This Weekend: Jackalope & Bungalow Heaven Tours

Good afternoon, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. On this day in 1990, NASA launched the Hubble Space Telescope — and 36 years later, it's still going strong. Even after astronauts had to fly up and fix a major mirror flaw post-launch, Hubble has kept on delivering incredible discoveries ever since. Pretty cool for a telescope that's been floating in space since before most of us had internet!

In today’s News N’ Roses:

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

This Sunday, wander through eight beautifully preserved historic homes in one of Pasadena's most charming neighborhoods — a square mile of Craftsman goodness that's literally on the National Register of Historic Places.

It's a self-guided walking tour with volunteer docents, restoration experts on hand, and a whole vibe at McDonald Park: live music, a silent auction, homemade cookies, and food trucks. Yes, cookies.

Tickets are $25 in advance (through Saturday at 8pm!) or $30 day-of. Bonus: a portion of proceeds supports San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity's Eaton Fire recovery efforts.

Since 1990, this tour has been the way to experience Pasadena's architectural soul. Don't sleep on it — the neighborhood is literally one of the 10 great places in America.

Jackalope is back in Old Pasadena this Saturday and Sunday. Over 200 hand-selected local artisans will be set up at Central Park with indie fashion, jewelry, home decor, art, photography, food, and more. Whether you're looking for something specific or just want to wander, it's a solid way to spend the weekend. Hours are 10AM to 5PM both days, so there's plenty of time to browse without rushing. Support local makers, discover something new, and enjoy being outside in one of Pasadena's best spots. See you there!

🌈 MUSE/IQUE: Back to OZ: A musical journey through the world of Oz — from The Wonderful Wizard to The Wiz to Wicked — reimagining beloved songs as a celebration of radical hope, identity, and shared humanity, presented in partnership with CTG. MUSE/IQUE | This Weekend | Various Times

🎭 Mamma Mia!: A La Cañada Playhouse production set on a sun-drenched Greek island, following a bride-to-be who invites three men from her mother's past to uncover her father's identity, told through ABBA's infectious hits. La Canada Playhouse | This Weekend | Various Times

🎭 Three Sisters: Theater Arts Caltech presents a bold reimagining of Chekhov's classic tragicomedy, transposed to late-1950s California and exploring the gap between aspiration and reality, the yearning for a better future, and the cost of inaction. Caltech's Ramo Auditorium | This Weekend | Various Times

🎭 THEATRE | Breadcrumbs Along the Trail: A solo performance by Carl Weintraub weaving fables, folk tales, fairy tales, and personal stories into a reflection on where we've come from, how we move forward, and what we carry with us. Sierra Madre Playhouse | This Weekend | Various Times

🎭 THEATRE | Rilke - One Million Words: A solo show by Ivo Müller inspired by the works of Rainer Maria Rilke, connecting a present-day actor with the poet through his letters as both navigate creative struggle, identity, and belonging — performed as part of Rilke's centennial tour. Sierra Madre Playhouse | Sunday | April 26 | 4PM

🧶 Wollhaus: LA Yarn Crawl: Wollhaus Pasadena is the third stop on the LA Yarn Crawl passport, where fiber lovers can discover new yarns, collect exclusive buttons and tote bags, pick up free patterns, and enter to win prizes. Wollhaus | Friday | April 24 | 10AM–6PM

🍺 Craft & Barrel: Sip and Create at Altadena Ale House: Bring your own craft project and join a casual, creative social gathering at a local brewery, open to ages 21 and older. Altadena Ale House | Friday | April 24 | 4–6PM

🪙 Kids Coin Push Art: A hands-on art class where kids create meditative freeform drawings by pushing coins with markers, then learn shading and coloring techniques, with all materials included. Remainders Creative Reuse (RCR) | Friday | April 24 | 4PM

🌍 Share Your Culture International Food Fair and Culture Show: A free community celebration of Caltech's cultural diversity featuring international food, traditional fashion, music, and performances from students and cultural groups. Caltech's Beckman Lawn | Friday | April 24 | 5–7PM

🐱 Meow N Paint with Tail Town Cats: A 21+ canvas painting session in the cat lounge where all art supplies are provided and BYOB is welcome. Tail Town Cat Cafe | Friday | April 24 | 6PM

🥃 Speakeasy Friday Nights: This Friday features a whiskey and chocolate truffle pairing with four specially selected whiskeys and small bites, plus live country western music from Pickleback Shine, held in the Hole in the Wall Tavern on the grounds of the 2026 Pasadena Showcase House of Design. Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts | Friday | April 24 | 6–8PM

🥋 Caltech Tai Chi Club: A free weekly class open to all levels covering Hao-style tai chi chuan, Yang-style tai chi, kung fu, and bare-hand and weapon forms, taught by Peter Mugglebee and advanced students in a no-pressure environment. Caltech's Hameetman Center 220 - Multipurpose Room | Friday | April 24 | 7PM

🎨 Altadena Heritage Smart Talk Series: A panel discussion featuring five artists presenting their creative responses to the Eaton Fire, including home sketches, tintype photography, painting, and a community keychain project collecting keys from burned homes, with artwork available for purchase following the panel. 2606 Madison Avenue | Friday | April 24 | 7PM

