Art and Anime Weekend

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. Art lovers and anime fans are both getting their moment this weekend.

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

• Anime Pasadena Powers Up for Its Biggest Year Yet

• Norton Simon Museum Marks 50 Years of Art, Vision, and Pasadena Pride

• Events this Weekend

• Civil News: Pasadena Food Banks Step Up During Federal Shutdown

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

🍂THE DIGEST

Anime Pasadena Powers Up for Its Biggest Year Yet

Anime fans, get ready — Anime Pasadena returns this weekend with its most action-packed lineup ever! The three-day convention kicks off Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Pasadena Convention Center, featuring over 60 celebrity voice actors, 400+ vendors, and panels for hit series like Dragon Ball, Naruto, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.

From cosplay contests and karaoke to a free arcade zone and maid café, there’s something for every fan (and plenty of photo ops). Single-day tickets start at $25, weekend passes at $40, and kids 12 and under get in free with an adult.

Whether you’re there for Goku, gaming, or good vibes, this is one weekend Pasadena won’t forget. Get tickets here.

Norton Simon Museum Marks 50 Years of Art, Vision, and Pasadena Pride

Fifty years ago, Pasadena’s boldest art museum nearly vanished. Thanks to industrialist and collector Norton Simon, it was reborn into the world-class cultural gem we know today.

This weekend (Nov. 7–9), the Norton Simon Museum celebrates its 50th anniversary with free admission, extended hours, live performances, and special exhibits including Gold: Enduring Power, Sacred Craft and Retrospect: 50 Years at the Norton Simon Museum.

Once on the brink of collapse, the museum now shines beneath its bronze-tiled façade, housing masterpieces by Van Gogh, Degas, Rembrandt, and more. Come walk through five decades of art, rescue, and reinvention at one of Pasadena’s proudest landmarks.

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WHAT'S HAPPENING🥧

All Weekend

🎌 Anime Pasadena 2025: One of SoCal’s biggest anime conventions returns with its largest lineup yet—60+ celebrity voice actors, 400 vendors, cosplay contests, gaming tournaments, and panels on Dragon Ball, Naruto, and more at the Pasadena Convention Center. Friday–Sunday, November 7–9 (doors open 10AM Saturday & Sunday).

🥇 50 Years: A Golden Anniversary Weekend Celebration: The Norton Simon Museum is turning 50! Enjoy a weekend of live music, art-making, special exhibitions, and free admission as the museum celebrates five decades of creativity and culture. Friday–Sunday, November 7–9 (All day).

Friday (11/7/25)

💛 Kintsugi Workshop: Discover the Japanese art of Kintsugi — repairing pottery with gold to honor the beauty in imperfection. This mindful, hands-on workshop invites participants to reflect, create, and heal together. Friday, November 7 at 1PM.

🧸 Free First Fridays at Kidspace Children’s Museum: Enjoy an afternoon of discovery and play at Kidspace—for free! Explore hands-on exhibits and outdoor fun with the whole family. Advance reservations required. Friday, November 7 from 2–5PM.

🃏 PEN's 15th Annual Poker Tournament: Go all in for a night of cards, camaraderie, and friendly competition at the Pasadena Senior Center, as Pasadena Education Network hosts its annual poker fundraiser with drinks, raffles, and prizes. Friday, November 7 from 6:30–10PM.

🖼️ Free First Fridays at the Norton Simon Museum: Wander the galleries and sculpture garden for free during Norton Simon’s monthly evening event—no reservations needed, just drop in and enjoy world-class art. Friday, November 7 from 4–7PM.

🎭 Broadway Gamble Ramble: Journey through the historic Gamble House for an immersive night of song, dance, and storytelling that brings Broadway’s evolution to life in an unforgettable setting. Friday, November 7 from 7–9PM.

🌌 Stargazing Lecture: Building the World’s Most Powerful Radio Telescope: Join Caltech astronomer Gregg Hallinan for a fascinating look at the Deep Synoptic Array, a groundbreaking telescope that will map the radio sky and uncover billions of cosmic phenomena. Friday, November 7 from 8–10PM.

Saturday (11/8/25)

🍎 Pasadena Farmers' Market at Victory Park: Shop fresh, local, and in season at this beloved Saturday market, featuring California-grown produce, farm-fresh goods, and friendly faces straight from the fields. Saturday, November 8 from 8AM–12PM.

