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Here is a sampling of upcoming things to do in the San Gabriel Valley area.
LA Veterans Resource Expo: The 4th annual event offers veterans, reservists, National Guard members, active-duty personnel and military families to find information on education, health and wellness programs plus job opportunities (and on-site interviews), 9 a.m.-2 p.m. March 21. Program remarks, 9:15 a.m. The event is hosted by Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. Free admission and parking. Register to attend. Location, Pomona Fairplex, Building 4, 1101 W. McKinley Ave. (use Gate 17), Pomona. Register to attend at: hildalsolis.org/veteransexpo.
Wildflower Hotline – Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers and Native Plants: The Sun Valley-based foundation presents its 2025 hotline on the best locations for viewing spring wildflowers in Southern and Central California. The weekly reports are released on Friday from March through May (depending upon this year’s bloom season). 818-768-1802, Ext. 7. theodorepayne.org/learn/wildflower-hotline/
Armory Center for the Arts: “Going Up the Hill – A Community Art Experience,” an “ongoing, ever-changing, collaborative installation” as a response to the January wildfires, through May 11 (armoryarts.org/exhibitions/2025/going-up-the-hill) See contemporary art exhibitions and learn about community-based art education. Gallery hours: 2-6 p.m. Friday, and 1-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Free admission. Donations appreciated. Location, 145 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena. For more information, 626-792-5101. armoryarts.org
Laugh Factory Covina: Comedy Madness with Nick Guerra, Ocean Glapion, East Los Marquez, Michael Quu, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. March 21. Vinny Fasline and Friends: Drew Lynch, Jesus Trejo, 7 and 9:30 p.m. March 22. Jamie Kennedy, 7 p.m. March 23. SUPEReeeGO (aka Eric Ochoa), 7:30 p.m. March 27. Minimum age: 18. Check the website for lineup and ticket prices. Two-item minimum for all shows. Location, 104 N. Citrus Ave., Covina. 626-339-0093. https://www.tixr.com/groups/laughfactorycovina
Vroman’s Bookstore: Scaachi Koul discusses and signs “Sucker Punch – Essays,” 7 p.m. March 21. Richard Bienstock and Tom Beaujour discuss and sign “Lollapalooza – The Uncensored Story of Alternative Rock’s Wildest Festival,” 7 p.m. March 25. Unsolicited Press authors reading and signing: Raki Kopernik (“No One’s Leaving”), Darci Schummer (“The Ballad of Two Sisters”), Robyn Leigh Lear (“Ekphrasis as Divination – An Incantation Catalogue”), Kerry Donoghue (Mouth”), 7 p.m. March 27. Brian Castleberry discusses and signs “The Californians,” 7 p.m. March 28. Location, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-5320. www.facebook.com/vromansbookstore. vromansbookstore.com
Topdog/Underdog: The play by Suzan-Lori Parks about two brothers pursuing success, 8 p.m. March 21; 2 and 8 p.m. March 22; 2 and 7 p.m. March 23. Tickets $63 and up. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. www.pasadenaplayhouse.org. www.pasadenaplayhouse.org/event/topdog-underdog/
Homeowners’ Resource Fair – Disaster Relief Information for Eaton and Palisades Wildfires-Affected Property Owners: Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang’s office presents the event that includes direct updates about property tax relief, on-site document intake, online resources, and ask questions, 9 a.m.-noon March 22. Free to attend. Location, Duarte Community Center, 1600 Huntington Drive, Duarte. The flyer, details on the event and to register to attend: assessor.lacounty.gov/news-information/events
Air Pollution Forum – League of Women Voters Pasadena Area: Guest speaker Michael Cacciotti, vice chair of the South Coast Air Quality Management District governing board, discusses the role of the SCAQMD, air pollution and health effects, wildlife impacts, challenges to electrification and incentive programs, 9:30 a.m. March 22. Free but register on the website to attend. Location, First United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall, 500 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Email: office@lwv-pa.org. lwv-pa.org
