LightBox Expo Returns to Pasadena

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that’s like your group chat, if it had sources.

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

• ArtCenter Brings the Creativity to LightBox Expo

• Fire Contained at GM’s Pasadena Design Center

• Events this Weekend

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

🎃THE DIGEST

ArtCenter Brings the Creativity to LightBox Expo

Pasadena’s own ArtCenter College of Design is joining the lineup at LightBox Expo, a three-day celebration of visual arts happening this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center. The event spotlights the artists behind your favorite films, games, TV shows, comics, and illustrations—with more than 600 artists, 200 panels and demos, and a massive artist alley of 300+ creators.

ArtCenter will host two panels this weekend. On Friday (3–4 p.m., Room 101–102), Fernando Olmedo, along with alums Scott Zenteno and Tommy Kim, will lead “Reigniting Creativity: Finding Flow in Your Art,” a discussion on breaking through creative blocks.

Then on Saturday (1:15–2:15 p.m., Room 106), Ann Field moderates “Illustration in Pop Culture” with artists Bijou Karman, Paul Rogers, and Joey Jones.

If you’re wandering the floor, don’t miss the ArtCenter booth—they’ll be there all weekend celebrating imagination, talent, and the art behind the worlds we love.

Fire Contained at GM’s Pasadena Design Center

I don’t usually cover sensational news—but this one had the whole city talking. About 100 firefighters responded to a blaze Wednesday evening at General Motors’ Advanced Design Center in Pasadena.

The fire began around 5:50 PM and was fully contained by 1:21 AM, with crews staying overnight to monitor the site. GM confirmed it was isolated to a single design concept vehicle and didn’t spread to other prototypes or the building.

No injuries were reported, and everyone was accounted for. The 149,000-square-foot facility, which opened in 2024 after a $71 million investment, is back to normal operations as investigators look into the cause.

Firefighters are heroes.

WHAT’S HAPPENING👻

All Weekend

• 🖌️ LightBox Expo: Dive into a world of creativity at this three-day celebration of art and imagination—where artists, animators, and storytellers from Disney, Netflix, and beyond come together to share, teach, and inspire. Friday–Sunday, October 24–26.

• 🛍️ Treasures & Trivia Rummage Sale: Hunt for hidden gems—from designer clothes to vintage décor—at this beloved Pasadena Guild sale, all benefiting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. 10AM–4PM.

• 🎃 Carved at Descanso Gardens: Stroll through glowing jack-o’-lantern trails, towering wood sculptures, and dazzling light displays in this magical, family-friendly Halloween experience. Friday–Sunday at 6PM.

Friday

• 🎨 Free Branding Workshop for Small Businesses: Learn how to tell your brand’s story through color, imagery, and design at this hands-on workshop led by The Color Whisperer and Storied Lane Marketing at the Blinn House. Friday, October 24 from 1–4PM.

• 🧶 Cozy Crafters Club: Settle in at Calisto Tea House for a relaxed afternoon of crafting, conversation, and creativity—bring your own project or explore something new from the supply basket. Friday, October 24 at 4PM.

• 👻 Inclusive Trunk or Treat at The Center for Connection: A sensory-friendly Halloween celebration with games, music, and plenty of treats—created especially for neurodivergent kids and their families. Friday, October 24 from 4:30–6:30PM.

• 🎃 Trick or Treat Village at Loma Alta Park: Celebrate Halloween with carnival games, live music, costume contests, pumpkin carving, and plenty of candy at this festive community event by LA County Parks. Friday, October 24 from 4–7PM.

• 💀 Día de los Muertos at Villa Parke: Celebrate life, love, and remembrance with vibrant ofrendas, folklórico dance, art, and community spirit at this annual Pasadena tradition. Friday, October 24 from 5–9PM.

• 🧪 Strange Science: Step into a night of gothic glamour at The Huntington with eerie tales, dark trivia, haunting beats, and delicious bites—costumes encouraged for this 21+ soirée. Friday, October 24 from 6–10PM.

• 👻 COSMIC ACRES Haunted House: Step into 1985 and explore the eerie ruins of Cosmic Lake, where a housing development awakens something sinister in the woods—if you dare. Friday, October 24 at 6PM.