🧘 The Courtyard Series | Fitness Sessions Supported by Vuori: Get moving and find your flow at One Colorado’s energizing outdoor fitness series—bring your mat, water, and good vibes for a morning of wellness and community. Saturday, November 8 from 9–10AM.

🌱 Learn Regenerative Gardening by Doing it Yourself with Capri Kasai!: Dig in and get hands-on at Arlington Garden’s monthly volunteer workshop—learn regenerative gardening techniques while planting, weeding, and connecting with fellow nature lovers. Saturday, November 8 at 9AM.

🚲 Octavia’s Pasadena Bike Ride: Celebrate the life and legacy of Octavia E. Butler with a community bike ride through North Pasadena—featuring pop-up performances, poetry, and music at stops honoring the visionary author. Saturday, November 8 at 9AM.

💜 "Walk with Us": Join Sycamores at Pasadena’s Out of the Darkness Community Walk in Central Park to raise awareness for suicide prevention, honor loved ones, and support mental health for all. Saturday, November 8 at 10AM.

🧩 1000 Voices Altadena Mosaic: Join artist Alma Cielo and Side Street Projects for a hands-on volunteer session shaping mosaic shards for the 1000 Voices community art project—no experience needed, just creativity and heart. Saturday, November 8 from 10AM–12PM.

🕊️ Compassionate Pasadena Exploration Day: Celebrate kindness, creativity, and community through art, music, healing, and heartfelt conversation as Pasadena revives the vision of a “Compassionate City” in honor of Fe Love. Saturday, November 8 at 11:30AM.

🤖 Science Journeys Saturday – Flight School for Robots: Take off into the world of aeronautics with Caltech grad student Alejandro Stefan-Zavala as he shares his drone research and passion for discovery during this hands-on, family-friendly science event. Saturday, November 8 from 11:30AM–12:30PM.

🎭 Broadway Gamble Ramble: Take a one-of-a-kind walk through the historic Gamble House as Lineage Performing Arts Center brings Broadway to life with song, dance, and storytelling woven through every room. Saturday, November 8 at 7PM.

🎺 Caltech Wind Orchestra Concerts: Enjoy an evening of powerful and inspiring music as Caltech’s Wind Orchestra shares the stage with the Azusa Pacific Wind Ensemble for a program featuring works by Whitacre, Gregson, Daugherty, and more. Saturday, November 8 from 8–9:30PM.

🎶 Symphonie Fantastique!: The Pasadena Symphony opens its new season with a thrilling program featuring Ravel’s jazzy Piano Concerto, Berlioz’s passionate Symphonie Fantastique, and a special premiere celebrating Principal Tuba Jim Self’s 50th season. Saturday, November 8 at 2PM & 8PM.

Sunday (11/9/25)

🛍️ Rose Bowl Flea Market: Hunt for vintage finds, antiques, and unique treasures at one of the world’s most famous flea markets, featuring over 2,500 vendors filling the Rose Bowl. Sunday, November 9 from 5AM–3PM.

🌿 Botanic Boutique: Shop local and find handcrafted gifts at Descanso Gardens’ annual Botanic Boutique, featuring jewelry, ceramics, stationery, and more from talented artisans inside the Boddy House. Sunday, November 9 from 10AM–4PM.

🎶 Mexican Folk Songs with Noel Ayala–Loera: Gather the family for a lively, all-ages jam session celebrating traditional Mexican folk songs and rhythms with musician Noel Ayala–Loera. Sunday, November 9 at 12PM.

🧘 Resonance: A Yoga and Sound Journey: Move, breathe, and unwind under the trees at Arlington Garden during this monthly outdoor yoga and live music experience led by Qur’an Shaheed and guest musicians. Sunday, November 9 at 12PM.

🎻 Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: Experience the rich, soulful sound of the viola in this special Caltech performance featuring works by Mozart, Beethoven, and more—performed by world-class musicians from Lincoln Center. Sunday, November 9 at 3:30PM.

🎭 Broadway Gamble Ramble: Wander through the historic Gamble House on a journey through Broadway’s golden eras, where live performances blend song, dance, and storytelling in an unforgettable immersive experience. Sunday, November 9 at 7PM.

