Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. Dine LA Restaurant Week starts today and will feature 31 Pasadena Restaurants! That’s 31 chances to pretend you’re just “supporting local business” while actually eating your way through town like a well-dressed tornado.
In Today’s News N’ Roses:
Big Backpack Giveaway Coming to the Rose Bowl
Chappell Roan Is Coming to the Rose Bowl
Pasadena Bead & Design Show Returns This Weekend
Lots of Events This Weekend!
Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
— Matthew Ramirez
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Happy Birthday Lateef! 🎂
THE DIGEST
Big Backpack Giveaway Coming to the Rose Bowl
The Dena Community Backpack Giveaway is back at the Rose Bowl Stadium on Sunday, August 3 from 10AM to 2PM. This year’s event will give out 2,500 backpacks filled with school supplies to local students, with priority support for families impacted by the Eaton Fire.
It’s not just a giveaway, it’s like a full-on back-to-school festival. Kids will pick out their backpacks inside the West Locker Room, parents can check out local resources at the East Locker Room, and the Court of Champions will be packed with games, an arcade truck, and plenty of sweet treats (there’s ice cream!). Although going back to school may be a sad realization for a kid, this event may help soften the blow.
The event is powered by an amazing partnership between Rose Bowl Institute, LOV Olive Branches, Neighborhood Servants, Pasadena Educational Foundation, and the City of Pasadena—a real team effort to support local families heading into the school year.
Want to help? You can donate new backpacks or supplies from July 28–31 at Gate A, or sign up to volunteer. Come through and help kick off the school year right!
Chappell Roan Is Coming to the Rose Bowl
Pop star and Grammy winner Chappell Roan just announced two back-to-back shows at Brookside Park (next to the Rose Bowl) this October as part of her three-city pop-up tour, Visions of Damsels & Other Dangerous Things!
Mark your calendar for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 10–11, because Roan’s bringing her signature camp, costumes, and theatrical energy to Pasadena. These are her first major U.S. headlining dates since dominating the 2024 festival circuit.
Tickets are lottery-based through AEG’s Fair AXS platform. Registration is open now through July 27 at 11:59PM ET at chappellroanshows.com. Winners will be randomly selected between Aug. 5–7. This one’s going to be loud, glittery, and full of heart. Don’t sleep on it.
Pasadena Bead & Design Show Returns This Weekend
If you love handmade, one-of-a-kind art and jewelry, the Pasadena Bead & Design Show is worth putting on your radar. Happening all weekend, Friday to Sunday from 10AM to 5PM at the Pasadena Convention Center, this three-day showcase features over 300 exhibitors offering everything from hand-cut gemstones and artisan jewelry to eco-dyed clothing, vintage beads, and rare findings.
This isn’t just a shopping event—it’s also a chance to take part in the craft. You’ll find interactive workshops, live demos, and plenty of opportunities to learn directly from artists. Whether you’re a collector, designer, or just someone who appreciates the beauty of handmade things, there’s something here for you.
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📷@beadanddesign📍Pasadena Convention Center
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WHAT’S HAPPENING
All Weekend
🍽️ Dine LA Restaurant Week: Starting July 25, Dine LA is back—your excuse to eat your way through Pasadena and beyond. No tickets needed, just grab a reservation at one of the dozens of participating spots and ask for the Dine LA menu. From sushi to steak, there’s a prix fixe plate for every palate. Friday, July 25 through Friday, August 8.
🎨 Pasadena Bead & Design Show: Discover handcraft at its finest with over 300 artisans showcasing jewelry, textiles, beads, gemstones, and wearable art at the Pasadena Convention Center on Friday–Sunday, July 25–27 from 10AM–5PM. Enjoy workshops, live demos, and rare finds from makers across the country.
Friday
🖼️ Tour: Perspective and the Picture Plane: Step into the world of artistic illusion at the Norton Simon Museum with a guided look at how painters like Raphael and Cézanne used (or challenged) perspective. Space is limited, so get there early to grab your spot. Friday, July 25 at 1:00PM.
🎨 Fridays: Meet Artist-in-Residence Iris Yirei Hu: Swing by the Armory mezzanine and spend time with Iris Yirei Hu during her final weeks in residence. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at her studio, chat about her work, and explore how art intersects with ecology, culture, and community. Friday, July 25 from 1:00PM–4:00PM.
🌸 Celebrate Fridays: Ease into the weekend with a peaceful evening stroll through the Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden. Bring your favorite drink, unwind by the pond, and take in the sunset vibes. Friday, July 25 from 4:00PM–8:00PM.
🌅 Sunset Music Series: Journey through the Philippines: Kidspace’s Sunset Music Series is back, and this week we’re headed to the Philippines—no passport needed. Join dance group Kayamanan Ng Lahi for a lively evening of music, movement, and culture that’s perfect for the whole family. Friday, July 25 from 5:30PM–7:00PM (museum open until 8:00PM).