• 🕸️ Trunk or Treat & Dance Party: Enjoy a night of trunk-or-treating, games, crafts, and a high-energy dance party under the lights—costumes encouraged for all ages! Friday, October 24 from 6–9PM.

• 🩸 Mainstage Theater Presents Dracula: Experience Neil LaBute’s chilling and modern reimagining of Bram Stoker’s Dracula—a dark, stylish tale of obsession, fear, and desire brought to life by PCC’s Theatre Department. Friday, October 24 at 7:30PM.

Saturday

• 🍊 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Victory Park: Stock up on fresh, locally grown produce and artisanal goods straight from California farmers at this lively open-air market by Pasadena High School. Saturday, October 25 from 8AM–12PM.

• 🐐 Goat Yoga at the Gamble House: Stretch, laugh, and make a few furry friends during this lighthearted yoga session on the historic Gamble House lawn—perfect for all levels. Saturday, October 25 with sessions at 9AM and 10:15AM.

• 🚶‍♂️ Playhouse Village Walking Tour with Councilmember Justin Jones: Explore Pasadena’s rich history and architecture on a guided stroll through the Playhouse District, featuring iconic landmarks and stories from the city’s early days. Saturday, October 25 at 10AM.

• 🌿 Native Plants A to Z Workshop: Learn how to bring Pasadena’s natural beauty to your yard with native plant expert Leigh Adams, plus PWP customers get a free native plant to take home! Saturday, October 25 at 10AM.

• 📸 Altadena Photographers Vintage Camera Show: Step back in time with vintage cameras, tintype demos, and photo exhibits celebrating the art and history of photography—fun for all ages! Saturday, October 25 at 12PM.

• 🎬 Matinees on the Mountain at Mount Wilson Observatory: Escape above the clouds for an afternoon of classic sci-fi and silent films in Mount Wilson’s historic 256-seat auditorium—complete with gorgeous views and a dose of nostalgia. Saturday, October 25 from 3–5:30PM.

• 🚀 Octavia E. Butler Science Fiction Book Club: Dive into The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu with fellow sci-fi fans at Octavia’s Bookshelf—a monthly celebration of visionary storytelling and diverse voices. Saturday, October 25 from 3–4:30PM.

• 🍁 Fall Fest 2025: Celebrate autumn with food, live music, Trunk-or-Treat, carnival games, pumpkin carving, and more at Lake Avenue Church’s family-friendly Fall Fest. Saturday, October 25 from 4–7PM.

• 🎃 Trunk or Treat 2025 at Knox Presbyterian Church: Dress up, grab your candy bags, and enjoy food, games, pumpkin decorating, and community fun at Knox’s fourth annual Trunk or Treat celebration. Saturday, October 25 from 5–7PM.

• ✨ SHINE Gala 2025: Enjoy an elegant evening under the lights of Pasadena City Hall as the Ronald McDonald House celebrates and raises funds for families in need. Saturday, October 25 at 6PM.

• 🧬 Strange Science: The Huntington transforms into a gothic wonderland for a night of eerie tales, dark trivia, live performances, and haunting beats—costumes encouraged for this 21+ event. Saturday, October 25 from 6–10PM.

• 👻 COSMIC ACRES Haunted House: Step into 1985 and explore the eerie ruins of Cosmic Lake, where a housing development awakens something sinister in the woods—if you dare. Saturday, October 25 at 6PM.

• 💃 Dances de Los Muertos – Belly Dance Fantasy Theater: Celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos with LeelaBellyDance’s (La Canada) mesmerizing fusion of belly dance and fantasy theater—costumes encouraged! Saturday, October 25 from 7–9PM.

• 🩸 Mainstage Theater Presents Dracula: Experience Neil LaBute’s chilling and modern reimagining of Bram Stoker’s Dracula—a dark, stylish tale of obsession, fear, and desire brought to life by PCC’s Theatre Department. Saturday, October 25 at 7:30PM.

Sunday

• 🚶‍♀️ Wilson Avenue Greenway Walk: Join Day One for a guided stroll from McDonald Park through Bungalow Heaven to Colorado Blvd., exploring how Wilson Avenue connects Pasadena’s neighborhoods north and south of the freeway. Sunday, October 26 at 9AM.

