Happy Easter Weekend Pasadena

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. It’s Easter weekend and we’re hopping right into it. 🐇

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• Pasadena Gears Up for Olympic Spotlight

• New AC Hotel Opens in Pasadena’s Playhouse Village

• Lots of Events this Weekend!

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

P.S. Happy Birthday Rachel Watkins!

THE DIGEST 🐣

Pasadena Gears Up for Olympic Spotlight

With Olympic soccer finals coming to the Rose Bowl in 2028, Pasadena officials are already deep into planning mode. A newly finalized agreement between the city, the Rose Bowl Operating Company, and LA28 has kicked off major coordination efforts.

Work is underway across transportation, tourism, public safety, and local business support. A grant has been submitted for first/last-mile upgrades, hotels are securing rooms for Olympic guests, and the Convention Center is being eyed for fan activations.

“This will be Pasadena’s third time hosting Olympic events — and we’re getting ready,” said Councilmember Steve Madison. Watch parties, shop-local campaigns, and a global spotlight are all on the horizon.

New AC Hotel Opens in Pasadena’s Playhouse Village

Pasadena just got a hospitality upgrade! The brand-new AC Hotel Pasadena officially opened its doors this week, marking the city’s first from-the-ground-up hotel in nearly 40 years. Located at the corner of Colorado Blvd. and Madison Ave. in the heart of the Playhouse District, the 194-room hotel blends sleek European design with SoCal style.

The hotel features a rooftop bar with stunning views, over 9,500 sq. ft. of event space, three dining spots (including the soon-to-open rooftop restaurant), and artwork by California artists.

“This is part of Pasadena’s evolution,” said Mayor Victor Gordo at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Historic, cultural, vibrant.”

General Manager Ben Spaulding called the opening “a dream come true” and says the hotel aims to be a stylish home base for visitors, locals, and the business community alike.

@NEWSN_ROSES 🐇

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WHAT’S HAPPENING 🥚

Friday

• 🎹 Larry Garf Performs: Start your Friday morning with vintage jazz, ragtime, and classic blues from pianist Larry Garf at Jones Coffee Roasters. Friday, April 18 · 9AM.

• 🧬 Science Journey – Nature’s Tango: How Insects Dance for Survival: Discover how beetles and bugs help us understand the brain in this free STEM talk with Caltech postdoc Jess Kanwal. Designed for students and educators. Friday, April 18 · 10AM–11AM.

• 🖼️ Tour: 50 Years at the Norton Simon Museum: Celebrate the museum’s anniversary with a guided tour highlighting fascinating stories behind key artworks—from acquisitions and conservation to curatorial discoveries. Friday, April 18 · 1PM–2PM. Space is limited; sign-up required at the Information Desk.

• 🏡 Pasadena Showcase House of Design: Premiere Night Gala: Toast to 60 years of design excellence at the Premiere Night Gala, featuring the grand reveal of the 2025 Showcase House—Bauer Estate & Gardens. Enjoy a glamorous evening of design, mingling, and celebration. Friday, April 18 · 6PM.

• ✝️ Stations of the Cross – A Journey Through Pasadena: This Good Friday walk begins at All Saints Church and ends at Pasadena City Hall, reenacting Jesus’ path to the cross with prayer and reflection at each stop. Bilingual Spanish/English service. Friday, April 18 · 6PM–7PM.

• 🧘‍♂️ Caltech Tai Chi Club: Join a free Friday evening session to practice Hao-style tai chi, Yang-style forms, and more in a relaxed, beginner-friendly environment. Friday, April 18 · 7PM. All are welcome—no experience necessary.

Saturday

• 🍊 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Victory Park: Stock up on fresh, locally grown produce, jams, fish, and more at this certified Saturday morning market in front of Pasadena High School. Saturday, April 19 · 8AM–12PM.

• 🔔 Sound Baths at Descanso Gardens: Recharge with a meditative sound bath led by Marna Currie in the Rose Garden Pavilion. Sessions at 9AM, 9:30AM, and 10AM on Saturday, April 19. Free with admission or membership. Drop-in only.

• ☕ Easter Weekend Afternoon Tea: Celebrate spring with a luxurious tea service at The Langham, featuring savory bites, sweets, scones, a chocolate fountain, and a glass of champagne. Saturday, April 19 · 10AM–12:30PM.

• 🎷 Jenny & The Jazz Birds: Enjoy a smooth Saturday morning set from this beloved South Pasadena jazz group, known for their classic sound and local charm. Saturday, April 19 · 10AM at Jones Coffee Roasters.

