11 minute read
WHAT’S HAPPENING
s HAPPENING
Winter and spring are actionpacked seasons fi lled with holiday festivities, abundant cultural happenings and the world-renowned Rose Bowl parade and game. 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.
100 Years of The Huntington
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens celebrates its centennial with a year-long series of exhibitions and events running through September 2020. From the commemorative “Huntington’s Hundredth” rose and a special series of programs examining the collections in fresh ways, to a special website where visitors can share their memories and impressions, the research and educational institution will be looking back while setting the trajectory for the future. huntington.org
Expanded Chinese Garden Debuts
This spring, The Huntington’s Chinese Garden will reopen after a massive expansion, growing from its original 3.5-acres to 12 acres. New features include a Stargazing Tower and an exhibition complex with a traditional scholar’s studio and an art gallery for changing displays. The inaugural exhibition, “A Garden of Words: The Calligraphy of Liu Fang Yuan,” is scheduled to open May 30. huntington.org
Rose Bowl Stadium Party of the Century
The Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation hosts the star-studded Party of the Century on April 18. The Roaring 20’s themed evening—held right on the turf of Rose Bowl Stadium—kicks o the Rose Bowl’s centennial celebrations culminating in 2022. Proceeds will go towards protecting, preserving and enhancing the iconic community treasure. partyofthecentury.org
Tribute to U.S. Women’s Soccer
Rose Bowl Stadium recently unveiled a new statue commemorating the U.S. Women’s National Team’s World Cup victory in 1999, a history-making event that took place on the hallowed fi eld. The statue depicts Brandi Chastain’s celebratory pose after making her game-winning penalty kick. Chastain and her teammates inspired countless girls to pursue their athletic dreams through their collective achievements. rosebowlstadium.com
Enchanted Forest of Light
Descanso Gardens transforms into a glittering Enchanted Forest of Light with their special seasonal display open November 17 through January 5. Patrons are invited to walk through the illuminating one-mile installation during evening hours. Tickets have timed entries and must be purchased in advance. enchantedla.com
A Snow White Christmas
Lythgoe Family Panto presents “A Snow White Christmas” at Pasadena Civic Auditorium December 13-22. Known for television shows like American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, the Lythgoe Family is equally renowned for their kid-friendly musical theatre productions. In this updated version of the classic fairytale, Princess Snow White joins forces with the Seven Dwarfs to defeat her wicked Aunt the Queen. pasadenacivic.visitpasadena.com
UCLA Football
Rose Bowl Stadium is home turf for the University of California Los Angeles Bruins football team. Home games take place between September 7 and November 30, o ering an exciting opportunity to experience one of the fi nest football stadiums in the nation. rosebowlstadium.com
Doo Dah Parade
Considered the “twisted sister” of the Rose Bowl Parade, Pasadena’s Occasional Doo Dah Parade takes place November 24. The irreverent assembly of nearly 100 eccentric characters and colorful fl oats will be joined by revelers as they parade by the independent shops of East Pasadena. Several local businesses host after parties. pasadenadoodahparade.info
Snow Days
Winter fun awaits at the Kidspace Children’s Museum during the annual December Snow Days, December 26-30. For fi ve days, kids can get bundled up to play in real snow and make snowmen, snowballs and snow angels. Live performances, winter-themed art and cookie decorating round out the festivities. kidspacemuseum.org
THE ESSENTIAL r s® MINI-GUIDE
Pasadena’s Tournament of Roses® is an iconic, all-American experience that attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators and revelers every New Year. Millions more viewers across the country tune in to watch the nationallytelevised New Year’s Day parade and college football game. But nothing beats experiencing it live in person. Several festive happenings bookend the two main headlining events over the course of a week, o ering family-friendly entertainment, celebrations, tours, exhibitions and so much more. Here’s everything you need to know to get in on the historic action and kick-o your 2020 on a high note. tournamentofroses.com
See the parade route highlighted in red on the pull-out map in the back of this guide.
r s
Rose Parade® presented by Honda January 1, 2020
The 131st Rose Parade presented by Honda begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. on January 1, 2020. Almost a million spectators line up along the 5.5-mile route down Colorado Boulevard, experiencing the sensational signature event while also celebrating New Year’s Day. Needless to say, there is a lot to cheer about.
Rose Bowl Game® presented by Northwestern Mutual January 1, 2020
The 106th Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual will be held on January 1, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. The game will feature a traditional matchup of teams from the Pac-12 and Big Ten. Come early and enjoy pre-game activities including tailgates, university band performances and more.
MORE TOURNAMENT OF ROSES® EVENTS
Tournament of Roses SIP & SAVOR An Artistic Entertainment Services Production December 28-30, 2019
Eat, drink and be merry at Tournament of Roses SIP & SAVOR, where the spirit of SoCal food, wine, craft beers and entertainment come alive over three days in the shadow of the legendary Rose Bowl Stadium. The event takes place at Jackie Robinson Memorial Field on Seco Street, across from the Rose Bowl in the Arroyo.
Float Viewing: Decorating Places presented by Giti Tire December 28–31, 2019
At Decorating Places presented by Giti Tire, spectators have the chance to view the final stages of the magnificent parade floats. creation. A variety of seeds, bark, fruits, grasses and flowers will be added to the floats by professionals and volunteers. Visitors can see the floats in all their glory before parading down Colorado Boulevard. The event takes place at Rosemont Pavilion, 700 Seco St., Pasadena. Be sure to get a ticket in advance.
Equestfest presented by Wells Fargo December 29, 2019
Saddle up at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center on Sunday, December 29 as Wells Fargo presents Equestfest. This event features the gorgeous horses and talented riders that serve as the premier equestrian units for the 2020 Rose Parade. Watch as they perform drills, dances, trick riding and roping. Attendees can also stroll through the stables, talk to riders and learn about the various breeds while enjoying and the vendor court, activities and themed displays.
