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Here is a sampling of upcoming things to do in the San Gabriel Valley area.
Descanso Gardens: “What’s in Bloom in February” (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
Laugh Factory Covina: Mike Binder and Friends, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Feb. 14. Comedy Madness, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Feb. 15. Sunday Night Slam, 7 p.m. Feb. 16. 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
Black History Festival – Pasadena: The festival includes performances, family activities and community resource booths, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 15. Free admission. The parade portion has been canceled for this year due to the Eaton fire (tinyurl.com/bdcsj4vy). Jackie Robinson Community Center, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena. Details on the 2025 festival: www.cityofpasadena.net/parks-and-rec/event/black-history-parade-and-festival/
Petersen Automotive Museum: Feb. 15: “People’s Champ – The Impact of Ken Block” opens (www.petersen.org/ken-block-exhibit). 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). “Cars Are Beautiful: Mr. Brainwash @The Petersen,” through 2026 (www.petersen.org/cars-are-beautiful-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
Kidspace Children’s Museum: Feb. 15 opening: “Wired for Wonder,” a multi-sensory maze, (options: a daytime add-on with a timed museum ticket, and also an evening ticket geared for adults (details: kidspacemuseum.org/wired-for-wonder). 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
Third@First Concert Series: Junko Ueno Garrett performs a piano concert, “Musica de España – Life and Music in Spain,” with music by Alveniz, de Falla, Granadas and Lecuona, 4 p.m. Feb. 15. Free admission. Donations. First United Methodist Church of Pasadena, 500 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-796-0157. junkopiano.com/. www.thirdatfirst.org
Vroman’s Bookstore: Will Power presents “Nana’s New Soul Food,” 11 a.m. Feb. 15 (children’s event/storytime). Raegan Fordemwalt signs “Prince of Hearts,” 2 p.m. Feb. 15. Local Author Day: Steve Fortunato (“The Urgent Recovery of Hospitality – How Rediscovering Generosity Restores a Civil World”) and Nika Hogan (“Breakthroughs in College Reading – The Promises and Tensions of Disciplinary Reading Apprenticeships”) sign books, respectively, 4 p.m. Feb. 16. Alejandro Heredia discusses and signs “Loca,” 7 p.m. Feb. 17. Julie Tieu discusses and signs “The Girl Most Likely To,” 7 p.m. Feb. 19. Jenn Bregman discusses and signs “The Last Hamilton,” 7 p.m. Feb. 20. Stacey Simmons discusses and signs “Mushroom Pharmacy: A Practical Guide to Psychedelic Mushrooms,” 7 p.m. Feb. 21. Location, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-5320. www.facebook.com/vromansbookstore. vromansbookstore.com
California Botanic Garden – Family Bird Festival: Bird lovers young and old will enjoy the event that includes classes and storytimes, an immersive migration game and educational booths on birds, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 16. Check the website for the schedule; the festival is free with garden admission. Admission $15; $11 ages 65 and older and students with ID; $5 ages 3-12. Location, 1500 N. College Ave., Claremont. https://www.calbg.org/event/family-bird-festival-2025
Kingdom Day Parade – Peace and Unity, Let it Start with Us: The 40th annual parade, celebrating the work of civil rights leader the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., 10 a.m. Feb. 17 (rescheduled from Jan. 18). Grand marshal: Ben Crump, civil rights attorney. Kingdom Day King: Jamael Shotomide (Santa Monica College student; pursuing a degree in film production). Kingdom Day Queen: Mariah Allen (Loyola Marymount University student; majoring in political science and African-American studies). Arrive by 9 a.m. to watch the parade. Rain does not cancel the event. The parade is presented by the Congress of Racial Equality of California. The parade is televised live. Parade route: Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at St. Andrews Place, west on MLK Jr. to Crenshaw Boulevard, south on Crenshaw to Vernon Avenue (parade route map on the website). 323-350-2667; 818-605-7405. www.kingdomdayparade.org. Updates on the parade: www.facebook.com/officialkingdomdayparade/
Essex Corners: Parson’s Nose Theater presents a reading of a new play by Hoyt Hilsman, 7 p.m. Feb. 17. Tickets $20 (purchase online). Location, 90 N. Marengo Ave., Pasadena. 626-345-5115. parsonsnose.com. www.parsonsnose.com/live-events-1/essex
