bike Day: A citywide event encouraging residents to ride their bikes with participating businesses offering discounts. Pasadena City Hall | Sunday | May 3 | 6AM – 11PM
🌿 Mindful Wildlife Walk and Talk: Watershed: A guided walk exploring watershed ecology with Pasadena Humane experts. JPL Bridge | Sunday | May 3 | 7:30AM
🛍️ PCC Flea Market: A large flea market with over 400 vendors selling antiques, collectibles, and more. PCC Campus West Side | Sunday | May 3 | 8AM – 3PM
🚴 Trek Pasadena Sunday Morning Shop Ride: A recurring 20-mile intermediate group ride with climbing and regroup stops. Trek Bicycle Pasadena | Sunday | May 3 | 8AM – 11AM
🚴 Incycle Pasadena Sunday Morning Shop Ride: A recurring group ride for beginner to intermediate road riders with routes that vary weekly. Incycle Pasadena
| Sunday | May 3 | 8AM – 11AM
🏎️ Concorso Ferrari 2026 Returns to Old Pasadena: A showcase of approximately 100 Ferraris displayed along Colorado Boulevard. Old Pasadena | Sunday | May 3 | 9AM – 3PM
🏛️ Explore 1920s Style in Historic Rose Villa – Oakdale: A walking tour exploring 1920s architectural styles and neighborhood evolution in Pasadena. 1591 Oakdale Street | Sunday | May 3 | 9AM
🌱 Spring Plant Sale & Kids Club Fundraiser!: A community plant sale featuring locally grown plants and family-friendly activities supporting the Kids Club. 1285 North Wilson Avenue in Bungalow Heaven | Sunday | May 3 | 9AM – 2PM
🥂 Bottomless Mimosa Sunday Brunch: A brunch featuring bottomless mimosas and a full meal in a showcase setting. Baldwin Oaks Estate | Sunday | May 3 | 11AM – 1PM
🎶 United Democratic Headquarters Pasadena Spring Soirée: A fundraising event featuring live music, food, and drinks to support reopening the Democratic Headquarters. South Pasadena | Sunday | May 3 | 2PM – 4PM
🍽️ A Moveable Feast: A progressive dinner experience with guided tours across historic Buena Vista Street estates. Buena Vista Street | Sunday | May 3 | 3PM – 7PM
🧘♀️ Cats on Mats: Yoga with Tail Town Cats: A yoga session with stretching and meditation followed by time with the cats. Tail Town Cat Cafe | Sunday | May 3 | 4PM
🎩 An Evening of Magic: Benefit Show: A charity magic show featuring performers from the Magic Castle benefiting Alexandria House. Lineage Performing Arts Center | Sunday | May 3 | 8PM
Upcoming Events
New events added to the News N’ Roses events page. Check them out here!
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
74 🌡️ 55 |🌤️| 💨 SW 8 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 57 (Moderate)
Saturday
76 🌡️ 56 |⛅| 💨 SW 8 mph
Sunday
66 🌡️ 54 |🌤️ | 💨 S 9 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
🎹 Larry Garf Performs: Pianist Larry Garf performs a mix of ragtime, early jazz, blues, and standards. Jones Coffee Roasters | Friday | May 1 | 9AM
🪗 Stanley Oropesa Performs: Stanley Oropesa performs a mix of classical accordion, original compositions, and various genres. Jones Coffee Roasters | Friday | May 1 | 11AM
🎷 Catalina Combo: A live jazz performance featuring bass, vocals, and guitar. Edwin Mills | Friday | May 1 | 7PM – 11PM
🎸 Sons of Hermon at Old Towne Pub: Sons of Hermon perform live at Old Towne Pub. Old Towne Pub Pasadena | Friday | May 1 | 8PM
🎷 Live Jazz: A live jazz performance at Club 1881. Club 1881 | Friday | May 1 | 8:30PM – 11:30PM
🎷 Jenny & The Jazz Birds: A local group performs classic jazz along with blues and funk. Jones Coffee Roasters | Saturday | May 2 | 10AM
🎶 Vocal Jazz Brunch at Visionarium with The Randy Van Horne Singers: A live vocal jazz brunch performance featuring The Randy Van Horne Singers. Visionarium Live Italian | Saturday | May 2 | 12PM – 2PM
🎼 Musical Interludes: Songs About Story: A concert exploring storytelling through music with works by Mahler, Golijov, Schubert, and Liszt. Pasadena Conservatory of Music (PCM) | Saturday | May 2 | 4PM
🎹 An Evening of Classical and New Piano Music: A live piano performance featuring works by Chopin, Liszt, and Beethoven with a two-piano concerto. 499 S Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena, CA | Saturday | May 2 | 7PM
🎤 Ed Romero: Ed Romero performs jazz and selections from the Great American Songbook. Edwin Mills | Saturday | May 2 | 7PM – 11PM
🎤 Lewis Capaldi Tickets: Lewis Capaldi performs live in concert. Hollywood Bowl Los Angeles California | Saturday | May 2 | 7:30PM
🎤 Live Vocal Jazz – Dolores Scozzesi: Dolores Scozzesi performs live vocal jazz. Club 1881 | Saturday | May 2 | 8PM – 10:30PM
🎸 The Wedding Present – Seamonsters 35th Anniversary Tour: The Wedding Present performs Seamonsters in full along with other songs, featuring Mark Robinson. LODGE ROOM Highland Park | Saturday | May 2 | 8PM
🎶 Saturday Night Music at The Barkley: Live retro instrumental music with no cover charge. 1400 Huntington Dr, South Pasadena | Saturday | May 2 | 9PM – 1AM
🎶 Jazz Brunch at Visionarium with Adam Cohen, Tom Rizzo and Stephanie Barone: A live jazz brunch featuring guitar, bass, and vocals. Visionarium Live Italian | Sunday | May 3 | 12PM – 2PM
🎷 Sunday Night Jazz at The Barkley!: A live jazz night at The Barkley. 1400 Huntington Dr, South Pasadena, CA | Sunday | May 3 | 7PM – 11PM
THANKS!
Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who has a Ferrari. 🏎️
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