Celebrating Freedom: Juneteenth In Pasadena

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that’s as friendly as your barista who knows your order by heart.

Juneteenth in Pasadena: Honoring Freedom, Community, and Resilience
Rose Bowl Aquatics Center Marks 35 Years of Community Impact
No Fireworks at the Rose Bowl This Fourth—Here’s What to Know
Events This Weekend!
- Featured: Dine-Out Pasadena & Love, Loud & Proud!
Civil News Updates

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST

Juneteenth in Pasadena: Honoring Freedom, Community, and Resilience

Yesterday, we celebrated Juneteenth, marking June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas were finally informed of their freedom—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It’s a day of remembrance, joy, and reflection on the ongoing journey toward justice and equality in the U.S.

In Pasadena, that spirit was alive at the 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration and Roller Jam at City Hall, hosted with the Pasadena NAACP. Families gathered for live performances, community speakers, food, roller skating, and activities celebrating Black culture, history, and resilience.

More Juneteenth-inspired events are happening across the city this week—look for them in the What’s Happening section:

Documentary Screening: Can We All Get Along? The Segregation of John Muir High School
Criss X Cross: The crossroad where Japanese and African American jazz & culture meet
Historic Juneteenth Celebration at All Saints Church with St. Barnabas Church
Octavia E. Butler Birthday Celebration! Featuring Chi-Ming Yang and her book H is for Horse, honoring the early brilliance of the sci-fi legend born right here in Pasadena

Rose Bowl Aquatics Center Marks 35 Years of Community Impact

On Monday, the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center celebrated its 35th anniversary, honoring more than three decades of swimming, fitness, and community programming in Pasadena. The celebration included a morning community coffee and a special “Cheers to 35 Years” water fitness class. Since opening its doors, RBAC has empowered generations of swimmers and continues to be a cornerstone for health, recreation, and connection in the Arroyo.

No Fireworks at the Rose Bowl This Fourth—Here’s What to Know

For the first time in over 20 years, Pasadena’s Rose Bowl won’t host its usual Fourth of July fireworks show. Instead, a drone light show will take its place—part of a broader shift toward quieter, more environmentally friendly celebrations.

The show will only be visible to ticketed guests inside the stadium attending FoodieLand, the food and entertainment festival now replacing both the fireworks and the usual soccer match. City officials are asking residents not to gather around the stadium this year, as there won’t be a public view of the drones from outside.

It’s a big shift—and yeah, I’m a little bummed too. The fireworks show was a tradition for so many in the city, whether you were inside the stadium or just watching from a picnic blanket nearby. But the city says this change better reflects safety and environmental goals, so we’ll see how the drones stack up.

@NEWSN_ROSES

📷@newsnroses📍Pasadena City Hall, Juneteenth Celebration & Annual Roller Jam

Tag @newn_roses to get your photos in New N’ Roses!

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Friday

🎨 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.
🧘‍♂️ Caltech Tai Chi Club: Learn and practice Hao-style tai chi, kung fu, and more in a welcoming environment at Caltech from 7–9PM. Free and open to all—beginners encouraged! Classes meet near the Student Services Center.
🍷 The Italian Job: Wines of Umbria & Tuscany at Bacchus’ Kitchen: Savor an evening of exceptional food and fine wines with guest vintners from Tuscany and Umbria from 6–10PM at Bacchus’ Kitchen in Pasadena. $114/person for a delicious journey through Italy—reserve your table early!
🎥 Fish Water People Film Festival – Pasadena Screening: Celebrate resilience, tradition, and our connection to nature at this inspiring film festival hosted by Caltrout at 7PM in Pasadena. Doors open at 6:30PM—come for the films, stay for the raffle prizes and community vibes!

Saturday

🍎 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Victory Park: Stock up on fresh, local produce and specialty goods at Victory Park on Saturday, June 21 from 8:30AM–12:30PM. Located at 2900 N. Sierra Madre Blvd in front of Pasadena High School—your weekend just got more delicious!
🎩 Christopher T. Magician at Sierra Madre Memorial Park: Bring the whole family for laughs and amazement at this interactive magic show on Saturday, June 21 at 10AM at the Memorial Park Bandshell in Sierra Madre. Free and full of fun—no registration needed!
🃏 Front Row Card Show: Dive into a collector’s paradise at Pasadena Convention Center on Saturday, June 21 from 11AM–5PM. Explore sports cards, trading games, comics, toys, memorabilia, and more. Tickets: $20–$30 for a full day of buying, selling, and trading fun!
🕹️ Adult Arcade Afternoon @ Neon Retro Arcade: Relive your arcade glory days with free retro gaming, hosted by Altadena Library at Neon Retro Arcade on Saturday, June 21 from 2–4PM. A fun, nostalgic afternoon just for adults!
🩰 Little Women Ballet at Pasadena Playhouse: Experience Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel reimagined through dance on Saturday, June 21 at 2PM & 7PM at the historic Pasadena Playhouse. This original full-length ballet celebrates the March sisters’ journey with grace and heart.
🎞️ Documentary Screening: Can We All Get Along?: Explore race, education, and Pasadena history in this powerful film by Pablo Miralles, screening at a Pasadena Heritage event on Saturday, June 21 from 4–6PM. Includes a post-film Q&A with the filmmaker.
🎹 3rd@1st Season Finale: Organ-ic Soundtracks by Aaron Shows: Don’t miss this cinematic musical experience at First United Methodist Church of Pasadena on Saturday, June 21 at 4PM. Enjoy iconic movie themes and a live improvised organ score to a silent film—free and perfect for film fans of all ages!
🏳️‍🌈 Love, Loud & Proud! Pride Month Celebration: Join the City of Pasadena for a vibrant evening of unity and celebration at Pasadena City Hall on Saturday, June 21 from 6–9PM. Enjoy the Pride Flag Raising, live entertainment, and community spirit—free and open to all. Wear your brightest colors and be part of the rainbow!
🎻 When the Violin: Vijay Gupta + Yamini Kalluri: Experience a moving fusion of classical violin and Kuchipudi dance at the Sierra Madre Playhouse on Saturday, June 21 at 7:30PM. Featuring works by Bach and Reena Esmail, this unique performance blends music, poetry, and storytelling.
🎬 Stories from the Street: The Pursuit of Happyness: Watch an inspiring outdoor screening of The Pursuit of Happyness under the stars at One Colorado in Old Pasadena on Saturday, June 21 at 7PM. Enjoy music, courtyard picnicking, and community connection—all supporting Friends in Deed’s mission to help those facing homelessness. Free admission, donations encouraged!
🎷 Criss X Cross: Where Japanese & African American Jazz Meet: Experience a powerful cross-cultural fusion of jazz and traditional Japanese music with Clazzical Notes Pasadena on Saturday, June 21 at 7PM. This unique performance celebrates rhythm, heritage, and connection.

