Best Annual Events, Celebrations, and Festivals in Pasadena

Pasadena knows how to throw a party, and its annual events are the talk of the town. Whether you're a local or a visitor, there are plenty of music festivals, food festivals, and city-wide celebrations to go around. Don't worry, we'll start with the granddaddy of them all – the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade.

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Winter

Tournament of Roses

Winter in Pasadena is a wonderful time of year, and ringing in the New Year in Pasadena is an American tradition over 100 years old. This iconic New Year's Day celebration showcases magnificent floats adorned with vibrant flowers, marching bands, and equestrian units, all parading down Colorado Boulevard. Plan ahead with the following guides. After you've viewed the flowers on the floats, be sure to visit Pasadena's botanical gardens to experience the beautiful winter gardens - only in Pasadena.

Holidayfest

Get into the holiday spirit at Holidayfest, a joyous celebration on South Lake Avenue featuring live music, festive activities, and the chance to meet Santa, this free family-friendly event is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.

Pasadena Cheeseburger Week

Lionel Sternberger invented the cheeseburger at the Rite Spot in Pasadena in 1924. The accidental story of trying to hide a burnt patty with a slice of cheese became the cheeseburger served around the world. Each year, Pasadena Cheeseburger Week is a celebration of Pasadena's restaurants, where cheeseburger lovers can enjoy special creations and great cheesy deals. There's even a cheeseburger challenge.

Rose Bowl Flea Market

The Rose Bowl Flea Market is a must-visit destination for visitors looking for a unique shopping experience in Pasadena. Held on the second Sunday of every month, this renowned flea market boasts a vast selection of vintage treasures, antiques, collectibles, and one-of-a-kind finds. With over 2,500 vendors spread across the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium, it's a treasure hunter's paradise. Visitors can expect to discover everything from retro clothing and accessories to antique furniture, rare books, vinyl records, and much more. It's not just about shopping, though; the flea market also offers delicious food vendors and a lively atmosphere, making it a perfect outing for families, friends, and vintage enthusiasts alike.

Black History Festival & Parade

One of the biggest and longest-running Black history parades in California, Pasadena's Black History Parade and Festival is organized by the City of Pasadena and the Black History Planning Committee. The parade begins at Fair Oaks Avenue and Mountain View Street and ends at Robinson Park, where the festival takes place from noon to 4 p.m.

Lunar New Year Festivals

Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of the Lunar New Year in Pasadena, where festive celebrations come alive! Witness the incredible talents of performers, including a unique mask-changing artist and martial arts demonstrations, as the community comes together to celebrate the new year.

Spring

Bungalow Heaven Home Tour

Since 1990, the Bungalow Heaven Home Tour has been giving an inside look into beautifully maintained and restored homes within the Bungalow Heaven Historic District, Pasadena’s original Historic Landmark District. An architectural fanatic's dream, the tour features seven homes on a walking tour, with volunteer docents on hand to explain the history and architectural highlights of each tour.

ArtNight

Held twice a year in spring and fall, ArtNight is the perfect excuse to explore Pasadena's art and culture. During this free event, local galleries, museums and other cultural venues open their doors, offering free access to art exhibits, live performances, and interactive experiences.

Pasadena Showcase House of Design

The Pasadena Showcase House of Design stands as one of the nation’s oldest and most celebrated house tours, and is a premier fundraising event that transforms stunning homes into showcases of design excellence. Each year, designers work on a carefully chosen home, all while raising funds for music programs and grants for nonprofits.

Summer

Brookside at the Rose Bowl Music Festivals

The Rose Bowl in Pasadena plays host to some epic music festivals, including the Just Like Heaven and Cruel World events. With multiple stages, energetic performances, the Rose Bowl's expansive outdoor venue provides the perfect backdrop for these festivals, offering ample space for dancing, singing along, and immersing oneself in the contagious energy of the crowd.

Pasadena POPS Summer Concert Series

Experience the magic of music all summer long at the Pasadena POPS Summer Concert Series, led by the renowned Principal Conductor Michael Feinstein. From June to September, enjoy a diverse lineup of music performed by the Pasadena Symphony POPS, all set against the stunning backdrop of Pasadena.

Pasadena Chalk Festival

Over 500 skilled chalk artists from all over the world will come together to celebrate the Pasadena Chalk Festival. Visitors can view art on the convention center's beautiful plaza for free. During the weekend, the Pasadena Police will also showcase their Annual Pasadena Police Classic Car Show nearby.

Colorado Bridge Party

Occurring every other year and last held in 2023, the Pasadena Heritage Bridge Party is back in 2025. Presented by Pasadena Heritage, this iconic party celebrates the historic bridge with music, dancing, delicious food, cocktails, children's activities, and more. Funds raised from the party supports historic preservation programs and advocacy throughout the city and beyond.

Fall

Latino Heritage Parade and Festival

For more than 25 years, the Latino Heritage Parade and Festival has brought people together in Pasadena to celebrate Latino culture and tradition. Watch as colorful floats and performances parade through the streets, leading to a lively festival filled with music, food, and fun for the whole family.

Carved at Descanso Gardens

Carved at Descanso Gardens is a truly enchanting event that brings together art, nature, and the Halloween spirit in a whimsical celebration. Nestled within the picturesque Descanso Gardens, this annual event showcases a mesmerizing display of intricately carved pumpkins that will leave you in awe. As you wander through the garden paths, you'll encounter larger-than-life sculptures, bringing to life creatures, characters, and captivating scenes.

Preservation Pasadena

Pasadena Heritage hosts the annual Preservation Pasadena event each November, celebrating the city's rich architectural heritage. This event provides a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate Pasadena's historic buildings while highlighting the importance of preservation. Visitors can participate in guided tours, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and learn about the stunning architecture that has been carefully maintained over the years.

Enchanted at Descanso Gardens

Descanso Gardens transforms into a captivating wonderland during the "Enchanted" event. As night falls, the gardens come alive with a mesmerizing display of lights, creating a magical atmosphere. Visitors are treated to enchanting illuminated pathways, stunning light installations, and hidden surprises around every corner. The combination of nature's beauty and the artistic brilliance of the light displays creates a truly captivating experience. It's a must-see event that transports visitors into a world of wonder and leaves them with unforgettable memories of the enchantment found at Descanso Gardens.

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Rose Parade Guide

Everything you should know to plan your Rose Parade® experience is included in this guide, as well as some helpful tips to make the most out of your visit.

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