Adaptive Sports, Pasadena’s Turf Debate & Halloween Pups!

Good afternoon, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. A giant pumpkin broke loose from a North Carolina farm this week and went rolling down the road. Luckily, it was inflatable, but if there are thousand-pound pumpkins in Pasadena, and you see one coming your way, run like Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark.

In this weekend’s News N’ Roses:

• Pasadena's Adaptive Sports Festival

• Artificial Turf Wins Pasadena's Grass Debate

• Bark in the Park: Howl-O-Ween

• Events this Weekend

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

P.S. Happy birthday to the best violinist I know, Chad Cannon! 🎂

THE DIGEST

🏅Pasadena's Adaptive Sports Festival

Pasadena just announced its 8th Annual Adaptive Sports Festival, happening Saturday, November 7, at Brookside Park, bringing a full day of sports, fitness, and activities for people of all abilities.

Hosted by the City of Pasadena and Triumph Foundation, this free event gives participants the opportunity to try a wide range of adaptive sports, including archery, wheelchair rugby, pickleball, tennis, boxing, basketball, disc golf, and dance.

No experience is necessary! All equipment is provided, and trained coaches will be on hand to help everyone get involved. There will also be an interactive art workshop, a resource fair, and free lunch for registered attendees.

The festival runs from 9AM–2PM at Brookside Park (360 N. Arroyo Blvd.). Admission is free, but pre-registration is recommended. Click here to register or learn more.

🌱 Artificial Turf Wins Pasadena's Grass Debate

The grass isn't always greener on the other side. At least, that's what Pasadena City Council decided this week after months of debate over the future of two city athletic fields. In a 5–3 vote, the council approved replacing the aging artificial turf at Villa Parke and Robinson Park with newer synthetic surfaces rather than switching to natural grass.

The decision comes after months of back-and-forth between youth sports advocates, environmental groups, and residents. Supporters of artificial turf argued that it can withstand heavy use, requires less maintenance, and keeps fields available for more games and practices. Opponents raised concerns about extreme surface temperatures, potential chemical exposure, and environmental impacts.

The new turf will use recyclable materials, avoid PFAS in manufacturing, and incorporate natural infill materials like cork and sand. For now, artificial turf stays, but the city plans to continue evaluating natural grass for future park renovations.

🐶 Bark in the Park: Howl-O-Ween

Forget the ghosts and goblins. This Halloween, it's all about dogs in costumes!

On Sunday, October 25, Playhouse Village Park is hosting Bark in the Park: Howl-o-ween, a Halloween celebration where Pasadena's four-legged residents get to show off their best costumes. Hosted by the Playhouse Village Foundation, the event features a pup costume contest, giving local dogs the chance to parade around in their most creative, spooky, or downright ridiculous outfits.

Whether your pup is dressing up as a pumpkin, superhero, or hot dog (a classic!), this is a fun excuse to get outside and enjoy some Halloween festivities with your furry friend. And even if you don't have a dog, you can still stop by to admire the costumes and enjoy the cuteness. The event is free and runs from 11AM–2PM at Playhouse Village Park (701 Union St.). Click here for more details.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Friday (10/16)

🎬 Film: "My Left Foot" (1989): Jim Sheridan's film stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Irish artist and writer Christy Brown, who had cerebral palsy. Norton Simon Museum | Friday | October 16 | 4:30–6:10PM

🥂 #LATechWeek: Pasadena Ascends VIP Closing Reception: An invitation-only rooftop reception closing out LA Tech Week in Pasadena, with views of the San Gabriel Mountains. Wedbush Pasadena | Friday | October 16 | 4PM

🎭 Something Rotten! JR.: Young Stars Theatre performs this musical comedy about siblings who accidentally invent the world's first musical during the Renaissance. Fremont Centre Theatre | Friday | October 16 | 7PM

📚 Rebekah Faubion, in conversation with Liz Kerin, discusses & signs What a Nightmare: Faubion reads and signs her novel about a woman whose dreams start killing people, in conversation with author Liz Kerin. Vroman's Bookstore | Friday | October 16 | 7PM

🎭 Come from Away: A Noise Within stages the Broadway musical about 7,000 airline passengers stranded in Newfoundland on 9/11. A Noise Within | Friday | October 16 | 7:30PM

🥋 Caltech Tai Chi Club: Learn and practice Hao-style tai chi chuan, with additional practice in Yang-style tai chi, kung fu, and other bare-hand and weapon forms. Caltech's Hameetman Center 220 – Multipurpose Room | Friday | October 16 | 7PM

🎞️ Silent Film Screening – "The Phantom Carriage": The 1921 Swedish silent horror film plays with live piano accompaniment, no registration required. South Pasadena Library Community Room | Friday | October 16 | 7PM

🎵 Clazzical Notes presents Bebop, Bach & Berlin: A concert pairing Bach's counterpoint and Irving Berlin standards with Dizzy Gillespie's bebop, hosted by founder Jerri Price-Gaines. Lineage Performing Arts Center | Friday | October 16 | 7PM

