It’s Cinco de Mayo, Pasadena — Let’s Fiesta!

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. The newsletter that’s serving up news and events with all the flavor of a street taco. 🌮

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• Cinco de Mayo Meets Bruin Football at the Rose Bowl

• Free Summer Concert Series Returns

• Cinco De Mayo and Tuesday Events

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

P.S. Happy Birthday Henry Minervini! 🎂

THE DIGEST 

🎉 Cinco de Mayo Meets Bruin Football at the Rose Bowl

This past Saturday, the Rose Bowl was alive with culture and college football as UCLA’s Spring Showcase teamed up with the 4th Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival, drawing crowds for a festive day under the Pasadena sun.

Fans enjoyed live music, artisan vendors, boxing at the Court of Champions, and plenty of Pasadena pride before turning their attention to the field, where new head coach DeShaun Foster led the Bruins in a relaxed scrimmage. While there was no scorekeeping, the showcase gave fans a glimpse of the future — including promising plays from Tennessee transfer QB Nico Iamaleava.

As UCLA gears up for its debut Big Ten season, the event offered a unique blend of tradition, team spirit, and community celebration at one of the most iconic venues in sports.

🎶 Summer Nights Are Back! Free Concerts Return to Loma Alta Park

The Altadena Rotary Club and LA County Parks After Dark just dropped the lineup for the 28th Annual Free Summer Concert Series, and it’s bringing all the vibes to Loma Alta Park (which reopens May 17 after a post-fire glow-up).

Mark your calendars: Saturday nights at 7 PM, July 5–August 9 are for dancing under the stars. This year’s lineup? A total crowd-pleaser:

• 🎹 Kenny Metcalf as Elton John (July 5)

• 🤠 The Walking Phoenixes with Johnny Cash hits (July 12)

• 🎸 Sgt. Pepper rocking Beatles classics (July 19)

• 🎷 Phat Cat Swinger with jazzy retro flair (July 26)

• 🎺 Mariachi Divas (yes, the Grammy winners!) (August 2)

• 🥁 Upstream closing it out with steel drums and reggae heat (August 9)

Beer and wine will be flowing at every show. 🍻 Pack your lawn chairs, bring your friends, and get ready for some summer fun!

@NEWSN_ROSES

📷@onecoloradooldpasadena📍Mother's Day poetry event, One Colorado Pasadena

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

Monday

• 🌭 Trivia Night at Dog Haus: Flex your brainpower and feast on hot dogs every Monday from 7–9PM at Dog Haus Pasadena. Free to play, with free prizes for top teams. Bring your A-game to 93 E Green St!

• 🎉Cinco De Mayo Promotion on Eaton Canyon Restaurant: Enjoy great food and drink specials on May 2nd to May 5th!

• 🌮 Cinco de Mayo Specials at Plate38: Celebrate with Mexican-inspired food and drink specials starting after 5PM at this East Pasadena favorite, Plate38!

• 🎉 Cinco de Mayo at Mijares: Celebrate Mijares Mexican Restaurant with their annual fiesta, food, and fun starting 2PM.

• 🌮 El Portal: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with live mariachis from 6–9PM and 1800 Tequila giveaways from 6–7:30PM.

Tuesday

• 🕳️ The Messy Eating Habits of Black Holes: Carnegie scientist Anthony Piro breaks down how black holes devour stars and emit bursts of light brighter than ten billion suns. 7PM at The Huntington.

• 💃 SALSA MIXX – Salsa & Bachata Dance Lessons & Social Dancing: Hit the floor at The Mixx Pasadena for Tuesday night dance lessons with Rogelio Moreno and social dancing to DJ Salsa y Sabor. 11PM at the MIxx.

Save the Date

• 💜 Nurturing Our Wellbeing: Mind, Body & Spirit: Join the community for a day of wellness with free food, fresh produce, live music, dancing, workshops, and family fun! Wednesday, May 14 · 10AM–1PM at Lincoln Avenue Christian Church, Pasadena. Free bus ride available—register at the Jackie Robinson Community Center by May 9. Space is limited!

• 🎵 A Night of Hope – Benefit Concert for California Fire Victims: Join Dove Award-winning artist Jordan Feliz and 2024 New Artist of the Year nominee Terrian for a powerful evening of music and unity at Lake Avenue Church. All proceeds support families affected by the California fires. May 10 · 6PM. Livestream available via Eight Days of Hope’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

• 🧘‍♀️ A Day to Decompress: Enjoy yoga, massage, meditation, and sound bowls at this restorative wellness event for fire-affected residents (free w/ ID). May 24, 11AM–4PM at 2929 Pennsylvania Ave, Santa Monica. Hosted by Bizzy Hands Kind Hearts.

• 🦸 Pasadena Comic Con: A vendor hall full of comic books, toys, action figures, anime and so much more, May 24

• 🚗 23rd Annual Pasadena Police Department Car Show: Classic car lovers, mark your calendar! The Pasadena PD hosts their annual car show at The Paseo with proceeds benefiting Pasadena P.A.L. and the Police Explorer Post #19. Saturday, June 14, 10AM–3PM at 300 E. Colorado Blvd.

• 🎨 Sierra Madre Art Walk: Stroll through downtown and beyond to enjoy local art in storefronts and galleries during this community collaboration between artists and businesses. 4–7PM, guides available at participating locations.

• ⛸️ Juneteenth Celebration: The NAACP Pasadena Branch will hold its Juneteenth Celebration and 4th Annual Roller Jam at Pasadena City Hall, June 14 at 4 PM.

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 City Council Meeting

Attend your local city council meeting to stay informed and engaged with Pasadena's civic decisions. Monday, 6PM at Pasadena City Hall.

🏛️ Legislative Policy Committee Meeting

Monthly public meeting where councilmembers review and discuss city legislative priorities. Tuesday, 4:30PM at Pasadena City Hall.

🏛️ Deferred Compensation Oversight Committee Meeting

Quarterly meeting of Pasadena’s 457(b) plan oversight committee. Open to the public. Tuesday, 12PM at Pasadena City Hall.

🚧 Fair Oaks Ave. Closed May 3–5

Heads up: Fair Oaks Avenue will be fully closed between California Blvd. and Bellefontaine St. due to construction.

🔒 Closure begins: Saturday, May 3 at 1 a.m.
🔓 Reopens: Monday, May 5 at 1 a.m.

Avoid the area and plan alternate routes if you're headed that way!

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Monday

64 🌡️ 54 |⛅| 💨 S 1 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 34 (Good)

Tuesday

64 🌡️ 54 |⛅| 💨 SE 7 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar. 

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🌹 Music in the Rose Garden: Stroll through the blooming Rose Garden at The Huntington while enjoying live classical music from soloists and duos on violin, cello, and guitar. Monday at 1PM at The Huntington Botanical Gardens.

• 🎶 Tuesday Musicale in Concert: Enjoy a free midday performance featuring string quartets, vocal selections, cello solos, and piano works at First Church of Christ Scientist. Tuesday at 12:30PM in Pasadena.
  

THANKS!

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who can’t handle spicy food.🌶️

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