Pasadena Fall Guide: Festivals & Things to Do
Experience Pasadena’s fall festivals and activities, from rodeo-inspired get-togethers to illuminated pumpkin strolls.
Embrace the pumpkin spice, festive events, and pleasant California weather with our ultimate Pasadena fall guide. Along with classic autumnal celebrations and activities, we’ve also got you covered for family outings, date nights, and hangouts with friends, featuring our Fall Festival, local markets, garden adventures, and more.
Fall Festivals & Events
Halloween at Kidspace Children's Museum
Dates: September 18 - October 31, 2026
Location: Kidspace Children's Museum | 480 N. Arroyo Boulevard
Dress the kiddos up in their best costumes and march in the Kidspace Children's Museum's Halloween parade. Held daily at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm, the parade lets kids show off their Halloween looks throughout the month of October. Don't miss the children's museum's other Halloween activities, including a spooky house and an adopt-a-monster event.
Pasadena Chalk Festival
Dates: September 26 - 27, 2026
Location: Kidspace Children's Museum | 480 N. Arroyo Boulevard
Join the over 500 street artists as they design large murals using only chalk. This event turns the streets outside the museum into canvases over the course of two days, as they are transformed into huge art pieces. The event will also feature a silent auction that will help support the Light Bringer Project, a Pasadena non-profit that creates educational art programs for youth.
Carved at Descanso Gardens
Date: October 2 - November 1, 2026
Location: Descanso Gardens | 1418 Descanso Drive
For the fall season, Descanso Gardens transforms its blossoming fields into a Halloween-inspired garden featuring jack-o'-lanterns, art installations, and illuminations. Grab your tickets for Carved and get ready to be awed by incredible carvings and masterful displays. But don't miss your chance to join Descanso Gardens for their Halloween nights and trick or treating event.
ArtNight Pasadena
Date: October 9, 2026
Location: Multiple Locations
Every fall, the second ArtNight is hosted in Pasadena. Happening first in the spring, the second ArtNight offers another opportunity to walk the halls of our best art museums and galleries for free. Roam the halls as you admire stunning art and sit in on special programs designed for the biannual event. ArtNight shuffles make it easy to make it from location to location and get the most out of the night of creativity and education.
Latino Heritage Festival
Date: October 10, 2026
Location: Pasadena City Hall | 100 Garfield Avenue
Celebrate Latino Heritage with the Latino Heritage Festival and parade. Fill the sidewalks to cheer on the street parade with floats, dancers, organizations, and more. Following the parade, attend the free festival with food, live music, and community spirit.
Pasadena Fall Festival
Date: October 24, 2026 | 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Location: Victory Park | 2575 Paloma Street
Join us for our annual Fall Festival! This year, the event will host a costume contest, carnival games, free food, and more. The event is free to attend and is completely family-friendly. Prep your Halloween costumes, bite into local cuisine, and enjoy the community for a day of fun.
Jackalope Art Festival
Dates: November 14 - 15, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Central Park | 75 S Raymond Ave
More than 200 artisans will be selling their wares at this outdoor art festival! Elevate your wardrobe, envision new home decorating ideas, and connect with local artists at the Jackalope Art Festival. This arts celebration is dog-friendly and features activities for all ages.
Oktoberfests
Dates: Multiple Dates
Location: Multiple Local Spots
Fall brings our string of Oktoberfests throughout September and October, spotlighting our local breweries. These events range from traditional brewery fun to communal bar crawls to a parrot-themed fest. Pasadena charm mashed with German tradition creates a unique selection of local beers and Oktoberfest fun.
For more information about these events, check out our Oktoberfest in Pasadena blog.
Autumnal Things to Do
Pasadena Coffee Shops: Pumpkin Spice Specials
Pumpkin spice flavors are meant to be savored. It’s that first sip of fall, where sweet pumpkin and cinnamon notes accompany roasted coffee creaminess. Explore an array of pumpkin spice latte goodness from local cafes and coffee shops!
And if you’re ready to brave a potentially long line, we recommend heading to TikTok-famous Badash Bakery to find scrumptious seasonal specials (though we won’t blame you for grabbing the renowned matcha cinnamon rolls, too).
Shop ‘Til You Drop at Local Markets
There’s nothing better than taking in the pleasant fall weather, so why not soak in all the sunshine at the Pasadena Farmer’s Market? Take home the freshest seasonal produce and other mouthwatering pantry goods while supporting local farmers and businesses. Keep an eye out for fall ingredients like pomegranates and squash. Running every Tuesday and Saturday, the Pasadena Farmer's Market is a bustling hub for fruits, vegetables, artisanal gems, and plants.
And if you’re looking for secondhand treasures, we recommend exploring the vast offerings of the Rose Bowl Flea Market on the second Sunday of every month or the Pasadena City College Flea Market that happens on the first Sunday of every month.
Leaf Peeping at Pasadena’s Gardens
Pasadena is brimming with an array of stunning gardens, where butterflies, stone lanterns, roses, and peacocks abound. Vibrant foliage is everywhere in our gardens, and because of the moderate Californian weather, you can see the true range of natural beauty that goes beyond autumnal oranges and yellows. Take in the serene ambience of gorgeous botanical places such as the Los Angeles Arboretum, Descanso Gardens, Storrier Stearns, and Arlington Garden.
With festivals, concerts, markets, and pumpkins, fall in Pasadena is a magical time. If you’re seeking more things to do in the autumn, check out our guides on activities, restaurants, and events in Pasadena.
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