🎭 Outside Mullingar: John Patrick Shanley's play about two Irish neighbors navigating family land, stubbornness, and long-unspoken feelings. Sierra Madre Playhouse | Friday | October 16 | 8PM

Saturday (10/17)

🥦 Pasadena Farmers' Market at Victory Park: A certified farmers' market with about 60 vendors selling produce, fish, jams, and farm products — no craft vendors. Victory Park | Saturday | October 17 | 8AM–12PM

🌽 La Canada Farmers' Market: A certified farmers' market with California-grown produce sold directly from local farms, plus prepared food vendors. 1346 Foothill Blvd, La Cañada Flintridge | Saturday | October 17 | 9AM–1PM

🛣️ Walktober 2026: 99 Years and 11 Months of Route 66: Author and Route 66 historian Scott Piotrowski leads a casual walk along Pasadena's stretch of the Mother Road. San Rafael Park | Saturday | October 17 | 9AM

🏡 Tour the Blacker House Exterior with John Ripley: Craftsman Era historian John Ripley leads an exterior tour of the Greene & Greene-designed Blacker House. Robert R. Blacker House | Saturday | October 17 | 10AM–3:30PM

📋 Starting a Business: What You Need to Know: A two-hour SCORE workshop covering business naming, licenses, taxes, insurance, and financing for new or aspiring business owners. Lamanda Park Branch Library | Saturday | October 17 | 10:30AM–12:30PM

🏛️ Boddy House Tour: A guided walkthrough of Manchester Boddy's 1930s residence, designed by Hollywood architect James Dolena, held alongside the LA's Garden exhibition. Descanso Gardens | Saturday | October 17 | 10AM

🏠 Pasadena Home Show: Home improvement vendors and professionals gather with a Kitchen Showcase, photo gallery, and exhibitors covering renovations inside and out. Pasadena Convention Center, Hall B | Saturday | October 17 | 10AM–8PM

🎃 Halloween Trivia & Coffee Hour: Halloween-themed trivia for adults with coffee and donuts provided, solo or group play welcome, winner takes home a trophy. Bob Lucas Library | Saturday | October 17 | 11AM–12PM

🎃 Boo Crew Workshop with The Unicorn Store: Kids decorate a wooden haunted house using paints, craft supplies, and spooky embellishments. The Unicorn Store in One Colorado | Saturday | October 17 | 11AM–1PM

🎬 Pixar & Popcorn: A free family matinee screening of Pixar films with snacks provided. Allendale Branch Library | Saturday | October 17 | 2:30–4:30PM

🎨 AC Hotel: Paint & Sip: Sweet November: A guided painting session with drinks where participants recreate the "Sweet November" artwork. AC Hotel Pasadena | Saturday | October 17 | 2PM

📚 Leslie Adame discusses & signs Chloe Vega and the Missing Unseen: Adame reads from her middle grade fantasy sequel, in conversation with Ashley Granillo, and signs copies after. Vroman's Bookstore | Saturday | October 17 | 2PM

🌱 Seed to Supper: Learn How to Grow Your Own Food (Garden Work Day): A hands-on garden work day at City of Hope, part of a beginner program covering soil prep, planting, and harvest. Garden of Hope at City of Hope | Saturday | October 17 | 3–5PM

🎨 Fall Arts Crawl 2026: Over 25 businesses along Mission Street host art exhibitions, live music, an Oktoberfest beer garden, and an Artisans' Alley vendor pop-up. Mission Street, South Pasadena | Saturday | October 17 | 3–9PM

🎼 Third@First: The Three Bs: Beethoven, Bach, and Brahms: LA Phil musicians and Junko Ueno Garrett perform chamber works spanning Baroque to Romantic era. First United Methodist Church | Saturday | October 17 | 4PM

🎉 St. Philip the Apostle School's Fall Fest 2026: An evening fall festival on the St. Philip the Apostle School campus. St. Philip the Apostle School | Saturday | October 17 | 4–9PM

🔭 Talks & Telescopes: Sam Hale, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Mount Wilson Institute: Sam Hale, CEO and Chairman of the Mount Wilson Institute, speaks at the observatory's recurring lecture and stargazing series. Mt. Wilson Observatory | Saturday | October 17 | 5:30PM

🏡 Craftsman Week 2026: An Evening at the Blacker House: Tour & Reception: A self-guided tour of the Greene & Greene landmark's first floor, followed by a reception with live music on the terrace and backyard. Robert R. Blacker House | Saturday | October 17 | 5–8PM

✨ SHINE Gala 2026: Ronald McDonald House Pasadena hosts its annual fundraising gala with dinner, dancing, and a live auction supporting families with hospitalized children. Annandale Golf Club | Saturday | October 17 | 5PM

📚 Vroman's Bookstore celebrates 100 years of Caltech with David Zierler: Caltech's institutional historian presents To Illuminate Nature, his illustrated centennial history drawn from oral interviews with faculty, alumni, and trustees. Vroman's Bookstore | Saturday | October 17 | 5PM

💃 Convergence: Pasadena Dance Theatre performs a coming-of-age production choreographed by Jessamyn Vedro, set to Tchaikovsky's score. PDT's Studio Theatre | Saturday | October 17 | 5PM

