Memorial Day in Pasadena: Remember, Reflect, Relax

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. The newsletter that kicks off summer like fireworks—and still makes time to remember.

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• Memorial Day in Pasadena: A Time to Remember

• Lots of Events this Weekend, including Memorial Day!

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

P.S. Congratulations to my sister Sarah on graduating college!

Also, apologies for missing Wednesday’s newsletter—we ran into some technical issues while I was on travel. We’ll also be taking this Monday off in observance of Memorial Day, but you’ll still find events for the day in today’s issue. Have a great Memorial Day weekend, Pasadena.

THE DIGEST 

🇺🇸 Memorial Day in Pasadena: A Time to Remember

This Monday, May 26 at 10:30AM, the community is invited to Memorial Park (85 E. Holly St.) for Pasadena’s official Memorial Day Commemoration, a meaningful ceremony honoring the 320 men and women from Pasadena who gave their lives in military service.

Led by Vice Mayor Jess Rivas, Sea Cadets, and Blair High School’s AJROTC, the event will feature a solemn reading of each name — a reminder of the individuals and families behind our freedoms. Navy Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Pedro Trinidad will offer the invocation and benediction, bringing both his military experience and deep pastoral care to the moment.

Hosted by the City and local veterans’ groups, the ceremony is open to all and is a chance to pause, reflect, and stand in quiet gratitude as a community.

While the planned flyover has been canceled, the spirit of remembrance remains strong. Whether you’re a longtime resident or just passing through, this is a gathering that centers what really matters.

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

Friday

• 🏛️ Friday Nights at The Gamble House: Wind down on the lawn with live music, docent-led tours of the historic home’s first floor, and wine flights from West Altadena Wine. Friday at 5:30PM. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, or grab a slice from Triple Beam Pizza’s mobile oven.

• 👻 Haunted Pasadena: Explore the spooky side of the City of Roses with a chilling nighttime tour through Playhouse Village and Old Pasadena. Hear ghost stories, uncover dark secrets, and maybe meet a phantom or two. 6:30PM, meeting point provided after booking.

• 🎭 RENT: Jonathan Larson’s iconic musical hits the Lineage stage with dancers, heart, and a message that still resonates. Celebrate love, resilience, and community with this fresh, powerful production. 7:00PM at Lineage Performing Arts Center.

• 🎤 Frankie Quinones: Catch the star of This Fool live at The Ice House for a night of unforgettable comedy and character work. Doors open at 6:30PM, show starts at 8:00PM. 21+ only, 2-item minimum per seat.

Saturday

• 🍎 Pasadena Farmers' Market at Victory Park: Stock up on fresh, locally-grown produce and artisan goods straight from the source! Grab your morning coffee and stroll through this lively outdoor market. 8:30AM–12:30PM at Victory Park (Sierra Madre Blvd & Paloma St).

• 🐐 Goat Yoga: Enjoy communing with friendly, gentle goats while engaging in a fun, light-hearted yoga session taught by certified instructor Tina Lenert on the rear lawn of the The Gamble House, May 24

• 🎪 Village Market and Festival: Celebrate culture, community, and creativity with live music, healing workshops, food, and over 50 local vendors. 4:00PM–10:00PM at 1905 Lincoln Ave, Pasadena. A vibrant evening of joy and unity!

• 🚗 Vintage Car Show 2025: Rev up your weekend with a stroll through classic and antique cars at this free family-friendly show! Enjoy vintage rides and a tasty French Toast Breakfast. 8:00AM–11:00AM at Memorial Park, La Cañada Flintridge.

• 🦸‍♂️ Comic Con 2025: Pasadena's ultimate fandom fest returns with celebrity guests, artists, panels, cosplay contests, and more! Don’t miss this action-packed day of geeky fun. 9:00AM–5:00PM at the Pasadena Convention Center, Halls A & B.

• 🏛️ Our History, Our Places: Celebrating Pasadena's Cultural Heritage: Discover Pasadena’s vibrant multicultural history with performances, panel talks, a scavenger hunt, and more! 11:00AM–2:00PM at this free, family-friendly celebration hosted by the City of Pasadena.

• 🐶 Pop-Up Dog Adoption Event at Eaton Canyon Golf Course: Meet the adorable pups aboard the Wiggle Waggle Waggin’ and find your new furry best friend. 11:00AM at Eaton Canyon Golf Course. Tail wags guaranteed!

Sunday

• 🚴‍♂️ Space Ride: Pedal through Pasadena’s cosmic legacy with a 14-mile guided bike tour of Caltech, JPL, and more. Fun, educational, and family-friendly! 10:00AM, meet at Caltech’s Bechtel Mall.

• 🌞 Free: Summer Picnic & Ukulele Rendezvous: Pack a lunch and soak up the sunshine with live music, ballroom dancing, games, and mini-tours at the historic Lanterman House. 12:00PM–4:00PM, with free cookies and lemonade to sweeten the day!

• 🎲 Play Day in the Park: Giant games, prizes, music, burgers, and more—Playhouse Village Park turns into a playground of fun for all ages! 12:00PM–4:00PM, free to attend and full of friendly competition.

• 🌌 Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome: Peter Erskine & the Lounge Art Ensemble: Experience world-class jazz inside the historic Mt. Wilson Observatory dome with an all-star trio led by legendary drummer Peter Erskine. Performances at 3:00PM & 5:00PM — an unforgettable fusion of music and astronomy.