• 🌸 Spring Blooms Activity: Get creative with spring-themed crafts for all ages while surrounded by peak seasonal blooms at Descanso Gardens. Saturday, April 19 · 10AM–12PM. Free with admission.

• 🌼 Vassar Serves: Eaton Spring Celebration: Help bring joy to the Eaton Canyon community at this spring block party with food, music, kids’ crafts, and resources for families impacted by the LA fires. Hosted by the Vassar Club of Greater LA. Sunday, April 20 · 10AM

• 🎬 Film History Tour of the Fényes Mansion: Explore 100+ years of film history at the Fényes Estate with PMH Curator Julia Long, highlighting its role in classic and contemporary productions. Saturday, April 19 · 12:30PM–2PM. Advance reservations required.

• 🎸 Dave & John Take Over The Urban Homestead: Enjoy a cozy evening of live music, homemade chili, and community vibes at this backyard-style concert on an organic farm in Pasadena. Saturday, April 19 · 5:30PM. Suggested donation: $20. Bring a dessert, stay for the song circle!

• 👻 Haunted Pasadena: Explore the eerie side of the City of Roses with Pasadena Walking Tours. Discover ghost stories, historic haunts, and unsolved mysteries on a nighttime stroll through Playhouse Village and Old Pasadena. Saturday, April 19 · 6:30PM. No building interiors included.

• 🖼️ Remember Eaton Canyon: Stop by Callisto Tea House for the opening reception of Remember Eaton Canyon, a solo show featuring Risograph prints by FyerLyon. Saturday, April 19 · 6PM–8PM. Exhibit on display through May 31. 1359 N Altadena Dr, Pasadena.

Sunday

• 🥂 Easter at the Terrace Restaurant: Celebrate Easter Sunday with a serene a la carte breakfast or indulge in a festive spring brunch at The Langham. Sunday, April 20 · 7AM–2:30PM. Brunch: $140 adults / $65 kids under 12. Reservations recommended.

• 🥗 Easter Picnic at Brookside Park: Celebrate Easter with food, fun, and fellowship at this joyful community picnic hosted by St. Sophia Greek Easter Picnic. Sunday, April 20 · 1PM. Bring your loved ones and enjoy games, delicious food, and the spirit of the season.

• 🏠 60th Pasadena Showcase House of Design: Tour the stunning Bauer Estate & Gardens, a 1928 Monterey Colonial masterpiece featured as this year’s Showcase House. Explore cutting-edge design from over 30 top designers in a historic setting. Sunday, April 20 · 9:30AM–5PM. Timed-entry ticket required.

• 🐇 Easter Goat Yoga at Castle Green: Celebrate Easter Sunday with goat yoga, bunny cuddles, and an egg hunt in the historic Castle Green courtyard. Led by certified instructor Tina Lenert, this playful all-levels class promises smiles, stretches, and unforgettable goat encounters. Sunday, April 20 · 10:45AM–1PM. BYO mat or rent one on-site!

• 🥚 Easter Brunch in the Huntington Ballroom: Indulge in a lavish spring buffet featuring carving stations, seafood, pancakes, desserts, and more—plus mimosas and a kids’ corner. Includes access to the annual Easter Egg Hunt. Sunday, April 20 · 10AM–3PM. $190 adults / $80 kids. Reservations required.

Save the Date

• 🐝 Bee Kind To Our Planet: Celebrate Earth Day at One Colorado! Enjoy eco-friendly activities, a pollinator plant workshop, honey tastings, candle-making, and more, April 26

• 🎨 Jackalope Pasadena Artisan Fair, Spring 2025: Discover over 200 local artisans at the Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair on April 26 and 27, 2025, from 10 AM to 5 PM at Central Park in Old Pasadena. This free outdoor event features handmade goods, including fashion, jewelry, home décor, art, and more. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. Leashed pets are welcome.

• 🛍️ Artazan Handcraft Market: Celebrate creativity and craftsmanship at the Artazan Market, returning to the Pasadena Convention Center May 3–4. Shop fine art, jewelry, textiles, and artisan foods while enjoying live music, chocolate tastings, and hands-on workshops. A spring weekend of inspiration and artistry awaits! Saturday 10AM–6PM | Sunday 10AM–5PM.

  

• 🏛️ Museums of the Arroyo Day: Step into “Life in the Past Lane” on Sunday, May 4 · 12PM–4PM as six local museums—Gamble House, Lummis Home, Pasadena Museum of History, and more—offer free admission, family activities, and shuttle service between stops. It’s the 35th annual celebration of Arroyo culture, architecture, and history.

