Level Up This Weekend! Gaming Expo, Youth Voices & More

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that’s as thrilling as discovering a secret level of happenings in Pasadena.

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• Game On, Pasadena! SoCal Gaming Expo Brings Epic Fun This Weekend 🎮

• Young Voices Shine in Pasadena’s “Sí Se Puede” Essay Contest 🥇

• The Bridge is Back: Pasadena Heritage Bridge Party! 🎉

• Events This Weekend! 🎈

• Civil News 🏛️

  • Restorative Justice Gets a Boost in Pasadena

  • Altadena Chamber Urges Locals: Write for Wildfire Relief!

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST 

🎮 Game On, Pasadena! SoCal Gaming Expo Brings Epic Fun This Weekend

Gamers, get ready to power up! The SoCal Gaming Expo is rolling into the Pasadena Convention Center this weekend, June 6-8, and it’s packed with everything you could dream of — from legendary voice actors and epic esports tournaments to live skateboarding demos and classic arcade games.

This year, the expo has expanded to a three-day event for the first time ever, so there’s even more time to geek out. Whether you’re here to watch the Classic Tetris World Championship, meet the voices behind Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty, or catch pros shredding the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles halfpipe, there’s something for everyone.

The vendor marketplace will be bursting with retro games, tabletop classics, collectibles, and crafts from more than 200 vendors. And if you’re feeling competitive, jump into Super Smash Bros Ultimate tournaments or try your hand at pinball and console gaming.

For families with little gamers, there are all-ages competitions and a ton of kid-friendly activities. Plus, kids five and under get in free!

So grab your friends, don your cosplay, and join the fun at the Pasadena Convention Center. Let’s make this weekend one to remember!

🕹️ When & Where:

• Friday, June 6: 1:00 – 8:00 p.m.

• Saturday, June 7: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

• Sunday, June 8: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E Green St, Pasadena

🎟️ Tickets & Info:

• Details and tickets at socalretrogamingexpo.com

• Kids five and under get in free!

✏️ Young Voices Shine in Pasadena’s “Sí Se Puede” Essay Contest

The Pasadena Media Foundation and Formative Youth Journalism Initiative have announced the winners of the 2025 “Sí Se Puede” Youth Essay Contest! Middle schoolers explored themes of perseverance and resilience, with essays in both English and Spanish. The awards ceremony, featuring keynotes from César Chávez Foundation President Manuel Bernal and Pasadena Councilmember Rick Cole, happens this Saturday, June 7th at 10:45 AM on N Mentor Avenue. Come support the next generation of storytellers!

🌉 The Bridge is Back: Pasadena Heritage Bridge Party!

Pasadena’s ready to party! The beloved Pasadena Heritage Bridge Party returns on Saturday, July 19, bringing music, food, vintage cars, and community spirit to the historic Colorado Street Bridge. After a tough year, this celebration is all about healing and fun—let’s toast to history, resilience, and togetherness!

@NEWSN_ROSES

📷@rosebowl_fleamarket📍The Rose Bowl, Pasadena

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

Friday

• 🎮 SoCal Gaming Expo 2025: Southern California’s biggest gaming event hits the Pasadena Convention Center. Friday from 12-1PM, Saturday and Sunday, 10–5PM. Dive into arcades, cosplay, esports, and meet gaming legends from GTA, NieR: Automata, and more. Kids 5 and under enter free with a paid adult ticket. Let the gaming adventure begin!

• 🎨 Free First Friday at the Norton Simon Museum: Wander through the galleries and garden for free this Friday. 4–7PM. A perfect evening out, no reservations needed!

• 🎭 RENT at Lineage Performing Arts Center: Experience the timeless story of love and resilience in this fresh take on the iconic musical. 7PM. Tickets range from $40–$65—don’t miss this powerful performance!

• 😂 Julie Kim at The Ice House: Don’t miss this night of laughs with one of Canada’s top comics! 8PM. Tickets are $26.50, and it’s 21+ with a 2-item minimum. Grab your seat and get ready to laugh!

Saturday

• 🍎 Pasadena Farmers' Market at Victory Park: Stroll the rows of fresh, local produce and goodies from 8:30AM–12:30PM. It’s your go-to spot for farm-fresh finds straight from the source!

• 🎡 The British Home's June Faire: Experience a charming British village faire with handmade crafts, British foods, games, and live performances from 9:30AM–2:30PM. Admission is free, and Fish & Chips on the patio await!

• 📚 Friends of Sierra Madre Library Best Used Book Sale: Browse amazing deals on books, CDs, DVDs, and more. 10AM–2PM. A treasure hunt for every reader and collector!

• 🐾 Carnival of Cats: Play, party, and purr with 30–40 adorable rescue cats at this free, family-friendly feline fest! A VIP experience with perks like a swag bag and fast pass is available for $25. 11:00AM–6:00PM, at Tail Town Cat Café, 1780 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena.

