Celebrating Women's History in Pasadena

Celebrate Octavia Butler

There are many ways to celebrate the incredible Octavia Butler, who was born and raised in Pasadena. Butler attended Washington Junior High School, which was later called Washington STEAM Multilingual Academy, was just recently renamed the Octavia E. Butler Magnet. They named their library after the famous alumna in 2020 with a mural in her honor. Visit the The Huntington Library to admire the collection Octavia Butler’s archives and start a 2.5 mile walking loop to Experience Butler’s Pasadena on Foot. On the walking loop, visit Nikki High in her recently opened bookstore highlighting female authors and BIPOC writers at Octavia’s Bookshelf on your way to Octavia E. Butler Magnet school.

The Norton Simon Museum

The renowned Norton Simon Museum on Pasadena’s famed Colorado Boulevard has a sculpture garden with a lush pond. During a remodel with Frank Gehry in the 1990s, Norton’s widow Jennifer Jones Simon asked landscape designer Nancy Goslee Power to create a garden “just like Monet’s Giverny.” A delight for visitors of all ages. This month, the museum will offer a free print of Louise Moillon's "Still Life with Cherries, Strawberries and Gooseberries". Enjoy other works by women artists and more on March 16th for a tour from 1pm to 2pm.

The Pasadena Hotel & Pool

The Pasadena Hotel & Pool is a historic hotel built in 1926 by local businesswoman Constance G. Lewis Perry. Located on the Rose Parade route, the hotel reopened in 2022 with updated interiors and branding to blend the Spanish influences of Southern California with the building’s 1920s ethos. The pet-friendly hotel has a rooftop pool and a lobby area furnished with found items from flea markets such as the Rose Bowl Flea Market.

The Rose Bowl Stadium

1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final at the Rose Bowl Stadium broke attendance and television records for women’s sports and the US Women’s Soccer Team’s winning kick was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, becoming one of the defining images of women’s athletics in the United States. Get a tour of the historic stadium on the last Friday of every month to see the locker rooms, the field, press box, and more.

Celebrate Women’s History at the USC Pacific Asia Museum

On March 1st, the USC PAM will host an evening with contemporary artists Humaira Abid & Phung Huynh to discuss a range of issues that highlight the power of creativity. The museum also offers free Second Sundays and will celebrate Hinamatsuri or Japanese Girl's Day on March 10th. Learn the art of ikebana, make origami Hina dolls and ornaments, see a traditional doll display and listen to stories inspired by this lively springtime holiday.

See A Comedienne at Ice House Comedy Club

Celebrate the month with a night out and laughter at The Ice House with a line-up of spectacular comediennes taking the stage this March. Make plans to see Brandi Denise and special guests from Comedy Central, Jiaoying Summers, Kristi McHugh Laff, and more throughout their Ladies of Laughter Comedy Fest.

Pasadena's Museum of History Mansion Tour

On March 24th from 11am to 1pm, you can step inside the historic 1906 Fényes Mansion to experience an exclusive, in-depth tour of Museum benefactors Eva Scott Fényes, her husband Dr. Adalbert Fényes, and Eva's descendents. The mansion reflects the lifestyle and culture of a woman raised in the Victorian era as it was practiced in Pasadena in the time of Orange Grove's Millionaire's Row.

American Civil war through the Female Lens

On March 20th, The Huntington welcomes Thaviola Glymph, professor of history at Duke University, to discuss the experiences of women and children refugees during the American Civil War. Attend the free event with registration. Before heading to the event, check out the recently reopened Conservatory designed by the woman-owned business, Deneen Powell Atelier.

The Legacy of women in landscape architecture

Between March 22nd - 24th, Preservation Pasadena, presented by Pasadena Heritage, is a three-part series featuring a variety of tours, presentations, and special events. The series will explore the exceptional work and lasting legacy of pioneer landscape architects. Gather your group and celebrate the end of the special month with a wine tasting and beautiful garden tours.

Support Women-Owned Businesses

Enjoy the experiences from Pasadena’s women-owned businesses. Monopole by WineRX is owned by a wine-educated Latina physician and offers phenomenal wine tasting experiences. Savor the wide selection of specialty cheeses at Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery, curated by cheesemonger Vanessa Kalb. See the list of women-owned businesses.