🎷 To Miles From Now: Ryan Cross, bass: Grammy-recognized bassist Ryan Cross and his band pay tribute to the great Miles Davis with a night of soulful jazz, fresh arrangements, and originals inspired by the legend himself. Sunday, November 9 at 7:30PM.

Save the Date

🇺🇸 Veterans Day Celebration: Join the City of Pasadena in honoring our nation’s heroes with a special ceremony at City Hall, featuring guest speakers, a Condor Squadron flyover, and a tribute to the homecoming of the 2D Battalion, 23D Marines. Tuesday, November 11 from 10AM–12PM.

🇦🇲 Pasadena Armenian Festival: Celebrate Armenian culture in the heart of Pasadena with authentic food, artisan vendors, live performances, and family fun at Centennial Plaza in front of Pasadena City Hall. Saturday, November 15, 2025.

✨ DroneArt Show: A Music and Drone Show: Experience a spellbinding night at the Rose Bowl as over 500 illuminated drones dance to live performances of The Four Seasons and Swan Lake, surrounded by candlelight and starlight. Saturday, November 15 at 7PM.

🎬 Film History Tour of the Fényes Mansion: Step behind the scenes of Pasadena’s cinematic past with a guided tour of the historic Fényes Mansion—discovering the films, TV shows, and music videos shot on its storied grounds. Sunday, November 16 from 12:30–2PM.

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 Food Banks Step Up During Federal Shutdown

With federal SNAP and CalFresh benefits halted, Pasadena’s food banks are stepping up to feed families in need. More than 17,000 residents rely on those programs, now frozen amid the ongoing shutdown.

Mayor Victor Gordo and Councilmember Justin Jones are coordinating with nonprofits like Friends In Deed, Lake Avenue Church, and The Salvation Army to expand emergency food distribution.

Friends In Deed alone served 848 households last week, including 65 first-time visitors, as demand surges.

City officials are encouraging residents to donate, volunteer, or share resources. Find local food pantries and ways to help at friendsindeedpas.org.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER🍁

Friday

78 🌡️ 59 🌤️| 💨 N 2 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 42 (Good)

Saturday

80 🌡️ 59 |🌤️| 💨 NW 2 mph

Sunday

82 🌡️ 64 |🌤️| 💨 N 2 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

🥕LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🎶 The Jam: Swing by the Webster Amphitheater for PCM’s open-mic series, where students and faculty take the stage to jam, perform, and cheer each other on. Friday, November 7 at 4PM.

• 🎻 Pasadena Community Orchestra Opens Its 43rd Season: Enjoy a free evening of timeless classics as Pasadena Community Orchestra kicks off its 43rd season at First Church of the Nazarene, featuring Ponchielli, Haydn, and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade. Friday, November 7 at 8PM.

• 🎺 Caltech Wind Orchestra Concerts: Enjoy an evening of powerful and inspiring music as Caltech’s Wind Orchestra shares the stage with the Azusa Pacific Wind Ensemble for a program featuring works by Whitacre, Gregson, Daugherty, and more. Saturday, November 8 from 8–9:30PM.

• 🎶 Symphonie Fantastique!: The Pasadena Symphony opens its new season with a thrilling program featuring Ravel’s jazzy Piano Concerto, Berlioz’s passionate Symphonie Fantastique, and a special premiere celebrating Principal Tuba Jim Self’s 50th season. Saturday, November 8 at 2PM & 8PM.

• 🎻 Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: Experience the rich, soulful sound of the viola in this special Caltech performance featuring works by Mozart, Beethoven, and more—performed by world-class musicians from Lincoln Center. Sunday, November 9 at 3:30PM.

• 🎺 Caltech Wind Orchestra Concerts: Enjoy an afternoon of symphonic energy as the Caltech Wind Orchestra joins forces with the CSU Northridge Wind Ensemble for a dynamic program featuring works by Whitacre, Gregson, and Daugherty. Sunday, November 9 at 3PM.

• 🎷 To Miles From Now: Ryan Cross, bass: Grammy-recognized bassist Ryan Cross and his band pay tribute to the great Miles Davis with a night of soulful jazz, fresh arrangements, and originals inspired by the legend himself. Sunday, November 9 at 7:30PM.

THANKS!🦃

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