6 Memorial Day Weekend Events & Things To Do in Pasadena
Plan a trip to Pasadena for Memorial Day weekend. Plan your itinerary and pay your respects at a local commemoration ceremony, enjoy local flavors, explore parks and museums, and spend the unofficial first weekend of summer making memories with friends and family.
Memorial Day Weekend Events
Memorial Day Commemoration
Date: Monday, May 25, 2026
Time: 10:30am
Location: Memorial Park | 85 E Holly St.
Head to Memorial Park for a solemn ceremony to honor those who sacrificed their lives for our country. This ceremony is a nice way to get involved in the Pasadena community and pay your respects during the long holiday weekend.
Apr 25 to Sep 6
USC Pacific Asia Museum 46 N. Los Robles Ave. Pasadena, CA 91101 (626) 787-2680 Website
Apr 25 to Aug 8
Alyce de Roulet Williamson Gallery, ArtCenter College of Design 1700 Lida Street Pasadena, CA 91103 Website
May 3 to May 31
A Noise Within Theatre 3352 E Foothill Blvd Pasadena, ca 91107 (626) 356-3100 Website
May 8 to Aug 28
The Gamble House 4 Westmoreland Place Pasadena, CA 91103 (626) 793-3334 Website
May 13 to Jun 14
Pasadena Playhouse 39 S. El Molino Avenue Pasadena, ca 91101 (626) 356-7529 Website
May 24
Mount Wilson Observatory 100 Mt Wilson Circle Rd Mount Wilson, CA 91023 (626) 214-8030 Website
Get Outside
Pasadena is full of opportunities for outdoor recreation. There are miles of trails for hiking and biking, as well as natural areas perfect for picnics or outdoor reading sessions. Planning to bring your dog along for the weekend? Your pup will love all of the dog parks and dog-friendly options available in Pasadena just as much as you will. Kids will enjoy playgrounds and sprawling parks.
Insider’s Tip: Need to cool off after running around outside? Check out these top ice cream shops in Pasadena.
Cool Off in the Pool
Nothing says the start of summer like a dip in the pool. Find a cool spot in Pasadena by booking a stay at a hotel with a pool. Hotels like The Langham, Pasadena Hotel & Pool, and The Westin, among others, offer comfort amid gorgeous, sparkling swimming pools that are perfect for a long weekend.
Explore a Museum
Pasadena is home to many incredible museums, spanning art, science, history, and culture. A trip to a museum is the perfect way to cool off in the air conditioning for a few hours, and add some educational adventures to your long weekend itinerary. Due to the holiday, be sure to check museum websites or call ahead to ensure hours are accurate.
Insider’s Tip: Are you loving the arts and culture scene in Pasadena? Check out our Music & Theater page to see what live entertainment you can score tickets to during your trip.
Go Shopping
Start summer off with deals and discounts, shopping Memorial Day sales at local Pasadena shops and malls. Choose from familiar names or discover your new favorite brand and local boutiques in one of Pasadena’s shopping districts. Whether you’re looking for antiques, local souvenirs, a sweet treat, or a new-to-you record for your vinyl collection, you will find it in Pasadena.