• 🎶 Live Music at AC Hotel Pasadena: Soak in the sounds of pop, soul, R&B, and more with top artists like Drew Cole and K. Emeline. Enjoy these intimate performances on select Fridays and Saturdays—always free and always a good time! 5PM

• 💃 SONG & DANCE: Celebrating Musicals!: A night of Broadway magic featuring students and teachers in electrifying performances! Saturday, June 7 at 7PM and Sunday, June 8 at 6PM at 121 Waverly Dr, Pasadena.

Sunday

• 🏰 Springtime at the Castle Green: Step back in time and explore the historic Castle Green, from opulent Turkish rooms to secret treasures of the Castle’s archive room.12:00PM–4:00PM at 99 South Raymond Ave, Pasadena. A magical self-guided tour filled with history, beauty, and charm!

  

  Learn about the Castle Green Here!

• 🛍️ Rose Bowl Flea Market: Discover rare finds and vintage treasures at America’s biggest flea market! 10AM–5PM, rain or shine. From antiques to handmade goods, there’s something for everyone at this outdoor event.

• 🎷 Jazz in the Park: Michael Haggins Band: Sway to the smooth sounds of Michael Haggins Band at Playhouse Village Park from 6–8PM. Free and fabulous—perfect for a summer evening!

• 🏛️ Free Admission at USC Pacific Asia Museum: Explore Asian art and culture on the second Sunday of each month—free for all visitors! A perfect Sunday outing in Pasadena.

Save the Date (lots of new events!⬇️)

• 🎨 Pasadena Chalk Festival: Watch hundreds of artists transform The Paseo into an open-air gallery of jaw-dropping chalk murals, from portraits to pop culture tributes. Saturday & Sunday, June 14 & 15 from 10:00AM–7:00PM at The Paseo. A must-see for art lovers of all ages!

• 🎬 One Colorado Summer Movie Musicals: Enjoy beloved musicals under the stars this summer! Select Saturdays, starting June 14, One Colorado Courtyard. Film Starts 8:30PM. First up: Wicked on June 14—let the magic begin!

• 🚗 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.

•  5th Annual DENA Juneteenth 2025: Celebrate Black joy, radical resilience, and community wellness at this family-friendly Juneteenth festival in Altadena. Expect live music, drum and healing circles, line dancing, games, painting, water slides, scholarships, food, vendors, and more. Saturday, June 14 · 10:30AM–3:30PM at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 2283 N. Fair Oaks Ave, Altadena.

• 🌉 Pasadena Heritage Bridge Party: An unforgettable community celebration atop the Colorado Street Bridge! Saturday, July 19th from 6–11PM. Enjoy live music, local eats, kids' activities, and vintage vehicles—all while supporting historic preservation. Tickets start at $30; kids under 12 are free!

• 🎨 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. June 20th, 4–7PM, guides available at participating locations.

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

🚧 Restorative Justice Gets a Boost in Pasadena

The city’s Restorative Justice Committee just gave a major thumbs-up to a broader definition of “restorative justice” that aims to heal past harms from freeway construction—specifically the 710 and 210 projects. The new definition says it’s not enough to just acknowledge the damage; Pasadena’s got to officially acknowledge it and find ways to make things right, guided by the community itself. Also, Jasmine Shupper is the new Vice Chair! Keep an eye out for the next steps at the committee’s July 2nd meeting.

📝 Altadena Chamber Urges Locals: Write for Wildfire Relief!

The Altadena Chamber and Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber are rallying community members to write to Congress by June 15th in support of Governor Newsom’s $39.8 billion disaster aid package. They’re hoping to speed up much-needed relief for businesses impacted by wildfires. Share your story and help make a difference!

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Friday

75 🌡️ 59 |☀️| 💨 SW 6 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 51 (Moderate)

Saturday

78 🌡️ 59 |☀️| 💨 S 6 mph

Sunday

81 🌡️ 62 |☀️| 💨 S 6 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🎹 “Grand Piano” Fridays: Kate Grahn Duo at The Tap Room, The Langham: Sip on a top-shelf cocktail and sink into the vintage lounge vibes as the Kate Grahn Duo delivers pop and soul classics June 6 from 8–11PM. A perfect throwback evening!

• 🎸 Daryl Darden at Edwin Mills: Legendary guitarist Daryl Darden brings decades of jazz and blues mastery to Pasadena on June 6, 2025 from 7–11PM. Don’t miss this evening of world-class music!

• 🎤 Ed Romero at Edwin Mills: Travel back to the golden era of jazz standards with Ed Romero’s soulful interpretations. Catch him live on June 7, 2025 from 7–11PM for an evening of heartfelt American Songbook classics.

• 🎶 Live Music at AC Hotel Pasadena: Soak in the sounds of pop, soul, R&B, and more with top artists like Drew Cole and K. Emeline. Enjoy these intimate performances on select Fridays and Saturdays—always free and always a good time! Saturday, June, 7th, 5PM.

• 🎷 Jazz in the Park: Michael Haggins Band: Sway to the smooth sounds of Michael Haggins Band at Playhouse Village Park on Sunday, June 8 from 6–8PM. Free and fabulous—perfect for a summer evening!

THANKS!

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