Jackalope Jumps Back Into Pasadena

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. The newsletter that’s as unique as a one-of-a-kind artisan craft.

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• Jackalope this Weekend

• Pasadena Declares April 24 a Day of Remembrance for Armenian Genocide

• Events Lineup this Weekend

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

P.S. Happy birthday to my sister Debbie! 🎂

THE DIGEST

🎪 Jackalope Pasadena Artisan Fair Takes Over Central Park this Weekend

One of Pasadena’s most beloved maker markets is back! The Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair returns to Central Park this Saturday and Sunday, April 26–27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it's the perfect weekend plan for anyone who loves handmade goods, local art, and community vibes.

Now in its 9th year, the free, open-air fair will feature over 200 independent makers from Pasadena and beyond. Expect everything from handcrafted jewelry, home décor, skincare, ceramics, and original art to vintage clothing, small-batch treats, and quirky gifts you won’t find anywhere else.

In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy live music, free workshops, and family-friendly activities — plus plenty of food and drink vendors to keep you fueled while you browse. It’s dog-friendly, stroller-friendly, and a great way to spend a spring day supporting local creatives.

Bonus: many vendors are donating a portion of their proceeds to support Eaton Fire recovery efforts, so your purchases are helping the community, too.

Read more about Jackalope in my blog here!

🕯️ Pasadena Declares April 24 a Day of Remembrance for Armenian Genocide

As part of Armenian Heritage Month, Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo has proclaimed April 24, 2025, as a Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide.

“In Pasadena, we stand united with our Armenian brothers and sisters,” Gordo said. “We honor the memory of those who were lost… and reaffirm our responsibility to speak truth and ensure such atrocities never happen again.”

Pasadena is home to the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum, a powerful reminder of the city’s deep ties to Armenian history and culture. The proclamation encourages both remembrance and reflection — and a continued commitment to justice, compassion, and peace.

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

Friday

• 💧 Cultivate: Watersheds at Descanso Gardens: Explore the beauty and science of local watersheds through garden tours, workshops, live demos, and live music as part of Descanso’s Cultivate series. 4:30PM–7PM. Free with admission, no registration needed.

• 🧶 Cozy Crafters Club: Bring your own project or try something new from the supply basket at this laid-back crafting hangout. Swap tips, get inspired, and maybe even finish that work-in-progress. 4PM at Altadena Library. Free!

• 👻 Haunted Pasadena: Explore the spooky side of the City of Roses with a nighttime walking tour through alleys, tunnels, and historic haunts in Old Pasadena and Playhouse Village. 6:30PM. Ghost stories and eerie history included—just don’t expect to go inside!

• 🎭 NT Live: Fleabag: Catch Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s award-winning one-woman show on the big screen at Boston Court Pasadena. Raw, hilarious, and unforgettable. 7PM.

• 🧘 Caltech Tai Chi Club: Wind down your week with a free, beginner-friendly session in Hao-style tai chi, plus optional practice in kung fu and other forms. All are welcome. 7PM at Caltech.

• 🎸 Live Tribute to The Cure Show and Dance Party: Sing along to your favorite Cure hits with Pictures of You Band, plus a live music video mix by DJ Jack Tames and a full bar and food menu. Friday, April 25 · 8PM at The Mixx.

• 🎭 Planet Comedy: Catch comedians from around the world at this international showcase hosted at the Ice House Comedy Club. 7:45PM. Tickets available online.

Saturday

• 📚 Indie Bookstore Day at dym books: Celebrate National Indie Bookstore Day with dym—featuring books, boba, local authors, food, and good vibes! Saturday, April 26 · 12PM–4PM. Don’t miss this community-powered lit party!

  

• 🐝 Bee Kind To Our Planet: Celebrate Earth Day at One Colorado! Enjoy eco-friendly activities, a pollinator plant workshop, honey tastings, candle-making, and more.

• 🎨 Jackalope Pasadena Artisan Fair, Spring 2025: Discover over 200 local artisans at the Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair from 10 AM to 5 PM at Central Park in Old Pasadena. This free outdoor event features handmade goods, including fashion, jewelry, home décor, art, and more. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. Leashed pets are welcome.

• 🎣 Huck Finn Fishing Derby 2025: Cast your line for a morning of family fun at Sierra Madre’s annual fishing derby for kids ages 3–15, with prizes for top catches in each age group. 7AM–11:30AM. On-site derby registration; pre-register for camping at Hart Park House.

