Doo Dah Parade Lives On

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. They can try cancelling Jimmy Kimmel and Steven Colbert but they can’t cancel Doo Dah!

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

• Doo Dah Refuses to Die

• Walking + October + Pasadena = Walktober!

• Events This Weekend

• Public Power Week in Pasadena

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST

Doo Dah Refuses to Die

For nearly five decades, Pasadena’s Doo Dah Parade has been the city’s joyful rebellion against all things prim and proper. While the Rose Parade rolls with themes, judges, and flower-covered floats, Doo Dah gave us the Synchronized Nap Team, tortilla fights, and anyone bold enough to show up in costume.

This year, the wildfires and financial fallout hit hard, and for the first time in memory, the parade itself was canceled. For a minute, it looked like Pasadena’s strangest, most beloved tradition might actually fade out.

But Doo Dah was never about neat rows of roses or polished pageantry—it was born from resistance. So instead of retreating, the community is throwing The Doo Dah Takeover on Sunday, Nov. 23.

Here’s the plan:

• Doo Dah’s Big Bang! (11AM–3PM at Dog Haus Biergarten on Big Bang Theory Way)
  Expect cabaret chaos in an alley, live music from MA the Band and The Rock and Roll Preservation Society, and the irreverent tradition of crowning the Doo Dah Queen—chosen for wit, originality, or sheer audacity.

• After Party @ The Old Towne Pub (3–7PM, 21+)
  Ashton Slater’s Grateful Get-Down takes over with trippy jams and who-knows-what else.

Both events are free. More details here.

So yes, the parade may be on pause—but Doo Dah refuses to be cancelled. It will morph, mutate, and resurrect itself however it needs to. That’s the whole point.

Walking + October + Pasadena = Walktober!

It’s that time again—Walktober is back for its 8th year in Pasadena! The City, Day One, and the Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition are teaming up all month long to get us out of our cars and onto our feet with free, guided walks and tours. Think of it as a walking festival for your body, your brain, and your neighborhood connections.

Whether you’re in it for fitness, fresh air, history, or just an excuse to wander with friends, Walktober has you covered. A few highlights:

• Sat, Oct. 4 – Bird walk + sit at the Gamble House (8AM) and a Lamanda Park history walk with Councilmember Gene Masuda (11AM)

• Sun, Oct. 5 – Public art + architecture tour (9AM) and a peek at Route 66’s classic car scene (5PM)

• Sat, Oct. 11 – A whole lineup: Arroyo Terrace walk, a neighborhood discovery tour with Vice Mayor Jess Rivas, plus a two-library tour.

• Sun, Oct. 19 – Walk the history of Arroyo activism (9AM) and explore Old Pasadena’s hidden secrets (5PM).

• Sat, Oct. 25 – Playhouse Village tour (10AM) and a Caltech modern campus walk with Councilmember Jason Lyon (1PM).

• Sun, Oct. 26 – Stroll the Wilson Avenue Greenway (9AM) or check out the Eaton Wash Stormwater Garden (3PM).

And that’s just a slice of the calendar.

The idea is simple: walking brings joy, connection, and discovery. You might see Pasadena’s history in a new light, find a neighborhood you’ve never explored, or meet a fellow walker who becomes a new friend.

📅 Full schedule and details: WalktoberPasadena.org
📸 Follow along: @CityOfPasadena, @Day1do, @PasadenaCSC (#WalktoberPasadena)

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Friday

• 🏟️ Rose Bowl Public Tours: Go behind the scenes at America’s Stadium with a guided tour through historic locker rooms, press boxes, and iconic moments in sports history. Friday, September 26 at 10:30AM & 12:30PM.

• 🧶 Cozy Crafters Club: Bring a project or start something new with supplies provided, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon of crafting and conversation. Friday, September 26 from 4PM–6PM at Callisto Tea House.

• 👻 Haunted Pasadena: Stroll through alleys, tunnels, and courtyards as Pasadena Walking Tours shares eerie tales of ghosts, mysteries, and shady history. Friday, September 26 at 6:30PM.

• 🎼 Melodia Mariposa Lecture Series: Conducting – A Life: Hear Maestro James Conlon reflect on over 50 years of shaping classical music in the U.S. and Europe in this special inaugural lecture. Friday, September 26 at 7PM at Altadena Library.

• 🎬 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.

• 🎭 TACIT Kickoff with IMPLiCIT Showcase: Enjoy a lively evening of improv, music, and guest performances as Caltech’s theater program kicks off the season with laughter and community. Friday, September 26 at 7:30PM.

Saturday

• 🥕 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Victory Park: Stock up on fresh, locally grown produce, plus jams, jellies, and more straight from the farmers themselves. Saturday, September 27 from 8AM–12PM at Victory Park.

• 🌿 Meet Me in the Garden: A free, inclusive program inviting families to connect with nature through sensory activities like Braille plant names and hands-on garden exploration. Saturday, September 27 at 9:30AM at The Huntington.

• 🐐 Goat Yoga at The Gamble House: Stretch, smile, and pose alongside playful Nigerian Dwarf goats in a lighthearted outdoor yoga class on the Gamble House lawn. Saturday, September 27 from 9AM–10AM.

• 🎭 The Wars of the Roses: Settle in for a Shakespeare marathon—8 one-hour performances spanning England’s epic history, brought to life by The Rose Players. Saturday, September 27 from 10AM–10PM at Shakespeare Villa.

