Art Night Tonight!

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. Today is Friday the 13^th and it’s going to reach 88 degree in March. But for some good news: tonight is Art Night! It’s gonna be fun!

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• ArtNight Pasadena Is Tonight

• Five Acres Celebrates 100 Years in Altadena

• Events this Weekend

• Civic News

• Live Music

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST

ArtNight Pasadena Is Tonight

Pasadena’s signature cultural open house, ArtNight Pasadena, takes over the city tonight from 6–10 PM with a citywide evening of art, music, dance, and performances — all free.

Museums, galleries, and cultural spaces across Pasadena will open their doors with special exhibitions, performances, and hands-on activities. Free shuttle buses run throughout the night, making it easy to hop between venues.

Highlights include art and dance workshops at the Armory Center for the Arts, masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Raphael at the Norton Simon Museum, taiko drumming at Shumei Arts Council, jazz from Pasadena-born bassist Michael Haggins, student exhibitions at Pasadena City College, and live music at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music.

For full details on ArtNight venues, participating partners, and shuttle bus routes, click here.

Five Acres Celebrates 100 Years in Altadena

Altadena-based nonprofit Five Acres, which provides foster care, adoption, and mental health services for children and families in crisis, held its Annual Board Meeting and Community Awards celebration this past Wednesday at its historic headquarters.

The evening recognized community partners and longtime supporters as the organization marked 100 years at its Altadena campus. Honorees included World Central Kitchen for its emergency meal efforts, Nick and Rachel Mosaquites as Volunteers of the Year, and the Tanimoto Family for decades of service. Outgoing board chair Chris Selak also received the Dorothy Cook Lifetime Achievement Award before passing leadership to incoming chair Shoshana Puccia.

The celebration kicks off a year of centennial events, including a Golden Gala on June 6, a Centennial Ribbon Cutting on July 15, and the Annual Golf Tournament on August 24.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

This Weekend

💎 International Gem & Jewelry Show: Shop directly from designers, wholesalers, and manufacturers offering diamonds, gemstones, pearls, beads, engagement rings, and jewelry supplies all under one roof. Pasadena Convention Center | Saturday-Sunday | 12PM–6PM

🏡 Pasadena Spring Home Show: A home improvement expo featuring professionals and exhibitors to help inspire and plan renovation and remodeling projects. Pasadena Convention Center Hall A | Saturday-Sunday | 10AM–8PM

💃 Metropolis: The John Muir High School Mystics Dance Team presents an Afrofuturist dance concert inspired by Janelle Monáe’s music, blending powerful choreography with themes of freedom, identity, and rebellion. Lineage Performing Arts Center | Friday/Saturday @ 7PM | Sunday @ 5PM

Friday (3/13)

🎨 Eliot Arts Magnet Annual Fundraiser: Support Eliot Arts Magnet Academy’s arts programs during a special evening benefiting teaching artists, performances, studio spaces, and creative opportunities for students. Altadena Girls | Friday | 6PM

🎨 ArtNight Pasadena: A citywide evening where Pasadena museums, galleries, and cultural venues open their doors for free with art exhibitions, live music, performances, and special activities. Various Pasadena venues | Friday | 6PM–10PM

📚 Aftermath of Ashes – Author Event: Altadena author S.A. Gibson discusses his novella inspired by the 2025 Altadena fires in conversation with Brandon Lamar. Octavia’s Bookshelf | Friday | 6PM–7:30PM

🎨 Meow N Paint with Tail Town Cats: Paint a cat-themed canvas while spending time with adoptable cats during this relaxed, creative evening. Tail Town Cat Cafe | Friday | 6PM

🎻 Sords | Walz | Durkovic Play Mozart, Brahms, Williams & More: Enjoy an intimate evening of classical chamber music featuring works by Mozart, Brahms, John Williams, and more. Bacchus’ Kitchen + Wine Bar | Friday | 6PM–10PM

🎶 Snapshots of America: The Angeles Chorale presents a powerful concert exploring themes of social justice, democracy, and hope through choral works including Considering Matthew Shepard: A Choral Suite. Alex Theatre | Friday | 7:30PM

🧘 Caltech Tai Chi Club: Join a welcoming weekly practice to learn Hao-style tai chi along with Yang-style forms, kung fu, and other traditional movements. Caltech’s Hameetman Center 220 – Multipurpose Room | Friday | 7PM–9PM

🎭 “Essex Corners”: A world premiere play exploring generations of one family in a small New England town, reflecting on a century of change in American life. Pasadena City College | Friday | 7:30PM

Saturday (3/14)

🚶‍♂️ Epilepsy Walk Los Angeles 2026: A community walk that brings people together to share stories, learn about epilepsy, and raise funds for care and research. Rose Bowl Stadium | Saturday | 8:30AM

