Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the answer to your friend’s question: “How do you always know what’s going on?”
In Today’s News N’ Roses:
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Pasadena will mark Black History Month throughout February
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Rare Books LA returns to Pasadena in February
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Events this Weekend
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Civic News: First Pasadena City Council Meeting of 2026
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Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
P.S. I mistakenly reported that the Altadena Candlelight Vigil was taking place on Wednesday. It was rescheduled to Sunday, January 11 at 7 PM. I apologize for the error, and thank you to everyone who reached out to let me know. I hope I didn’t send anyone to a canceled event.
If I ever need to correct an event detail, I’ll typically post an update on the News N’ Roses Instagram and Facebook pages. Please be sure to follow @newsn_roses on Instagram and Facebook for updates.
THE DIGEST
Pasadena will mark Black History Month throughout February
The City of Pasadena will observe Black History Month with a month-long series of free programs and events across libraries and community spaces. Highlights include the Black History Festival at Robinson Park, author visits by Andrea J. Loney and Derrick Barnes, Transit Equity Day with free Pasadena Transit rides, poetry readings, live blues music, hands-on crafts, and food and history workshops.
This year’s programming also reflects the community’s recovery from the Eaton Fire, with support resources available at select events.
You can find the full schedule and event details here. As February approaches, I’ll share detailed previews of individual events ahead of time so you can plan what to attend.
Rare Books LA returns to Pasadena in February
Rare Books LA is coming back to Pasadena on February 21–22, bringing the city its first major antiquarian book fair since last year’s wildfires disrupted the California International Antiquarian Book Fair. The event has already sold out all exhibitor space and will span two Old Pasadena venues.
Around 70–80 booksellers from cities including London, Paris, Vienna, Melbourne, and New York will exhibit at the Raymond Theatre and the Courtyard by Marriott Pasadena Old Town ballroom.
The fair helps fill a gap left after the ABABA event was canceled when the Pasadena Convention Center was used for wildfire recovery operations. It also happens the same weekend as Pasadena’s Black History Festival at Robinson Park, though no formal coordination between the events has been announced.
Hours vary by venue across both days. Tickets are now on sale, with prices generally ranging from about $17 to $25, depending on the day, with a $25 weekend pass reported to include a limited-edition poster. There’s also a Bookends Pass priced at $50 and includes two weekend passes and a Rare Books LA book bag.
For more info, visit the Rare Books LA website.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Friday (1/9/26)
🎬 Film: The Gold Rush (1925): Watch Charlie Chaplin’s silent-era classic in a newly restored presentation, complete with an introduction as part of the All That Glitters film series. Norton Simon Museum | Friday, January 9 from 4:30PM–6:15PM
🧘 Caltech Tai Chi Club: Join an open, beginner-friendly Friday practice focused on Hao-style tai chi chuan, with additional forms taught in a relaxed, supportive setting. Caltech Tai Chi Club | Friday, January 9 at 7PM
🎸 Ethan Keller Live: Catch Ethan Keller performing live for an easygoing Friday night set paired with craft beer and a relaxed crowd. Wild Parrot Brewing Company | Friday, January 9 at 7PM
🎤 Morrissey & The Smiths Live Tribute Show & Dance Party: Sing along to a live tribute set followed by a dance party spinning New Wave favorites all night. The Mixx Club | Friday, January 9 at 8PM
😂 Ice House Comedy Night: Catch a full evening of stand-up featuring rising comics and big-name headliners across multiple shows. The Ice House Comedy Club | Friday, January 9 from 7:15PM–late
Saturday (1/10/26)
🥕 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Victory Park: Shop directly from certified local farmers offering fresh produce and farm products, all grown by the vendors themselves. Victory Park | Saturday, January 10 from 8AM–12PM
🥬 La Cañada Farmers’ Market: Browse a wide selection of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, breads, and other locally made goods at this weekly Saturday market. 1346 Foothill Blvd. | Saturday, January 10 from 9AM–1PM
🍫 See’s Candies 70th Anniversary Celebration: Celebrate 70 years of See’s Candies in Pasadena with special giveaways, promotions, and a sweet in-store celebration. See’s Candies (Foothill Rosemead Plaza) | Saturday, January 10 at 12PM
🕊️ Be Present, Hold Space: An Eaton Fire Observance: Spend a reflective afternoon with all-ages art making, mindfulness activities, and community-centered programming marking one year since the Eaton Fire. Armory Center for the Arts | Saturday, January 10 from 1PM–4PM
👑 Royalty & Tea with the Pasadena Rose Court: Kids are invited to dress up and meet the Pasadena Rose Court for stories, photos, and a fun afternoon with royalty. Hastings Branch Library | Saturday, January 10 from 1PM–2:30PM
🌸 Flower Arranging: Orchids and Camellias “Bring a Buddy”: Work in pairs to create a winter-inspired floral arrangement using orchids, camellias, and seasonal blooms guided by Flower Duet instructors. The Huntington’s Rose Hills Foundation Garden Court | Saturday, January 10 from 1PM–3PM
🍷 Celebrating Altadena’s Grit & Courage: Spend the afternoon and evening sharing wine, live music, open mic performances, and community support, with proceeds benefiting Eaton Fire recovery efforts in Altadena. Monopole by WineRx | Saturday, January 10 from 2PM–9PM
