Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that lets you know about events before they happen.
In Today’s News N’ Roses:
Pasadena Announces 2025 Latino Heritage Festival Theme
PUSD Band Headed to the 2027 Rose Parade
Events This Weekend
Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
THE DIGEST
Pasadena Announces 2025 Latino Heritage Festival Theme
The City of Pasadena and the Latino Heritage Committee have set the theme for this year’s Latino Heritage Festival: “Un Pasado con Orgullo, un Futuro con Esperanza” (A Proud Past, a Hopeful Future). It is all about celebrating the strength and contributions of the Latino community while looking forward with optimism.
This year’s festival drops the parade in favor of an evening packed with music, food, and culture. Mark your calendar (we’ll also save the date for you) for Saturday, October 11, from 5PM to 9PM at Centennial Square in front of City Hall.
What to expect:
High-energy live music and dance from across Latin America
Hands-on fun for kids with crafts and games
Local food vendors serving up Latin American favorites
An artisan marketplace full of handmade art and jewelry
Community booths with resources and services
The celebration is part of Latino Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 24, and will also feature events like concha-making workshops and a Day of the Dead gathering. It’s going to be great!
PUSD Band Headed to the 2027 Rose Parade
Cheers erupted inside the Pasadena High School auditorium this week as students learned the PUSD All-Star Band has been selected for the 2027 Tournament of Roses Parade. It’s the first time in decades the district has earned a spot through the competitive application process.
The surprise announcement came during a special assembly with district leaders and Tournament of Roses officials on hand. Students celebrated with their families and even shared cake after hearing the news.
Yes, 2027 is a ways off, but in Pasadena, planning for the parade starts years ahead. With 120 musicians from every PUSD high school, the All-Star Band will give the city a true hometown ensemble to cheer for on New Year’s Day.
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WHAT’S HAPPENING
Friday
🧸 Free First Fridays at Kidspace Children’s Museum: An afternoon of play and discovery awaits with free admission to Kidspace. Families can explore interactive exhibits and outdoor spaces designed to spark creativity and curiosity. Friday, September 5 from 2:00PM–5:00PM.
🖼️ Free First Fridays at Norton Simon Museum: Stroll the galleries and garden without the price tag—Norton Simon opens its doors for free on the first Friday evening of the month. A perfect way to end the week surrounded by world-class art. Friday, September 5 from 4:00PM–7:00PM.
🌿 Caltech Tai Chi Club: End the week with a relaxing evening of tai chi practice at Caltech. Open to all levels, the club explores Hao- and Yang-style tai chi, plus kung fu and traditional forms, in a welcoming, no-pressure environment. Friday, September 5 at 7:00PM.
Saturday
🥕 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Victory Park: Saturday mornings in Victory Park bring fresh, locally grown produce straight from California farms, along with baked goods, jams, and more. A weekly Pasadena tradition for stocking up and connecting with local growers. Saturday, September 6 from 8:00AM–12:00PM.
🌾 Altadena Farmers’ Free Community Market: What was once a traditional market is now a vital hub for fire-impacted residents, offering free farm-fresh produce through a voucher system. Distribution takes place at Fairoaks Burger with support from local partners. Saturday, September 6 from 9:00AM–12:00PM.
🃏 Front Row Card Show: Collectors take over Pasadena with a full day of sports cards, trading card games, comics, memorabilia, and more. Browse vendors, hunt for rare finds, and trade with fellow fans. Saturday, September 6 from 11:00AM–5:00PM.
🧶 Crafting Meetup at the Gamble House: Gather on the Gamble House lawn under the big oak tree for a relaxed afternoon of crafting and connection. Bring your own portable project—knitting, sketching, watercolor, or whatever inspires you—and enjoy creating in community. Saturday, September 6 at 12:00PM.
🎭 Parable of Portals: d. Sabela grimes: Sierra Madre Playhouse hosts an evening with d. Sabela grimes, a trans-media storyteller and movement composer whose performances fuse dance, sound, and visual art. His work dives into Black identity, speculative futures, and layered narratives through immersive performance. Saturday, September 6 at 7:30PM.
🎶 Pasadena POPS Summer Concert Series: Michael Feinstein steps out from behind the conductor’s podium to sing his way through the Great American Songbook—from Gershwin classics to Billy Joel favorites, with a moving tribute to lyricist Alan Bergman. Saturday, September 6 at 7:30PM.
Sunday
🛍️ PCC Flea Market: One of the region’s largest markets, the PCC Flea features over 400 vendors with everything from high-end antiques to quirky collectibles. Held in the Pasadena City College parking lots, it’s a Sunday tradition for treasure hunters. Sunday, September 7 from 8:00AM–3:00PM.
