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

Holidayfest on South Lake Avenue

Dec7

Holiday Cheer Deck the halls at Holidayfest on South Lake Avenue. Get into…

Holiday Look In Home Tour and Boutique

Dec7

Holiday Home Tour and Boutique Presented by The Women's Committee of the Pasadena…

Rose Bowl Game Ticket Sales for Residents

Dec7

Ticket Sale for Pasadena Residents Residents of Pasadena are given an opportunity to…

Castle Green Holiday Home Tour

Dec8

Step Back in Time On December 8, 2019, Castle Green Holiday Home Tour…

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

Moonlight Forest

Nov 9, 2019 - Jan 12, 2020

Light Up the Night
The Moonlight Forest returns to the Los Angeles Arboretum this fall. The 2019 festival will offer new…

Holidayfest on South Lake Avenue

Dec 7, 2019

Holidayfest on South Lake Avenue is a holiday celebration…

Rose Bowl Game Ticket Sales for Residents

Dec 7, 2019

Ticket Sale for Pasadena Residents
Residents of Pasadena are given an opportunity to purchase tickets in advance by lottery system on…

Castle Green Holiday Home Tour

Dec 8, 2019

Step Back in Time
On December 8, 2019, Castle Green Holiday Home Tour will allow guests to take a self-guided tour of…

Lythgoe Family Panto's A Snow White Christmas

Dec 13, 2019 - Dec 22, 2019

An updated version of the classic fairytale, Princess Snow White joins forces with the Seven Dwarfs to defeat her wicked…

Float Decorating & Float Viewing

Dec 28, 2019 - Dec 31, 2019

Watch the majestic floats come together, volunteers and float builders apply a variety of fruit, seeds, bark, grasses, and of…

Tournament of Roses Sip & Savor

Dec 28, 2019 - Dec 30, 2019

Tournament of Roses Sip & Savor is new end of the year celebration to help you get in the Rose…

Live on Green

Dec 29, 2019 - Dec 31, 2019

Live on Green helps to kick off the city’s New Year’s Day events for the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl…

Noon Year's Eve At Kidspace Museum

Dec 31, 2019

Noon Year's Eve at Kidspace Children's Museum is a New Year's celebration for kids. Since midnight is way past bedtime…

Rose Parade Annual Spectator Guide

Jan 1, 2020

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

Post Parade

Jan 1, 2020 - Jan 2, 2020

Post Parade is a great way to view the floats up close following the Rose Parade and see the workmanship…

Rose Bowl Game—Spectator Guide

Jan 1, 2020

The Rose Bowl Game is the oldest of bowls, it began in 1902. In its 105th year, the Rose Bowl Game…

The Yoga Expo LA

Jan 4, 2020

The Yoga Expo LA is a one day event for the yoga community offering numerous classes with various styles…

IMATS Los Angeles

Jan 11, 2020 - Jan 12, 2020

Makeup Artist Trade Show
IMATS Los Angeles is the International Makeup Artist Trade Show has thousands of make-up artists, exhibitors and…

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…

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…

Pasadena International Film Festival

Mar 11, 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…

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 three-day event that features exclusive panels and Q&As with the stars from the History…

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…

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…

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.