Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. The Rose Parade is almost here, and Parade Week is kicking off today. Fingers crossed for clear skies on New Year’s Day.
In Today’s News N’ Roses:
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Bandfest Is Your Parade Week Warm-Up
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Events this Monday & Tuesday
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Civic News
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Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
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🎅THE DIGEST
Bandfest Is Your Parade Week Warm-Up
If you want a little Rose Parade magic before New Year’s Day, Bandfest is where it starts.
This afternoon, Robinson Stadium fills with some of the country’s most celebrated marching bands for an up-close preview of the performances that earned them a spot in the 2026 Rose Parade. It’s a rare chance to see full field shows in a relaxed setting, with no parade crowds, just music, color, and a lot of hometown pride.
The lineup mixes local favorites like PCC’s Herald Trumpets and Tournament of Roses Honor Band with standout groups from across the country and beyond, including a marching band from Mexico and Morgan State University’s powerhouse Magnificent Marching Machine. Gates open at 1PM, with the main show stepping off at 2PM.
Tickets are $26.50 for adults, kids five and under get in free, and tickets are sold online here. Bring your clear bag, grab a seat, and consider it your official warm-up for Parade Week. You can also catch Bandfest tomorrow, Tuesday, at 10AM and 2PM.
For more information on The Rose Parade events, visit the Tournament of Roses website here or check the updated ‘What’s Happening’ section below.
☃️WHAT’S HAPPENING
Monday (12/29/25)
🐎 Equestfest: Get an up-close look at the Rose Parade’s equestrian units as stunning horses and riders take the arena for drills, dancing, trick riding, roping, plus vendors and live music for the whole family. Los Angeles Equestrian Center | Monday, December 29 from 10AM
🌸 Decorating Places: Step behind the scenes and watch Rose Parade floats come to life as volunteers and designers add the final flowers and natural details before Parade Day. Rosemont Pavilion | Monday, December 29 from 11AM–5PM
🥁 Bandfest I Presented by REMO: Get a first look at the 2026 Rose Parade bands as they perform the full field shows that earned them a spot in Pasadena’s biggest tradition. PCCs Robinson Stadium | Monday, December 29 from 2PM
♟️ Chess Night: Drop in for a relaxed evening of chess where beginners and experienced players can play, learn, and share a love of the game together. Altadena Library | Monday, December 29 from 5:30PM
🎉 S.P.T.O.R. Crunch Time Party: Celebrate and support South Pasadena’s Rose Parade float with a lively evening of dinner, drinks, auctions, and raffle prizes alongside friends and neighbors. War Memorial Building | Monday, December 29 from 5PM–9PM
Tuesday (12/30/25)
🥕 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Villa Parke: Stroll the neighborhood market and stock up on fresh, locally grown produce and farm goods while chatting directly with the farmers who grew it. Villa Parke | Tuesday, December 30 from 8:30AM–12:30PM
🏛️ Architectural Legacy Tour: Hillcrest Neighborhood Walking Tour: Take a guided stroll through one of Pasadena’s most elegant neighborhoods and explore grand estates and Craftsman homes that helped shape the city’s architectural history. Hillcrest Neighborhood | Tuesday, December 30 from 9AM
🥁 Bandfest 2 Presented by REMO: See more of the 2026 Rose Parade bands in action as they perform the full field shows that earned them a place in Pasadena’s biggest tradition. PCC’s Robinson Stadium | Tuesday, December 30 from 10AM
⛪ Historic Churches of Pasadena Walking Tour: Wander through Playhouse Village with expert guides as you explore some of Pasadena’s most beautiful and historically significant churches, complete with architectural details and holiday touches. Pasadena Heritage | Tuesday, December 30 from 10AM
🌸 Decorating Places: Get a behind-the-scenes look at Rose Parade floats as they’re covered in fresh flowers and natural materials just days before Parade Day. Rosemont Pavilion | Tuesday, December 30 from 11AM–6PM
🎭 Holidays @ the Playhouse: Bob Baker’s “Nutcracker”: Celebrate the season with a magical marionette take on the classic ballet, featuring whimsical characters, intricate sets, and timeless holiday charm for all ages. Sierra Madre Playhouse | Tuesday, December 30 at 1:30PM, 4:30PM, and 7:30PM.
