Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. The newsletter that’s as exciting as the Club World Cup 2025 in Pasadena!
In today’s News N’ Roses:
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FIFA Club World Cup, One Month Away!
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July 4th in South Pas: Small Town, Big Celebration
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Events this Wednesday & Thursday
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The Marquee: A Doll’s House, Part 2
Let’s get to it.
— Matthew Ramirez
THE DIGEST
FIFA Club World Cup, One Month Away!
Soccer fans got a special treat this weekend at the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena, CA, where exclusive FIFA gear was handed out in celebration of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup 2025™. The giveaway included limited-edition t-shirts, collectible soccer balls, and official FIFA merchandise, building excitement for the tournament that kicks off in just a month.
Pasadena’s own Rose Bowl will be one of the key venues when the tournament kicks off next month. The FIFA Club World Cup will feature 32 of the world’s best clubs, with 63 matches played across the U.S. from June 14 to July 13.
June 15, 12 PM PT: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atlético de Madrid
June 17, 6 PM PT: CF Monterrey vs. FC Internazionale Milano
June 19, 6 PM PT: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Botafogo
June 21, 6 PM PT: CA River Plate vs. CF Monterrey
June 23, 12 PM PT: Atlético de Madrid vs. Botafogo
June 25, 6 PM PT: Urawa Red Diamonds vs. CF Monterrey
Soccer fans — whether you’re a diehard or just FIFA-curious — get ready. The world is coming to Pasadena.
July 4th in South Pas: Small Town, Big Celebration!
South Pasadena’s beloved Festival of Balloons 4th of July Parade is back for 2025, carrying on a hometown tradition that’s brought the community together since 1982. This year’s theme, “Unity in Community: One Nation, One Neighborhood,” invites locals to join the fun by marching, riding, or simply cheering from the sidelines. The parade kicks off at 11:00 a.m. on July 4, starting at Diamond Avenue by the Library Community Room and ending at Garfield Park. Expect to see Scouts, Little League teams, city officials, and even South Pasadena’s Tournament of Roses Committee on display. After the parade, festivities continue with the Party in the Park at Garfield Park, and the day wraps up with the Fireworks Spectacular at South Pasadena High School at 9:00 p.m.
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WHAT’S HAPPENING
Wednesday
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💜 Nurturing Our Wellbeing: Mind, Body & Spirit: Join the community for a day of wellness with free food, fresh produce, live music, dancing, workshops, and family fun! Wednesday, May 14 · 10AM–1PM at Lincoln Avenue Christian Church, Pasadena. Free bus ride available.
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🔧 Fix a Flat Class at Around the Cycle: Learn hands-on from the pros how to repair a flat tire and keep rolling with confidence. No experience needed—just bring your curiosity. 6PM at Around the Cycle.
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🌮 We Out Here Wednesday: Free Pupusas for Altadena: Swing by Fair Oaks Burger today between 12PM–3PM for a FREE pupusa from Jacky’s Salvadoran Food (@jackys_pupusas)—but only for Altadena residents! Bring proof of residency, come connect with neighbors, and enjoy the vibe while supplies last.
Thursday
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💦 Water Safety Day & Tread-a-Thon at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center: Celebrate 35 years of lifesaving impact with RBAC’s Water Safety Day! May 15 at 10AM. The day kicks off with a morning press event featuring Pasadena officials, followed by a community-wide Tread-a-Thon fundraiser. Participants will honor RBAC’s 35th anniversary by treading water for 35 seconds, 3 minutes 35 seconds, or 35 minutes—raising awareness and funds for drowning prevention. All ages welcome.
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🚲 Bike to Work Day: Ride by Pasadena City Hall for free coffee, snacks, surprise giveaways, and quick bike safety checks from Around the Cycle. Celebrate Pasadena Bike Month with the morning bike-loving crowd. 7AM–10AM on the Garfield side of City Hall.
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🥕 South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: Shop fresh California-grown produce under the trees near the Gold Line, with live music, prepared foods, and a cozy neighborhood vibe. 4PM–7PM.
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🚲 Bike from Work Social: Celebrate your commute with fellow cyclists at the Village Al Fresco Dining Pavilion in front of Anaya’s—arrive by bike and enjoy free agua fresca! 5PM.
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🎨 Art & Artists of Pasadena Illustrated Lecture: Discover Pasadena’s rich legacy of creativity with PMH curator Julia Long as she highlights the artists, collectives, and cultural institutions that shaped the city’s art scene. Includes early gallery access to the 100 Years – 100 Images centennial exhibit. 7PM at Pasadena Museum of History.
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🎤 Mas Locos with Paul Rodriguez & Friends: Legendary comedian Paul Rodriguez hosts a night of top-tier Latino comedy, spotlighting both iconic performers and rising stars. Thursday, May 15 · 8PM at The Ice House Comedy Club. Ages 21+ with a 2-item minimum.
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🧠 Game Night Live Trivia at Stone Brewing Tap Room: Put your brain to the test with two rounds of game show-style trivia, including word jumbles, picture rounds, and fun surprises. Free to play, open to all, and prizes for the winners! 6PM at Stone Brewing Pasadena.
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💃 Ballroomin’ Blues Lesson in the Blues Room at Lindy Groove: Learn the smooth moves of Ballroomin’ Blues with Isaiah and Scarlett in a beginner-friendly class—no partner needed! Followed by a blues social dance with DJs spinning until midnight. 9PM–12AM at Lindy Groove, Pasadena. Admission includes lesson and dance.
