Chalk Festival Moved

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. Fun fact: Pure honey never spoils. Archaeologists have found pots of it in ancient Egyptian tombs that are still technically edible thousands of years later. And by the way, the Mummies of the World exhibit is now open at the California Science Center.

In today’s News N’ Roses:

Pasadena Chalk Festival Is Moving
Taste of South Pasadena this Tuesday
Golden Five Acres Gala
Events this Monday & Tuesday
Civic News
- Today Is the Deadline to Register to Vote
Weather
Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

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THE DIGEST

Pasadena Chalk Festival Is Moving

One of Pasadena’s most beloved annual traditions is switching things up this year. The Pasadena Chalk Festival, which has been a Father’s Day weekend staple for more than two decades, is officially moving from The Paseo area to Brookside Park near Kidspace Children’s Museum — and shifting from June to September 26–27.

Festival organizers say the change comes after a packed June calendar around City Hall, with Pasadena Pride, the Hemmings Great Race finish, Juneteenth celebrations, and the Pasadena Police Classic Car Show all landing around the same time. The new Brookside setting is expected to offer more room for artists, along with shade, picnic areas, and easier parking for visitors.

The festival, which draws more than 500 artists and once earned a Guinness World Record title for largest street painting festival, will also partner with Kidspace this year for family-friendly chalk activities and hands-on art experiences. For more information and updates, visit pasadenachalkfestival.org.

Taste of South Pasadena this Tuesday

The 12th Annual Taste of South Pasadena is happening tomorrow, Tuesday, May 19 from 5–8PM, turning Fair Oaks Avenue and Mission Street into a massive tasting tour packed with local restaurants, bakeries, wine, spirits, and live music. Guests can sample bites from more than 20 spots including Gus’s BBQ, Griffin’s of Kinsale, Handel’s Ice Cream, and The Kitchen by Neighbors & Friends, while enjoying performances from the Carbe and Durand Duo and local musician Katie Ferrara.

The annual event, hosted by the Rotary Club of South Pasadena, raises money for Eaton Fire relief efforts, scholarships, youth programs, and international service projects. Organizers say last year’s event raised more than $40,000 for fire survivors impacted by the 2025 Eaton Fire. For more details, click here.

A MESSAGE FROM FIVE ACRES

Celebrate a century of impact at the Golden Five Acres Gala on June 6, 2026. This special evening marks 100 years at Five Acres’ historic Altadena campus, while honoring 138 years of caring for children across Los Angeles County. Held at a private club in Pasadena, the night draws inspiration from the glamour of the 1920s and brings together community members, supporters, and partners for a meaningful cause. I’m also proud to say News N’ Roses is a media sponsor for the event!

Guests can expect an elegant evening with live music, cocktails, and a full program designed to celebrate the organization’s legacy and future. It is a chance to be part of a milestone moment while supporting a mission focused on safety, well-being, and permanency for every child.

Tickets are now available, including early bird pricing. Join the Five Acres community in celebrating 100 years of hope, heart, and home. Buy tickets here.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Monday (5/18)

🛍️ Donation Drive: Timeless Treasures: Donate gently used housewares, kitchen items, jewelry, collectibles, small appliances, and purses to support the Pasadena Senior Center’s Timeless Treasures Boutique. Pasadena Senior Center | Monday | May 18 | 8AM – 4PM

🌿 Homeschool Day: Homeschool students and families can enjoy free admission, educational materials, and a day exploring Descanso Gardens. Descanso Gardens | Monday | May 18 | 9:30AM – 11:30AM

🏃 Run With Us: Monday Fun Run: Join this community fun run featuring 4- and 6-mile route options, shoe demos, prizes, and a welcoming atmosphere for runners and walkers of all abilities. Run With Us | Monday | May 18 | 6PM

Tuesday (5/19)

🥕 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Villa Parke: Shop fresh locally grown produce and farm products directly from certified California farmers at Villa Parke. Villa Parke | Tuesday | May 19 | 8:30AM – 12:30PM

📚 Pasadena Area RIF Celebrates 50 Years of Inspiring Young Readers: Pasadena Area Reading is Fundamental will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a fundraising luncheon honoring its decades of providing free books to second-grade students across Pasadena Unified schools. Pasadena Area Reading | Tuesday | May 19 | 12:30PM – 2:30PM

🍽️ 12th Annual Taste of South Pasadena: Sample food, wine, beer, and spirits from restaurants and vendors across South Pasadena during this family-friendly walking event. Fair Oaks Avenue and Mission Street | Tuesday | May 19 | 5PM – 8PM

🍸 Taste of South Pasadena with Bellagave: Enjoy local food, tequila tastings, live music, and a walkable evening through South Pasadena featuring Bellagave tequila flavors including Coconut, Habanero, and Mango Jalapeño. Fair Oaks Pharmacy & Soda Fountain | Tuesday | May 19 | 5PM – 8PM