Golden Dragon Parade: The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles presents the 126th parade — celebrating the Year of the Snake — that includes traditional lion and dragon dance teams, bands, dance troupes, dignitaries, elected officials and cultural groups, 1 p.m. March 22. If you have purchased Grandstand seat tickets (for the original Feb. 8, 2025 parade date), they are valid for the rescheduled parade date (www.lachinesechamber.org). Route: Hill Street at Ord Street; Hill to Temple Street, and toward Bernard Street; right from Bernard to Broadway; Broadway to Temple Street, Chinatown in Los Angeles. Details, see map of the parade route and suggestions for using public transportation to get to the parade: www.lachinesechamber.org/2025-gdp
Natural History Museum Los Angeles County: March 23: “Butterfly Pavilion,” the seasonal exhibit opens to the public and runs through Aug. 24; reservations required by timed ticket (30-minute time slots; $10; must also purchase museum admission; details tinyurl.com/4asy4c62). Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Sunday (but closed on the first Tuesday of the month and some holidays). Admission $18; $14 ages 62 and older and ages 13-17; $7 ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and younger, but a ticket is required. Location, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles. nhmlac.org
Women’s History Month – Moving Forward Together: The Duarte Historical Museum and the Monrovia-Duarte Black Alumni Association present the talk, 2:30 p.m. March 23. Free admission. Donations welcome. Duarte Historical Museum, 777 Encanto Parkway, Duarte. 626-357-9419. ranchodeduarte.org
Friends of the Pasadena Public Library Bookstore: The store has used books for sale, especially for children. Altadena residents receive 50% off all purchases and a free book with every purchase. Ask about free books for schools that were impacted by the Eaton fire. Proceeds from sales help to fund Pasadena Public Library program including One City One Story and Summer Reading. Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Saturday. Closed on Friday and Sunday. In addition, ask about volunteering at the bookstore. Jefferson Branch Library, 1500 E. Villa St., Pasadena. friendsppl.org/
Pasadena Civil War Round Table: Archivist and historian Julian Della Puppa discusses “Come Out Fighting – The Story of Black Soldiers Throughout American History” at the monthly meeting of the PCWRT, 7:15 p.m. March 25. Free admission. Free parking behind the building (use the driveway at 160 N. Madison Ave.). Location, Blinn House, 160 N. Oakland Ave., Pasadena. Details: tinyurl.com/3pkj9bvt. www.pasadenacwrt.org
A Celebration of Women’s History Month – Honoring the Women’s Movement and the Power of Us: The 8th annual program presented by the Pasadena Unified School District includes student essay readings and an art exhibit on the theme “Together We Rise,” and keynote speakers State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez and PUSD Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco, 6 p.m. March 26. Free admission. Marshall Fundamental Secondary School, 990 N. Allen Ave., Pasadena. Flyer: https://marshall.pusd.us/
Altadena and Friends – Eaton Fire Relief Benefit: Pasadena Heritage presents a variety show fundraiser with dance, magic and music performances, 7 p.m. March 27. All proceeds from the event go to fire relief through the Altadena Rotary Club. Tickets $20 and up; VIP ticket $147 includes a VIP reception at 5:30 p.m.). Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. 626-441-6333. www.facebook.com/PasadenaHeritage. www.pasadenaheritage.org/. Details and to purchase tickets: tinyurl.com/2x5ennnp
Pasadena Bead and Design Show: Find antique and handcrafted beads, hand-sewn clothing, jewelry findings, classes, demonstrations and workshops, March 28-30 (rescheduled dates). Pasadena Convention Center, Exhibit Hall, 300 E. Green St. Email: info@beadagio.com. www.facebook.com/beadanddesign. www.beadanddesign.com/shows/pasadena.php
Cesar Chavez – Commemorative Celebration: The City of Glendale presents the cultural event with community information booths, performances, a climbing wall and refreshments, 1-4 p.m. March 29. An official program, 1:30 p.m. Pacific Community Center, 501 S. Pacific Ave., Glendale. 818-548-4098. Flyer: glendaleca.gov/chavez