☕ Unincorporated Coffee Roasters – Altadena Cars and Coffee: A community cars and coffee meetup hosted by Altadena Cars & Coffee bringing together car enthusiasts and locals. Unincorporated Coffee Roasters | Saturday | 8AM

🥕 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Victory Park: A certified farmers’ market offering fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and farm products directly from the farmers who grow them. Victory Park | Saturday | 8AM–12PM

🧘 The Courtyard Series | Fitness Sessions Supported by Vuori: A rotating lineup of fitness sessions led by local studios and instructors, with this session featuring a Slow Flow Yoga class from YogaSix Pasadena. One Colorado | Saturday | 8AM–10AM

📚 Pasadena Festival of Women Authors 2026: A full-day literary festival featuring award-winning authors including Amity Gaige, Karen Russell, Leila Mottley, and Rachel Khong. SOLD OUT. Pasadena Convention Center / Livestream | Saturday | All Day

👵 Golden Future Senior Expo – San Gabriel Valley Edition: A lifestyle and health expo featuring exhibitors, educational seminars, activities, and resources focused on aging well. Pasadena Convention Center | Saturday | 9AM–1PM

🥕 La Canada Farmers’ Market: A weekly farmers’ market offering fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, breads, jams, and more. 1346 Foothill Blvd. | Saturday | 9AM–1PM

🌱 Learn Regenerative Gardening by doing it yourself with Capri Kasai!: A hands-on volunteer event where participants learn regenerative gardening by working in the garden and helping with planting and landscaping projects. Arlington Garden Pasadena | Saturday | 9AM–12PM

🧵 Beginner Sewing 2: A sewing class for students who already know how to use a sewing machine and want to continue building skills while completing a simple project. Remainders Creative Reuse | Saturday | 10AM

🐦 Hummingbird Cantina Anniversary Celebration: A community celebration featuring birdwatching, a hummingbird lecture, and hands-on activities with Pasadena Audubon Society. The Gamble House | Saturday | 10:30AM–1:30PM

⚖️ HERstory 2026: The Path Forward for Pay Equity: An interactive Women’s History Month program featuring film clips and a panel discussion on workplace equity and equal pay. Pasadena Commission on the Status of Women | Saturday | 11AM–1PM

🥊 Archetype Yoga: Women’s Empowerment Series: A Women’s History Month movement series featuring boxing, self-defense, and expressive movement classes led by local instructors. Archetype Yoga Pasadena | Saturday | 1PM

🎵 Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with The Holiday Ukulele Orchestra: A festive performance of Irish tunes by The Holiday Ukulele Orchestra with singing along encouraged. Pasadena Senior Center (PSC) | Saturday | 1:30PM

🩰 A Midsummer Night’s Dream: An enchanting ballet inspired by Shakespeare’s comedy featuring fairies, lovers, and magical mischief. Pasadena Dance Theatre (PDT) | Saturday | 2PM & 5PM

🥧 Pies & Plays! A 10-Minute Play Reading Event on π Day: A staged reading featuring six new 10-minute plays written by members of The Playwrights Union. Outside In Theatre (Highland Park) | Saturday | March 14 | 3PM–5PM

✈️ Amelia Earhart’s Paper Plane Race: Celebrate Women’s History Month by learning about Amelia Earhart and racing paper planes. Santa Catalina Branch Library | Saturday | 3PM

🎉 Rooted and Rising: Saint Mark’s School Annual Gala: An annual gala and spring auction supporting Saint Mark’s School and its ongoing rebuilding efforts after the Eaton Fire. Saint Mark’s School | Saturday | 5:30PM

♠️ 11th Annual South Pasadena Main Event Poker Tournament: A community poker tournament supporting after-school sports and activities at South Pasadena Middle School. War Memorial Building | Saturday | 6:30PM

💃 Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association: Wearin’ O’ the Green Swing Dance Night: A St. Patrick’s Day-themed swing dance night with live music by Lil’ Mo & The Dynaflos. Grace Hall | Saturday | 8PM

Sunday (3/15)

🧘 The Courtyard Series | Wellness Activities: A wellness session featuring breathwork and a sound bath guided by Somer Skye Energy Works. One Colorado Courtyard | Sunday | 10AM–11AM

🎨 Frida Kahlo: Tree of Hope Presentation: A multimedia lecture by Dr. Gloria Arjona exploring the life and work of artist Frida Kahlo through music, images, and storytelling. All Saints Church | Sunday | March 15 | 11:30AM–2PM

🎮 Family Day: A weekly family event featuring food, arcade games, and activities for kids and parents. Barcade Highland Park | Sunday | 12PM–3PM

🩰 A Midsummer Night’s Dream: An enchanting ballet inspired by Shakespeare’s comedy featuring fairies, lovers, and magical mischief. Pasadena Dance Theatre (PDT) | Saturday | 2PM

🍀 An Irish Celebration: An evening of poetry, songs, and humor celebrating Irish culture presented by the Parson’s Nose Company. Parson’s Nose Theater | Sunday | 3PM

Updated: 3/13

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!

