13 minute read
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Summer and fall are actionpacked seasons fi lled with lively concerts, outdoor festivals and abundant cultural happenings. Mark your calendar for these events and activities. And be sure to check out the newest additions to Pasadena’s must-see, must-do list on your next visit.
Project Blue Boy at The Huntington
Through September 30, The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens presents a rare opportunity to see The Blue Boy (1770) by English painter Thomas Gainsborough as it undergoes its fi rst-ever major technical examination and conservation treatment—right before the public’s eyes. thehuntington.org
Pasadena Playhouse Block Party
Back by popular demand, The Playhouse Block Party will return for its second year on June 8. More than 20 performances will take place on two stages between noon and 10:00 p.m., along with a full slate of artistic activities, backstage tours, food trucks, a kids’ zone and much more family-friendly fun. pasadenaplayhouse.org
Set Jet on a Film Tour
Pasadena has set the stage for many award-winning fi lms and TV shows, with location credits that include “Back to the Future,” “Father of the Bride,” “The Hangover,” “The Big Bang Theory” and “Mad Men.” My Valley Pass is your set-jetting ticket to Pasadena’s cinematic riches. Their public and private guided tours are led by a passionate fi lm bu who really knows his stu . myvalleypass.com
BoldPas
Old Pasadena will become an interactive art canvas during the third annual BoldPas taking place June 8 from noon to 8:00 p.m. In addition to exploring the 16 temporary public art installations created by Los Angeles area artists, the public can get creative with hands-on activities and more bold, colorful surprises awaiting those who meander through the district. oldpasadena.org
Relax by Hotel Constance Pasadena’s Rooftop Pool
Pasadena’s leading boutique hotel, the Hotel Constance Pasadena, recently upgraded their rooftop deck with the addition of a new swimming pool. Summer is the prime season to enjoy this lofty perch, whether you’re taking a dip or enjoying the views with a cocktail in hand. hotelconstance.com
Check-In to Hyatt Place Pasadena
The sparkling new $31 million Hyatt Place Pasadena recently opened its doors on Green Street, where the Civic Center District meets the Playhouse District. With a prime central location, 189 spacious guest rooms and an inviting outdoor swimming pool, the Hyatt Place Pasadena provides a stellar home base in the heart of the action. hyatt.com
The Sounds of Summer
Pasadena Symphony’s Sierra Summer POPS Series kicks o June 22 and runs through September 14. The five star-powered concerts are held at the stunning Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, and concert-goers are invited to enjoy a leisurely picnic before showtime. For more live music alfresco, The Playhouse District hosts a free Summer Jazz Concert Series every Sunday night July through August. pasadenasymphony-pops.com, playhousedistrict.org
Breeders Cup World Championship
One of the most prestigious thoroughbred horse racing events in the world, the 2019 World Championship Breeders’ Cup, returns to Santa Anita Park November 1-2. Spectators will bet upwards of $150 million as the world’s fastest horses compete at California’s original racetrack. santaanita.com
Cinema Under the Stars
Every July, Old Pasadena presents a free, monthlong Summer Cinema series with approximately 20 di erent screenings held in a variety of venues in the Old Pasadena district. Films are shown every Friday and Saturday and select Thursdays. Most screening events are held outdoors in locations such as Central Park and One Colorado, where plenty of pre-film activities and refreshments enhance the experience. oldpasadena.org
28th Annual Craftsman Weekend
Whether you’re a design aficionado, history bu or an all around aesthete, Craftsman Weekend, November 1-3, is the ultimate opportunity to delve into the American Arts & Crafts Movement—and see some gorgeous Pasadena properties not generally open to the public. pasadenaheritage.org
ROSE BOWL FLEA MARKET
What’s on at the ROSE BOWL
America’s Stadium has a century-long history as the site of the Rose Bowl Game, and there’s always something interesting happening at the Rose Bowl—Pasadena’s most iconic events venue. rosebowlstadium.org The internationally renowned Rose Bowl Flea Market is a mecca for vintage lovers and interior decorators. The market takes place the second Sunday of every month, when more than 2,500 vendors are spread out around the grounds selling vintage clothing, midcentury modern furniture, African textiles, Moroccan rugs, Chinese antiques, jewelry and so much more. A new seasonal event taking place on the last Friday of every month through August 30, “Final Fridays” is a food truck festival showcasing a rotating line-up of restaurants on wheels. All ages are welcome to the familyfriendly culinary pop-up featuring foot golf, outdoor games, moon bounces, photo opportunities, stadium tours and more. The Rose Bowl plays host to Pasadena’s premier July 4th celebration, the 93rd annual AmericaFest Presented by Honda. The ticketed event includes access to a Family Fun Zone, live entertainment and the extravagant display of fi reworks.