🖼️ Opening Reception: Reever Way by Margaret Sison: View a powerful black-and-white photography series reflecting on resilience and recovery in the aftermath of the Eaton Canyon Fire, captured through images of peacocks surviving in a burned neighborhood. Lineage Performing Arts Center | Saturday, January 10 from 6PM–8PM
😂 Ice House Comedy Night: Catch a full evening of stand-up featuring rising comics and big-name headliners across multiple shows, including Deez Nutz, a stacked California Room lineup, and the ShinDig Show with Brad Williams and Darrell Hammond. The Ice House Comedy Club | Saturday, January 10 from 4:30PM–late
Sunday (1/11/26)
🛍️ Rose Bowl Flea Market: Browse thousands of vendors offering antiques, vintage clothing, art, and unique finds at this monthly favorite for collectors and casual shoppers alike. Rose Bowl Flea Market | Sunday, January 11, 9AM to 3PM
🖼️ Free 2nd Sunday @ PAM: Enjoy free admission all day and explore the galleries at USC Pacific Asia Museum during its monthly free day. USC Pacific Asia Museum | Sunday, January 11 (All Day)
🎬 Film History Tour of the Fényes Mansion: Take a guided walk through the Fényes Estate to learn how the mansion and grounds have been used as a filming location for movies, TV, music videos, and commercials for more than a century. Pasadena Museum of History | Sunday, January 11 from 12:30PM–2PM
📚 Dust Jacket Journeys: Red Flag Warning: Join a thoughtful book club discussion exploring community, resilience, and life in California’s fire country through essays and interviews from diverse voices. The Gamble House | Sunday, January 11 at 2PM
🍻 PEN’s Annual Open Enrollment Happy Hour: Connect with other local families, compare school tour notes, and chat with PEN staff in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Pasadena Education Network (PEN) | Sunday, January 11 from 4PM–5:30PM
🕯️ Altadena Candlelight Vigil: Gather in solidarity for a candlelit evening of remembrance, reflection, and community voices honoring Altadena’s resilience one year after the Eaton Fire. Altadena Country Club | Sunday, January 11 at 7PM
Save the Date
🔭 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.
💎 Pasadena Bead & Design Show: Explore a curated marketplace of beads, gemstones, artisan jewelry, textiles, and creative supplies from hundreds of makers and designers. Pasadena Convention Center | Friday–Sunday, January 16–18 from 10AM–5PM
🏃 Rose Bowl Half & 5K: Take on either the half marathon or 5K at this annual race that includes a finisher medal, event shirt, and a run around the iconic stadium. Rose Bowl | Sunday, January 18 at 10AM
🎭 A Cabaret Soirée: Altadena Music Theatre hosts its first public gathering since the fires, featuring a screening of Cabaret and a piano bar finale celebrating resilience through the arts. Manoukian Performing Arts Center | Sunday, January 18 at 6PM
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
First Pasadena City Council Meeting of 2026
Monday’s City Council meeting puts some big topics on the table right out of the gate. Councilmembers will consider whether to move toward a local anti-discrimination ordinance — not a final vote, but a signal on whether they want the city attorney to draft something for future debate.
They’ll also decide whether to begin negotiations for a major affordable housing project on city-owned land along North Lake Avenue. The plan could bring 200+ housing units and health services, but approval Monday would only open talks, not greenlight construction.
Rounding things out: an update to the city’s disaster mitigation plan to keep Pasadena eligible for state and federal emergency funding, plus zoning tweaks, a hillside home appeal, and transportation contracts.
The City Council meeting takes place Monday, January 12 at 4 PM in the City Council Chambers at Pasadena City Hall. The meeting is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend.
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Friday
62 🌡️42 |☀️| 💨 E 4 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 33 (Good)
Saturday
66 🌡️ 43 |☀️| 💨 NE 6 mph
Sunday
70 🌡️ 47 |☀️| 💨 E 6 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
🎸 Ethan Keller Live: Catch Ethan Keller performing live for an easygoing Friday night set paired with craft beer and a relaxed crowd. Wild Parrot Brewing Company | Friday, January 9 at 7PM
🎤 Morrissey & The Smiths Live Tribute Show & Dance Party: Sing along to a live tribute set followed by a dance party spinning New Wave favorites all night. The Mixx Club | Friday, January 9 at 8PM
🎶 Jenny & The Jazz Birds: Enjoy a morning set of classic jazz, blues, and funk from this longtime local group known for their easygoing sound and musical flair. Jones Coffee Roasters | Saturday, January 10 at 10AM
🎶 Amelia Hogan with the Flight Crew: Experience an evening of Celtic music as Amelia Hogan brings Irish, Scottish, and American traditions to life with rich vocals and heartfelt storytelling. Knox Presbyterian Church | Saturday, January 10 at 7:30PM
🎷 Second Saturdays Jazz Night w/ Jason Luckett & Friends: New Year New Faces: Kick off the year with an open-stage style jazz night featuring Jason Luckett and a rotating lineup of friends and special guest artists performing short sets. Archetype Yoga | Saturday, January 10 from 7:30PM–10:30PM
🎷 The Gold Line Jazz Collective: Start your Sunday with an uplifting jazz set led by pianist Hank Mehren, featuring a rotating group of local musicians and an eclectic mix of styles. Jones Coffee Roasters | Sunday, January 11 at 10AM
🎷 Jazz Sundays with Catlin & Rosser: Catch an intimate jazz duo set featuring inventive takes on modern jazz standards alongside original compositions, with two afternoon performances to choose from. Jones Coffee Roasters | Sunday, January 11 at 2PM & 4PM
🎶 Jouyssance presents “Joyeux Noël”: Travel through medieval and traditional French holiday music with motets, noëls, and early masterworks performed by Jouyssance. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church | Sunday, January 11 at 4PM
THANKS!
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