LGBTQ+ Culture
Pasadena is proud to be a place where everyone belongs. With a long-standing commitment to inclusion and equality, it embraces the LGBTQ+ community year-round.
In Pasadena, you'll find a warm welcome with the city’s progressive values, civic engagement, and growing LGBTQ+ visibility. That spirit continues to shape the neighborhoods, events, and local businesses.
Pasadena’s Gay Bar
Pasadena’s only gay bar, The Boulevard, has been a local mainstay since 1979. With nightly karaoke and weekly drag shows, it’s a space that’s open to everyone. Friday nights bring high-energy performances hosted by Borgia Bloom, while Sundays are all about cold beer and good company in the BearGarden.
Pasadena’s LGBTQIA+ owned businesses offer more than just nightlife. You’ll find escape rooms, handmade pasta, stacked burgers, and plenty of reasons to come back for more.
Weekend Itinerary
To help you make the most of your time in Pasadena, we’ve created a guide featuring queer-owned businesses and community-forward experiences for a perfectly curated weekend trip. This itinerary isn’t just about where to go, but about feeling at home while supporting spaces that reflect and respect you.
Friday
Start your weekend with lunch at Neighbors and Friends. Book a relaxing treatment at Deer Song Acupuncture or another local spa. For dinner, head to Union Restaurant, then keep the night going with karaoke and drag performances at The Boulevard.
Insider Tip: Appointments are required for wellness visits and treatments, so make sure you book ahead of time for the ultimate relaxation experience.
Saturday
Fuel up with a delicious brunch and spend the afternoon hiking in one of the area's scenic parks or trails. In the evening, enjoy dinner at Yuca’s and then catch a show. Pasadena has everything from live theater and concerts to symphonies and comedy. Check out an event calendar here.
Insider Tip: Pasadena is a very dog-friendly city! Playhouse Village Park, South Paws-adena Dog Park, and Alice’s Dog Park are some favorite spots among locals (and their four-legged friends).
Sunday
Grab a tasty brunch at Deluxe 1717. Afterward, challenge your mind at The Bunker Experience escape room or explore a museum. Before heading out, browse Alexandria II and other unique gift shops around town.
Insider Tip: In addition to books, crystals, journals, and other metaphysical gifts, Alexandria II also offers psychic readings. Be sure to call ahead if you’d like to book one!
LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses Weekend Itinerary Map
Arts and Culture
Pasadena’s creative scene is shaped by voices from the LGBTQ+ community, with venues and organizations that highlight inclusive programming and unique artistic expression.
Pasadena Playhouse
A cornerstone of California’s theater scene and the official State Theatre of California, the Playhouse stages bold, contemporary productions that often spotlight underrepresented stories and voices. It’s a space where boundary-pushing work finds a home and where LGBTQ+ creators have long played a role both on and off the stage.
Lineage Performing Arts Center
This nonprofit performance space offers a lineup of dance, music, and theater in an intimate setting. Known for its community-focused approach in both performances and classes, Lineage frequently features LGBTQ+ artists and themes in its programming.
ArtNight Pasadena
Twice a year, Pasadena’s cultural institutions open their doors for a citywide evening of art, music, and live entertainment. Many participating venues incorporate LGBTQ+ perspectives into art, music, theatre, dance, and storytelling performances.
Insider Tip: Looking for a bite to eat before a show? Check out nearby Urth Caffe, Vero’s, Bacchus’ Kitchen + Wine Bar, or Granville.
Community Organizations and Resources
Pasadena’s LGBTQ+ community is supported by a network of organizations that offer resources, advocacy, and spaces for connection. These groups are vital in fostering a more inclusive and equitable city. These organizations provide pathways to connection and care for visitors to and residents of Pasadena.
San Gabriel Valley LGBTQ Center
Serving the greater Pasadena area, this center provides support groups, health resources, educational programming, and social events. Its mission is to empower individuals and strengthen the community across the San Gabriel Valley.
Los Angeles LGBT Center
Located nearby, the Los Angeles LGBT Center offers accessible health services, support programs, and resources that benefit many in the Pasadena community.
All Saints Church
Known for its progressive stance, All Saints has long been a leader in affirming LGBTQ+ rights, including one of the first churches in the area to officiate same-sex unions. It continues to advocate for social justice from the pulpit and out in the community.
All Are Welcome
Pasadena’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond events and into everyday life. Launched to foster a sense of belonging across the city, this campaign includes the Pasadena Pride Rose, a decal that local businesses display to show support for the LGBTQ+ community. It symbolizes a promise that acceptance and respect are part of the city’s culture, and reflects Pasadena’s belief that everyone deserves to feel seen, supported, and safe.
Discover More
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.
Cultural Experiences
Pasadena is a vibrant mosaic of cultures, where history, heritage, and community shape the city’s dynamic identity. From generations-old traditions to contemporary expressions of art, food, and storytelling, Pasadena offers countless ways to engage with its rich cultural fabric.
Music & Theater
Do you accidentally give driving directions using stage left and stage right? Is your go-to dance move the jazz square?