APOLLO 11: An Immersive 360°
Adventure touches down for a limited engagement beginning July 5th. The Rose Bowl Stadium will be the fi rst location in the country to host this elaborate, high tech theatrical production that brings the stories behind the historic 1969 moon landing mission to life. Come September, the college football season kicks-o at the Rose Bowl Stadium, home fi eld to UCLA Bruins
Football.
We can’t talk about events at the Rose Bowl without teasing Pasadena’s most renowned annual tradition, the
Tournament of Roses Parade & Rose
Bowl Game. A week of happenings featuring headlining entertainment and celebrity chefs takes place in the days leading up to the main New Year’s day events, January 1, 2020.
Signature EVENTS
PASADENA CHALK FESTIVAL
Pasadena TV and Film Driving Tour June 1, 2019
A special three-hour driving tour highlighting some of the most iconic filming locations from your favorite movies and television shows filmed in Pasadena. myvalleypass.com
BoldPas: An Art Takeover June 8, 2019
Los Angeles artists takeover Pasadena with temporary art installations throughout Old Pasadena’s unique urban and historic spaces during BoldPas. (626) 356-9725 oldpasadena.org
Playhouse Block Party June 8, 2019
A celebration of the arts and culture on El Molino. This family-friendly event features music, food, libations, guided tours, a kids’ zone and more. (626) 356-7529 pasadenaplayhouse.org
CONCACAF Gold Cup Saturday, June 15 2019
The Rose Bowl Stadium is one of thirteen international locations that will host a match for the CONCACAF Gold Cup. (626) 577-3100 rosebowlstadium.com
Pasadena Chalk Festival June 15–16, 2019
View hundreds of colorful chalk murals at your feet amid live music, fantastic food, shopping, and children’s activities at The Paseo. (626) 795-9100 pasadenachalkfestival.com
Eat Drink Vegan June 22, 2019
The festival features over 100 highly curated restaurants and food vendors, 250+ beverages, and a plant-based marketplace. eatdrinkvegan.com
Drum Corps at the Rose Bowl June 29, 2019
A national drum and bugle corps performance competition spotlighting 1,700 youth from 15 drum and bugle corps across North America. rosebowlstadium.com
AmericaFest July 4, 2019
All-day fun, food, and entertainment for the whole family, concluding in a spectacular fireworks show. (626) 577-3100 rosebowlstadium.com
Apollo 11: An Immersive 360˚ Adventure July 5-29, 2019
An immersive 360° adventure invites audiences to go on an epic journey to the moon and back at the Rose Bowl Stadium. (626) 577-3100 rosebowlstadium.com
Kidspace Children’s Museum 40th Birthday
July 13-14, 2019 During this classic birthday celebration, guests can put on their party clothes and join the festivities, including party games, performances and a birthday treat. kidspacemuseum.org
Lightbox Expo September 6-8, 2019
A multi-faceted 3-day experience bringing together some of the best artists in animation, illustration, and live action to celebrate their passion for creativity. lightboxexpo.com
ArtNight Pasadena October 11, 2019
Enjoy a free evening of art, music, and entertainment as Pasadena’s most prominent art and culture institutions open their doors. artnightpasadena.org
Signature EVENTS
ArtWalk Pasadena October 12, 2019
Pasadena’s largest urban art fair showcasing paintings, sculptures, watercolor, photography, mixed media, ceramics, jewelry, drawings, and printmaking. playhousedistrict.org
Breeders’ Cup November 1-2, 2019
The Breeders’ Cup World Championship is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world. It serves as the year-end championship for North American Thoroughbred racing, and top racehorses from all over the world travel to the United States to compete. breederscup.com