• 🎬 Movie Night: "Conclave": Join First United Methodist Church for supper and a screening of Conclave, a gripping fictional tale of a papal election starring Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci. Supper starts at 5:00PM, film at 5:30PM in the church lounge.

• 🎉 Fiesta Days: Family Dinner & Music 2025: Dig into a BBQ feast and enjoy live jazz by the La Cañada High School Jazz Band as Fiesta Days heats up! 6:00PM–9:00PM at Memorial Park. A perfect evening of food, fun, and family vibes under the stars. Cap off Fiesta Days with a bang! Enjoy a brilliant 8:45PM–9:15PM fireworks show at Memorial Park—free, festive, and full of community spirit under the stars.

Memorial Day (Monday)

• 🇺🇸 Pasadena Memorial Day Commemoration: Join the community in honoring the heroes who gave everything for our country. A moving and reflective ceremony begins at 10:30AM on Monday, hosted by the City of Pasadena. Free and open to all.

  

• 👟 50th Annual Fiesta Days Run: Lace up for a Memorial Day tradition with 5K races, fun runs, and even a dog/human dash! 7:30AM start at Olberz Park in La Cañada. Show your patriotic spirit and help raise funds for YMCA scholarships.

• 🕺 Memorial Day Swing Band Concert and Dance: Step back into the 1940s with live swing music, dancing, and a patriotic flair! Featuring the Great American Swing Band and Pam Kay’s Tap Chicks. 2:00PM at Pasadena Senior Center. Retro fun for a red, white, and blue Memorial Day!

• 🌳 Afternoon in the Park 2025: Enjoy food, games, live music, a petting zoo, and more at this fun-filled community celebration! 12:00PM–3:30PM at Memorial Park in La Cañada. Free admission and good vibes for all ages.

Save the Date

• 🐐 Goat Yoga: Enjoy communing with friendly, gentle goats while engaging in a fun, light-hearted yoga session taught by certified instructor Tina Lenert on the rear lawn of the The Gamble House, 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.

• 👾 Monsterpalooza: Celebrate the art of monsters and movie magic. Featuring over 400 exhibitors of the best artists and creatives at the Pasadena Convention Center, May 30 – June 1

• 🎸 Head in the Clouds: 88rising, the pioneering and internationally renowned music and media company globally amplifying Asian talent and culture, May 31-June 1

• 🐾 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, Saturday, June 7 at Tail Town Cat Café, 1780 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena.

• ⛸️ 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.

•  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.

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

🛠️ Municipal Services Committee Special Meeting

Pasadena City Councilmembers meet to discuss infrastructure, utilities, and public services. Friday, May 23 · 2PM at City Hall. Open to the public.

Pasadena Memorial Day Closures & Events – Monday, May 26, 2025

In observance of Memorial Day, Pasadena City Hall and most City offices will be closed Monday, May 26. Essential services like police, fire, and emergency response will remain active. Trash pickup will continue on schedule, though bulky item collection will pause.

Pasadena Transit, Dial-A-Ride, public libraries, and community centers will also be closed. Parking meters (except in “No Parking” zones) won’t be enforced, but red zones and overnight parking rules still apply.

For city service questions, call (626) 744-7311.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Friday

75 🌡️ 57 |☀️| 💨 SW 2 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 83 (Moderate)

Saturday

70 🌡️ 56 |⛅| 💨 S 7 mph

Sunday

70 🌡️ 56 |☀️| 💨 S 7 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🎸 Daryl Darden: Groove into the night with legendary jazz and blues guitarist Daryl Darden, whose soulful sound has lit up stages worldwide for over 55 years. Friday, 7:00PM–11:00PM, May 23—Edwin Mills. Don’t miss this master of the craft!

• 🎷 Jenny & The Jazz Birds: Sip your latte to the smooth sounds of blues, funk, and classic jazz from this beloved local group. Saturday, 10:00AM at Jones Coffee Roasters on Raymond Ave. Free and full of groove!

• 🎤 Chloe Perrier: Transport yourself to a Parisian jazz café with NYC-based French jazz singer Chloe Perrier. Her dreamy vocals and vintage charm will fill the night with romance and rhythm. 7:00PM–11:00PM, May 24—Edwin Mills. A soirée of chanson and swing!

• 🎶 The Gold Line Jazz Collective: Enjoy a smooth Sunday morning with live jazz from Hank Mehren and his dynamic crew, blending cool jazz, hard bop, and Latin fusion. Sunday, 10:00AM at Jones Coffee Roasters on Raymond Ave. Free and full of rhythm!

• 🎶 The Riner Scivally Trio: Start your Memorial Day with smooth jazz standards, Brazilian rhythms, and original grooves from renowned guitarist Riner Scivally and his trio. 6:00AM–10:00PM, May 26—Edwin Mills. A full day of timeless tunes!

• 🎷 Jazz Sundays with Catlin & Rosser: Sip, sway, and soak in the sounds of jazz legends and original tunes by this dynamic duo. Sunday, 2:00PM at Jones Coffee Roasters—free, cozy, and cool.

• 🎷 Jazz Vespers: Ernie Watts: Experience Grammy-winning saxophonist Ernie Watts in an intimate, soul-stirring evening of jazz and reflection. Sunday, 5:00PM at All Saints Church—free and open to all, no reservations needed.
  

THANKS!

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who you’re spending Memorial Day with.

Remember to take a moment to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country.

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