LA Art Show: Galleries from the United States and around the world present art for sale in specialized sections including Modern + Contemporary, European Pavilion and Works on Paper, Feb. 19-23. Opening Night Premiere, 6-10 p.m. Feb. 19 ($250). The show’s 2025 charity partner is the American Heart Association’s “Life Is Why” campaign — 15% of proceeds from tickets sold will be donated to the cause. Show hours: noon-8 p.m. Feb. 20-22 (general admission); noon-6 p.m. Feb. 23 (general admission). Admission $35 (see other admission options and to purchase online: tinyurl.com/bdnhvmw9). Admission may be purchased at the door). Los Angeles Convention Center, South Hall, 1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. www.laartshow.com
Black History Month – County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation: Learn about the culture, heritage and contributions made by Black Americans, through Feb. 28. Events on Feb. 20 include: 5-7 p.m. at Arcadia Park (405 S. Santa Anita Ave., Arcadia; 626-821-4619); 5-7 p.m. at Pathfinder Park (18150 Pathfinder Road, Rowland Heights; 562-690-0933); 6-8 p.m. at Manzanita Park (1747 S. Kwis Ave., Hacienda Heights; 626-336-6246); 6-8 p.m. at San Angelo Park (245 S. San Angelo Ave., La Puente; 626-962-6011); 6-8 p.m. at Sunshine Park (515 S. Deepmead Ave., La Puente; 626-961-7582; 6-8 p.m. at Valleydale Park (5525 N. Lake Ellen Ave., Azusa; 626-334-1456). Free admission. No registration required. Complete list of County of Los Angeles parks and recreation centers holding events (hours, activities and programs vary): www.parks.lacounty.gov/bhm
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. – A Celebration of the Music of Aretha Franklin: Enjoy the hit songs that Aretha Franklin made famous, 2 p.m. Feb. 23. Tickets $58. Haugh Performing Arts Center, Citrus College, 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora. 626963-9411. www.haughpac.com. https://tickets.haughpac.com/events
Pasadena Chorale – Sing America Part One-I, Too: The chorale presents music by Black American composers Florence Price (“Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight”) and Margaret Bonds (“Credo”), and also Jen Wang’s “Wayfaring Stranger,” 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26. Free admission with a ticket reservation (reservations required; donations. First United Methodist Church of Pasadena, 500 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. www.pasadenachorale.org/
Téada – Pasadena Folk Music Society: The band performs traditional Irish music, 8 p.m. March 1. Doors open, 7:15 p.m. Tickets $33.85; $12.51 students through high school (purchase on Eventbrite: tinyurl.com/3mw744se). Parking information on the website. Beckman Institute at Caltech, 400 S. Wilson Ave., Pasadena. pasadenafolkmusicsociety.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
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. See the Jan. 10 post on rescheduling: www.facebook.com/beadanddesign. www.beadanddesign.com/shows/pasadena.php
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. Feb. 14 (or any other Friday). Meeting at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, classroom building, 1359 E. Covina Blvd., Covina. For more information, patalmeida44@gmail.com
Armory Center for the Arts: 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. Location, 145 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena. For more information, 626-792-5101. armoryarts.org
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: Ongoing special exhibit: “Narcissus Quagliata: Archtypes and Vision in Light and Glass,” through March 9 (check the link for details: forestlawn.com/exhibits/narcissus-quagliata-archetypes-and-visions-in-light-and-glass/). 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: Ongoing special exhibit: “Raqib Shaw: Ballads of East and West,” through March 3 (details: tinyurl.com/22xcjmk8). 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
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: 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
Natural History Museum Los Angeles County: 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
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: Exhibits: “Plugged In: Art and Electric Light,” through Feb. 17. “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/
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