Hispanic & Latino Culture
Latino culture shapes Pasadena neighborhoods through lively festivals, authentic flavors, and family traditions.
Since 1999, the Latino Heritage Parade and Festival has united the community in celebration, and today visitors can join in multiple annual events, explore Hispanic- and Latino-owned businesses, and experience cultural touchstones across the city.
Annual Events
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond with Pasadena’s calendar of annual events that highlight Latin American culture and community spirit.
Fiestas Patrias
Each September, Fiestas Patrias honors the independence of 18 Latin American countries with music, dance, and family-friendly entertainment. The event fills the city with colorful performances, traditional foods, and an atmosphere that reflects the richness of Latino culture.
Latino Heritage Festival
Enjoy live performances, family-friendly activities, explore an artisanal market and connect with local organizations at the Latino Heritage Festival in front of Pasadena City Hall. The 2025 festival will take place without a parade, focusing on cultural programming and shared experiences.
Dia de Los Muertos
Gather at Villa Parke Community Center for Día de Los Muertos, where families come together to honor loved ones through time-honored traditions. Discover colorful ofrendas (altars), enjoy dance performances, sample authentic food, and take part in arts and crafts that connect families through remembrance and celebration.
Weekend Itinerary
Support Latino- and Latina-owned businesses during your Pasadena getaway with this weekend itinerary that blends food, art, and cultural experiences.
Friday
Begin your trip with lunch at Amara Café, where arepas, empanadas, and burritos pair perfectly with Venezuelan baked goods and a hot latte. After lunch, stroll through the Norton Simon Museum to admire works of art by prominent Spanish artists, including Pablo Picasso.
For dinner, dine al fresco at one of Pasadena’s popular outdoor restaurants. Then, end the evening at Cerveceria Del Pueblo, one of Pasadena’s standout patio bars, where brewers craft beers with South American fruits and traditional techniques.
Insider Tip: Visit on the first Friday of the month to explore the Norton Simon Museum galleries and gardens for free from 4–7 p.m.
Saturday
Ease into the day with a leisurely brunch at Deluxe 1717, where the menu features dishes like a Bolivian empanada, an arepa benedict, and a Cuban sandwich layered with slow-roasted pork shoulder and house-smoked pork belly.
Continue the day with a matinee performance at the Pasadena Playhouse in Playhouse Village. Afterward, enjoy the regional flavors of the Yucatán at El Portal Authentic Yucatan Mexican Restaurant, which frequently hosts live music. End the night with a wine tasting at Monopole by WineRx, a spot dedicated to small-production wines.
Insider Tip: Check the event calendar for current performances and happenings.
Sunday
Start the last day of your getaway with a horchata latte at La Chula Café while browsing plants, then shop for handmade gifts by Mexican artisans at Monarca Sol Collective. Keep the botanical theme going with a visit to one of Pasadena’s lush gardens.
Before leaving town, play more than 40 classic arcade games at Neon Retro Arcade and try to top the leaderboards on vintage pinball machines.
Insider Tip: Guarantee your spot at Neon Retro Arcade by reserving your timed entry in advance.
Hispanic & Latino-Owned Businesses Weekend Itinerary Map
Arts & Culture
Jack Rutberg Fine Arts
Explore one of California’s longest-established galleries, Jack Rutberg Fine Arts, where modern and contemporary works by American, European, and Latin American artists are on display. Collectors and casual visitors alike can admire or acquire paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures.
La Pintoresca Branch Library
Visit La Pintoresca Branch Library for their bilingual programming, a broad Spanish-language collection, and artwork created by Latin artists. Leeme un Cuento: Spanish-Language Story Time is a popular weekly event for families where native speakers read picture books, teach traditional songs, and lead crafts.
Villa Parke Community Center
Connect with Pasadena’s Latin community through year-round cultural programming at Villa Parke Community Center. With movie nights, cooking workshops and annual celebrations, the center serves as a hub for family-friendly activities rooted in tradition.
Discover More
Things to Do
Discover the vibrant charm of Pasadena, CA, a city brimming with exciting attractions, cultural landmarks, and outdoor adventures.
Pasadena Events
Check out the upcoming events including sports championships, exhibitions, music and food festivals, and more in the diverse and vibrant city of Pasadena, CA.
Latino-Owned Restaurants
Trying new cuisines is one of the most thrilling experiences for taste buds and cultural immersion.
Hotels & Lodging
Choosing Pasadena as your home base for any trip to the Los Angeles area is a smart strategy. From here, you’ll have fast, easy access to downtown and other landmark locations such as Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and local beaches.