🏊 Pasadena Triathlon, Duathlon & 5K Fun Run 2026: Now in its 20th year at the Rose Bowl, this family-friendly race weekend features a reverse triathlon, duathlon, kids triathlon, and a 5K fun run benefiting Angel City Sports, welcoming athletes of all experience levels. Rose Bowl Loop (start on Seco Drive) | Saturday | April 25 | 7AM

🥦 Pasadena Farmers' Market at Victory Park: A certified farmers' market where vendors sell only what they grow, including fresh fruits, vegetables, jams, jellies, fish, and other farm products. Villa Park | Saturday | April 25 | 8AM–12PM

🐐 Goat Yoga At The Gamble House: A light-hearted yoga session taught by certified instructor Tina Lenert on the rear lawn of The Gamble House, with Nigerian Dwarf goats roaming freely through class and 15 minutes of petting and photos before and after. The Gamble House | Saturday | April 25 | 9AM & 10:15AM

🔬 STEM Savvy: Girls' Science Day: A free Saturday morning conference for 6th–8th grade girls featuring hands-on STEM workshops led by female science professionals and college students, designed to build interest and confidence in science, technology, engineering, and math. Pasadena City College | Saturday | April 25 | 9AM–12PM

🌱 Dig In! Pasadena - Earth Month Community Garden Celebration: A free Earth Month morning featuring hands-on activities including a nasturtium workshop with seeds to take home, watercolor painting with tea, and a free tool repair and plant swap, with all supplies provided and no registration required. Throop Unitarian Universalist Church | Saturday | April 25 | 9:30AM–12:30PM

🎨 Jackalope - An Indie Artisan Fair: A free outdoor weekend market featuring over 200 hand-selected makers showcasing indie fashion, jewelry, paper goods, home décor, art, photography, and specialty foods in Central Park. Jackalope Arts Fair | Saturday & Sunday | April 25–26 | 10AM–5PM

🧘 Yoga@PAM: A community yoga session for all levels led by Amber Kiwan, inspired by the exhibition "Mythical Creatures: The Stories We Carry," with ticket price including museum admission and free parking. USC Pacific Asia Museum Courtyard | Saturday | April 25 | 10AM–12PM

🎨 Curator's Tour | Cha-Rie Tang: 48 Years of Artistic Innovation in Pasadena: Curator Cha-Rie Tang leads a tour of her exhibition featuring fused glass, high-relief ceramic tiles, and architectural designs spanning a 48-year career that includes founding Pasadena Craftsman Tile and public art commissions across Los Angeles and Orange County. Pasadena Museum of History (PMH) | Saturday | April 25 | 11AM

🐮 Helix Collective's Dooby Dooby Moo: A live musical storytime for ages 3–7 featuring Doreen Cronin's beloved book set to original music by Phil Popham and narrated by Broadway actress Rena Strober, with a chance to meet musicians and explore instruments after the show. Boston Court Pasadena | Saturday | April 25 | 11AM & 1PM

🌍 Garden of Good | Earth Day: A free Earth Day afternoon featuring a pollinator plant workshop, kids' nature crafts, a meet-the-beekeeper experience with an onsite honey giveaway, sustainable pop-up shops, a jersey-to-tote DIY activation, complimentary lemonade and Salt & Straw ice cream, and live music. One Colorado Courtyard | Saturday | April 25 | 1PM

🎨 South Pasadena Spring Arts & Music Crawl: A free all-afternoon street crawl featuring over 30 live musical performances, 20+ merchant events, art gallery exhibits, interactive art activities, an artisans' alley, and food and drinks throughout town. South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Saturday | April 25 | 3–10PM

🌟 All Saints 2026 Gala: An inaugural fundraising gala featuring cocktails, dinner, live music, a magician, and live and online auctions, celebrating community and compassion with a focus on the Safe Haven program supporting unhoused neighbors. University Club of Pasadena | Saturday | April 25 | 6–10PM

🌸 2026 Garden of Hope Soirée: An elegant spring fundraising gala with a cocktail hour, dinner, and garden-inspired dress code, with all proceeds benefiting Villa Esperanza Services' programs for children, adults, and seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The California Club | Saturday | April 25 | 6PM

🎙️ Go Fact Yourself LIVE with Jennifer Morrison and TBD: A live pop culture trivia show hosted by J. Keith van Straaten and Helen Hong, featuring actor Jennifer Morrison and a secret guest, with surprise expert guests and concessions available starting at 6PM. The Crawford | Saturday | April 25 | 7PM

🕺 Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association's Weekly Saturday Night Swing: Rob Dehlinger's Alpha Rhythm Kings: A live swing dance night featuring San Francisco's Alpha Rhythm Kings, with a complimentary swing lesson before the band plays, open to dancers of all ages and experience levels, with coffee, lemonade, snacks, and door prizes included. Grace Hall | Saturday | April 25 | 8PM

