Pasadena Plans for Pops— Happy Father's Day!

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that’s as reliable as Dad’s handyman skills.

• FIFA Fever on Fathers Day

• ‘No Kings Day’ Protest Planned for Saturday in Pasadena

• Events This Weekend!

• Father’s Day: The Best Spots and Events!

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

P.S. Happy Birthday Rémy! 🎂

THE DIGEST 

FIFA Fever on Fathers Day

This Father’s Day, the world’s game comes to Pasadena as the FIFA Club World Cup kicks off at the Rose Bowl. On Sunday, June 16 at 12PM, catch a high-profile match between Paris Saint-Germain and Atlético de Madrid—a rare chance to see top players like Kylian Mbappé and Álvaro Morata play live, right here at home.

It’s a great way to spend the day with Dad—sunshine, world-class soccer, and maybe a shared bag of stadium snacks. More matches follow throughout the week, including PSG vs. Botafogo on June 19 and Atlético vs. Botafogo on June 23.

‘No Kings Day’ Protest Planned for Saturday in Pasadena

Pasadena will join over 1,500 cities in a nationwide day of protest this Saturday, June 15. The local “No Kings Day” demonstration—set for 2–4PM at Lake Ave & Colorado Blvd—aims to peacefully oppose authoritarianism and recent federal actions. Organized by a coalition of national groups, the event aligns with Flag Day and President Trump’s military parade in D.C.

Pasadena officials say the city supports peaceful protest and will be monitoring to ensure public safety.

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📷@seereenuh📍Pasadena Chalk Festival, 2024

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

Friday

• 🎹 Music at Noon: Junko Ueno Garrett: Acclaimed pianist Junko Ueno Garrett brings her dynamic performance to Pasadena Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, June 11 at 12:10PM. A free midday concert in the heart of Pasadena!

• 🎬 Film Screening: 12 Angry Men (1957): Catch this classic courtroom drama at the Norton Simon Museum on Friday, June 13 from 4:30–6:05PM. Tickets are $15–$20. A powerful look at justice, persuasion, and human nature.

• 🎥 Movies in the Park: The Goofy Movie: Kick off your weekend with laughs and heart under the stars at Garfield Park in South Pasadena on Friday, June 13 at 5PM. Free entry, food vendors on site, and a perfect family night out!

• 🍷 Friday Nights at The Gamble House with West Altadena Wine + Spirits: Sip wine, explore the historic Gamble House, and enjoy live folk rock from Maiden Names on the lawn Friday, June 13 at 5:30PM. Bring a blanket or grab a slice from Triple Beam Pizza’s mobile oven—perfect for a laid-back Pasadena evening!

• 🌅 Sunset Music Series: Kutturan Chamoru: Experience the vibrant traditions of the Chamoru people through dance, music, and storytelling at Kidspace Children’s Museum on Friday, June 13 from 5:30–7PM. Enjoy extended museum hours, artmaking, and a magical evening under the island sky!

• 🌹 An Evening Among the Roses: Celebrate pride, community, and garden glamour at The Huntington Library’s elegant LGBTQ+ garden party on Friday, June 13 at 6PM. Enjoy cocktails, performances, hors d'oeuvres, and dancing under the stars. Festive attire encouraged!

• 🎬 Buster Keaton’s Sherlock Jr. meets R.E.M.: Classic silent film meets alternative rock in this one-of-a-kind mashup at Sierra Madre Playhouse on Friday, June 13 at 8PM. Experience Keaton’s 1924 comedy reimagined with R.E.M.’s "New Adventures in Hi-Fi"—a cinematic and musical fusion like no other!

Saturday

• 🍎 Pasadena Farmers' Market at Victory Park: Shop fresh, local produce and specialty goods at Victory Park on Saturday, June 14 from 8:30AM–12:30PM. Meet the farmers, enjoy the flavors, and start your weekend with something delicious! Located at 2900 N. Sierra Madre Blvd, in front of Pasadena High School.

• 🔧 Special Behind the Scenes Engineering Tours at Mt. Wilson Observatory: Explore the mechanical marvels behind the historic 60- & 100-inch telescopes, solar observatories, and powerhouse on Saturday, June 14 from 9AM–2:30PM. A must for science and engineering buffs—tickets are $100 and space is limited!

• 🎨 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!

• 🚗 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.

• 🛼 Juneteenth Celebration & 4th Annual Roller Jam: Celebrate freedom and community with roller skating, live DJ, food trucks, kids’ art, and bounce houses at Pasadena City Hall on Saturday, June 14 from 4–9PM. Bring your own skates or rent for $10—fun for all ages and totally free to attend!

• 🎬 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!

• 🌈 Drag Trivia Night with Jackie Beat at Tail Town Cat Café: Celebrate Pride Month with three rounds of fabulous trivia hosted by drag legend Jackie Beat at Tail Town Cat Café, 1780 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena on Saturday, June 14 at 7PM. Doors open at 6:30PM. Ages 21+, $15 entry. Come for the cats, stay for the sass—reservations required!

Sunday - Fathers’ Day

• ⚽ FIFA World Cup 2025: PSG vs Atlético Madrid: Watch two European powerhouses face off in a thrilling Group Stage match at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium on Sunday, June 15 at 12PM. Tickets range from $91–$109. Don’t miss this epic clash of styles in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup!