Craftsman Weekend November 1-3, 2019
Join the largest, most comprehensive salute to Arts and Crafts-style architecture in the western U.S., including bus and walking tours of historic neighborhoods and visits to distinctive Craftsman-era homes. (626) 441-6333 pasadenaheritage.com
Contemporary Crafts Market November 1-3, 2019
Hand-crafted and American-made, this annual 3-day juried event is your chance to meet acclaimed artisans and celebrate the finest, one-of-akind furnishings, jewelry, textiles, ceramics, blown glass and more. craftsource.net
42nd Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade November 24, 2019
An irreverent answer to the traditional Tournament of Roses Parade. O beat humor and wacky floats from wacky entries make their way down Colorado Blvd. (626) 590-7596 pasadenadoodahparade.info
Enchanted Forest at Descanso Gardens November 2019
Each year during the holidays, Descanso Gardens transforms its grounds into an enchanted forest with whimsical lighting displays and interactive exhibitions. (818) 949-4200 descansogardens.org
Holiday Look-In Home Tour December 7-8, 2019
Visit four area homes decorated for the holidays by professional florists. pasadenaholidaylookin.org
Castle Green Holiday Tour December 8, 2019
Take a step back in time at the historic Castle Green while roaming the 120 year old halls and grounds. Enjoy your own self-guided tour of Castle Green; including 25+ private condominiums, the Penthouse and the iconic bridge. (626) 793-0359 castlegreen.com/tour
CRAFTSMAN WEEKEND
A Snow White Christmas 2.0 December 13-22, 2019
The Lythgoe Family Panto returns to the Pasadena Civic Auditorium for their 10 year anniversary of panto bringing fun musical theater the whole family can enjoy. americanpanto.com
Snow Days at Kidspace Children’s Museum December 26-30, 2019
Play in real snow, build your own snowman, perfect your snowball making skills, and make snow angels. (626) 449-9144 kidspacemuseum.org
Live on Green December 29-31, 2019
Free family festival in the three days leading up to the Rose Parade. Live on Green will take place at the Pasadena Convention Center located on Green Street, which is the inspiration behind the name. liveongreenpaasdena.com
Pasadena Heritage Architectural Legacy Walking Tour December 29-30, 2019
Expert guides highlight extraordinary architecture and local history. (626) 441-6333 pasadenaheritage.org
Signature EVENTS
Noon Year’s Eve at Kidspace Children’s Museum December 31, 2019
Celebrate the new year early with Kidspace and ring in the (almost) new year with a balloon drop, music, and noise makers. (626) 449-9144 kidspacemuseum.org
Pasadena Half Marathon & 5K January 19, 2020
The annual half marathon and 5k will start at the Rose Bowl Stadium and pass through various Pasadena landmarks. pasadenahalf.com
Golden State Tattoo Expo January 24-26, 2020
The Golden State Tattoo Expo 2019 brings together some of the world’s top tattoo artists, whose exceptional work clouds the line between fine art and tattoos. goldenstatetattooexpo.com
Pasadena Cheeseburger Week January 26-31, 2020
Legend has it that Lionel Sternberger invented the cheeseburger in 1924 in Pasadena, while working at his father’s roadside stand called Rite Spot. Each year, restaurants and locals pay homage to Lionel’s achievement with a week-long celebration called Cheeseburger Week. (626) 795-3355 pasadenarestaurantweek.com
Camellia Show at The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens February 2020