Bandfest presented by REMO December 29-30, 2019
Bandfest presented by Remo is a live music event featuring the exceptional bands selected to participate in the 2020 Rose Parade. A total of 22 bands from across the United States and around the world will perform in three events over the course of two days, presenting the field show that will take place during the parade.
Rose Bowl Bash December 31, 2019
The Rose Bowl Bash is a familyfriendly event that takes place in downtown Los Angeles and celebrates college football and the New Year. The event showcases games, school pep band performances, Rose Bowl Game merchandise, a beer garden and more.
Rose Bowl Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony December 31, 2019
The Rose Bowl Hall of Fame was established in 1989 to honor members of the Rose Bowl Game family who have contributed to the history and excitement of The Granddaddy of Them All®. Witness history as the newest inductees join a group of legendary football greats.
Post-Parade: A Showcase of Floats January 1-2, 2020
From 1:00 p.m. January 1 through 5:00 p.m. January 2, get an up-close and personal viewing of the elaborate floral floats that are parked and on display along Sierra Madre and Washington Boulevard. “Post Parade: A Showcase of Floats” proves just how much workmanship, e ort and design was put into their creation, and it’s an intimate way to view the floats. A shuttle is available from Park & Ride locations in Pasadena.
INSIDER TIPS
1. Inclusive
Hospitality
Packages bundle accommodations, parade and game tickets, shuttle transportation, tailgating happenings and more. primesport.com 2.Secure the best parade viewing with Reserved
Grandstand
Seating tickets. sharpseating.com 3. Claim your free
Curbside Parade
Viewing Spot on a first-come, firstserved basis starting at 12:00 p.m.
December 31—no earlier! And pack for an overnight campout. 4.Avoid tra c and parking hassles by taking public transportation.
Extended Metro
Service runs around the clock December 31 through January 1 between Downtown Los Angeles and Pasadena. metro.net 5.Buy exclusive
Commemorative
Pasadena
Merchandise at the
Visitors Center or
Visit Pasadena booth at SIP & SAVOR. visitpasadena.com
RESOURCES
Pasadena Visitor Hotline
(877) 793-9911 visitpasadena.com
Tournament of Roses®
391 S. Orange Grove Blvd. (626) 449-4100 tournamentofroses.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
t r EVENTS
PASADENA CHEESEBURGER WEEK
MORE ANNUAL EVENTS
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. castlegreen.com/tour
Live on Green December 29-31, 2019
The free family festival leading up to the Rose Parade takes place at the Pasadena Convention Center. liveongreenpaasdena.com
Pasadena Heritage Architectural Legacy Walking Tour December 29-30, 2019
Expert guides highlight extraordinary architecture and local history. pasadenaheritage.org
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. kidspacemuseum.org
Pasadena Half Marathon & 5K January 19, 2020
The annual half marathon and 5K starts at the Rose Bowl Stadium and passes through various local landmarks. pasadenahalf.com
Golden State Tattoo Expo January 24-26, 2020
The Golden State Tattoo Expo 2020 brings together some of the world’s top tattoo artists. 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 the Cheeseburger Week celebration. pasadenarestaurantweek.com
Camellia Show at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens February 8-9, 2020
Hundreds of gorgeous blooms compete for top honors at The Huntington’s 48th annual Camellia Show, co-sponsored by the Southern California Camellia Society. huntington.org
Black History Parade & Festival February 15, 2020
One of the biggest and longestrunning Black History parades in California, the celebration also features food, merchandise booths, a children’s play area and more at the Jackie Robinson Center. cityofpasadena.net
ArtNight Pasadena March 13, 2020 & October 9, 2020
Enjoy a free evening of art, music and entertainment when Pasadena’s most prominent art and culture institutions open their doors. artnightpasadena.org
Spring Home Tour March 29, 2020
Tour architectural gems of the early 20th century that exemplify quintessential California style. pasadenaheritage.org
Pasadena Showcase House of Design April 26 – May 17, 2020
Explore the Pasadena Showcase House of Design when a local estate is exquisitely transformed by top designers. pasadenashowcase.org
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
Pasadena Chalk Festival June 20-21, 2020
View hundreds of colorful chalk murals at The Paseo along with live music, food, shopping and children’s activities. pasadenachalkfestival.com
BoldPas: A Day of Art and Play July 2020
Local artists takeover Pasadena with temporary art installations throughout Old Pasadena’s unique urban and historic spaces. oldpasadena.org
Americafest July 4, 2020
Pasadena’s 4th of July celebration at Rose Bowl Stadium features all-day fun, food and entertainment for the whole family, concluding with a spectacular fireworks show. rosebowlstadium.com
ArtWalk Pasadena October 17, 2020
Pasadena’s largest urban art fair showcases paintings, sculptures, watercolor, photography, mixed media, ceramics, jewelry, drawings and printmaking. playhousedistrict.org
Craftsman Weekend November 2020
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. pasadenaheritage.com
MONTHLY
Pasadena City College Flea Market (Free Admission)
Peruse the wares of 500 vendors specializing in antiques and vintage collectibles. Occurs the first Sunday of each month. pasadena.edu/fleamarket
t r EVENTS
Rose Bowl Flea Market
Vintage treasure hunters and bargain seekers flock to the legendary Rose Bowl Flea Market on the second Sunday of each month. rgcshows.com
SEASONALLY
UCLA Bruins Football Season September–November
Cheer on the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl Stadium, home field to the team since 1982. rosebowlstadium.com/ premiumseating
Santa Anita Park December–June
Witness live horse races Thursday through Sundays at Santa Anita Park. santaanita.com
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. rosebowlstadium.com