• 🎷 Jazz in the Park: Marcelo Bucater & Friends: Enjoy a fusion of Brazilian rhythms, jazz, and odd meters with Pasadena-based percussionist Marcelo Bucater on Sunday, June 15 at 6PM at Playhouse Village Park’s Van Halen Stage. Free, lively, and perfect for a summer evening!

Save the Date

• 🎨 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.

• George Takei Signing: Actor, author, and activist George Takei signs his new graphic memoir It Rhymes with Takei, June 20th, 6 PM

• Astronomy on Tap: What happens when two black holes collide? How do scientists use computer simulations to model the behavior of black holes? These topics and more will be discussed, June 23rd, 7:30 PM

• 🌉 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.

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

🔥 The Dena Project: Altadena’s Recovery, Rebuilt by Community

Small businesses hit hard by the Eaton Fire are getting a powerful boost thanks to The Dena Project—a new, locally-led initiative focused on real recovery driven by the voices of business owners themselves. With coaching, community events, and hands-on support, the project is all about helping entrepreneurs get back on their feet—with dignity and direction.

To kick things off, they’re hosting a Business Recovery Night on Wednesday, June 25 at Prime Pizza’s patio. Free dinner, real conversations, and community-driven solutions. Limited space—register at BuildBackDena.com.

FATHER’S DAY

Looking for the perfect way to treat Dad this weekend? We’ve rounded up the best spots and experiences around Pasadena—whether he’s into classic cars, live jazz, outdoor adventures, or a killer brunch. Here's your Father's Day game plan:

• 🚗 Pasadena Police Car Show
  June 15, 10AM–3PM | The Paseo
  Classic cars, live music, food, and fun—all benefiting local youth programs.

• 🎷 Jazz in the Park
  June 15, 6PM–8PM | Playhouse Village Park
  Bring a blanket and enjoy Brazilian jazz from Marcelo Bucater & Friends under the stars.

• 🎨 Pasadena Chalk Festival
  June 14–15, 10AM–7PM | The Paseo
  A colorful, family-friendly celebration with over 500 artists—fun for all ages.

• 🥩 Father’s Day Brunch at The Langham
  June 15, 10AM–2PM | The Royce Steakhouse
  A luxury buffet brunch featuring steak tartare, crudo bar, and more.

• 🕹️ Neon Retro Arcade
  Open Daily, 12PM–10PM | Old Pasadena
  Throw it back to Dad’s arcade glory days with 40+ vintage games and pinball.

• 🌮 Father’s Day at El Cholo Pasadena: Celebrate Dad with a $39.95 Sunday Brunch Buffet, which includes a happy hour house margarita, at El Cholo Pasadena on Sunday, June 15. Enjoy classic dishes, $12 drinks, and live mariachi from 12–3PM and 5–8PM. A flavorful fiesta for the whole family!

• 🍝 Father’s Day at Buca di Beppo
  Celebrate Dad with bold Italian flavors and a free half-pound World Famous meatball on Sunday, June 15, at participating Buca di Beppo locations. Served family-style and full of love. Reservations recommended.

• 🦐 Father’s Day Weekend at Pez Coastal Kitchen: Treat Dad to a coastal-inspired feast at Pez Pasadena from June 13–15. Enjoy a special weekend menu packed with bold flavors and fresh seafood he’s sure to love!

• 🌳 Explore the Arroyo Seco
  Take Dad on a scenic hike, disc golf game, or just a relaxing stroll through Pasadena’s lush, 22-mile greenbelt.

• ⚽ FIFA Club World Cup at the Rose Bowl
  June 15, 12PM | Rose Bowl Stadium
  Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atlético de Madrid—give Dad a seat at one of the year’s most exciting matches.

• 🥩 Father’s Day Steak & Surf 3-Course Menu: Treat Dad to a legendary 3-course feast at Flemings’ Steak House, featuring filet mignon, lobster tail, and more. Available Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15, starting at 11AM. Choose from premium land & sea combos starting at $94. Includes salad and dessert!

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Friday

80 🌡️ 60 |☀️| 💨 SW 7 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 72 (Moderate)

Saturday

85 🌡️ 62 |☀️| 💨 SW 7 mph

Sunday

87 🌡️ 63 |☀️| 💨 SW 7 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• Jazz in the Afternoon: Join Criterion Coffee Lounge every weekend in June for live jazz performances. Sip on your favorite coffee and enjoy the smooth sound of talented jazz musicians in the heart of Pasadena. Saturday and Sunday, June 14 and June 15 from 12 PM to 2 PM.

• 🎶 Father's Day Celebration: An Evening with The Eldermen: Enjoy a lively evening of music with The Eldermen at the San Rafael Branch Library on Saturday, June 14 from 6–7:30PM. Free event with family fun, great tunes, and hot pizza from Triple Beam—perfect for celebrating Dad!

• 🎷 Jazz in the Park: Marcelo Bucater & Friends: Enjoy a fusion of Brazilian rhythms, jazz, and odd meters with Pasadena-based percussionist Marcelo Bucater on Sunday, June 15 at 6PM at Playhouse Village Park’s Van Halen Stage. Free, lively, and perfect for a summer evening!

• Fattback Blues: Altadena-based blues musician Brother Yusef will bring his unique style to Pasadena’s La Pintoresca Branch Library on June 17 at 2 PM

THANKS!

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