• 🦸 Pasadena Comic Con: A vendor hall full of comic books, toys, action figures, anime and so much more, May 24

• ⛸️ Juneteenth Celebration: The NAACP Pasadena Branch will hold its Juneteenth Celebration and 4th Annual Roller Jam at Pasadena City Hall, June 14 at 4 PM.

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 🌸

A Note From City of Pasadena: Planning a Park Party? Don’t Forget the Permit

Spring and summer are perfect for outdoor celebrations — and Pasadena’s parks are buzzing with activity! Just a reminder: an event permit is required for gatherings at any city-managed park.

We love seeing the community come together in our public spaces, but unpermitted events can cause issues with safety, logistics, and fairness. Help us keep things running smoothly by securing your permit in advance.

To apply, contact the Reservation Desk at [email protected], call (626) 744-7500, or visit Victory Park Recreation Center at 2575 Paloma St.

Let’s keep the good times rolling — the right way!

⚠️ Heads Up: Expect Traffic for AC/DC at the Rose Bowl – April 18

Rock legends AC/DC are hitting the Rose Bowl tonight, and a full house means heavy traffic in the area. If you’re heading to the show, give yourself extra time to arrive and park. Be sure to follow all posted signage, traffic control personnel, and parking restrictions to keep things safe and smooth for everyone.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER 💐

Friday

61 🌡️ 49 |⛅| 💨 SW 1 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 28 (Good)

Saturday

71 🌡️ 53 |☀️| 💨 SW 7 mph

Sunday

73 🌡️ 54 |☀️| 💨 SW 7 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar. 

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN 🐰

• 🎹 Larry Garf Performs: Start your Friday morning with vintage jazz, ragtime, and classic blues from pianist Larry Garf at Jones Coffee Roasters. Friday, April 18 · 9AM.

• 🎤 Amy Winehouse Tribute & Other Jazz Legends Dinner Show: Experience a soulful evening honoring Amy Winehouse and other jazz greats, featuring live performances by Liela Avila and Friends. Enjoy dinner and drinks at Hawg Heaven BBQ & Gastro Pub. Friday, April 18 · 7PM.

• 🎤 Nic Jackson Duo – “Grand Piano” Fridays: Wind down the week with the Nic Jackson Duo performing soulful pop and lounge-style tunes with vintage flair. It’s the perfect backdrop for a classy night out. Friday, April 18 · 8PM–11PM.

• 🎸 Crown City Bombers Final Show: Say farewell in style at the Crown City Bombers’ final performance during the Easter Hop Dance at the Pasadena Ballroom. Includes a dance lesson, show, and snacks. Saturday, April 19 · Dance lesson at 7:30PM · Live music 8PM–11PM. $25 entry. All ages welcome.

• 🎸 AC/DC – Power Up Tour: Rock legends AC/DC return to the U.S. for the first time in nine years, bringing their Power Up Tour to the Rose Bowl Stadium on Friday, April 18 at 7PM. Expect an electrifying night of classic hits and high-voltage energy. Special guests The Pretty Reckless will open the show. Tickets are available now.​

  

• 🎷 Jenny & The Jazz Birds: Enjoy a smooth Saturday morning set from this beloved South Pasadena jazz group, known for their classic sound and local charm. Saturday, April 19 · 10AM at Jones Coffee Roasters.

• 🎤 Cathy Segal-Garcia at 1881 Bar: Catch jazz vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia with a stellar band for a night of live music at one of Pasadena’s newest hot spots. Saturday, April 19 · 8PM–11PM at 1881 Bar. $10 cash cover, 2-drink minimum, BYO food.

• 🎻 Third@First Presents: Observance Through Music: Experience a meditative Good Friday concert as three LA-based cellists perform unaccompanied Bach Cello Suites to honor the holy weekend. Saturday, April 19 · 4PM at First United Methodist Church, Pasadena.

• 🎸 Dave & John Take Over The Urban Homestead: Enjoy a cozy evening of live music, homemade chili, and community vibes at this backyard-style concert on an organic farm in Pasadena. Saturday, April 19 · 5:30PM. Suggested donation: $20. Bring a dessert, stay for the song circle!

• 🎶 Jazz Sundays with Catlin & Rosser: Enjoy a dynamic afternoon of jazz at Jones Coffee Roasters with Barb Catlin and Ken Rosser, featuring a mix of originals and classics by Bley, Strayhorn, Shorter, and more. Sunday, April 20 · 2PM. Free and open to all.

THANKS! 🥚

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who pays for parking in Old Town. I’ll tell them where the free parking is.

Happy Easter! Happy Spring Celebration!

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