💃 Power in Dance Class for Adults: Explore rhythmic footwork, grounded movement, and a variety of dance styles during this beginner-friendly adult dance class. Lineage Performing Arts Center | Tuesday | May 19 | 5:30PM

🏛️ Member Appreciation Open House: Pasadena Heritage members are invited to enjoy refreshments, connect with fellow members, and explore the historic Blinn House during this appreciation event. The Blinn House | Tuesday | May 19 | 5:30PM – 7:30PM

🚵 Around the Cycle Tuesday Night Dirt: Join this recurring intermediate mountain and gravel bike ride featuring 12 miles and 1,200 feet of climbing. Around the Cycle | Tuesday | May 19 | 6PM – 8:30PM

🎼 Camerata Pacifica Performs: Camerata Pacifica’s latest program features works by Beethoven, Thierry De Mey, Kenji Bunch, and Shostakovich performed by an ensemble of acclaimed musicians. The Huntington | Tuesday | May 19 | 7:30PM

🧠 T. Boyle’s Tavern: Geeks who Drink Trivia: Gather a team and test your knowledge during Geeks Who Drink trivia night with food, drinks, and prizes. T. Boyle’s Tavern | Tuesday | May 19 | 8PM

Upcoming Events

🎼 Mount Wilson Observatory’s Sunday Afternoon Concerts In The Dome: Artistic Director Cécilia Tsan curates live musical performances beneath the vaulted dome of the historic 100-inch telescope at Mount Wilson Observatory. Concerts take place inside the observatory dome known for its cathedral-like acoustics, with programs varying by date. Mount Wilson Observatory | Sunday | May 24 | 3PM & 5PM

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

Today Is the Deadline to Register to Vote for the June 2 Primary

Today is the deadline to register to vote in California for the June 2 primary if you want to automatically receive a mail ballot. Pasadena voters will help decide City Council races in Districts 3, 5, and 7, along with statewide contests and a countywide sales tax measure. Residents who miss today’s deadline can still vote through conditional same-day registration at vote centers through Election Day.

Finance/Audit Committee Special Meeting

Pasadena’s Finance Committee will hold a special meeting at Pasadena City Hall on Monday to discuss city financial matters, with committee members including Mayor Victor M. Gordo and Councilmembers Tyron Hampton, Rick Cole, and Gene Masuda. Click here to view agenda. Pasadena City Hall | Monday | May 18 | 3PM

City Council Meeting

The Pasadena City Council will meet Monday, May 18 at 6PM in the City Hall Council Chamber (Room S249) at Pasadena City Hall. Click here to view agenda.

WEATHER

Monday

74🌡️54 |⛅| 💨 SW 9 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 66 (Moderate)

Tuesday

83🌡️56 |⛅| 💨 SW 8 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC

🎷 Triple Shot Jazz Trio: Pasadena-based modern jazz trio Triple Shot will perform improvisations and original compositions influenced by jazz, blues, gospel, and funk. Jones Coffee Roasters | Monday | May 18 | 9AM

🎻 Music in the Rose Garden: Enjoy live classical music performances by Pasadena Conservatory of Music musicians while exploring The Huntington’s Rose Garden. The Huntington’s Rose Garden | Monday | May 18 | 1PM

🎷 Ken Song: Ken Song will perform live jazz during this evening set at Edwin Mills. Edwin Mills | Sunday | May 17 | 6PM – 10PM

🎸 The Riner Scivally Trio: Guitarist Riner Scivally and his trio will perform jazz standards, Brazilian tunes, and original compositions. Edwin Mills | Monday | May 18 | 6PM – 10PM

🎸 Bob Log III: One-man slide guitar performer Bob Log III brings his high-energy live show to The Lodge Room with sets from Die Gaüsser, Strange Vine, and Bebe and Bubbles. The Lodge Room (Highland Park) | Monday | May 18 | 8PM

🎹 The Coffee Shop Jazz Trio: Led by pianist Matt Politano, this jazz trio performs modern jazz and Latin fusion with guest musicians joining throughout the year. Jones Coffee Roasters | Tuesday | May 19 | 8:30AM

🎷 Hagen Jazz: Hagen Jazz will perform classic, contemporary, and original jazz compositions during this live set at Edwin Mills. Edwin Mills | Tuesday | May 19 | 6PM – 10PM

🎶 Live Indie & Pop at Visionarium with Brooke Zeisler: Brooke Zeisler will perform indie and pop covers during an intimate live music evening at Visionarium Live Italian. Visionarium Live Italian | Tuesday | May 19 | 6:30PM – 8:30PM

🎶 Elori Saxl & Henry Solomon: Experimental electronic composer Elori Saxl and saxophonist Henry Solomon will perform music blending synths, jazz abstraction, minimalism, and electronic sounds with featured guests Lara Sarkissian and Mher Mnatsakanyan. The Lodge Room (Highland Park) | Tuesday | May 19 | 8PM

THANKS!

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