• 🏓 Pickleball Palooza: Swing by Arcadia County Park for beginner clinics, open play, a round-robin tournament, raffles, and food—all while supporting Young & Healthy Pasadena. Saturday, September 27 from 11:30AM–4PM.

• 🌌 Matinees on the Mountain: Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977): Watch Spielberg’s sci-fi classic in the historic Mt. Wilson Observatory auditorium, with Bob Baker Marionettes adding a cosmic twist. Saturday, September 27 from 3PM–5:30PM.

• 🎨 Community Canvas Project: Add your creativity to a growing collective artwork with canvases, supplies, and community spirit provided—open to all ages and skill levels. Saturday, September 27 from 4PM–6PM.

• 🎶 West Side Story | Opera in the Park: Watch LA Opera’s live West Side Story on a giant outdoor screen at Loma Alta Park, with pre-show music, crafts, food, and community fun. Saturday, September 27 at 4:30PM (broadcast at 7:30PM).

• 🤠 Fall Rodeo: Boots, Bites & Western Beats: Round up the fun with live country music, Western-themed bites, signature cocktails, games, and a photo booth in One Colorado’s courtyard. Saturday, September 27 at 4PM.

• 🔭 Mt. Wilson Observatory Star Party: Gaze at the night sky through telescopes with the Los Angeles Astronomical Society during this family-friendly evening in the San Gabriel Mountains. Saturday, September 27 from 7PM–1AM.

Sunday

• 👟 2025 Bimbo Global Race: Lace up and join this worldwide running event at the Rose Bowl, where every step supports Feeding America and the LA Regional Food Bank. Expect a lively festival vibe with music, yoga, recovery zones, and plenty of family fun. Sunday, September 28 at 8:30AM.

• 🚗 2025 Design Invitational: Get up close with visionary vehicles designed by ArtCenter alumni and community collectors, and hear the stories behind the innovation from the designers themselves. Sunday, September 28 at 10AM.

• 🥞 Altadena Community Brunch & DIY Workshops: Gather with neighbors for a free, family-friendly brunch featuring hands-on workshops in bike repair, composting, clean cooking, stormwater capture, and more—designed to build resilience and sustainable living skills. Sunday, September 28 from 11AM–2PM.

• 🎬 Film History Tour of the Fenyes Mansion: Step inside one of Pasadena’s most storied estates and discover its century-long role as a filming location for movies, TV, and more, guided by a museum docent. Sunday, September 28 from 12:30PM–2PM.

• 🎻 Music @ the Playhouse: Darshan Trio: Experience a bold reimagining of classical music as pianist Dominic Cheli, violinist Vijay Gupta, and cellist Yoshika Masuda blend storytelling, visuals, and world-class performance into one immersive evening. Sunday, September 28 at 7:30PM.

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.

  

• 🌿 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

Public Power Week in Pasadena

Pasadena Water and Power celebrates Public Power Week Oct. 5–11, highlighting the benefits of being a community-owned utility—reliability, sustainability, and service for Pasadena, not profit.

Family-friendly events include:

• Storytime + Touch-a-Truck – Tue, Oct. 7, 10:15AM, Hastings Branch Library. Linemen read stories + kids get up close with a PWP truck.

• Electric Circuit Activity – Tue, Oct. 7, 4PM, La Pintoresca Library. Hands-on circuit fun for kids (ages 5–12).

More info here.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Friday

77 🌡️ 63 |☁️| 💨 S 6 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 48 (Good)

Saturday

75 🌡️ 63 |☁️| 💨 S 7 mph

Sunday

77 🌡️ 62 ⛅| 💨 SW 6 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🎷 Jenny & The Jazz Birds: Kick off your Saturday with classic jazz, blues, and funk from this beloved South Pasadena group. Saturday, September 27 at 10AM at Jones Coffee Roasters.

• 🎶 West Side Story | Opera in the Park: Watch LA Opera’s live West Side Story on a giant outdoor screen at Loma Alta Park, with pre-show music, crafts, food, and community fun. Saturday, September 27 at 4:30PM (broadcast at 7:30PM).

• 🤠 Fall Rodeo: Boots, Bites & Western Beats: Round up the fun with live country music, Western-themed bites, signature cocktails, games, and a photo booth in One Colorado’s courtyard. Saturday, September 27 at 4PM.

• 🎹 Norton Simon the Collector: 50 Years of Art & Music: Pianist Greg Reitan and his trio perform original works and jazz classics inspired by masterpieces in the museum’s collection. Saturday, September 27 from 5PM–6PM at Norton Simon Museum.

• 🎷 The Gold Line Jazz Collective: Ease into your Sunday with live jazz led by pianist Hank Mehren and his rotating crew of local talent, blending cool jazz, hard bop, and Latin fusion at Jones Coffee. Sunday, September 28 at 10AM.

• 🎶 Jazz Sundays with Catlin & Rosser: Settle in at Jones Coffee for an eclectic afternoon of jazz with Barb Catlin and Ken Rosser, a dynamic duo whose performances blend classics, originals, and years of musical chemistry. Sunday, September 28 at 2PM.

• 🎻 Music @ the Playhouse: Darshan Trio: Experience a bold reimagining of classical music as pianist Dominic Cheli, violinist Vijay Gupta, and cellist Yoshika Masuda blend storytelling, visuals, and world-class performance into one immersive evening. Sunday, September 28 at 7:30PM.

THANKS!

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