WEATHER

Friday

88 🌡️ 59 |☀️| 💨 S 7 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 25 (Good)

Saturday

80 🌡️ 56 |☀️| 💨 SW 8 mph

Sunday

82 🌡️ 56 |🌤️| 💨 SW 4 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC

🎻 Sords | Walz | Durkovic Play Mozart, Brahms, Williams & More: Enjoy an intimate evening of classical chamber music featuring works by Mozart, Brahms, John Williams, and more. Bacchus’ Kitchen + Wine Bar | Friday | March 13 | 6PM–10PM.

🐙 Octopus’s Garden: A world premiere play where two marine biologists and a composer confront obsession and ambition after discovering an octopus that creates extraordinary music. Boston Court Pasadena | This Weekend | Various Times

🎻 Pasadena Community Orchestra Featuring YAC Winner in the Junior Division: The Pasadena Community Orchestra performs works by Mendelssohn, Grieg, and Beethoven, with a special appearance by the Young Artist Competition junior division winner. First Church of the Nazarene | Friday | March 13 | 8PM.

🎸 LA Dead Night w/ Shaky Feelin @ The Old Town Pub: A live jam band performance featuring Shaky Feelin playing music from the Grateful Dead catalog and more. Olde Town Pub | Friday | March 13 | 8PM

🍀 The Mixx: St. Patrick’s Day Live Tribute to Arctic Monkeys Show and Dance Party: A St. Patrick’s Day celebration featuring a live Arctic Monkeys tribute by Polar Primates and a dance party with DJ Jack Tames. The Mixx | Friday | March 13 | 8PM

🎷 Jenny & The Jazz Birds: A live performance from a South Pasadena jazz group known for its classic jazz sound and regular shows at Jones Coffee Roasters. Jones Coffee Roasters | Saturday | March 14 | 10AM

🎶 MUSIC | 123 Andrés: A family concert featuring the Latin-Grammy and Grammy Award-winning duo performing bilingual songs and interactive music for children and adults. Sierra Madre Playhouse | Saturday | March 14 | 11AM

🎶 Live Music with Jake Cassman: Enjoy an afternoon of live music from local musician Jake Cassman. Stone Brewing | Saturday | March 14 | 5PM

🎸 Whitney: Indie rock band Whitney performs songs from their upcoming album Small Talk along with fan favorites. Lodge Room Highland Park | Saturday | March 14 | 7PM

🎺 The Nolan Shaheed Quintet: A jazz performance featuring Nolan Shaheed originals alongside music from jazz greats like Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan, and Clifford Brown. Boston Court Pasadena | Saturday | March 14 | 8PM

🎷 Arcetype Yoga: Second Saturdays Jazz Night: A monthly jazz showcase featuring local musicians and vocalists performing in an intimate community setting. Archetype Yoga Pasadena | Saturday | March 14 | 8PM

🎷 Jazz Sundays: A live jazz performance featuring The Gold Line Jazz Collective, Barb Catlin and Ken Rosser playing music by composers like Carla Bley, Billy Strayhorn, and Wayne Shorter. Jones Coffee Roasters | Sunday | March 15 | 9AM & 2PM

🎸 The Rock and Roll Playhouse Plays Music of The Beatles + More for Kids: A family concert where kids can sing, move, and play while listening to music from the classic rock canon. Lodge Room Highland Park | Sunday | March 15 | 11AM

🎻 Crown City Symphony Concert: A symphony concert featuring Brahms’ Tragic Overture and Sibelius’ Violin Concerto with violin soloist David Park. First Baptist Church | Sunday | March 15 | 2PM

🎺 Mt. Lowe Chamber Players Present Brass Quintet: A brass quintet performance featuring music spanning from Bach and Gabrieli to film, television, and jazz-influenced works. Westminster Presbyterian Church | Sunday | March 15 | 3PM

🎶 Jazz & Classics: Young Artist Concert: A concert featuring young musicians performing classical, sacred, and jazz pieces. Lake Avenue Church | Sunday | March 15 | 4PM–5PM

🎸 The Walters: Indie rock band The Walters perform songs from their album Good Company along with fan favorites like “I Love You So.” Lodge Room Highland Park | Saturday | March 14 | 7PM

THANKS!

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