Meet Rose Court 2026

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that doesn’t shut down—even when I’m traveling, sick, or camping in Yosemite.

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

• Meet the 2026 Rose Court!

• Pasadena Joins LA Tech Week 2025

• Events this Wednesday & Thursday

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST

Meet the 2026 Rose Court!

On Monday, the Tournament of Roses announced its seven new Royal Court members in front of a cheering crowd at Tournament House. These young women will serve as Pasadena’s ambassadors leading up to the 137th Rose Parade on New Year’s Day and each receives a $7,500 scholarship plus a year of leadership, public speaking, and community engagement opportunities.

Here’s the 2026 Royal Court, in alphabetical order:

• Livia dePaula, Temple City High School

• Serena Hui Guo, Arcadia High School

• Riya Gupta, Caltech

• Olivia Hargrove, Pasadena City College

• Keiko Rakin, Alhambra High School

• Sophia Bai Ren, Arcadia High School

• Naira Wadley, John Muir High School

The Coronation of the 107th Rose Queen and official presentation of the Court will take place October 28 at Tournament House. Until then, congratulations to this inspiring group of young women!

Pasadena Joins LA Tech Week 2025

Pasadena is stepping into the spotlight for LA Tech Week (Oct. 13–19) with a series of events hosted by the City’s Economic Development Division and Innovate Pasadena. Unlike other hubs, Pasadena isn’t just building apps—it’s building the future, from Mars rovers to biotech breakthroughs and quantum computing.

📅 Pasadena’s Lineup

• Oct. 14, 5PM – Designing the Climate Future for Pasadena

• Oct. 15, 5PM – Hacking Human Happiness

• Oct. 16, 6PM – Pasadena Tech Happy Hour

• Oct. 17, 11:30AM – Deep Tech Entrepreneurship: Pillars of Pasadena Tech

“Pasadena has a unique role within the LA tech ecosystem,” said Innovate Pasadena President Rob McClinton. “These conversations are important and impactful.”

👉 Learn more here.

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

Wednesday

• 🥗 Pasadena Chamber Luncheon Alliance: Connect with local business leaders over lunch at Fogo de Chão and hear the latest from the Pasadena Chamber during their monthly networking program. Wednesday, October 1 at 11:30AM.

• 👟 Lululemon Run/Walk: Meet up with the Pasadena Run Club for a free midweek run or walk hosted by Lululemon—open to all levels, no registration needed. Wednesday, October 1 at 6PM.

• 🍷 Wine & Song: Gráinne Hunt with Jules Stewart: Irish singer-songwriter Gráinne Hunt brings her soulful, heart-stirring vocals to Griffins of Kinsale, joined by percussionist Jules Stewart for an intimate night of music. Wednesday, October 1 at 8PM.

Thursday

• 🏈 Rose Bowl Quarterbacks Club: Legends Day: Celebrate Southern California football greats at this special morning event honoring past players and coaches, while connecting with the community of fans and supporters who keep the game’s spirit alive. Thursday, October 2 from 8AM–9:30AM.

• 🌿 Free Day at The Huntington: Explore the gardens, library, and art collections at The Huntington with free admission—just be sure to reserve your tickets in advance. Thursday, October 2.

• 🎺 Latin Jazz Ensemble, directed by Brian Carmody: Soak up the sounds of PCC’s student musicians at a lively free outdoor concert during Open College Hour—perfect for a lunch break under the sun. Thursday, October 2 from 12PM–12:50PM.

• 🥕 South Pasadena Farmers' Market: Stroll beneath the trees by the Gold Line Station and shop fresh California-grown produce, enjoy prepared foods, and catch live music at this beloved weekly market. Thursday, October 2 from 4PM–7PM.

• 🐱 Cat Pass with Tail Town Cats: Spend an hour unwinding with adorable cats—play, snuggle, or just relax in Pasadena’s cozy cat café. Thursday, October 2 at 5PM.

• 🎹 Centering Sounds: Journey Through the Landscape of Jazz: Experience an uplifting evening at Sierra Madre Playhouse with pianist Chad Edwards and The Altadena Jazz Collective, bringing community and healing through the power of jazz. Thursday, October 2 at 5:30PM.

• 🖼️ New Exhibitions Preview: Be the first to explore two inspiring shows at Pasadena Museum of History—Cha-Rie Tang: 48 Years of Artistic Innovation in Pasadena and Stories, Traditions & Designs: African American Quilters of Los Angeles—with light refreshments to follow. Thursday, October 2 from 5:30PM–7PM.

