ArtNight Returns Oct. 10

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that approves of your pumpkin-spiced lattes, now that Fall has technically started.

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

• Rose Court Finalists Announced

• ArtNight Pasadena Returns

• Events This Wednesday & Thursday

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

P.S. Happy birthday Emily Bohannan! 🎂

THE DIGEST

Rose Court Finalists Announced

On Monday, the Tournament House steps became the stage for a different kind of bloom: 28 young women were named finalists for the 2026 Rose Court. Drawn from 41 schools across the San Gabriel Valley, these students are more than poised and polished — they’re athletes, artists, scientists, and leaders who balance academics with community service.

Over the next week, they’ll take part in final interviews before seven are chosen on Sept. 29 to make up the official Rose Court. Those selected will represent Pasadena at dozens of events, from the 137th Rose Parade to the 112th Rose Bowl Game, and receive a $7,500 scholarship along the way.

It’s one of the city’s longest-running traditions — a blend of debutante ball, community service, and public ambassadorship that’s been part of Pasadena’s identity since 1890.

For the full list of 28 finalists, visit the Tournament of Roses website.

ArtNight Pasadena Returns

Pasadena’s biggest arts night out is back! ArtNight Pasadena will happen on Friday, Oct. 10, from 6–10 p.m., with free admission to 18 cultural venues citywide.

This fall’s edition brings two new partners—Fulcrum Arts and Pasadena Heritage—plus a wide range of experiences:

• Haunted puppet showcase at Pasadena City Hall

• Mushroom Boat journey across the Catalina Channel with Fulcrum Arts

• Batchelder tile exhibition and storytelling with Pasadena Heritage

• Show tune sing-alongs at the Pasadena Playhouse

• Four-gallery series at ArtCenter exploring Japanese car culture, deep sea mining, and more

• Multicultural performances at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music’s new campus

• Silk Road exhibition at USC Pacific Asia Museum

Other stops include Boston Court, Alkebu-lan Cultural Center, Red Hen Press, Pasadena City College, Remainders Creative Reuse, and artWORKS Teen Center. Food trucks will be stationed at several venues, and Braille brochures will be available.

More info: ArtNightPasadena.org

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Wednesday

• 🎵 Centering Sounds: Ann Louise Christensen: Enjoy an uplifting evening of Great American Songbook favorites and classic rock tunes in this outdoor concert at Washington Park. Wednesday, September 24 at 5:30PM.

• 🍻 Game Night Live Trivia at Stone Brewing: Test your wits (or just have some laughs) with free-to-play trivia featuring word jumbles, picture rounds, and game-show style fun—plus prizes on the line. Every Wednesday at 6PM at Stone Brewing Tap Room Pasadena.

• 🎭 Rent: Experience Jonathan Larson’s groundbreaking musical in a fresh new production with Lineage Dancers, blending love, resilience, and community with unforgettable music. Wednesday, September 24 at 7PM at Lineage Performing Arts Center.

• 📚 PEN Presents: Choosing an Elementary School: Get expert guidance and parent perspectives on navigating school options in Pasadena Unified, from special programs to magnet schools. Wednesday, September 24 from 7PM–8:30PM at PUSD Rm 351.

Thursday

• 🌽 South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: Shop fresh California-grown produce, enjoy prepared foods, and listen to live music under the trees right by the Gold Line station. Thursday, September 25 from 4PM–7PM.

• 🎶 California Choro Club: Celebrate Latino Heritage Month with a vibrant evening of Brazilian choro, blending 150 years of music that inspired jazz and samba. Thursday, September 25 from 6PM–7:30PM at Pasadena Heritage.

• 🎷 Summer Jazz Series at The Paseo: Groove to Wayne Linsey & Friends’ smooth jazz, R&B, and funk in a free open-air concert, with wine tastings and a live DJ to keep the night flowing. Thursday, September 25 at 6:30PM at The Paseo.

• 💪 Wellness in the Park: Join local instructors for a free group fitness class in Playhouse Village Park—perfect for getting active and enjoying the outdoors. Thursday, September 25 at 6PM.

• 🔬 Techer Live: Future Prospects for American Science: Caltech President Thomas F. Rosenbaum joins Science editor-in-chief Holden Thorp and Sandra Tsing Loh for a lively conversation on defending and advancing scientific research, followed by Q&A. Thursday, September 25 at 6PM.