🎗️ Relay for Life 2025: Santa Anita Park hosts this year’s Relay for Life, beginning with a celebration lap for cancer survivors and caregivers, followed by the moving luminaria ceremony at sunset. A day of remembrance, support, and community in the fight against cancer. Sunday, September 7 at 11:00AM.
🎶 Musical Traditions Converge: Sangam: Sitar, cello, and tabla blend in this cross-cultural concert at Sierra Madre Playhouse. Paul Livingstone, Peter Jacobson, and Abhijit Banerjee weave Indian classical music with European polyphony in a performance that moves from meditative to electrifying. Sunday, September 7 at 4:00PM.
🌙 A Midsummer Night’s Experience at the Arboretum: Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream comes to life in the Arboretum’s Celebration Garden, followed by a whimsical garden party filled with music, magic, and nature-inspired fantasy. Bring a blanket, dress in your best mystical attire, and enjoy an unforgettable evening under the trees. Sunday, September 7 from 4:00PM–8:30PM.
🐱 Cats on Mats: Yoga: Stretch, flow, and unwind alongside the resident cats of Tail Town Café. This playful hour combines yoga with feline company—45 minutes of movement followed by a cool down and cat time. Sunday, September 7 at 4:00PM.
Save the Date
🎷 Live Rooftop Jazz with the Karolyn Dudro Quartet: Soak up the South Pasadena night sky with Karolyn Dudro’s soulful vocals backed by a top-tier quartet. Expect smooth jazz, bossa nova, and fresh spins on pop favorites—all from a rooftop setting made for music lovers. Saturday, September 13 from 7:00PM–9:30PM.
🎨 Pasadena ARTWalk: Playhouse Village comes alive with over 180 artisans showcasing fine art, photography, fashion, jewelry, home goods, and more. A vibrant outdoor weekend market that celebrates creativity and handmade artistry. Saturday & Sunday, September 20–21 from 11:00AM–6:00PM.
🎉 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
Pasadena Eyes Rent Reduction Guidelines
Yesterday, the Pasadena Rental Housing Board considered creating guidelines for rent decreases when apartments have habitability issues or services get cut back.
Tenants can already petition for reductions, but without official standards it’s often guesswork. Other cities provide models—Los Angeles uses advisory ranges, while Santa Monica spells out dollar amounts (like $18–$228 a month for leaks or pests, and more for losing parking).
Pasadena’s rules would serve only as reference points, but they could make the process clearer for both renters and landlords.
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Friday
89 🌡️ 65 |☀️| 💨 SW 7 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 54 (Good)
Saturday
90 🌡️ 66 |☀️| 💨 S 8 mph
Sunday
90 🌡️ 64 |☀️| 💨 S 7 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
🎹 Larry Garf Performs: Start your morning with live piano at Jones Coffee as Larry Garf moves through ragtime, early jazz, blues standards, and even a few Beatles favorites. Friday, September 5 at 9:00AM.
🎶 Stanley Oropesa Performs: Jones Coffee’s resident accordionist fills the café with everything from Bach to Irish folk, ragtime, and film scores. A lively morning set perfect for a coffee break. Friday, September 5 at 11:00AM.
🎤 Ed Romero at Edwin Mills: Argentine-born vocalist Ed Romero brings his deep love for the Great American Songbook to life, performing timeless jazz standards with warmth and authenticity. Saturday, September 6 from 7:00PM–11:00PM.
🎷 Jenny & The Jazz Birds: A Pasadena favorite, this South Pasadena jazz group fills Jones Coffee with a smooth blend of blues, funk, and classic jazz. Saturday, September 6 at 10:00AM.
🎸 Oasis Live ’25 North American Tour: The Rose Bowl hosts one of the biggest comebacks in music as Oasis takes the stage with special guest Cage The Elephant. Both nights are already sold out, marking Pasadena as part of this historic return. Saturday, September 6 at Rose Bowl Stadium.
🎶 Pasadena POPS Summer Concert Series: Michael Feinstein steps out from behind the conductor’s podium to sing his way through the Great American Songbook—from Gershwin classics to Billy Joel favorites, with a moving tribute to lyricist Alan Bergman. Saturday, September 6 at 7:30PM.
🎷 Jazz Sundays with Catlin & Rosser: Barb Catlin and Ken Rosser bring their eclectic mix of jazz standards and originals to Jones Coffee, blending the works of legends like Billy Strayhorn and Wayne Shorter with their own fresh compositions. Sunday, September 7 at 2:00PM.
🎶 Ken Song at Edwin Mills: Guitarist Ken Song returns for another evening of jazz standards and improvisation, bringing his signature style to the relaxed vibe at Edwin Mills. Sunday, September 7 from 6:00PM–10:00PM.
THANKS!
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