Pasadena Home Tours & Showcases

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. Did you know that the name "Pasadena" is derived from a Chippewa phrase meaning "crown of the valley"? That is why Pasadena is known as “the Crown City”.

In today’s News N’ Roses:

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

Work remote? Tired of working from your apartment, coffee shops, or the same routine every day? There’s a really solid workspace in Pasadena you might not know about.

CTRL Collective, located at S. Arroyo Parkway & Green St, is a ⭐4.9-rated co-working space built for freelancers, founders, and small teams who need more than a kitchen table setup.

If you’re looking for private offices, they still have a limited number left at promo pricing. Plans start at $1,097/month (3-month minimum) or $1,197 month-to-month. Each office includes two seats, with the option to add up to two more teammates for $100/month each.

Co-working membership comes with 24/7 access, fast WiFi, conference rooms, printing, and free coffee. It’s dog-friendly, has on-site parking, no setup fees, plus extras like phone booths, a podcast studio, and a full kitchen.

👉Book a tour or text Tim at (213) 316-8835 with “OFFICE?” for a booking link.

The 61st Pasadena Showcase House of Design opened its doors today, and I had the privilege of being among the first to explore Baldwin Oaks Estate — and it is absolutely stunning.

Nestled on nearly two acres in the heart of Arcadia, this magnificent 1907 shingle-style home was once the residence of Clara Baldwin Stocker, the diamond-adorned eldest daughter of California pioneer Elias "Lucky" Baldwin. Walking through its grand foyer, past the sweeping oak staircase and into rooms dressed in warm hand-finished paneling and oak beams, feels like stepping directly into early 20th-century California grandeur. The designers have breathed fresh life into every corner while honoring the home's extraordinary bones.

Outside, towering pines, palms, and oaks canopy a landscape that unfolds like a private park — rose gardens, fruit trees, a gazebo, and a vintage pool area all intact.

Beyond the beauty, this is a fundraiser with purpose. Proceeds from the Showcase House support Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts' music programs and grants to local nonprofits.

Tours run through May 17th. Do not miss it! For more information, click here.

In the spirit of touring beautiful homes like the Pasadena Showcase House, here's one close by worth adding to your calendar.

Now in its 35th year, the Bungalow Heaven Home Tour returns to Pasadena's beloved landmark historic district on Sunday, April 26th. The self-guided walking tour showcases eight charming early 20th-century bungalows, complete with docents, restoration experts, and a festive scene at McDonald Park featuring food trucks, music, and a silent auction.

This year's event carries extra meaning, with proceeds benefiting San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity's Eaton Fire recovery efforts. After pausing in 2025 out of respect for fire-affected neighbors, the neighborhood is back — and giving back.

Click here for tickets.

🌹 Music in the Rose Garden: Solo and duo performers play classical music on violin, cello, and guitar as guests wander through The Huntington's Rose Garden, presented in collaboration with the Pasadena Conservatory of Music. The Huntington's Rose Garden | Monday | April 20 | 1–3PM

👟 Run With Us: Monday Fun Run: A free weekly social run with 4 and 6-mile options, open to all paces, walkers, and leashed pets, with chances to test new footwear and win prizes. Run With Us | Monday | April 20 | 6PM

📚 Paul Fischer, in conversation with Drew McWeeny, discusses & signs The Last Kings of Hollywood: Author Paul Fischer joins film critic Drew McWeeny to discuss and sign his book about Coppola, Lucas, Spielberg, and the battle for the soul of American cinema. Vroman's Bookstore | Monday | April 20 | 7PM

🕯️ Birthday Party & Documentary "Transcending Fear: The Story of Gao Zhisheng": Amnesty International Group 22 and Caltech Women in BBE mark the birthdays of imprisoned human rights lawyers Gao Zhisheng and Narges Mohammadi with cake, tea, and a documentary screening about Gao's story. Caltech's Chen 130 | Monday | April 20 | 7PM

🥦 Pasadena Farmers' Market at Villa Parke: A certified farmers' market where vendors sell only what they grow, including fresh fruits, vegetables, jams, jellies, fish, and other farm products. Villa Parke | Tuesday | April 21 | 8:30AM–12:30PM

🏡 61st Pasadena Showcase House: The Baldwin Oaks Estate: Tour an 8,000-square-foot historic Craftsman estate in Arcadia transformed by 19 interior and landscape designers, with on-site dining, shops, wine and whiskey tastings, floral workshops, yoga, and select evening historical tours. Santa Anita Park, Huntington Gate 3, Lot C (Shuttle) | Tuesday | April 21 | 9:30AM–5PM

🎭 The Heat of the Suns Rays: An Earth Week Theater-Science Conversation with Caltech Climate Dynamics: A sneak peek at scenes from a new science-driven play weaving together ancient Greece, 19th-century London, and 2024 Phoenix through the groundbreaking work of early climatologist Eunice Newton Foote, followed by a discussion with playwrights and climate scientists. Resnick Sustainability Center Lobby at Caltech | Tuesday | April 21 | 12PM–1PM