👟 2026 Walk for Kids: A family-friendly 1K walk and play day benefiting Ronald McDonald House Pasadena, supporting children and families who rely on the house's services while their children receive medical care. Brookside Park | Sunday | April 26 | 8AM

🏡 Annual Bungalow Heaven Home Tour: A self-guided walking tour through Bungalow Heaven's historic Arts & Crafts-era homes featuring docent-led interior tours, craftsman demonstrations, local musicians, a silent auction, and a special showcase of six 1940s Minimum Traditional houses. Bungalow Heaven Neighborhood | Sunday | April 26 | 10AM–4PM

🌿 51st Annual Spring Plant Sale: The Huntington's most popular plant sale of the year, offering new plants, uncommon collectibles, and sought-after favorites, with timed entry reservations required due to limited capacity. The Huntington's Plant Sale Nursery | Sunday | April 26 | 10AM–4PM

🥂 Bottomless Mimosa Sunday Brunch: A 21+ Sunday brunch featuring bottomless mimosas and a full brunch menu inside the Hole in the Wall Tavern on the grounds of the 2026 Pasadena Showcase House of Design. Hole in the Wall Tavern | Sunday | April 26 | 11AM–1PM

🔭 Echoes of Discovery: A Piano Premiere & Fundraiser: Acclaimed musicians Tim Durkovic, Ambroise Aubrun, and Cécilia Tsan perform works by Beach, Fauré, Mozart, and Brahms beneath the iconic 100-inch telescope dome, celebrating the revival of a beautifully restored 1907 piano with proceeds supporting the Observatory's music initiatives. Mt. Wilson Observatory | Sunday | April 26 | 3–4:30PM

🎨 Opening: EFTA Student Art Exhibition: Light Bringer Project's Expressing Feelings Through Art program opens a student art exhibition at Highland Park's beloved independent bookshop, with complimentary food and beverages provided. North Figueroa Bookshop | Sunday | April 26 | 3PM

New events added to the News N’ Roses events page. Check them out here!

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!

72 🌡️ 53 |🌤️| 💨 S 9 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 18 (Good)

60 🌡️ 48 |⛅| 💨 S 10 mph

60 🌡️ 47 |🌤️ | 💨 SW 11 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

🎤 LA College of Music Showcase featuring Ella Beyer, Summer Woods & Ziric the Wanderer: Three singer-songwriters from LA College of Music take the stage, including Summer Woods' album release party. Healing Force of the Universe | Sunday | April 26 | 8PM

🎻 Beethoven Eroica: The Pasadena Symphony & Pops performs Quinn Mason's "Heroic Overture," the west coast premiere of Jennifer Higdon's Cello Concerto featuring cellist Julian Schwarz, and Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 "Eroica," led by music director Brett Mitchell. Ambassador Auditorium | Saturday | April 25 | 2PM & 8PM

🎹 Piano Master Class | Andrés Jaramillo: International concert pianist and conductor Dr. Andrés Jaramillo coaches PCM piano students in a free, open-to-the-public master class. Pasadena Conservatory of Music (PCM) | Saturday | April 25 | 3PM

🎹 Clazzical Notes Presents: Two Fats — From Harlem to New Orleans: A live musical celebration of Fats Waller and Fats Domino featuring Lanny Hartley, Music Director from the original Broadway production of "Ain't Misbehavin'," blending jazz, blues, and rock 'n' roll into an evening of classic American music. Alkebulan Cultural Center | Saturday | April 25 | 5PM

🌎 In Nomine Terra Calens - A Free Earth Week Concert: Caltech and the Colburn School of Music co-host a free concert weaving live baroque performance with climate science presentations, featuring music by seismologist and composer Dr. Lucy Jones representing rising global temperatures from 1880 to 2017. Caltech's Beckman Auditorium | Saturday | April 25 | 7:30PM

💃 Benita Bike's DanceArt Celebrates 45 Years with Anniversary Concert: A milestone anniversary concert showcasing works from 2017–2026, including the premiere of Flock Struck set to gamelan music, alongside character-driven vignettes, solos and duets, and a lively park-inspired finale. Lineage Performing Arts Center | Saturday | April 25 | 8PM

🎼 Main Series No. 5: Familiar | Forgotten | Fresh: Three piano quintets spanning the beloved, the overlooked, and the brand new — including Schumann, Julius Röntgen, and a world premiere commission — performed by Salastina's resident artists, with a complimentary wine reception to follow. PCM's Barrett Hall | Sunday | April 26 | 3PM

💃 Benita Bike's DanceArt Celebrates 45 Years with Anniversary Concert: A milestone anniversary concert showcasing works from 2017–2026, including the premiere of Flock Struck set to gamelan music, alongside character-driven vignettes, solos and duets, and a lively park-inspired finale. Lineage Performing Arts Center | Sunday | April 26 | 3PM

🎶 Mozart Piano Quintet & Poulenc Sextet: A free chamber concert featuring Mozart's Piano Quintet with Winds and Poulenc's Sextet, performed by musicians from the LA Philharmonic, LA Opera, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Pasadena Symphony, and other area ensembles. Westminster Presbyterian Church | Sunday | April 26 | 3PM

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