Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. This Thursday is Bike to Work Day. If you ride your bike over to City Hall, there’ll be coffee, snacks, and freebies waiting for you. I mean, technically anyone can stop by, but showing up in your car is kind of cheating (unless you really cant bike, of course).
In today’s News N’ Roses:
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Olive Young Opening in Pasadena
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Pasadena Summer Events 2026: Concerts, Festivals & More
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Linda Vista Communications Launches in Old Pasadena
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Events this Wednesday & Thursday
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Civic News
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Restaurant Spotlight
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All India Cafe
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Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
THE DIGEST
Olive Young Opening in Pasadena
One of South Korea’s biggest beauty and wellness retailers is opening its first U.S. brick-and-mortar store in Old Town Pasadena. Olive Young, known for carrying popular K-beauty brands like Beauty of Joseon and Anua, is set to open May 29 at 58 W. Colorado Boulevard in Old Pasadena.
To be honest, I have never heard of this store before. But apparently, “everyone” is talking about it. So, I looked them up and the store is crazy popular in Korea and it certainly has gained traction in the US.
Olive Young features skincare, makeup, haircare, wellness products, and AI-powered skin analysis stations modeled after the company’s flagship stores in Korea. Olive Young says it wants the shopping experience to feel low-pressure, allowing customers to browse and test products freely rather than being guided toward specific brands.
The Pasadena location is one of the company’s first major steps into the U.S. market, alongside another store opening at Westfield Century City. Olive Young has also partnered with Sephora as part of a broader North American expansion tied to the growing popularity of K-beauty in the U.S.
Linda Vista Communications Launches in Old Pasadena
Two longtime communications and public affairs professionals with deep Pasadena backgrounds have launched a new firm in Old Pasadena. Linda Vista Communications, founded by Geoffrey Baum and Carl Marziali, will focus on media relations, crisis communications, public affairs, executive positioning, and content strategy for nonprofits, research institutions, academic organizations, civic groups, and mission-driven businesses.
Between them, Baum and Marziali bring experience from NASA JPL, USC, the Milken Institute, Claremont McKenna College, the LA Mayor’s Office, and Pasadena City College. According to the founders, the firm was created to provide experienced, senior-level communications counsel for organizations navigating complex public and institutional environments.
The firm is headquartered along Colorado Boulevard in Old Pasadena. Welcome Linda Vista Communications!
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Wednesday (5/20)
👵 Pasadena Celebrates Older Americans Month: Enjoy presentations, food, and community resources during this annual celebration hosted by the City of Pasadena, Senior Commission, and Pasadena Village. Victory Park | Wednesday | 10AM – 1PM
🧠 Trivia Night: Weekly trivia hosted by Game Night Trivia invites teams to test their knowledge over Stone Brewing beers. Stone Brewing Tap Room | Wednesday | 6PM–8PM
📣 BRING IT ON on the BIG screen!: This Flashback Wednesday screening features the cheerleading comedy about a squad forced to rebuild after discovering their routines were stolen. Regency Academy Cinemas Pasadena | Wednesday | 7:30PM
🎼 Pasadena Choral Society Presents Life of Mozart: This performance of Mozart’s unfinished Requiem blends live music with readings from the composer’s own letters for an intimate portrait of his final days. San Marino Community Church | Wednesday | 7:30PM
🎭 Lerner and Loewe’s Brigadoon: Two American travelers stumble upon a mysterious Scottish village that appears for just one day every hundred years in this classic romantic musical. The Pasadena Playhouse | Wednesday | 8PM
Thursday (5/21)
🚴 Bike to Work Day: Celebrate Bike to Work Day with coffee, snacks, and freebies outside Pasadena City Hall. Pasadena City Hall | Thursday | 7AM–9:30AM
🌸 DIY Egg Carton Flower Bouquets: Create a springtime bouquet using recycled egg cartons during this hands-on craft program. Crowell Public Library | Thursday | 11AM
🏡 Wrigley Mansion House Tour: Take a guided tour of Tournament House and learn about the history of the Wrigley Mansion, the Rose Parade, and the Rose Bowl Game. Guests must register in advance for complimentary tickets. Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association | Thursday | 2PM
🥕 South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: Shop California-grown produce, prepared foods, and local vendors while enjoying live music and special events at this weekly, award-winning outdoor market. 913 Meridian Ave. | Thursday | 4PM–8PM
🖼️ Natura Naturata Artist Panel: Artists and curator Claudia Pretelin will discuss newly commissioned works inspired by Descanso Gardens and the intersection of art and the natural world. Descanso Gardens | Thursday | 5:30PM
🪴 Little Shop of Horrors: This quirky sci-fi musical follows a timid florist’s assistant whose life changes after discovering a mysterious plant. Lineage Performing Arts Center (LPAC) | Thursday | 7PM
🎭 NT Live: Fleabag (2026): Boston Court Pasadena presents Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag as part of its NT Live screening series. Boston Court | Thursday | 7PM
🎭 Exit the King: A Noise Within presents Eugene Ionesco’s absurdist comedy about a king confronting mortality while refusing to let go of power. Directed by Michael Michetti, the production blends dark humor with a surprisingly moving story about acceptance and denial. A Noise Within | Thursday | 7:30PM
📚 Cookbook Live with Monti Carlo: Chef and writer Monti Carlo will discuss her new cookbook “Spanglish” and demonstrate one of her signature recipes live onstage. The Crawford | Thursday | 7PM
Upcoming Events
🐐 Goat Yoga at the Gamble House: Enjoy a light-hearted yoga session with friendly goats on the rear lawn of The Gamble House. The Gamble House | Saturday | May 23 | 9AM & 10:15AM
🎲 Play Day in the Park: Playhouse Village Park is turning into a giant game zone with oversized versions of Monopoly, Scrabble, Candyland, Uno, Checkers, and more. The afternoon will also include DJ music, craft activities, table games, and prizes for all ages. It’s a fun, laid-back way to kick off summer with friends and family outdoors in the heart of Pasadena. Playhouse Village Park | Sunday | May 24 | 12PM–4PM
🎶 Mount Wilson Observatory’s Sunday Afternoon Concerts In The Dome: Live musical performances take place beneath the vaulted dome of the historic 100-inch telescope at Mount Wilson Observatory. Mount Wilson Observatory | Sunday | May 24 | 3PM & 5PM
🇺🇸 Pasadena Memorial Day Remembrance: The City of Pasadena and the Pasadena Veterans Day Committee will host a Memorial Day ceremony honoring service members who gave their lives in defense of the country. Memorial Park, 85 E. Holly St. | Monday | May 25 | 10:30AM
Upcoming events are added to the News N’ Roses events page. Check them out here!