💼 SCORE Small Business Mentoring: Get personalized, one-on-one guidance from experienced business mentors to help you start, grow, or fine-tune your small business. Lamanda Park Branch Library | Tuesday, December 30 from 1PM
🥁 Bandfest 3 Presented by REMO: Wrap up Bandfest with another high-energy preview of the 2026 Rose Parade bands as they deliver the full field shows that earned their spot in Pasadena’s biggest tradition. PCC’s Robinson Stadium | Tuesday, December 30 from 2PM
Save the Date
🏃♀️🌹 lululemon Run With the Roses 5K: Ring in the New Year by running the iconic Rose Parade route at midnight in this flat, fast 5K that turns Colorado Boulevard into one big celebration. 103 W Colorado Blvd. | Wednesday, December 31 at 12AM
🏈🌹 Rose Bowl Bash: Spend the day soaking up Rose Bowl Game excitement with live band performances, fan activations, games, giveaways, and plenty of football vibes before the big game. Rose Bowl Stadium Lot K | Wednesday, December 31 from 11AM–5PM
🌹🎺 Rose Parade: Kick off the New Year with Pasadena’s most iconic tradition as floral floats, marching bands, and equestrian units roll down Colorado Boulevard in America’s New Year’s Celebration. Colorado Boulevard | Thursday, January 1 from 8AM
🌹🚶♀️ Floatfest: A Rose Parade Showcase: Get up close to the Rose Parade floats after they roll, walking alongside these incredible creations to see every flower, seed, and detail—plus food trucks and a festive, family-friendly vibe. Sierra Madre & Washington Boulevards | Thursday, January 1–Saturday, January 3 (various times)
🏈🌹 Rose Bowl Game: Watch college football history unfold as two of the nation’s top teams face off in the Granddaddy of Them All, following the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. Rose Bowl Stadium | Thursday, January 1 • Gates open at 10:30AM, 1PM Kickoff
🌿🏛️ Free Day at The Huntington: Enjoy free admission with advance reservation and spend the day exploring world-class gardens, galleries, and library spaces at one of Pasadena’s most beloved cultural landmarks. The Huntington | Thursday, January 1 • all day
✨ Enchanted Forest of Light: Descanso Gardens lights up after dark with immersive, walk-through installations, glowing art, and a magical holiday atmosphere. Descanso Gardens. Runs to January 4, 5:30PM–10PM.
🎺 Bandfest: Catch a preview of the Rose Parade’s world-class bands as they take the field for spirited performances ahead of their New Year’s Day march. Pasadena City College. December 29–30 (multiple showtimes).
🔭 Astronomy on Tap: Supermassive Black Holes & Radio Astronomy: Grab a drink and dive into mind-blowing space science with short, engaging talks, live Q&A, pub trivia, and guided stargazing with telescopes. Dog Haus Biergarten, Old Town Pasadena. Monday, January 12 at 7:30PM.
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
Community Meeting Planned for Raymond Avenue Utility Project
Pasadena Water and Power is hosting a community meeting on January 14 to walk residents through an upcoming utility undergrounding project on Raymond Avenue. The project will move overhead power lines underground between Maple Street and Montana Street, with construction expected to start in February 2026. The meeting runs from 6–7PM at the Jackie Robinson Community Center, with a virtual option available and Spanish-speaking staff on hand. I will remind you a few days before the meeting.
❄️NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Monday
69 🌡️ 48 |🌤️| 💨 NE 8 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 33 (Good)
Tuesday
73 🌡️ 60 |☁️10%| 💨 NE 5 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.
🌟LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
☕🎷 The Coffee Shop Jazz Trio: Ease into your morning with live modern jazz and Latin fusion as a rotating trio fills the café with smooth, laid-back sounds. Jones Coffee Roasters | Tuesday, December 30 from 8:30AM
🎶 The Riner Scivally Trio: Settle in for an intimate night of jazz standards, Brazilian grooves, and original compositions led by guitarist Riner Scivally alongside a tight, seasoned trio. Edwin Mills | Monday, December 29 from 6PM–10PM
🎄THANKS!
Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who can’t wait to see the B-2 Stealth Bomber.
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