• 🐾 Bark in the Park: Howl-o-ween: Bring your furry friends for a tail-wagging Halloween celebration featuring a pup parade, treat stations, and plenty of adorable costumes. It’s the cutest event of the season! Sunday, October 26 from 11AM–2PM.

• 💧 Tour the Eaton Wash Stormwater Capture Garden Project: Learn about Pasadena’s plans to transform the former Earthside Nature Center into a sustainable stormwater capture garden during this guided site tour. Sunday, October 26 at 3PM.

• 🎃 Harvest Rock Annual Fall Family Festival: Enjoy an afternoon of family fun with games, booths, and festive activities at one of Harvest Rock Church’s biggest community events of the year. Sunday, October 26 from 3:30–6PM.

• 🎤 Go Fact Yourself LIVE with Dermot Mulroney and Loni Love: Join hosts J. Keith van Straaten and Helen Hong for a hilarious live trivia showdown featuring celebrity guests Dermot Mulroney and Loni Love—plus surprise cameos! Sunday, October 26 at 4PM.

Save the Date

• 🎃 Boo Bash with the Badge – Trunk or Treat Halloween Extravaganza: Celebrate Halloween with the Pasadena Police Department at this family-friendly “Trunk or Treat” filled with decorated police vehicles, games, music, and loads of candy. Come in costume and enjoy a safe, spooky night in the heart of Pasadena. Thursday, October 30 from 4–7PM.

• 🛍️ Pasadena City College Flea Market: Hunt for treasures and unique finds among 400+ vendors offering everything from vintage collectibles to quirky bargains at PCC’s beloved open-air market. Sunday, November 2.

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

Early Voting Begins in Pasadena for Statewide Special Election

Pasadena voters can now cast their ballots early ahead of the Nov. 4 statewide special election.

Vote by Mail ballots can be returned postage-free or dropped off at any of the eight ballot boxes across the city, including the one in front of City Hall. Four in-person vote centers—at Rosemont Pavilion, Villa-Parke Community Center, First United Methodist Church, and Armenian Cilicia Evangelical Church—will open Nov. 1–4.

Voters will decide on Proposition 50, which would authorize temporary adjustments to California’s congressional maps. For voting details and locations, visit lavote.gov.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER🍂

Friday

79 🌡️ 58 🌤️| 💨 S 5 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 22 (Good)

Saturday

75 🌡️ 60 |🌤️| 💨 SW 5 mph

Sunday

74 🌡️ 60 |🌤️| 💨 NW 5 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

🕷️LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🎵 2025 Bach to Broadway Concert: Experience an inspiring evening of sacred and stage music as choirs and soloists from across Los Angeles come together for this grand concert at St. Andrew Church. Friday, October 24 at 7:30PM.

• 🎶 Music @ The Playhouse: Emi Ferguson + Josh Rubin: Flutist Emi Ferguson and clarinetist Joshua Rubin blend baroque and modern sounds in a mesmerizing evening of solos and duets that push the boundaries of contemporary music. Friday, October 24 at 8PM.

• 🎺 Jenny & The Jazz Birds: Savor your Saturday coffee with smooth jazz from South Pasadena’s own Jenny & The Jazz Birds, a local favorite bringing bluesy flair to Jones Coffee’s cozy patio. Saturday, October 25 at 10AM.

• 🍁 Fall Fest 2025: Celebrate autumn with food, live music, Trunk-or-Treat, carnival games, pumpkin carving, and more at Lake Avenue Church’s family-friendly Fall Fest. Saturday, October 25 from 4–7PM.

• 🎷 The Gold Line Jazz Collective: Sip your Sunday coffee to the smooth sounds of pianist Hank Mehren and his ensemble, blending cool jazz, hard bop, and Latin fusion in Jones Coffee’s lively setting. Sunday, October 26 at 10AM.

• 🎶 Jazz Sundays with Catlin & Rosser: Enjoy an afternoon of inspired jazz as Barb Catlin and Ken Rosser bring their signature blend of classics and originals to Jones Coffee—perfect Sunday vibes. Sunday, October 26 at 2PM.

THANKS!🕸️

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