It's the weekend, Pasadena!

Weekend events, plus Pavilions on East California Boulevard in Pasadena will close this September, and LA28 Olympic volunteer applications open July 14.

News N' Roses
July 10, 2026

Good afternoon, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. I don’t know about you but this was a long week for me. Time to relax and have fun. There are quite a few awesome summer events this weekend including summer concerts and movies in the park!

LA28 Olympic Volunteer Applications Open July 14
Pavilions on California Boulevard Closing
Events this Weekend
Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST

LA28 Olympic Volunteer Applications Open July 14

Ever wanted to be part of the Olympic Games? Your chance is almost here. Applications to join the LA28 Volunteer Crew open this coming Monday, July 14. Pasadena will host diving at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center!

Volunteers will be at the heart of the Games—welcoming fans, helping athletes, supporting competitions, assisting with ceremonies, technology, communications, transportation, and keeping venues running smoothly. Whether you love sports or just want a behind-the-scenes experience, there's a role for just about everyone.

To apply, you must be at least 18 years old, proficient in English, and available for at least 10 non-consecutive eight-hour shifts during the 2028 Olympic or Paralympic Games. Some positions require additional qualifications, such as medical credentials, language skills, or driving experience.

The online application takes about 30 minutes to complete, and there's no advantage to applying on the first day—everyone who applies during the application period will receive equal consideration. For more information, click here.

Pavilions on California Boulevard Closing

I know we have plenty of supermarkets but this might really be an inconvenience to some. After nearly five decades in Pasadena, the Pavilions at 845 E. California Blvd. will permanently close on September 5, according to Albertsons Companies. The company said the store no longer met financial expectations and that affected employees will be considered for positions at nearby locations.

I'm going to miss this one. It's the only grocery store where I can reliably find both the canned tomato sauce and whole-milk, low moisture mozzarella I use for my New York-style pizza.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Friday (7/10)

🎶 Sunset Music Series: Joy of Indonesia: An evening of live music, dance, and art activities for kids and families at Kidspace's outdoor amphitheater. Kidspace Children's Museum | Friday | July 10 | 5–8PM

🧼 Summer Soap Making Workshop: Learn the basics of soap making and create your own handmade soaps in this beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop. Highland Park | Friday | July 10 | 6:30–8:30PM

🎶 Sunset Sessions | Live Music & Libations: A relaxed Friday evening of live music and cocktails in One Colorado's courtyard, hosted by Javier's. One Colorado Courtyard | Friday | July 10 | 7:30PM

🥋 Caltech Tai Chi Club: A welcoming club for anyone looking to learn or practice tai chi together. Caltech's Hameetman Center 220, Multipurpose Room | Friday | July 10 | 7PM

🎬 Movies in the Park: Gabby's Dollhouse: A free outdoor movie night featuring the beloved animated series, perfect for little ones and families. Villa Parke | Friday | July 10 | 7PM

🎭 Mexodus: A new musical exploring the lesser-known southward path of the Underground Railroad, straight from New York. The Pasadena Playhouse | Friday | July 10 | 8PM

Saturday (7/11)

🌽 Pasadena Farmers' Market at Victory Park: A certified local market where you can buy fresh produce and farm goods directly from the growers. Victory Park | Saturday | July 11 | 8AM–12PM

🔭 Special Behind the Scenes Engineering Tour: A rare look behind the scenes at one of Pasadena's most iconic hilltop observatories. Mt. Wilson Observatory | Saturday | July 11 | 9AM–2:30PM

🪵 FREE Skillshare: Building a Traditional Oval Shaker Box: A two-day hands-on workshop teaching the craft of steam-bending traditional oval Shaker boxes. Location revealed upon registration | Saturday | July 11 | 9AM

🚶 Exploring Pasadena on Foot | Part 2: Route 66 & Car Culture in the Playhouse Village: A two-hour walking tour through Playhouse Village exploring Pasadena's Route 66 history and car culture. 585 East Colorado Blvd | Saturday | July 11 | 10AM–12PM

🐐 Party Goats Pet and Learn: Meet the goats and sheep helping Descanso sustainably clear brush this summer. Descanso Gardens | Saturday | July 11 | 10AM–2PM

🌸 Botanical Embroidery: A hand embroidery workshop where you'll stitch a floral design onto a cotton handkerchief with Nova Community Arts. Descanso Gardens | Saturday | July 11 | 11AM

🎨 Tie-Dye Party!: The library is hosting a hands-on tie-dye event with supplies provided, plus you can bring your own items to dye. Bob Lucas Library | Saturday | July 11 | 11AM

🎯 Mid-Year Vision Board: A chance to reflect, reset, and map out the rest of your year with supplies provided. Hastings Branch Library | Saturday | July 11 | 1PM

🍿 Pixar & Popcorn: A free family matinee featuring Pixar films and snacks at your neighborhood branch. Allendale Branch Library | Saturday | July 11 | 2:30PM

🎹 Silent Movie Night with Live Piano Accompaniment: A screening of Charlie Chaplin's The Kid with live piano by Larry Garf. Altadena Community Center | Saturday | July 11 | 2–4PM

🎵 MUSE/IQUE: Defiantly Joni: A musical celebration of Joni Mitchell's legendary catalog brought to life on stage. Mark Taper Forum | Saturday | July 11 | 5PM

🥁 Drum Corps at the Rose Bowl: Top drum corps from across the country take the field at one of SoCal's most iconic venues. Rose Bowl Stadium | Saturday | July 11 | 5:15PM