🍷 Friday Nights at The Gamble House with Highland Park Wine: Unwind on the historic Gamble House lawn with wine flights from West Altadena Wine, live music, and a cozy evening stroll through the first floor of the house. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic—or let Triple Beam Pizza handle dinner. Friday, July 25 from 5:30PM–7:30PM.
🍵 USC PAM: Tea Tasting: Sip and unwind in the beautiful courtyard of the USC Pacific Asia Museum with a free tea tasting from Silk Road Teas. Enjoy live music, browse the museum shop, and take home a free gift with your purchase. Friday, July 25 from 5:30PM–7:30PM.
🍷 Friday Night Flights: A Month in Provence: Bacchus’ Kitchen is opening its wine club doors to everyone for a sunset tasting of summer rosés from Provence. Sip three elegant pours, savor small bites from Chef Claud, and stick around for dinner—wine club or not, you’re invited. Friday, July 25 at 5:30PM.
🦉 Cemetery Wildlife Walk: Take a twilight stroll through Mountain View Cemetery with Pasadena Humane and spot local wildlife while learning about native plants—and maybe a bit of local history too. A peaceful, fascinating way to wind down your Friday. Friday, July 25 at 6:30PM.
🎨 Meow N Paint with Tail Town Cats: Unleash your inner artist at this cozy, cat-filled painting night at Tail Town. It’s BYOB, 21+, and all supplies are provided—just bring your creative spirit and love for felines. Friday, July 25 at 6:00PM.
🎬 Movies in the Park: Despicable Me 4: Grab your blanket and head to Washington Park for a free outdoor screening of Despicable Me 4 as part of Pasadena’s Parks After Dark series. It’s a fun night under the stars for the whole family. Friday, July 25 at 7:00PM.
🔭 Stargazing Lecture: How to Build a Solar System: Join Caltech PhD candidate Adolfo Carvalho for a fascinating public talk on how our solar system—and others—came to be. After the lecture and Q&A, stick around (weather permitting) for guided stargazing at the Cahill Center. Friday, July 25 from 8:00PM–10:00PM.
Saturday
🧺 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Victory Park: Start your weekend with fresh-picked produce, local jams, and friendly vibes at one of Pasadena’s best farmers’ markets. Everything is grown by the folks selling it—so you know exactly where your food comes from. Saturday, July 26 from 8:30AM–12:30PM.
🥾 Mount Silliman Backcountry Adventure: Join the Sierra Club Pasadena Group for a weekend summit trek in Sequoia National Park. The adventure starts Saturday, July 26 at 8AM from Twin Lakes Trailhead and includes cross-country hiking, a night of lakeside camping, and a summit attempt of 11,188-foot Mount Silliman. Total: 12 miles, 4,443 feet of gain. Medical form and shared permit costs required.
🐐 Goat Yoga At The Gamble House: It’s yoga—with goats. On the lawn of The Gamble House. Expect a lighthearted class with certified instructor Tina Lenert, plus some playful Nigerian Dwarf goats weaving through your poses, hopping on backs, and generally stealing the show. Great for all experience levels—even if you’re mostly there for the goats. Saturday, July 26 at 9:00AM. Bring a towel or mat (or rent one there), and don’t forget your camera.
🌱 Garden Rebuild Project with Sybil Grant: Spend the morning at Arlington Garden getting your hands dirty on a real garden restoration project. You’ll learn regenerative gardening by doing—no experience needed. Saturday, July 26 from 9:00AM–12:00PM.
🎭 Discover Opera with Pacific Opera Project – Cinderella: Experience a playful, one-of-a-kind spin on Cinderella performed by professional opera singers—all in under an hour. A fun intro to opera for all ages. Saturday, July 26 from 2:00PM–3:00PM.
🧵 Opening: Braiding Care and Connection: Head to Alkebulan Cultural Center for the final exhibition and workshop from artist-in-residence Mariah Cochran. Learn to braid with repurposed fabric, add to a collaborative art piece, and reflect on care, culture, and connection. Saturday, July 26 from 2:00PM–4:00PM.
🎥 Mount Wilson Observatory’s Matinees on the Mountain: Take movie night to new heights—literally. Head up to Mount Wilson for an afternoon of classic sci-fi, silent films, and family-friendly flicks in their historic 256-seat auditorium. Grab lunch at the Cosmic Cafe, explore the grounds, and settle in for a cinematic treat above the clouds. Saturday, July 26 from 3:00PM–5:30PM.
🌞 Aztec Dance Toltecayotl: Celebrate culture and tradition at Villa Parke with a vibrant Indigenous dance performance by Aztec Dance Toltecayotl, part of the Parks After Dark series. Saturday, July 26 from 4:30PM–8:30PM. A powerful evening of music, movement, and community.
🎬 Movies Under the Stars: Hairspray: Big hair, big dreams, and a whole lot of heart—catch Hairspray under the night sky in One Colorado’s charming courtyard. Saturday, July 26 at 8:30PM. Bring a blanket, grab a snack, and settle in for a summer movie classic.