The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire: Immerse yourself in the time of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign and have some fun with cosplay of the time period, speaking the lingo, shopping in the marketplace, listening to music and laughing at performances, Saturday-Sunday, April 5 through May 18. Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Pub Crawl tickets on sale March 15 ($65; minimum age is 21; no children allowed on the pub crawl including children in strollers). Theme weekends: “Pirate and Marketplace” (April 12-13); “Cottagecore” (April 19-20); “Renncon” (April 26-27). (renfair.com/socal/special-events). Fun dress code for all weekends: period “faire” costume (optional). Admission $44; $22 ages 5-12. No pets allowed. There is a mandatory car entry fee, $12, to the Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area (renfair.com/socal/directions-weather/). Parking is free, first-come, first served; VIP parking $25 (must be purchased in advance online; VIP parking cost does not include the mandatory car entry fee). Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, 15501 E. Arrow Highway, Irwindale. 626-969-4750. renfair.com/socal
Friends of the Pasadena Public Library Bookstore: The group holds a “huge” patio book sale, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. April 5. Fill a grocery bag for $5 (the group will sell you the bag). Jefferson Branch Library, 1500 E. Villa St., Pasadena. friendsppl.org/
Benita Bike’s DanceArt Co.: The Sunland-based modern dance company performs the premiere of “From Where I Sit,” and also, “Aspects of Me,” “Griot Songs,” “Off the Path,” and “For Rose,” 8 p.m. April 5 and 3 p.m. April 6. Tickets $30 and $20 students (in advance); at the door, $35 and $23, respectively. Lineage Performing Arts Center, 920 E. Mountain St., Pasadena. 818-470-5734. www.danceart.org/performances
Bonnie Fang Foundation’s Nurses Rock 5K/10K Walk-Run: The 5th annual event — a kick-off to National Nurses Week, May 6-12 — is a scholarship fundraiser for nursing students in California and Nevada, 7 a.m. May 3. Registration is open now. Location, Frank G. Bonelli Regional County Park, 120 E. Via Verde Drive, San Dimas. 949-230-1791. Bonnie Fang Foundation: helphopehonor.org/. www.facebook.com/bffnurses. runsignup.combffnursesrock
Ongoing things to do
TOPS weight loss meeting: The first meeting is free for non-members of this Take Off Pounds Sensibly group, 10 a.m. Fridays. Meeting at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, classroom building, 1359 E. Covina Blvd., Covina. For more information, patalmeida44@gmail.com
California African American Museum: Ongoing special exhibits: “Repossessions,” through Aug. 3 (caamuseum.org/exhibitions/2025/repossessions). “Really Free: The Radical Art of Nellie Mae Rowe,” through Aug. 17 (caamuseum.org/exhibitions/2025/really-free-the-radical-art-of-nellie-mae-rowe). Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; closed on Monday (caamuseum.org/visit/hours-directions). Free admission. Parking $20 before 5 p.m.; $24 after 5 p.m. (parking lot entrance at West 39th and South Figueroa streets. Museum location, corner of Exposition Boulevard and South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles (in Exposition Park). 213-744-7432. www.facebook.com/CAAMinLA/. www.caamuseum.org
Descanso Gardens: “What’s in Bloom in March” (depending on the weather): https://www.descansogardens.org/gardens-and-collections/whats-in-bloom/. Hours: 9-5 daily. Admission $15; $11 ages 65 and older and students with ID; $5 ages 5-12. Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. 818-949-4200. descansogardens.org. www.facebook.com/DescansoGardensLA
Duarte Historical Museum: Hours: 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays; 1-4 p.m. Saturdays (except closed on Saturday on holiday weekends). Free admission. Location, 777 Encanto Parkway, Duarte. 626-357-9419. ranchodeduarte.org
Forest Lawn Museum – Glendale: Permanent exhibits: forestlawn.com/museum/. Free admission. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Location, 1712 S. Glendale Ave. forestlawn.com
The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens: Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Monday (closed on Tuesday). Reservations required on Friday-Sunday. Admission is by timed entry (no walk-ins): $29; $24 ages 65 and older and students ages 12-18 with ID; $13 ages 4-11. Location, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. huntington.org
Kidspace Children’s Museum: Museum hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Timed tickets are required. Admission $15.50 ages 1-61; $13.50 ages 62 and older. Location, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-9144. kidspacemuseum.org