Sunday

👟 The Langham Pink Charity Run 5K: Lace up for a fun, pet-friendly 5K through historic Pasadena hosted by The Langham Huntington on Sunday, June 22 from 8–11AM. Enjoy music, snacks, swag, and a complimentary sound bath (for the first 80!). All ages welcome. Arrive early and wear your pink tee!
🔭 Special Behind the Scenes Engineering Tours at Mt. Wilson Observatory: Explore the mechanical marvels behind the historic 60- & 100-inch telescopes, solar observatories, powerhouse, and machine shop on Sunday, June 22 from 9AM–2:30PM. A rare, hands-on look at the engineering legacy of one of the world’s most storied observatories.
🐝 BEE Kind to Our Planet: Celebrate Pollinator Week with eco-friendly fun at One Colorado on Sunday, June 22 from 1–4PM at 41 Hugus Alley. Enjoy a DIY pollinator plant workshop, meet local beekeepers, sip honeybee lemonade, shop sustainable brands, and score free honey for the first 200 sign-ups!
🕊️ A Historic Juneteenth Celebration at All Saints Church: Join All Saints and St. Barnabas Church for a meaningful Juneteenth worship and community gathering on Sunday, June 22 at 9AM at All Saints Church, Pasadena. Hear from Nikki High of Octavia’s Bookshelf, enjoy gospel music, and witness the dedication of a Black Jesus icon in a powerful celebration of Black resilience and unity. Free and open to all.
🍽️ Dine Out Pasadena Streetfest: Celebrate Pasadena’s food scene with live music, games, and incredible eats in Old Pasadena on Sunday, June 22 from 1–7PM. Enjoy dishes from top local restaurants, food trucks, beer gardens, DJs, and fun street activities like cornhole and fry jenga. Free to attend.
📚 An Octavia E. Butler Birthday Celebration: Join Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena on Sunday, June 22 from 3–4PM for a special tribute to the legendary sci-fi author. Chi-Ming Yang will discuss and sign Octavia E. Butler: H is for Horse, exploring Butler’s early writings, art, and enduring impact. Free and open to all!

Save the Date

🌌Astronomy on Tap: What happens when two black holes collide? How do scientists use computer simulations to model the behavior of black holes? These topics and more will be discussed, Monday, June 23rd at 7:30 PM.
🌉 Pasadena Heritage Bridge Party: An unforgettable community celebration atop the Colorado Street Bridge! Saturday, July 19th from 6–11PM. Enjoy live music, local eats, kids’ activities, and vintage vehicles—all while supporting historic preservation.

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

🚧 Street Closures Begin Today for FIFA Events

Heads up, Pasadena: Holly Street will be closed on select days through June 25 to support the FIFA Club World Cup at the Rose Bowl. Closures run between Raymond Ave and Arroyo Pkwy, with no parking allowed during posted hours. Expect delays and plan alternate routes—Walnut, Del Mar, Fair Oaks, and Los Robles are your best bets.

👩‍💼 Commission on the Status of Women Special Annual Meeting

Head to the Jackie Robinson Community Center on Saturday, June 21 at 10AM for this special annual meeting focused on the needs and concerns of women in Pasadena. Free and open to the public—come be part of the conversation that shapes city policy.

🧾 Pasadena to Vote on Historic $1.5B Budget Monday

City Council will vote Monday on Pasadena’s largest-ever budget—totaling nearly $1.5 billion for Fiscal Year 2026. The proposal includes $943M in operating funds for city departments, plus $446M in capital improvements. Key investments focus on housing, public safety, climate resilience, and infrastructure like street repairs and power upgrades. Water & Power alone is slated to receive over $360M, while the Police and Fire departments will see $121M and $77M, respectively. The budget process—described by Finance Director Matt Hawkesworth as the most difficult in years—wraps up before the state-mandated June 30 deadline.