🎶 A Folk Americana Music Night: Tipps and Obermiller: Looking for a night of music that hits every emotional note? Head to Caltech’s Beckman Auditorium for an evening with Tipps and Obermiller—two soulful songwriters who blend folk, Americana, and everything in between. Saturday, July 26 from 8:00PM–10:00PM.
Sunday
🏕️ Kidspace Campout: Campfires, crafts, creek splashing, and even a trike ride over the “Golden Gate”—this all-day adventure captures the best parts of summer in one playful, imagination-packed experience. Sunday, July 27 (all day). Perfect for little explorers and their grown-ups.
🎶 Concerts in the Park: ACME Time Machine: Garfield Park turns into a time-traveling dance floor with ACME Time Machine bringing retro hits and summer energy. Sunday, July 27 at 5:00PM. Bring a picnic or grab bites from The Standard Burger and Tikiz Shaved Ice.
🚶 Tour: East Washington Village: Take a stroll through one of Pasadena’s most charming neighborhoods, rich with history, architecture, and local gems along Washington Boulevard. Sunday, July 27 at 5:30PM. A relaxed way to see a different side of the city.
🎸 Summer Concerts in the Park: Mainstreet Groovers: Crank up the nostalgia with 80s rock, pop, and new wave hits from the Mainstreet Groovers in Sierra Madre Memorial Park. Sunday, July 27 from 6:00PM–8:00PM. Bring a blanket, bring your moves, and let the throwbacks roll.
Save the Date
🐱 CatCon: If you’re a cat person (or just cat-curious), this one’s for you. CatCon returns for its 10th anniversary with 150+ vendors, celeb meet & greets, giveaways, and the biggest feline adoption lounge around. It’s like Comic-Con—just fluffier. Saturday, August 2 from 10:00AM–5:00PM.
🛍️ Rose Bowl Flea Market: Mark your calendars—the second Sunday of the month means vintage heaven at the Rose Bowl. With over 2,500 vendors offering antiques, clothing, art, and more, it’s a goldmine for treasure hunters and bargain lovers. Interested in selling? Call R.G. Canning at (323) 560-7469 to learn how to become a vendor. Sunday, August 10 (VIP entry at 5:00AM, general admission at 9:00AM).
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
Lawyers Push Back on Edison’s Eaton Fire Payout Plan
Southern California Edison’s newly announced wildfire compensation fund is already facing strong criticism from local attorneys, who say it may leave Eaton Fire victims with far less than they need to recover.
Lawyers argue the program lacks transparency and could pressure families into quick settlements before knowing their full rights—potentially offering just a fraction of actual rebuilding costs. Many are urging residents to speak with an attorney before participating. Edison says more program details are coming later this summer.
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Friday
78 🌡️ 59 |☀️| 💨 S 8 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 12 (Good)
Saturday
77 🌡️ 59 |☀️| 💨 SW 7 mph
Saturday
79 🌡️ 60 |☀️| 💨 SW 6 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
🎶 A Folk Americana Music Night: Tipps and Obermiller: Looking for a night of music that hits every emotional note? Head to Caltech’s Beckman Auditorium for an evening with Tipps and Obermiller—two soulful songwriters who blend folk, Americana, and everything in between. Saturday, July 26 from 8:00PM–10:00PM.
🎺 Free Summer Concert: Phat Cat Swinger: Bring a blanket to Loma Alta Park for a high-energy evening with Phat Cat Swinger, known for their bold blend of swing, jazz, and rock. Saturday, July 26 at 7:00PM. It’s the kind of show that gets the whole park dancing.
🎤 Queens of Soul: From Aretha to Adele, spend the evening with powerhouse vocals and timeless hits under the stars. With Michael Feinstein conducting and guest artists bringing the soul, it’s a night made for music lovers. Saturday, July 26 at 7:30PM. Gates open at 5:30PM if you want to picnic before the show.
🎶 Concerts in the Park: ACME Time Machine: Garfield Park turns into a time-traveling dance floor with ACME Time Machine bringing retro hits and summer energy. Sunday, July 27 at 5:00PM. Bring a picnic or grab bites from The Standard Burger and Tikiz Shaved Ice.
🎸 Summer Concerts in the Park: Mainstreet Groovers: Crank up the nostalgia with 80s rock, pop, and new wave hits from the Mainstreet Groovers in Sierra Madre Memorial Park. Sunday, July 27 from 6:00PM–8:00PM. Bring a blanket, bring your moves, and let the throwbacks roll.
🎵 Music in the Park: Platinum Beat: From pop to funk to a little bit of everything, Platinum Beat brings the feel-good mix to Memorial Park. Sunday, July 27 from 6:00PM–8:00PM. Pack a picnic and enjoy the summer sounds with friends and neighbors.
THANKS!
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