Save the Date

• 🎃 Carved at Descanso Gardens: Stroll a glowing autumn trail of hand-carved pumpkins, towering wood spirits, and dazzling light displays, with seasonal treats and a special nighttime railroad ride. Friday, October 3–Thursday, October 30 from 6PM–10PM.

• 🖼️ Free First Fridays at Norton Simon Museum: Explore world-class art and the sculpture garden with free admission during this monthly evening event. Friday, October 3 from 4PM–7PM.

• 🐶 Barks & Boos at the Arboretum: Celebrate Howl-o-ween with furry friends at the LA County Arboretum, featuring a pet costume contest, dog agility course, and adoptable pups from Pasadena Humane. Saturday, October 4 from 11AM–4PM (costume contest at 2:30PM).

• 🍞 Pan Dulce “Concha” Workshop: Learn how to bake Mexico’s beloved sweet bread in this hands-on workshop, where you’ll make fluffy cinnamon brioche-style conchas topped with their signature sugary seashell crust. Saturday, October 4 from 9AM–1PM.

• 🛍️ Pasadena City College Flea Market: Browse antiques, collectibles, and treasures from 400+ vendors at this long-running community market. Sunday, October 5 at PCC parking lots.

• 🍫 The Los Angeles Chocolate Salon: Indulge in Southern California’s premier artisan chocolate show at the Pasadena Convention Center, with tastings, demos, and conversations with master chocolatiers. Sunday, October 5 from 10AM–3:30PM.

• 🎨 ArtNight Pasadena: Explore 18 arts and cultural venues across the city for free—from haunted puppets and show tune sing-alongs to tile exhibits, interactive art, and live music. Friday, October 10 from 6PM–10PM citywide, with Pasadena City Hall as a central hub.

  

• 🎉 Pasadena Latino Heritage Festival: Celebrate culture, resilience, and community at this year’s festival themed “Un Pasado con Orgullo, un Futuro con Esperanza” (A Proud Past, a Hopeful Future). Centennial Square in front of City Hall will come alive with music, food, and festivities honoring Pasadena’s Latino heritage. Saturday, October 11 from 5:00PM–9:00PM.

• 🛍️ Artazan Handcraft Market: The Pasadena Convention Center transforms into a vibrant marketplace with over 200 artisans showcasing ceramics, jewelry, textiles, fine art, and gourmet treats. Enjoy live music, hands-on workshops, and seasonal shopping that celebrates creativity and community. Saturday & Sunday, October 11–12 from 10:00AM–5:00PM.

• 🏛️ Crafting Memories: Family Free Day: Kick off Pasadena Heritage’s Craftsman Week with a family-friendly day of art, architecture, and hands-on fun—featuring tile workshops, mini mansion tours, quilting exhibitions, and live music across Pasadena’s historic sites. Sunday, October 12 from 11AM–3PM.

• 🎳 Pasadena Jaycees Bowling Tournament: Roll into Montrose Bowl for a fun night of bowling, music, food, and raffles—all to support local Jaycees projects like Operation Gobbler thanksgiving food drive and Operation Santa toy drive. Wednesday, October 15 from 6:30PM–8:30PM.

• 🍻 Pasadena Pro Musica Presents Oktoberfest!: Raise your voice (and your stein) at this lively choral concert filled with German folk tunes, drinking songs, and singalongs—followed by a festive beer garden reception. Sunday, October 19 at 4PM.

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 Fire Chief Pushes for Expansion

Fire Chief Chad Augustin told city leaders Monday that Pasadena’s fire department needs urgent upgrades—more staff, new engines and ambulances, and rebuilt stations—to keep pace with soaring 911 calls and growing risks like wildfires, earthquakes, and large events.

The 10-year plan carries a $227 million price tag, starting with a new fire engine, ambulance, and a rebuild of 1946’s Station 33. It also funds year-round fire prevention, from brush clearance to goat grazing in the hills.

Augustin’s message: preparedness can’t have an end date. City officials will weigh costs in upcoming budget talks.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Wednesday

78 🌡️ 61 |☀️| 💨 S 7 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 55 (Moderate)

Thursday

79 🌡️ 62 |☀️| 💨 SE 6 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🎺 Latin Jazz Ensemble, directed by Brian Carmody: Soak up the sounds of PCC’s student musicians at a lively free outdoor concert during Open College Hour—perfect for a lunch break under the sun. Thursday, October 2 from 12PM–12:50PM.

• 🎹 Centering Sounds: Journey Through the Landscape of Jazz: Experience an uplifting evening at Sierra Madre Playhouse with pianist Chad Edwards and The Altadena Jazz Collective, bringing community and healing through the power of jazz. Thursday, October 2 at 5:30PM.

THANKS!

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