Pasadena is your gateway to one of the biggest hubs of Asian Pacific American culture - the San Gabriel Valley. AAPI heritage is celebrated here all year long, with frequent reminders of the delicious, beautiful, and enriching contributions that these communities have made to our city and beyond.
From the lantern-lit streets of Lunar New Year to intimate tea ceremonies tucked inside historic Japanese gardens, there's always something happening that honors the profound contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities to this city.
One of Pasadena's most beloved annual traditions, the Lunar New Year celebration fills the city with lanterns, parade performances, food vendors, and cultural programming. With modern twists woven alongside deep-rooted traditions, the festivities are a joyful tribute to the Chinese roots of the holiday and the broader AAPI communities that call the San Gabriel Valley home.
Anime Pasadena is one of the most popular conventions in the region, drawing fans from across Southern California to celebrate Japanese animation and storytelling. Expect vendors, cosplayers, food, games, and a whole lot of enthusiasm. Tickets sell out, so planning ahead is worth it.
Launched in the late 2010s, the annual Tea Festival at Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden is a serene, sensory experience set inside one of Southern California's most beautiful pre-WWII Japanese-style gardens. Attendees sample rare and unique teas while surrounded by the garden's carefully tended flora. It's the kind of afternoon that lingers with you.
Each year, Hālau Hula Ke 'Alohi O 'Ilikai, the Academy of Polynesian Arts, based right here in Pasadena, presents their annual Ho'ike, a student showcase celebrating traditional Polynesian dance including Hula and Ori Tahiti. When the performance comes to Pasadena, it's a genuine community moment: live movement, cultural storytelling, and the kind of energy that's hard to find anywhere else.
Throughout May, the City of Pasadena and its public libraries host a full calendar of AAPI Heritage Month programming for all ages. Expect cultural and educational activities, community workshops, art projects, and more -- all designed to foster appreciation and understanding of AAPI history and contributions.
Highlights include:
The Huntington offers rotating AAPI-related programming throughout the year, including Tai Chi classes in the Chinese Garden, evening tours, Chinese Garden Open House events, and weekly solo musician performances every Wednesday afternoon. Many events are free with general admission.
The USC Pacific Asia Museum hosts rotating exhibitions and public tours year-round, with free admission available throughout AAPI Heritage Month thanks to the support of Wescom Credit Union. Check the museum's calendar for upcoming exhibition tours and special programming.
For more festivals and activities, check out our full calendar of events.
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 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.
Outdoor Dining Directory
Alfresco dining where diners can soak in the sun alongside some of the region’s most tantalizing cuisine
Memorable Museums
Pasadena is known for its abundance of renowned cultural institutions, many within walking distance of one another.
Shopping in Pasadena
Shopping in Pasadena is a popular recreational activity, count it in as sightseeing, catching up with friends, or treasure hunting.
