Wheels Turning, Cultures Shining: Pasadena’s May in Motion

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. The newsletter that’s on a roll like a speedy biker around the Rose Bowl. 🚴‍♀️

In today’s News N’ Roses:

• Ride Into May: Pasadena Bike Month

• Pasadena Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

• Events this Weekend

• Civil News Updates

Let’s get to it.

— Matthew Ramirez

THE DIGEST 

🚴‍♀️ Ride Into May: Pasadena Bike Month Rolls Out This May

Get ready to swap four wheels for two! Pasadena Bike Month kicks off Saturday, May 3 and runs through May 31, with free events all month long to celebrate biking as a fun, healthy, and eco-friendly way to get around town.

Hosted by the City’s Department of Transportation in partnership with Day One and the Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition, this year’s lineup includes:

🚲 National Ride a Bike Day (May 4): Cruise the city and score local business deals

🥯 Beginner’s Bagel Ride at Caltech (May 4, 8:30 a.m.): Chill pace + city street skills + bagels = Biking on a roll. Get it? Haha.

🏫 Bike to School Day (May 7): Ride with your kids and celebrate biking to class

Don’t miss the E-Bike Expo, family rides, and educational events happening all month long. Bring a helmet, lights for night rides, and good vibes only. More info at www.cityofpasadena.net/transportation.

🌸 Pasadena Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Throughout May, the City of Pasadena is honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with a variety of virtual programs, events, and activities for all ages.

The celebrations recognize the rich cultural contributions of AAPI communities to Pasadena and the nation. Many programs are hosted by the Pasadena Public Library and supported by The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library.

Visit City of Pasadena website for events happening throughout the month.

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

Friday

• 🎬 Amandla: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony | Film Screening: Join Dr. Oliver Greene at PCM for a moving documentary screening that explores how music empowered South Africans during the fight against Apartheid. 3PM. Open to PCM students, faculty, staff, and families.

• 🖼️ Free First Friday: Enjoy an evening of art and tranquility with free admission to the Norton Simon Museum’s galleries and garden. 4PM–7PM. No reservation required.

• 🎭 NT Live: Vanya: Experience Andrew Scott’s tour-de-force one-man performance in this bold reimagining of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, filmed live in London and screened at Boston Court Pasadena. 7PM.

• 🪐 Inside and Out: The Full Picture of Galaxy Evolution: A public stargazing lecture at Caltech by Evan Haze Nuñez, exploring how gas shapes the life of galaxies from the inside out. 8PM at Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics — attend in person or stream it live on YouTube.

Saturday

• 🛍️ Artazan Handcraft Market: Celebrate creativity and craftsmanship at the Artazan Market, returning to the Pasadena Convention Center. Shop fine art, jewelry, textiles, and artisan foods while enjoying live music, chocolate tastings, and hands-on workshops. A spring weekend of inspiration and artistry awaits! Saturday 10AM–6PM | Sunday 10AM–5PM.

• 🚶‍♀️ Exploring Pasadena on Foot: Art & Artists of Pasadena: Discover the people and places that shaped Pasadena’s Arts & Crafts legacy on a guided walking tour led by PMH curator Julia Long. 10AM–12PM. Begins at 125 S Grand Ave. Steep incline/decline included.

• 🛍️ ShopFest Market: Celebrate Mother’s Day early with handmade goods, kid-friendly crafts, photo ops, live entertainment, and bites from local favorites in the One Colorado Courtyard. 11AM–4PM. A fun-filled day for the whole family!

• 🐾 A.R.F! Accessibility Resource Fair: Head to Pasadena City Hall for a free, inclusive community fair with over 40 accessibility-focused booths, live entertainment, rock climbing, crafts, and food trucks. 11:27AM–3:33PM. All ages welcome.

• 🖼️ Exhibition Tour@PAM: Cai Guo-Qiang – A Material Odyssey: Join curators from USC PAM and the Getty for an in-depth tour of Cai Guo-Qiang’s cosmic, cross-cultural installation. 11:30AM. Ticket includes museum admission and free parking. Reservations required.

• 🎷 Flattop Tom & His Jump Cats at PBDA: Live swing music and dancing with Flattop Tom & His Jump Cats, plus a pre-show lesson, snacks, and drinks. 8PM at Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association. Swing lesson at 7:30PM.

• The Concert for Beautiful Pasadena: Benefitting Altadena fire victims, this multi-stage concert will feature local artists, May 3

Sunday

• 🛍️ Artazan Handcraft Market: Celebrate creativity and craftsmanship at the Artazan Market, returning to the Pasadena Convention Center. Shop fine art, jewelry, textiles, and artisan foods while enjoying live music, chocolate tastings, and hands-on workshops. A spring weekend of inspiration and artistry awaits! Saturday 10AM–6PM | Sunday 10AM–5PM.

• 🏛️ Museums of the Arroyo Day: Step into “Life in the Past Lane” on Sunday, May 4 · 12PM–4PM as six local museums—Gamble House, Lummis Home, Pasadena Museum of History, and more—offer free admission, family activities, and shuttle service between stops. It’s the 35th annual celebration of Arroyo culture, architecture, and history.

• 🚴 National Ride a Bike Day: Grab your wheels and explore Pasadena on two wheels! Ride anywhere, anytime, and enjoy special deals from local businesses all day long. Free and open to everyone.

