It’s impossible not to think about the Eaton Fire and its overwhelming destruction to so many and to so much we hold dear. It’s equally impossible to stop time. Slowly and irrepressibly, life tends back to routine. Doors reopen. Classes resume. In Pasadena, arts, philanthropic, and commercial entities pick up again. In that vein, we resume publication of our Calendar of Events. — The Editors
Today’s lineup of local events showcases the city’s resilient cultural landscape, with offerings that span the arts, education, and community gatherings.
Cultural celebrations take center stage, with two significant Lunar New Year events marking the Year of the Dragon. The Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival transforms Main Street into a celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage, while One Colorado hosts an afternoon of traditional music and festivities in their iconic courtyard. At the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, renowned Chinese performer Zhao Benshan brings global star power with his international comedy tour.
The visual arts scene flourishes with several noteworthy exhibitions. The SPARC Gallery debuts “The Beautiful Lie,” featuring abstract works by Deborah van der Zaag, while the South Pasadena Winter Arts Crawl invites the community to explore local galleries and merchants from 3-8 PM. Art history enthusiasts can attend Guillaume Kientz’s lecture on Velázquez at the Norton Simon Museum, followed by Pasadena Heritage’s elegant evening exploring Art Deco’s enduring influence.
For families, the day offers a rich array of activities. Three farmers’ markets – in Pasadena, La Cañada, and Victory Park – bring fresh produce and community spirit to the morning hours. Kidspace Children’s Museum presents “Wired for Wonder,” a multisensory maze experience, while various library branches host storytimes, including a specialized sensory storytime for children with autism at Jefferson Branch Library.
Nature and wellness programming adds another dimension, with The Huntington offering forest bathing sessions with certified guide Debra Wilbur and Descanso Gardens hosting both creative writing workshops and a Valentine’s-themed Botanic Boutique featuring local artisans.
The performing arts round out the day’s offerings, with the Fremont Centre Theatre staging “The Sound of Music” and Jones Coffee Roasters hosting the beloved local jazz ensemble Jenny & The Jazz Birds. Though some events, including the anticipated California International Antiquarian Book Fair, have been canceled, the overall calendar reflects a community actively engaging in cultural and artistic pursuits as winter unfolds in the Crown City.
For individual event listings for these events and much more, visit our calendar for the day by clicking here.
