Visit Pasadena — Things to Do in Pasadena

Pasadena: Where Great Minds Meet

Pasadena is the city where great minds meet. Explore how science, technology, and creativity come to life.

Watch: The Gamble House

The filmmaker behind The Lion King and Beauty & the Beast made a documentary about the Gamble House.

Watch: California's Hidden Gem

There’s a lot to be discovered for those who venture off the beaten path.

Watch: Craftsman Weekend

Pasadena is home to the largest event honoring the American Arts & Crafts Movement, play the video to learn more.

Watch: ArtNight Pasadena

Get a sneak peak of ArtNight Pasadena, where many of our museums and galleries are open free to the public.

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Upcoming Events

Caltech Chinese New Year Celebration ft. Wen Chen

Jan25

Students, alumni, and their guests are welcome to celebrate the Chinese New…

Love in Winter – R&B Soul Concert

Jan25

Coming to the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Love in Winter will feature an…

Lunar New Year at USC Pacific Asia Museum

Jan25

Lunar New Year Festival Join the museum for their annual Lunar New Year…

Lunar New Year at the Langham Huntington

Jan25

To celebrate the Chinese New Year, the historic 4-star luxury hotel will…

Resources & Downloads

Pasadena: Where Great Minds Meet

Pasadena is the city where great minds meet. Explore how science, technology, and creativity come to life.

Watch: The Gamble House

The filmmaker behind The Lion King and Beauty & the Beast made a documentary about the Gamble House.

Watch: California's Hidden Gem

There's a lot to be discovered for those who venture off the beaten path.

Watch: Craftsman Weekend

Pasadena is home to the largest event honoring the American Arts & Crafts Movement, play the video to learn more.

Watch: ArtNight Pasadena

Get a sneak peak of ArtNight Pasadena, where many of our museums and galleries are open free to the public.

Featured Events

Golden State Tattoo Expo

Jan 24, 2020 - Jan 26, 2020

Inked Presents
The Golden State Tattoo Expo 2020 brings together some of the world’s top tattoo artists, whose exceptional work clouds…

Love in Winter - R&B Soul Concert

Jan 25, 2020

Coming to the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Love in Winter will feature an array of R&B and urban soul artists, including…

Lunar New Year at USC Pacific Asia Museum

Jan 25, 2020

Celebrate the "Year of the Rat" with performances, art-making workshops and more at the USC Pacific Asia Museum…

Cheeseburger Week

Jan 26, 2020 - Jan 31, 2020

Inventing the Cheeseburger
Lionel Sternberger invented the cheeseburger in 1924, while working at his father’s roadside stand in Pasadena, California. The restaurant…

Antiquarian Book Fair

Feb 7, 2020 - Feb 9, 2020

Featuring over 150 booksellers from the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America (ABAA) and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB…

Pasadena International Film Festival

Mar 12, 2020 - Mar 19, 2020

Pasadena's International National Film Festival returns March 7 through March 15th…

ArtNight Pasadena

Mar 13, 2020

Enjoy a free evening of art, music and entertainment as Pasadena's most prominent arts institutions open their doors to the…

Bride World Expo

Mar 22, 2020

Find inspiration from local experts and designers at the Bride World Expo…

Retro Gaming Expo

Mar 27, 2020 - Mar 29, 2020

The So Cal Retro Gaming Expo will feature arcade games, vendors, and tournaments…

HistoryCon

Apr 3, 2020 - Apr 5, 2020

History in the Making
HISTORYCon™ is a fun-filled, three-day event that features exclusive panels and Q&As with the stars of your…

Masters of Taste

Apr 5, 2020

The 3rd Annual Masters of Taste is a luxury food and beverage festival that will take place on the field of…

BTS Map of the Soul Tour at Rose Bowl Stadium

May 2, 2020 - May 3, 2020

Photo via Rose Bowl Stadium.

Global K-Pop sensation BTS will be performing at Rose Bowl Stadium for their Map of the Soul…

Monsterpalooza

May 8, 2020 - May 10, 2020

Horror aficionados and the creative professionals who bring these scary creatures to life will return to Pasadena for Monsterpalooza…

Iconic Concert

May 23, 2020

The Iconic Concert, featuring “The Mega Star” Sharon Cuenta and “Asia’s Songbird” Regine Velazquez-Alcasid. Two famous and unequaled Filipino recording/TV/movie…

Americafest

Jul 4, 2020

From the classic American food, to a motorcycle stunt show, to a world-renowned fireworks display…

BoldPas 2020

Jul 11, 2020

Local artists will takeover Old Pasadena with temporary art installations that create BoldPas, an art takeover…

Colorado Street Bridge Party

Jul 11, 2020

Every other year, Pasadena celebrates its beautiful Beaux-Arts bridge with a party. Expect live entertainment, food, programming and spectacular views…

John Cleese: Why There Is No Hope

Nov 5, 2020

John Cleese brings his brand of humour to the stage. Come spend a hilarious evening with the One and Only…

Rose Parade Annual Spectator Guide

Jan 1, 2021

Everything you need to know about Pasadena's famous New Year's Day parade, the Tournament of Rorses…

Blog Posts

A Guide to Pasadena's Museums

Aug 30, 2019

Pasadena, with its deep roots in history, culture, architecture and science is home to several museums and educational institutes.

