This summer, the community is invited to gather for Mariposa Night, a free, hour-long storytelling event produced by Leadership Pasadena, created in response to the devastating Eaton Fire. Held at Caltech’s Beckman Auditorium on Saturday, July 12, from 7 to 8 p.m., the free event will offer space for reflection, healing, and connection among those most impacted.
Rooted in the belief that storytelling strengthens community, Mariposa Night will feature personal narratives from residents and workers who lived through the fires in affected neighborhoods. These testimonies will shine a light on resilience, shared memory, and the meaning of home. Mariposa Night storytellers were impacted by the fire—but they’re not telling stories about loss. They’re telling stories that reflect their lives, their families, their hopes.
The event draws inspiration from Dr. Lucy Jones, who advocates for sustained community gatherings as a vital part of disaster recovery. “We need to hold concerts and events, not just for the next three months but for the next three years, so that this remains a place that you want to be in,” she notes. Mariposa Night is a step toward that vision—an evening of collective care.
Before the forum begins, attendees are invited to a pre-show gathering on the Beckman Lawn beginning at 5:30 p.m. The outdoor event will feature Altadena-based food trucks, live performances by local musicians, and informational tables hosted by Pasadena/Altadena organizations.
Mariposa Night is not a fundraiser. It is a moment to reconnect, listen, and stand together in the wake of shared hardship.
Mariposa Night is sponsored by Caltech, Fire Aid, and VFW Lt Kenneth Bell Post 3208. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit https://www.caltech.edu/campus-life-events/calendar/mariposa-night or contact Kitty Cahalan at kcahalan@caltech.edu.