Save the Date
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🎤 Senior Talent Adults ages 50+ are invited to share their talents—singing, dancing, acting, and more—at the Senior Talent Showcase happening Friday, May 16 · 12PM–2PM at Robinson Park Recreation Center. Registration is now closed. Questions? Call (626) 744-7300.
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🦸 Pasadena Comic Con: A vendor hall full of comic books, toys, action figures, anime and so much more, May 24
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🐐 Goat Yoga: Enjoy communing with friendly, gentle goats while engaging in a fun, light-hearted yoga session taught by certified instructor Tina Lenert on the rear lawn of the The Gamble House, May 24
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🚗 23rd Annual Pasadena Police Department Car Show: Classic car lovers, mark your calendar! The Pasadena PD hosts their annual car show at The Paseo with proceeds benefiting Pasadena P.A.L. and the Police Explorer Post #19. Saturday, June 14, 10AM–3PM at 300 E. Colorado Blvd.
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🎨 Sierra Madre Art Walk: Stroll through downtown and beyond to enjoy local art in storefronts and galleries during this community collaboration between artists and businesses. 4–7PM, guides available at participating locations.
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Monsterpalooza: Celebrate the art of monsters and movie magic. Featuring over 400 exhibitors of the best artists and creatives at the Pasadena Convention Center, May 30 – June 1
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🎸 Head in the Clouds: 88rising, the pioneering and internationally renowned music and media company globally amplifying Asian talent and culture, May 31-June 1
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⛸️ 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.
🎉 5th Annual DENA Juneteenth 2025: Celebrate Black joy, radical resilience, and community wellness at this family-friendly Juneteenth festival in Altadena. Expect live music, drum and healing circles, line dancing, games, painting, water slides, scholarships, food, vendors, and more. Saturday, June 14 · 10:30AM–3:30PM at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 2283 N. Fair Oaks Ave, Altadena.
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!
THE MARQUEE
🎭 The Marquee: A Doll’s House, Part 2
📍 Pasadena Playhouse | May 14 – June 8
🎟️ Get Tickets →
Fifteen years after her dramatic exit, Nora returns—and she’s got unfinished business. In A Doll’s House, Part 2, Tony-nominated playwright Lucas Hnath delivers a bold, witty, and surprisingly modern sequel to Ibsen’s classic.
No need to have seen Part 1—just know Nora left her family, slammed the door, and now she’s back to face the fallout. Directed by Jennifer Chang, this smart, twist-filled production dives into freedom, family, and what it means to live on your own terms.
Catch it at the Pasadena Playhouse before it’s gone!
CIVIL NEWS
🚨 Police Training Exercise at the Rose Bowl: The Pasadena Police Department will conduct a specialized training with multiple agencies at the Rose Bowl Wednesday, May 14 · 7AM–2PM. The exercise supports preparedness for future high-profile events. Recreational access to the Rose Bowl area will remain unaffected.
🌱 The City of Pasadena has launched a new Sustainability website at CityOfPasadena.net/Sustainability, a central hub for updates on local environmental programs and goals. It highlights efforts across departments, including clean energy, zero-emission transit, waste reduction, and climate resilience. The site will be regularly updated to keep residents informed and involved in Pasadena’s sustainability progress.
🏘️ Pasadena Rental Housing Board Meeting: Regular meeting of the PRHB to review and oversee the Fair and Equitable Housing Charter Amendment. Thursday at 6PM.
⚖️ Free Disaster Relief Legal Clinic: Get help with FEMA appeals, tenant-landlord issues, and habitability concerns after the recent fires. The clinic will be hosted on Thursday, May 22, from 3PM to 6PM at Jackie Robinson Community Center.
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Wednesday
71 🌡️ 52 |⛅| 💨 SW 8 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 24 (Good)
Thursday
76 🌡️ 54 |⛅| 💨 S 6 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
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🎶 Wine & Song: Paula Fong; Lisa Sanders: An intimate evening of rich vocals and heartfelt songwriting featuring Paula Fong with her folk-infused melodies and Lisa Sanders & Brown Sugar’s soulful harmonies. 7PM at Wine & Song.
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🎷 Jumpin Joz Band: Swing the night away with this high-energy ensemble known for jazz, jump blues, and vintage flair—think Count Basie meets Louie Prima. Perfect for swing dancers and jazz lovers alike. Wednesday, May 14 · 6PM–10PM at Edwin Mills in Mills Alley, a lively bar and restaurant with outdoor seating.
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🎸 Doug MacDonald: Settle in for an evening of warm tones and classic jazz guitar from West Coast journeyman Doug MacDonald, whose decades-long career includes collaborations with legends like Ray Charles and Rosemary Clooney. A true “player’s player,” MacDonald delivers timeless standards with grace and swing. Thursday, May 15 · 6PM–10PM at Edwin Mills in Mills Alley, a stylish bar and restaurant with outdoor seating.
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🎻 Mount Wilson Observatory’s Sunday Afternoon Concerts: Artistic Director Cécilia Tsan curates thoughtful musical adventures under the magnificent vaulted dome of the 100-inch telescope, May 25
THANKS!
Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who can’t swim yet. It’s never too late to learn — and being safe in the water starts with knowing how. 💦
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