Pasadena Forestbathing, Gardens, and Hiking Guide

Aug 17, 2019

Pasadena's gorgeous sunshine and warm weather makes it hard to stay inside. Luckily, the city is full of colorful gardens and outdoor hiking areas.

Best Wine Bars in Pasadena

Aug 9, 2019

This Pasadena wine guide is perfect for the self-proclaimed wine enthusiasts who are their friends' "go-to" sommelier.

Dog-Friendly Pasadena Hotels, Restaurants, Parks, and More

Aug 2, 2019

A guide to pet-friendly activities, restaurants, venues, and hotels in the Pasadena area where dogs are allowed.

Culinary Excellence - A Michelin Guide to Pasadena

Jul 26, 2019

A food guide to Pasadena's 11 Michelin Plate restaurants and award-winning dishes.

5 Best Outdoor Patio Bars in Pasadena for Summer

Jul 19, 2019

Pasadena offers a plethora of outdoor bars and lounges for you to soak up some rays... and a drink.

Pasadena for the Space Lover

Jul 15, 2019

Pasadena, with its close ties to NASA JPL and the Planetary Society, is the ideal hub for space innovation and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math).

Best Family-Friendly Activities to Spark Your Child's Imagination in Pasadena

Jul 8, 2019

Ten kid-favorite and mom-approved activities that will enrich your trip to Pasadena so it stays memorable, stress-free, and fun for the whole family.

The Scoop on Pasadena's Ice Cream Scene

Jul 1, 2019

8 of the best ice cream shops and gelato shops in Pasadena.

Pasadena's Vintage Vault: 12-Must-Shop Stops

Jun 3, 2019

Design aficionados make Pasadena their go-to shopping destination. Here are 12 of the top shopping stops in Pasadena's "vintage vault."

Bubble Tea Guide

May 19, 2019

Whether you call it boba, bubble tea, milk tea, or pearl tea, there’s no denying Pasadena's bubble tea shops are packed with unique flavors and toppings.

Pasadena Photography Guide

May 7, 2019

Must-shoot locations in Pasadena. With historic buildings, luscious landscapes, and a plethora of white light, Pasadena is a photographer’s dream.

10 Classic Pasadena Restaurants

May 6, 2019

Taste your way down memory lane at these 10 classic Pasadena restaurants where history lives on and culinary magic is always happening.

Spring Guide to Pasadena

Apr 12, 2019

Spring in Pasadena is one of the most beautiful seasons. With lots to do, warm weather,and gorgeous scenery all around the city, there's hardly enough time!

Go Car-Free in Pasadena

Apr 1, 2019

Pasadena’s pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods and strong connectivity on the Los Angeles Metro network make it easy—and fun—to explore the city car-free.

The Art and Soul of Pasadena

Mar 6, 2019

Leading architects and designers synonymous with the American Arts & Crafts movement called Pasadena home in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

9 Ways to Woo Your Valentine

Feb 1, 2019

Love is always in the air here in Pasadena, and when Valentine’s Day rolls around in February, the romantic vibes get amped up to full blast.

Everything Roses: Five Infused Rose Products in Pasadena

Jan 21, 2019

As home to the Tournament of Roses, here’s our guide to five infused rose products that can be purchased here in Pasadena.

Be Well in Pasadena

Jan 9, 2019

Wellness is a natural way of life in Pasadena, between the abundance of beauty and body treatments, fitness studios and the great outdoors

‘Tis the Season to Celebrate in Pasadena

Dec 12, 2018

It’s full-on festive mode for the winter holiday season here in Pasadena with heaps of tinsel, mistletoe and holly jolly spirits.

Made in Pasadena Gift Guide

Nov 20, 2018

Pasadena is an ideal holiday shopping spot between the region’s mix of major brand retailers and independent boutiques.

The Best Unique and Independent Shops in Pasadena

Nov 15, 2018

From Old Pasadena to South Lake Avenue, shop small on November 24 to find one-of-a-kind items for friends, family and even yourself.

A Guide to Pasadena's Craftsman Weekend

Oct 17, 2018

One of Pasadena’s signature annual events, Craftsman Weekend returns for its 27th edition November 9-11, 2018.

Travel Tips: Where to Stay, Eat and Go in Pasadena

Sep 26, 2018

From top hotel picks at a variety of price points and a delectable dining short list, this Pasadena guide will help you curate a perfect itinerary.

How to Experience Pasadena on a Budget

Sep 19, 2018

You don’t have to break the bank to have an incredible time in Pasadena. A little strategy will help you stretch your budget without forfeiting fun.

Vintage Treasure Hunting in Pasadena

Aug 21, 2018

Shoppers flock to Pasadena in search of vintage treasures and one-of-a-kind finds, from the Rose Bowl Flea Market to antique shops and vintage boutiques.

Public Art in Pasadena: 12 Must-See Sculptures and Murals

Aug 1, 2018

Pasadena has long been an incubator for all forms of visual art. Many noteworthy artists and art collectors have called Pasadena home over the centuries.

A Perfect Pasadena Day

Apr 11, 2018

Pasadena offers a wide variety of experiences in a relatively compact area, so you can see and do a lot without ever feeling hurried.