Hundreds of gorgeous blooms will compete for top honors at The Huntington’s 48th annual Camellia Show, co-sponsored by the Southern California Camellia Society. Shop for camellia plants to grow at home, and get some expert tips on care and cultivation. (626) 405-2100 huntington.org
Black History Parade & Festival February 2020
Join in this celebration featuring food and merchandise booths, a children’s play area, and more. Jackie Robinson Center (626) 791-7983
ArtNight Pasadena March 13, 2020
Enjoy a free evening of art, music and entertainment as Pasadena’s most prominent art and culture institutions open their doors artnightpasadena.org
Spring Home Tour March 2020
Tour architectural gems of the early 20th century that exemplify quintessential California style. (626) 441-6333 pasadenaheritage.org
Pasadena Showcase House of Design April -May 2020
Explore the Pasadena Showcase House of Design. A local estate is exquisitely transformed by top designers. (626) 578-8500 pasadenashowcase.org
CHEESEBURGER WEEK
Bungalow Heaven Home Tour April 26, 2020
Tour select homes built from 1900 to the 1930s in Bungalow Heaven, Pasadena’s first Landmark District. bungalowheaven.org
MONTHLY
Pasadena City College Flea Market (First Sunday)
Peruse the wares of 500 vendors specializing in antiques and vintage collectibles. Free. (626) 585-7906 pasadena.edu/fleamarket
Rose Bowl Flea Market
Vintage treasure hunters and bargain seekers flock to the legendary Rose Bowl Flea Market. Occurs the second Sunday of each month. (323) 560-7469 rgcshows.com
SEASONALLY
UCLA Bruins Football Season September–November
Cheer on the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl Stadium, home to the team since 1982. (310) 206-5991 rosebowlstadium.com/premiumseating
Santa Anita Park December–June
Witness live raceing Thursday–Sunday at Santa Anita Park. (626) 574-7223 santaanita.com
Rose Parade® January 1, 2020
A 131 year old tradition bringing residents and visitors together on New Year’s Day to watch a 5½ mile parade of grand floats, marching bands, and equestrian units.
Rose Bowl Game® January 1, 2020
The 106th Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual will feature a traditional matchup of teams from the Pac-12 and Big Ten.
MORE TOURNAMENT OF ROSES® EVENTS
SIP & SAVOR December 28-30, 2019
A new end of the year celebration for the entire family to enjoy where the taste-tempting SoCal food scene, along with fine wines and craft brews, are on the menu, along with exciting entertainment.
Decorating Places presented by Giti Tire December 28–31, 2019
Preview Rose Parade® masterpieces as they are readied for New Year’s festivities.
Equestfest presented by Wells Fargo December 29, 2019
Watch beautiful horses and talented riders perform drills and dances and demonstrate trick riding and roping.
Bandfest December 29-30, 2019
Outstanding bands selected to participate in the 2020 Rose Parade.
Rose Bowl Bash December 31, 2019
One-of-a-kind event in downtown Los Angeles on New Year’s Eve celebrating college football with family-friendly activities.
Post-Parade Float Viewing January 1-2, 2020
Marvel at the floral masterpieces of the Rose Parade®, exhibited along Sierra Madre and Washington boulevards.
KEY CONTACTS
Tournament of Roses®
391 S. Orange Grove Blvd. (626) 449-4100 tournamentofroses.com
Visitors Center 300 E. Green St. (626) 795-9311 (800) 307-7977 (877) 793-9911 visitpasadena.com
Sharp Seating Company
O cial Tournament of Roses® grandstand seating company 1737 E. Colorado Blvd. (enter in back) (626) 795-4171 sharpseating.com
Rose Bowl Stadium
1001 Rose Bowl Dr. (626) 577-3100 rosebowlstadium.com
Pasadena Museum of History
O cial Year-Round Tournament of Roses® merchandise 470 W. Walnut St. (626) 577-1660 pasadenahistory.org