🏛️ Honoring Our Founders: An Evening at Castle Green: A special evening celebrating Pasadena Heritage's founding figures at one of the city's most beloved landmarks. Castle Green Pasadena | Saturday | July 11 | 6–9PM

🎹 2026 Levitt Vibe Pasadena Music Series: Yuko Mabuchi: Jazz pianist Yuko Mabuchi opens the summer concert series alongside string ensemble The Rogue Lemon Collective. Memorial Park | Saturday | July 11 | 6PM

🌊 Parks After Dark: Aqua Boogie Nights: An all-ages night of swimming, music, and dancing at the neighborhood pool. Kennedy Pool | Saturday | July 11 | 6–9PM

🎸 29th Annual Concert Series 2026: Dream Like Taylor: A Taylor Swift-inspired outdoor concert night at a beloved neighborhood park. Loma Alta Park | Saturday | July 11 | 7PM

🎶 Dancing In the Street: Music of Motown: The Pasadena Pops brings a night of classic Motown hits to the Arboretum, with gates open early for picnicking. LA County Arboretum | Saturday | July 11 | 7:30PM

💃 An Evening of Dance & Celebration – Our Grand Opening!: Celebrate the grand opening of Arthur Murray Highland Park with complimentary dance classes, social dancing, champagne, light bites, and studio tours. Arthur Murray Highland Park | Saturday | July 11 | 7:30PM

Sunday (7/12)

🛍️ Rose Bowl Flea Market: Over 2,500 vendors bring antiques, vintage finds, and more to the iconic Rose Bowl grounds. Rose Bowl Stadium | Sunday | July 12 | 5AM

🧘 Resonance: A Yoga and Sound Journey: A monthly outdoor blend of flowing yoga, breathwork, and live music led by Pasadena's own Qur'an Shaheed. Arlington Garden Pasadena | Sunday | July 12 | 12PM

🌿 Twilight Garden Estate Tours: A guided evening stroll through The Huntington's gardens as the day cools down. Various Gardens at The Huntington | Sunday | July 12 | 5 & 5:30PM

🎤 Stand-Up for Students Comedy Show Fundraiser: Pasadena Rosebud Academy hosts a night of comedy with Chris Spencer, Aida Rodriguez, and more at the Alex Theatre. Alex Theatre, Glendale | Sunday | July 12 | 5:30PM

🎸 2026 Summer Concerts in the Park: The New Romantics Taylor Swift Tribute: A Taylor Swift tribute band takes the outdoor stage for a free summer evening in Sierra Madre. Memorial Park Bandshell (Sierra Madre) | Sunday | July 12 | 6PM

🎷 Jazz in the Park: Susie Hansen Latin Jazz Band: Susie Hansen brings her infectious Latin jazz and salsa grooves to an outdoor summer evening concert. Playhouse Village Park | Sunday | July 12 | 6–8PM

🎨 Summer Soul Collage: Escape the heat with a relaxed cut-and-paste collage session in air-conditioned comfort. The Hive | Sunday | July 12 | 1–4PM

Upcoming Events

Upcoming events get 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!

WEATHER

Friday

83 🌡️ 62 |☀️| 💨 S 8 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 80 (Moderate)

Saturday

83 🌡️ 63 ☀️| 💨 S 8 mph

Sunday

84 🌡️ 66 |☀️| 💨 SW 7 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC

🎸 Afro Dead: Aaron Feder's musical collective reimagines Grateful Dead songs with Afro-pop, Afrobeat, high-life, reggae, and other African-inspired styles. The Lodge Room (Highland Park) | Friday | July 10 | 7PM

🎷 Jenny & The Jazz Birds: A beloved local jazz group brings their classic blues, funk, and jazz sound to Raymond Ave. Jones Coffee Roasters | Saturday | July 11 | 10AM

🎤 A Rooftop Tribute to David Bowie with Julian Shah-Tayler: Julian Shah-Tayler performs an evening of David Bowie classics on the rooftop at Visionarium Live Italian. Visionarium Live Italian | Saturday | July 11 | 7–9PM

🎸 29th Annual Concert Series 2026: Dream Like Taylor: A Taylor Swift-inspired outdoor concert night at a beloved neighborhood park. Loma Alta Park | Saturday | July 11 | 7PM

🎷 The Gold Line Jazz Collective: A locally rooted jazz group mixing Cool Jazz, Hard Bop, and Latin Fusion at a neighborhood favorite. Jones Coffee Roasters | Sunday | July 12 | 10AM

🎷 Jazz Sundays with Catlin & Rosser: A beloved local jazz duo brings an eclectic mix of originals and classics to your Sunday afternoon. Jones Coffee Roasters | Sunday | July 12 | 2PM

🛥️ Harbor Party: Los Angeles yacht rock favorites perform hits from the '70s and '80s by artists like Steely Dan, Chaka Khan, Kenny Loggins, Toto, and Al Jarreau. The Lodge Room (Highland Park) | Sunday | July 12 | 7PM

THANKS!⚽

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who got tickets for the Olympics already!

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up.

Want to partner with News N’ Roses or plan an event with us that will reach over 5,000+ people? Email me.

Did I miss something or make a mistake?
Have an event you’d like me to add to the newsletter?
Let me know at [email protected].

It’s the weekend, Pasadena!

Weekend events, plus Pavilions on East California Boulevard in Pasadena will close this September, and LA28 Olympic volunteer applications open July 14.

THE DIGEST

LA28 Olympic Volunteer Applications Open July 14

Pavilions on California Boulevard Closing

SPONSORED BY UNIVERSAL LANDSCAPING SERVICES

Professional Landscaping in Pasadena