• 🏎️ Concorso Ferrari: Nearly 100 vintage and modern Ferraris take over Colorado Boulevard for this open-air car show in Old Pasadena. Meet owners, enjoy live interviews, and marvel at 70 years of Ferrari design and engineering. 10AM–3PM. Free and family-friendly.

• 🎨 P.S. ARTS in the Park: A joyful day of hands-on art led by teaching artists to support families affected by recent wildfires. Held at Playhouse Village Park with activities for all ages. 3PM — free to attend, RSVP required.

• 🎨 Alta Art Tour 2025: Explore 17 open studios across Altadena and upper Pasadena showcasing 45 local artists in painting, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, and more. Meet the artists, shop their work, and enjoy a self-guided creative adventure. 11AM–5PM. Free and family-friendly.

Save the Date

• 💜 Nurturing Our Wellbeing: Mind, Body & Spirit: Join the community for a day of wellness with free food, fresh produce, live music, dancing, workshops, and family fun! Wednesday, May 14 · 10AM–1PM at Lincoln Avenue Christian Church, Pasadena. Free bus ride available—register at the Jackie Robinson Community Center by May 9. Space is limited!

• 🧘‍♀️ A Day to Decompress: Enjoy yoga, massage, meditation, and sound bowls at this restorative wellness event for fire-affected residents (free w/ ID). 11AM–4PM at 2929 Pennsylvania Ave, Santa Monica. Hosted by Bizzy Hands Kind Hearts.

• 🎵 A Night of Hope – Benefit Concert for California Fire Victims: Join Dove Award-winning artist Jordan Feliz and 2024 New Artist of the Year nominee Terrian for a powerful evening of music and unity at Lake Avenue Church. All proceeds support families affected by the California fires. 6PM. Livestream available via Eight Days of Hope’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

• 🦸 Pasadena Comic Con: A vendor hall full of comic books, toys, action figures, anime and so much more, 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.

• ⛸️ 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.

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 Reviews $2.4B Capital Plan Ahead of May 5 Vote

At a special City Council meeting on April 28, Pasadena began reviewing its $2.4 billion Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for FY 2026–2030. The proposed $446 million FY 2026 budget covers 119 projects — including street repairs, utility upgrades, transportation improvements, and major renovations at city venues like the Rose Bowl and Civic Auditorium.

Highlights include:

• Public Works: 29 recommended projects including street resurfacing and ADA improvements

• Transportation: Focus on transit and safer streets, with 91% of funding coming from grants

• Water & Power: $425M in water infrastructure plans, including resilience upgrades

• Rose Bowl: $28.5M proposed for fan experience and facility maintenance

• IT & Civic Upgrades: AV tech, citywide Wi-Fi, and Civic Auditorium repairs

The final budget vote is set for May 5. The meeting closed with a heartfelt tribute to Peggy Sisson, a longtime childcare coordinator and beloved community figure.

🚧 Fair Oaks Ave. Closed May 3–5

Heads up: Fair Oaks Avenue will be fully closed between California Blvd. and Bellefontaine St. due to construction.

🔒 Closure begins: Saturday, May 3 at 1 a.m.
🔓 Reopens: Monday, May 5 at 1 a.m.

Avoid the area and plan alternate routes if you're headed that way!

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Friday

70 🌡️ 55 |☀️| 💨 SSE 5 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 41 (Good)

Saturday

66 🌡️ 53 |⛅| 💨 S 7 mph

Sunday

61 🌡️ 52 |🌧️| 💨 S 7 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar. 

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🎻 Beethoven "Pastoral" Symphony: Enjoy a sweeping program featuring Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 and Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony, with violinist William Hagen and conductor Brett Mitchell. Saturday, May 3rd, 2PM & 8PM at Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Presented by Pasadena Symphony & Pops.

• 🎶 Chamber Music Concert: Join the Mt. Lowe Chamber Players for a fun, interactive family concert featuring a reed quintet performing music by Debussy, Gershwin, Mozart, and more. Perfect for ages 3+. Sunday, 3PM at Altadena Library. Free.

• 🎹 Piano Bar at Stone Brewing Pasadena
  Request your favorite songs and sing along with Johnny King at this dog-friendly, family-friendly piano bar show. Sunday, 6PM at Stone Brewing Tap Room.

• 🎻 Restoration Concert Series: New Hollywood String Quartet: Enjoy an intimate performance by the acclaimed New Hollywood String Quartet, featuring a program of rich chamber music in the South Pasadena Library Community Room. Sunday, 4PM. Tickets available online.

• 🎶 New Dawn Concert at Noor: Enjoy an inspiring evening of classical music performances benefitting local firefighters and police. Featuring pianists, vocalists, and the Harmonium Trio. Sunday, 5:45PM at Noor, Paseo Colorado. Doors open at 4PM with buffet dinner from 4:30PM–5:30PM. Sponsored by Steinway & Sons.

• 🎷 Armenians in Jazz 2025: Celebrate the legacy of Armenian jazz legend Chico Tutunjyan with a powerful evening of music and storytelling featuring Vardan Ovsepian, Karen Kocharyan, Emmanuel Hovhannisyan, and Noah Garabedian. Sunday, 7PM at AGBU Vatche & Tamar Manoukian Performing Arts Center.
  

THANKS!

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who needs some training wheels. 🛞🤓

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