🧵 Make Drawstring Pants: A hands-on sewing class for returning or advanced beginner sewers, covering drawstring pants construction, seam allowances, and practical techniques, with all materials provided. Remainders Creative Reuse (RCR) | Tuesday | April 21 | 6PM

🧠 T. Boyle's Tavern: Geeks Who Drink Trivia: A weekly trivia night hosted by Geeks Who Drink, open to all skill levels, with prizes and a lively bar atmosphere. T. Boyle's Tavern | Tuesday | April 21 | 8PM

🎭 Three Sisters: Theater Arts Caltech presents a co-created adaptation of Chekhov's 1901 classic, transposed to 1950s California, exploring the tension between aspiration and reality, the yearning for a better future, and the comic-tragic cost of inaction — performed by Caltech grad students, faculty, staff, alums, and JPL personnel, and directed by Brian Brophy. Caltech's Ramo Auditorium | Thursday–Saturday | April 23–25 | 7:30PM | Sunday @ 2:30PM

🎨 Jackalope Art Festival: A curated outdoor market featuring over 200 local artisans selling fashion, jewelry, paper goods, home decor, and more, with live music and family activities. Central Park | Saturday–Sunday | April 25–26 | 10AM–5PM

🌍 Earth Day at One Colorado: A community Earth Day celebration with hands-on workshops, local pop-ups, live music, a pollinator plant workshop, kids' nature crafts, a honey giveaway from One Colorado's own beehive, a beauty recycling drop-off, and a DIY jersey-to-tote bag activation. One Colorado | Saturday | April 25 | 1–4PM

🎻 Beethoven Eroica: Experience Beethoven's revolutionary Eroica Symphony paired with the west coast premiere of Grammy-winner Jennifer Higdon's cello concerto. Ambassador Auditorium | Saturday | April 25 | 2PM & 8PM

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!

The Pasadena Finance Committee and City Council will convene for a special joint public meeting at City Hall. Click here for agenda. Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers | Monday | April 20 | 2PM

The Pasadena City Council is gathering for its regular weekly public meeting, with Mayor Victor Gordo and seven district councilmembers in attendance. Click here for agenda. Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers | Monday | April 20 | 6PM

The Historic Preservation Commission convenes its regular public meeting to advise the City Council on the promotion, protection, and designation of Pasadena's cultural resources and landmarks. Click here to view agenda. Hale Building | Tuesday | April 21 | 6PM

72 🌡️ 52 |🌤️| 💨 SW 9 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 102 (Unhealthy)

67 🌡️ 48|🌧️35% | 💨 S 11 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

🎷 Triple Shot Jazz Trio: A modern jazz trio performing improvisations and original compositions rooted in jazz and blues with gospel and funk influences. Jones Coffee Roasters | Monday | April 20 | 9AM

🌹 Music in the Rose Garden: Solo and duo performers play classical music on violin, cello, and guitar as guests wander through The Huntington's Rose Garden, presented in collaboration with the Pasadena Conservatory of Music. The Huntington's Rose Garden | Monday | April 20 | 1–3PM

🎸 The Riner Scivally Trio: Guitar virtuoso Riner Scivally leads his trio through jazz standards, Brazilian tunes, and original compositions with Mike Alvidrez on bass and Paul Kreibich on drums. Edwin Mills | Monday | April 20 | 6–10PM

🎤 Fab 5 Freddy Book Reading, Signing & Afterparty: Hip hop pioneer and original "Yo! MTV Raps" host Fab 5 Freddy reads from and signs his new memoir "Everybody's Fly," with a Q&A moderated by Roger Guenveur Smith, followed by an old school hip hop video afterparty with Peanut Butter Wolf and J.Rocc. The Lodge Room | Monday | April 20 | 6:30PM

🎹 The Coffee Shop Jazz Trio: Pianist Matt Politano leads a free weekly modern jazz and Latin fusion performance with Blake White on bass and Mark Ferber on drums, with guest musicians joining throughout the year. Jones Coffee Roasters | Tuesday | April 21 | 8:30AM

🎷 Jumpin Joz Band: A high-energy swing and jump jazz band performing in the style of Count Basie, Louis Prima, and Benny Goodman, with music suited for both listening and swing dancing. Edwin Mills | Tuesday | April 21 | 6–10PM

🎧 Turntable Tuesday: Open Turntables Every Week Before Karaoke: A weekly open turntables night welcoming all formats and setups, with 20-minute sets on a first-come, first-served basis, followed by karaoke with Ricardo at 9PM. The OffBeat - A Bar On York | Tuesday | April 21 | 6–9PM

🎸 Live Music Night at Visionarium: Gregory Porée: Classical guitarist Gregory Porée returns to Visionarium for an evening of classical guitar, legendary songwriting, and original compositions. Visionarium Live Italian | Tuesday | April 21 | 6:30–8:30PM

🎵 Flyte featuring Samantha Crain: London indie-folk duo Flyte performs in support of their new album Between You and Me, recorded with legendary producer Ethan Johns, with opener Samantha Crain. The Lodge Room | Tuesday | April 21 | 7PM

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who lives in a mansion. And would invite me over.

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