• 🍅 Pasadena Farmers' Market at Victory Park: Shop fresh, locally grown produce, fish, and specialty foods straight from the source at this certified farmers' market in front of Pasadena High School. 8AM–12PM.

• 🎤 Ashes to Anthems: The Dena Benefit Concert & Resource Fair: A powerful day of healing and community resilience featuring live performances—including Grammy-winner Andra Day—plus housing, health, and legal resources for those impacted by the Eaton fires. 11AM–9PM at Pasadena Memorial Park. Free and open to all.

• 🖼️ Pasadena Society of Artists 100th Anniversary Celebration: Celebrate a century of creativity with art, history, and community spirit at the historic Elks Lodge as the Pasadena Society of Artists marks its 100th year. 11:30AM–4PM.

• 🎨 ArtCenter Spring 2025 Grad Show: Explore cutting-edge design, art, and innovation from 327 graduating students across dozens of creative disciplines. Includes the interactive “Resilience in the Ashes” installation. 12PM at Pasadena Convention Center, Exhibit Halls A & B. Free and open to the public.

• 💌 Words from the Heart: Stop by Douglas Alley to write a free postcard to Mom and drop it in One Colorado’s special turquoise mailbox—they’ll send it for you! 1PM–3PM. Show a receipt to get a personalized poem crafted live by an on-site poet.

• 🎶 Annual Eclectic Music Festival: Live music, art, food trucks, beer gardens, vintage finds, and a family zone take over Downtown South Pasadena in this free celebration of local creativity. 3PM. Don’t miss this beloved community tradition!

• 🌼 An Afternoon in Focus: Celebrating Spring: Enjoy gallery talks, live drawing, hands-on art activities, and live music celebrating the beauty of nature through art. 4PM at the Norton Simon Museum. All ages welcome.

• 💃 Interesting Women: A witty and moving evening of dance and film by Lynn Modell, exploring womanhood, rebellion, and the everyday absurdities of life—all with humor and heart. Proceeds benefit the Eaton Fire Relief Fund. 8PM at ARC in Pasadena. Ages 10+.

Sunday

• 👟 Run the Rose Bowl 5K to Support Wildfire Recovery: Lace up for a scenic 5K that finishes on the 50-yard line of the Rose Bowl—open to all levels and dedicated to wildfire relief. 7AM. Entry: $50, with special fire relief packages available.

• 🎨 Jackalope Pasadena Artisan Fair, Spring 2025: Discover over 200 local artisans at the Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair on Sunday, April 27 from 10 AM to 5 PM at Central Park in Old Pasadena. This free outdoor event features handmade goods, including fashion, jewelry, home décor, art, and more. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. Leashed pets are welcome.

• 🏡 35th Annual Bungalow Heaven Home Tour: Step inside eight beautifully restored historic homes on this self-guided walking tour through one of Pasadena’s most charming neighborhoods. Enjoy artisan demos, live music, expert talks, and lunch from local food trucks. 10AM–4PM. Call or visit website for ticket info.

• 🎍 50th Annual Spring Plant Sale: Celebrate 50 years of botanical bliss at The Huntington’s most popular plant sale—featuring rare succulents, native plants, orchids, herbs, veggies, and more. 10AM–4PM. Timed entry required; call or check website for ticket info.

• 🏘️ The DENA Home Market: Connect with community and recovery resources at this monthly Eaton Fire relief event featuring a housing fair, flea market, food trucks, live music, kids’ activities, and more. 1PM–4PM at Day One Pasadena. Free.

• 🎼 Shumei Arts 26th Invitational Spring Concert: Enjoy a free concert at Shumei Hall featuring the Caliendo-Barcellona Flute and Guitar Duo, blending tango, flamenco, samba, and storytelling into a rich global musical experience. Sunday, April 27 · 2PM. Presented by the Shumei Arts Council.

Save the Date

• 🛍️ Artazan Handcraft Market: Celebrate creativity and craftsmanship at the Artazan Market, returning to the Pasadena Convention Center May 3–4. Shop fine art, jewelry, textiles, and artisan foods while enjoying live music, chocolate tastings, and hands-on workshops. A spring weekend of inspiration and artistry awaits! Saturday 10AM–6PM | Sunday 10AM–5PM.

• 🏛️ Museums of the Arroyo Day: Step into “Life in the Past Lane” on Sunday, May 4 · 12PM–4PM as six local museums—Gamble House, Lummis Home, Pasadena Museum of History, and more—offer free admission, family activities, and shuttle service between stops. It’s the 35th annual celebration of Arroyo culture, architecture, and history.