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden: Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (last entry is 4:30 p.m.). Admission $15; $11 ages 62 and older and students with ID; $5 ages 5-12. Admission may be purchased online. Location, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. 626-821-3222. arboretum.org/visit/hours-and-admission. arboretum.org
Los Angeles County Museum of Art: Ongoing special exhibits: “Ritual Expressions: African Adornment from the Permanent Collection,” through July 6. “Digital Witness: Revolutions in Design, Photography, and Film,” through July 13. “Imagining Black Diasporas: 21st Century Art and Poetics,” through Aug. 3. “We Live in Painting: The Nature of Color in Mesoamerican Art,” through Sept. 1. More exhibits: www.lacma.org/art/exhibitions/current. Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and Thursday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Plan your visit information here: tinyurl.com/mr3uwzs3. Admission $23; $19 ages 65 and older and students ages 18 and older with a valid ID; free for ages 17 and younger (reserving/purchasing an advance, timed-entry online is recommended; these prices are for residents of Los Angeles County with an ID). Location, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-857-6010. www.lacma.org
Monrovia Historical Museum: Discover Monrovia’s history. Docent-led tours are available. Hours: 1-4 p.m. Thursday and Sunday. Free admission. Location, 742 E. Lemon Ave. For more information, 626-357-9537. monroviahistoricalmuseum.org. Updates: www.facebook.com/monroviahistoricalmuseum
Petersen Automotive Museum: Ongoing special exhibits: “Best in Low: Lowrider Icons of the Street and Show,” through April 2025. “Super/Hyper: The Ultimate Automobiles” and “Alternating Currents: The Fall and Rise of Electric Vehicles” and “Modern Concepts: Future Visions from the Recent Past” (all three through July 2025). “People’s Champ – The Impact of Ken Block,” check for closing date for this exhibit, www.petersen.org/ken-block-exhibit). Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission $21; $19 ages 62 and older; $13 ages 12-17; $12 ages 4-11 (a valid ID is required for ages 12 and older; www.petersen.org/tickets). Location, 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-930-2277. www.petersen.org
John Rowland Mansion: The historic home is open for showings at noon and 1 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month. Park at the Hacienda La Puente School District lot. Location, 16021 Gale Ave., City of Industry. 909-241-7961. lpvhistoricalsociety.org
Rubel Castle: The castle is an elaborate folk-art medieval castle in the foothills of Glendora, with 5-story tall towers solidly built out of junk and river rocks by the late Michael Rubel and his friends. The castle offers eight guided tours each month; by appointment-only. Admission $20 for adults; $10 ages 8-18; cash-only. The property is not Americans with Disabilities Act accessible (see website for details). Location, 844 N. Live Oak Ave., Glendora. Glendora Historical Society voicemail, 626-963-0419. rubeltours.org
Norton Simon Museum: Ongoing special exhibit: “Mariana: Velázquez’s Portrait of a Queen from the Museo Nacional del Prado,” through March 24. Hours: noon-5 p.m. Thursday; noon-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday-Monday. Admission $20; $15 seniors; free for students with ID and ages 18 and younger. Location, 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-6840. nortonsimon.org
USC Pacific Asia Museum: Ongoing special exhibit: “Cai Guo-Qiang: A Material Odyssey,” is based on the artist’s gunpowder painting and drawings, through the lens of scientific research conducted by Getty, through June 15. The exhibition fills most of the USC PAM galleries with a selection of the artist’s work, as well as scientific imagery that explores the nature of gunpowder, its influence on his work, and how his process has evolved through the last four decades. Museum hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Timed tickets for the special exhibit are required; some walk-up admission may be available: (pacificasiamuseum.usc.edu/exhibitions/cai-guo-qiang-a-material-odyssey/). Admission $20; $15 ages 65 and older and students with ID; free for ages 17 and younger. Location, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. 626-787-2380. pacificasiamuseum.usc.edu. https://pacificasiamuseum.usc.edu/visit-us/
Send calendar items to handres@scng.com. Please send items at least three weeks before the event. Please list phone, email and/or website for additional information.