*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!
CIVIC NEWS
Public Safety Committee Meeting
Pasadena’s Public Safety Committee will meet Wednesday to discuss public safety matters affecting the city, with committee members including Mayor Victor M. Gordo and Councilmembers Tyron Hampton, Justin Jones, and Steve Madison. Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers | 5PM
Pasadena’s Library Commission
Pasadena’s Library Commission will meet Wednesday, May 20 at 6PM to advise the City Council and library administration on policies and matters related to the Pasadena Public Library system. Hill Avenue Branch Library | 6PM
RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
All India Cafe
I love Indian food, and whenever I’m craving it, All India Cafe is usually my go-to spot. Sometimes I’ll dine in because the restaurant has a really calm, cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxed dinner, and other times I’ll grab takeout for an easy movie night meal at home. Either way, it never disappoints.
My favorite thing to order is the Chicken Tikka Masala with Garlic Naan. The sauce is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor without feeling overly heavy, and the naan is perfect for scooping up every last bit. I also recommend the Chicken Pakora as an appetizer. It’s basically crispy marinated chicken fritters served with a homemade sweet tomato chutney that’s honestly addictive.
Chicken Tikka Masala, Garlic Naan Dinner Combo
The menu is pretty big, so there’s always something new to try. The Masala Dosa is really good if you want something a little different, and the Chicken Mango stands out too. It’s made with chicken cooked with chunks of mango, onions, ginger, garlic, and herbs in a savory curry sauce that balances sweet and savory perfectly.
Masala Dosa
There’s a reason All India Cafe has been a Pasadena favorite for decades. The food is consistently great and the family-owned atmosphere makes it feel welcoming every time you walk in.
WEATHER
Wednesday
86 🌡️ 58 |🌤️| 💨 SW 9 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 58 (Moderate)
Thursday
78 🌡️ 58 |🌤️| 💨 S 9 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.
LIVE MUSIC
🎶 Music at Noon: Folias Duo, guitar and flute: Folias Duo will perform a mix of classical music, jazz, world music, and improvisation during this midday concert. Pasadena Presbyterian Church | Wednesday | May 20 | 12:10PM–12:40PM
🎵 Music in the Chinese Garden: Enjoy traditional Chinese music performed on classical instruments as you stroll through the Garden of Flowing Fragrance. The Huntington | Wednesday | May 20 | 1PM
🎷 The David Eastlee Trio: Guitarist David Eastlee and his trio will perform jazz standards during this live music night at Edwin Mills. Edwin Mills | Wednesday | May 20 | 6PM–10PM
🎶 Live Bossa Nova, Latin Classics & Jazz at Visionarium with Angelo Metz: Angelo Metz returns to Visionarium Live Italian for an evening of Bossa Nova, Latin classics, and jazz. Visionarium Live Italian | Wednesday | May 20 | 6:30PM–8:30PM
🎼 Pasadena Choral Society Presents Life of Mozart: This performance of Mozart’s unfinished Requiem blends live music with readings from the composer’s own letters for an intimate portrait of his final days. San Marino Community Church | Wednesday | May 20 | 7:30PM
🎷 World Jazz Night: The Quinn Johnson Trio and other jazz musicians from around the world will perform live at Club 1881. Club 1881 | Wednesday | May 20 | 8PM–11PM
🎧 Avalon Emerson & the Charm: DJ and producer Avalon Emerson brings her genre-blending dance music project to The Lodge Room with special guest Inner Magic. The Lodge Room | Wednesday | May 20 | 8PM
🎸 Doug MacDonald: Jazz guitarist Doug MacDonald will perform live at Edwin Mills during this evening of jazz standards and swing. Edwin Mills | Thursday | May 21 | 6PM–10PM
🎷 Live Jazz, Latin, R&B & Pop at Visionarium with Zach Rosenstiehl & Simon Nowis: Zach Rosenstiehl and Simon Nowis will perform a mix of jazz, Latin, R&B, and pop during this live instrumental music night. Visionarium Live Italian | Thursday | May 21 | 6:30PM–8:30PM
🎸 Sleepytime Gorilla Museum: Experimental rock band Sleepytime Gorilla Museum performs with special guests Gumby’s Junk and Skin Theory at The Lodge Room. The Lodge Room | Thursday | May 21 | 8PM
THANKS!
Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who’s caught a Chick-fil-A employee say “you’re welcome” instead of “my pleasure”.
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