• 🎥 Altadena Revealed: Owen Brown’s Body: Watch a special screening of Owen Brown’s Body followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Pablo D. Miralles and historian Michele Zack on the legacy of John Brown’s son in Altadena. Thursday, September 25 from 7PM–10PM.

Save the Date (Updated)

• 🏊 RBAC Annual Benefit: “Cheers to 35 Years”: Noor Pasadena hosts an evening celebrating community, leadership, and the future of aquatics. Olympic gold medalist Cullen Jones leads the night with honors for local leaders and standout student athletes, plus a powerful call to action for water safety. Tuesday, September 30 starting at 5:30PM.

  

• 🎬 Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month Movie Night: Bring the family for a free outdoor screening of Disney and Pixar’s Elio, plus complimentary popcorn for the perfect movie night. Friday, September 26 from 7PM–9PM.

• 🌿 Free Day at The Huntington: Explore the gardens, library, and art collections at The Huntington with free admission—just be sure to reserve your tickets in advance. Thursday, October 2.

• 🎃 Carved at Descanso Gardens: Stroll a glowing autumn trail of hand-carved pumpkins, towering wood spirits, and dazzling light displays, with seasonal treats and a special nighttime railroad ride. Friday, October 3–Thursday, October 30 from 6PM–10PM.

• 🖼️ Free First Fridays at Norton Simon Museum: Explore world-class art and the sculpture garden with free admission during this monthly evening event. Friday, October 3 from 4PM–7PM.

• 🛍️ Pasadena City College Flea Market: Browse antiques, collectibles, and treasures from 400+ vendors at this long-running community market. Sunday, October 5 at PCC parking lots.

• 🎨 ArtNight Pasadena: Explore 18 arts and cultural venues across the city for free—from haunted puppets and show tune sing-alongs to tile exhibits, interactive art, and live music. Friday, October 10 from 6PM–10PM citywide, with Pasadena City Hall as a central hub.

  

• 🎉 Pasadena Latino Heritage Festival: Celebrate culture, resilience, and community at this year’s festival themed “Un Pasado con Orgullo, un Futuro con Esperanza” (A Proud Past, a Hopeful Future). Centennial Square in front of City Hall will come alive with music, food, and festivities honoring Pasadena’s Latino heritage. Saturday, October 11 from 5:00PM–9:00PM.

• 🛍️ Artazan Handcraft Market: The Pasadena Convention Center transforms into a vibrant marketplace with over 200 artisans showcasing ceramics, jewelry, textiles, fine art, and gourmet treats. Enjoy live music, hands-on workshops, and seasonal shopping that celebrates creativity and community. Saturday & Sunday, October 11–12 from 10:00AM–5:00PM.

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

Free Transit Rides on Oct. 1 for Clean Air Day

Mark your calendar: Pasadena Transit and Dial-A-Ride will be free all day Wednesday, Oct. 1 as part of California Clean Air Day. The city is joining Metro, Foothill Transit, and other agencies across the region in encouraging Angelenos to swap the car for cleaner ways to get around.

Clean Air Day happens every year on the first Wednesday of October, inviting communities to take small steps together toward healthier air. Pasadena is already moving in that direction — the city rolled out its first Battery Electric Bus this year as part of a plan to shift the fleet to zero-emission vehicles.

If you want to go a step further, download the Dashboard.Earth app to log your rides and track other climate-friendly actions like conserving water and reducing waste. There are even prizes for participants. For more info, click here.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Wednesday

85 🌡️ 68 |☀️| 💨 SW 2 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 543 (Good)

Thursday

80 🌡️ 63 |☀️| 💨 S 7 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🎵 Centering Sounds: Ann Louise Christensen: Enjoy an uplifting evening of Great American Songbook favorites and classic rock tunes in this outdoor concert at Washington Park. Wednesday, September 24 at 5:30PM.

• 🎶 Jazz Combos, directed by Gary Fukushima: Pack a lunch and enjoy a lively outdoor concert as PCC student ensembles bring jazz to the Center for the Arts West Patio. Thursday, September 25 from 12PM–12:50PM.

• 🎶 California Choro Club: Celebrate Latino Heritage Month with a vibrant evening of Brazilian choro, blending 150 years of music that inspired jazz and samba. Thursday, September 25 from 6PM–7:30PM at Pasadena Heritage.

• 🎷 Summer Jazz Series at The Paseo: Groove to Wayne Linsey & Friends’ smooth jazz, R&B, and funk in a free open-air concert, with wine tastings and a live DJ to keep the night flowing. Thursday, September 25 at 6:30PM at The Paseo.

THANKS!

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