🧵 Homebody Quilt Block Workshop with Essay Hall: Create a quilted artwork inspired by your home in this free three-part workshop, learning paper piecing, sewing, and embroidery techniques. Remainders Creative Reuse | Saturday | October 17 | 6–8PM

🍺 Sip & Shush: A quiet, drop-in reading hour at a brewery where you bring your own book and grab a drink. RT Rogers Brewing, Co. | Saturday | October 17 | 6:30PM

🏳️‍🌈 Come From Away + Pride & Community Night: A Noise Within's production of the musical about 7,000 airline passengers stranded in Newfoundland on 9/11, with a Pride community night. A Noise Within | Saturday | October 17 | 7:30PM

🎭 A Nightmare on Poe Street: A reader's theater adaptation of Poe's works, from "The Raven" to lesser-known pieces like "Hop-Frog," directed by Gary B. Lamb. Parson's Nose Theater | Saturday | October 17 | 7PM

Sunday (10/18)

🌿 Walktober 2026: Pasadena Gardens and Historic Homes: A walking tour of Pasadena's historic gardens and homes. Arlington Garden Pasadena | Sunday | October 18 | 9AM–12:30PM

🧘 The Courtyard Series | Wellness: Vinyasa Yoga with Equinox Pasadena: An all-levels yoga class connecting movement and breath through flowing sequences designed to build strength, improve flexibility, and calm the mind. Bring your own mat. One Colorado | Sunday | October 18 | 10AM

🏡 Craftsman Week 2026: Inside The Lanterman House – A Special Open House: A 1915 Craftsman home designed by Arthur L. Haley, still holding its original furnishings, open for docent-guided tours. The Lanterman House | Sunday | October 18 | 1–5PM

🤝 United Against Hate Week Neighborfest: A free community gathering featuring live music by folk-rock duo The Nextdoors and appearances by Congresswoman Judy Chu and other local officials. Western Justice Center | Sunday | October 18 | 1:30–4:30PM

🥑 Guac n Roll: A cooking and history program at Bob Lucas Library exploring the local origins of the Hass avocado while making guacamole. Bob Lucas Library | Sunday | October 18 | 2–3PM

🎹 Restoration Concert Series: Robert Thies (Piano) and Roger Wilkie (Violin): Pianist Robert Thies, the only American to win a Russian piano competition since Van Cliburn, performs with violinist Roger Wilkie. South Pasadena Library Community Room | Sunday | October 18 | 4PM

📚 Local Author Day Introducing Jerell Hill, Elliot Blake & Travis Johns: Three local authors present their work at Vroman's. Vroman's Bookstore | Sunday | October 18 | 4PM

🗳️ California Women Win the Vote | Film Screening and Panel Discussion: A 29-minute documentary on California's 1911 suffrage campaign screens alongside a panel discussion, marking the 115th anniversary of the victory. Pasadena Museum of History | Sunday | October 18 | 5:00–7PM

WEATHER

Friday

90 🌡️ 68 |☀️| 💨 E 13 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 38 (Good)
💧Humidity: 15%

Saturday

85 🌡️ 65 |☁️| 💨 S 7 mph

Sunday

82 🌡️ 63 |🌧️65%| 💨 S 6 mph

🚩RED FLAG WARNING: High risk for rapid fire growth and extreme fire behavior with any new fire starts through Saturday, due to moderate to locally strong Santa Ana winds and low relative humidity. In effect until 8PM PDT Saturday.

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC

🎶 Stones Throw 30 – Automatic & Pearl & The Oysters: Stones Throw celebrates 30 years with an outdoor festival featuring Automatic, Pearl & The Oysters and a lineup of artists from the label’s past and present. Lodge Room (Highland Park) | Friday | October 16 | 6PM

🎷 Catalina Combo: Paul Eckman, Willie McNeil and Jeff Miley perform jazz standards with Hot Jazz & World Cafe. Edwin Mills | Friday | October 16 | 7PM

🎼 The Three Bs: Beethoven, Bach, and Brahms: LA Phil musicians and Junko Ueno Garrett perform chamber music spanning Baroque to Romantic works. First United Methodist Church Pasadena | Saturday | October 17 | 4PM

🎙️ Chloe Perrier: French jazz singer Chloe Perrier performs jazz standards, bossa nova, French songs and original compositions. Edwin Mills | Saturday | October 17 | 7PM

🤝 United Against Hate Week Neighborfest: A free community gathering featuring live music by folk-rock duo The Nextdoors and appearances by Congresswoman Judy Chu and other local officials. Western Justice Center | Sunday | October 18 | 1:30–4:30PM

🎹 Restoration Concert Series: Robert Thies (Piano) and Roger Wilkie (Violin): Pianist Robert Thies, the only American to win a Russian piano competition since Van Cliburn, performs with violinist Roger Wilkie. South Pasadena Library Community Room | Sunday | October 18 | 4PM

🎷 Ken Song: Ken Song performs an evening of jazz. Edwin Mills | Sunday | October 18 | 6PM

THANKS!

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