• 💜 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!

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

• ⛸️ 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

🚧 Heads-Up: Lake Ave. Closure Near Metro A Line – April 26

Lake Ave. between Corson St. and Maple St. will be partially closed on Saturday, April 26, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. due to maintenance at the Metro A Line Lake Station. Follow temporary signage to shuttle pick-up spots at the west end of Lake Station. If you’re driving, it’s best to avoid the area altogether.

🚧 Transit Detours – Rose Bowl Half Marathon (April 27)

Heads up! Pasadena Transit Routes 10, 20, 33, 40, and 51s will be on detour Sunday, April 27 due to the Rose Bowl Half Marathon. Detours will last until around 12 p.m., with Route 51s detouring until 12:30 p.m. Plan ahead and check for updates at www.pasadenatransit.net.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Friday

60 🌡️ 48 |⛅| 💨 S 8 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 53 (Moderate)

Saturday

54 🌡️ 46 |🌧️| 💨 S 8 mph

Sunday

59 🌡️ 49 |🌧️| 💨 S 6 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar. 

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🎹 Larry Garf Performs: Start your Friday morning with vintage jazz, ragtime, and blues by pianist Larry Garf at Jones Coffee Roasters. Friday, April 25 · 9AM. Free and open to all.

• 🎷 Jenny & The Jazz Birds: Enjoy classic jazz, blues, and funk from this beloved South Pasadena group in a cozy café setting. Saturday, April 26 · 10AM at Jones Coffee Roasters. Free.

• 🎶 Celebration of Arabic Music: Kids ages 7 and up are invited to explore the sounds of Arabic classical music through a live trio performance featuring vocals, oud, and percussion. A fun, cultural experience with instruments and stories. Saturday, April 26 · 11AM at La Pintoresca Branch Library. Free.

• 🎤 Ashes to Anthems: The Dena Benefit Concert & Resource Fair: A powerful day of healing and community resilience featuring live performances—including Grammy-winner Andra Day—plus housing, health, and legal resources for those impacted by the Eaton fires. Saturday, April 26 · 11AM–9PM at Pasadena Memorial Park. Free and open to all.

• 🎶 Annual Eclectic Music Festival: Live music, art, food trucks, beer gardens, vintage finds, and a family zone take over Downtown South Pasadena in this free celebration of local creativity. Saturday, April 26 · 3PM. Don’t miss this beloved community tradition!

• 🎸 John Schneider: The Well-Tempered Guitar: Grammy-winning guitarist John Schneider takes the stage at Sierra Madre Playhouse with a solo performance blending classical, experimental, and alternative tunings—featuring works by Harry Partch, Lou Harrison, and more. A must for music lovers and curious ears alike. Saturday, April 26 · 7:30PM.

• 🎸 Laundry Room Recording Studio 21st Anniversary Party: Celebrate 21 years of indie music magic with six live bands at Old Towne Pub—Cosmic Kitten, Droogs, Jabber Mouth, Vulgarians, The Gimps, and Darlington Mansion. Saturday, April 26 · 9PM. Just $10!

• 🎷 The Gold Line Jazz Collective: Enjoy a dynamic morning set with pianist Hank Mehren and his rotating crew of top-tier local jazz musicians, blending cool jazz, hard bop, and Latin fusion at Jones Coffee Roasters. Free. Sunday, April 27 · 10AM.

• 🎶 Jazz Sundays with Catlin & Rosser: Enjoy an eclectic afternoon of jazz at Jones Coffee Roasters with the dynamic duo Barb Catlin and Ken Rosser, performing works by jazz greats and original compositions. Free.

• 🎼 Shumei Arts 26th Invitational Spring Concert: Enjoy a free concert at Shumei Hall featuring the Caliendo-Barcellona Flute and Guitar Duo, blending tango, flamenco, samba, and storytelling into a rich global musical experience. Sunday, April 27 · 2PM. Presented by the Shumei Arts Council.

• 🎷 Del Atkins + His Band with Tap Dancer Chester Whitmore: Experience a high-energy night of jazz and rhythm as bassist Del Atkins teams up with legendary tap dancer Chester Whitmore at Sierra Madre Playhouse. A dynamic blend of music, movement, and history. Sunday, April 27 · 7:30PM.
  

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