9 minute read
SIGNATURE EVENTS
MINI-GUIDE
Tournament of Roses®
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, and around the world, tune in to watch the nationally televised Rose Parade® presented by Honda and Rose Bowl Game®, but nothing beats experiencing it live in person. Several festive happenings surround the two main headlining events over the course of a week, offering 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-off your 2023 on a high note. tournamentofroses.com
Rose Bowl Stadium, venue for the Rose Bowl Game®
Rose Parade® presented by Honda January 2, 2023
The Rose Parade® presented by Honda begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. on January 2, 2023. Spectators from around the nation will line up along the 5.5-mile route down Colorado Boulevard, experiencing the sensational signature event while also celebrating New Year’s Day. This year’s theme is “Turning the Corner.”
Rose Bowl Game® January 2, 2023
The Rose Bowl Game will be held on January 2, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. The game will feature a traditional matchup of teams from the Pac-12 and Big Ten conferences.
Get an up-close and personal viewing of the elaborate floral floats that are parked and on display along Sierra Madre and Washington Boulevard. “Floatfest: A Rose Parade Showcase” proves just how much workmanship, effort, and design was put into their creation. A shuttle is available from Park & Ride locations in Pasadena.
MORE EVENTS
Saddle up at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center (480 W. Riverside Dr., Burbank) for Equestfest, a family-friendly event featuring the gorgeous horses and talented riders of the premier equestrian units in the 2023 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 the vendor court, activities, and themed displays.
Bandfest presented by REMO December 30-31, 2022
Bandfest presented by Remo is a live music event featuring the exceptional bands selected to participate in the 2023 Rose Parade. Over the course of two days, each marching band performs a field show that highlights their musicianship and unique talents. This annual tradition takes place at Pasadena City College (1570 E. Colorado Blvd.) and all are invited to attend.
Bandfest at Pasadena City College
RESOURCES
PASADENA VISITOR HOTLINE
(877) 793-9911 visitpasadena.com
TOURNAMENT OF ROSES®
(626) 449-4100 tournamentofroses.com
ROSE BOWL STADIUM
1001 Rose Bowl Dr. (626) 577-3100 rosebowlstadium.com
SHARP SEATING COMPANY
Official Tournament of Roses® grandstand seating company 1737 E. Colorado Blvd. (enter in back) (626) 795-4171 sharpseating.com
ON LOCATION
Official Tournament of Roses® partner offering ticket, hospitality, and travel packages onlocationexp.com
AMERICA’S STADIUM
Jackie Robinson commemorative statue
The Rose Bowl Stadium is a pivotal venue for large-scale events in Pasadena and the greater Southern California area, serving as a backdrop for thousands of sports and entertainment events.
The landmark stadium is the proud home of the annual Rose Bowl Game®, UCLA Bruins football, AmericaFest on July 4th, music festivals, soccer matches, concerts, and the world’s largest flea market.
Since opening its gates on October 28, 1922, the Rose Bowl has earned its world-class reputation for hosting larger-than-life events: two Olympic Games (with a third on the way in 2028); five NFL Super Bowls; multiple college football championship games; international soccer matches including the 1994 FIFA Men’s World Cup, the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Copa America Centenario, and the International Champions Cup; historic concerts from the Rolling Stones, Journey, U2, Beyonce, One Direction, Taylor Swift and BTS to name a few; and much more. rosebowlstadium.com
Music festivals and entertainment at the Rose Bowl Stadium
ROSE BOWL STADIUM EVENTS
Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K January 15, 2023
The annual half marathon and 5K starts at the Rose Bowl Stadium and passes through various local landmarks throughout Pasadena, concluding on the Stadium’s iconic field. mccourtfoundation.org
LA Galaxy vs. LAFC Season Opener February 25, 2023
The Rose Bowl Stadium sets the stage for Los Angeles’ marquee soccer intercity rivalry between the LA Galaxy and LAFC as both teams open their 2023 Major League Soccer season in a historic match presented by Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel. rosebowlstadium.com
AmericaFest July 4, 2023
Pasadena’s 4th of July celebration at the Rose Bowl Stadium features all-day fun, food, and entertainment for the whole family, concluding with the largest firework spectacular on the West Coast. rosebowlstadium.com
UCLA Football August - November 2023
The Rose Bowl Stadium is the proud home of the UCLA Bruins football team, offering an exciting opportunity to experience one of the finest football stadiums in the nation. rosebowlstadium.com/premiumseating
Rose Bowl Flea Market Monthly
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, where more than 2,500 vendors are spread out around the grounds selling vintage clothing, mid-century modern furniture, African textiles, Moroccan rugs, Chinese antiques, jewelry and so much more. rosebowlstadium.com
Rose Bowl Tours
The Rose Bowl Stadium offers both public and private tours, taking you behind- the-scenes of America’s Stadium to some of its most exclusive locations including the iconic field, press box, locker room, and original 1922 museum. (626) 577-3100 rosebowlstadium.com/tours
Pasadena Chalk Festival at the Paseo
PASADENA EVENTS
Santa Anita Park Horse Racing December 26, 2022 - June 18, 2023
Experience live horse races at “The Great Race Place” while enjoying track amenities and a breathtaking panorama view of the San Gabriel Mountains. santaanita.com
The Yoga Expo January 7, 2023
A one-day event bringing together the local yoga community and offering a wide array of 50-minute classes for beginners, advanced yogis, kids, and anyone in between. theyogaexpo.org
IMATS LA January 14-15, 2023
The celebration of makeup artistry returns to the Pasadena Convention Center for the 26th annual International Make-Up Artist Trade Show (IMATS). imats.net
Pasadena Cheeseburger Week January 22-28, 2023
Legend has it that Lionel Sternberger invented the cheeseburger in 1924 at his father’s Pasadena roadside stand called Rite Spot. Each year, restaurants and locals pay homage to Lionel’s achievement with the Cheeseburger Week celebration. pasadenarestaurantweek.com
Black History Parade & Festival February 2023
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
California International Antiquarian Book Fair February 10-12, 2023
This three-day event features the collections and rare treasures of booksellers from around the globe. abaa.org
International Gem & Jewelry Show March 31-April 2, 2023 | July 7-10, 2023
Purchase jewelry, gemstones, beads, accessories and gifts at America’s longest running gem and jewelry shows. intergem.com
Jackalope Art Fair April 29-30, 2023 | November 18-19, 2023
Enjoy a weekend of shopping featuring over 200 hand-selected artisans including original fashion and jewelry, paper goods, home decor and housewares, art, photography, food, and more. jackalopeartfair.com
Litfest Pasadena May 6-7, 2023
Meet and engage with acclaimed authors and new voices in literature at the annual LitFest Pasadena, where powerful and inspiring literary and social conversations meet. litfestpasadena.org
Pasadena Chalk Festival June 17-18, 2023
View hundreds of colorful chalk murals at the Paseo along with live music, food, shopping, and children’s activities. pasadenachalkfestival.org
Pasadena Pops Summer Concert Series June 24 - September 9, 2023
Set to the backdrop of the Los Angeles Arboretum, the POPS Concert Series is conducted by ambassador of “The Great American Songbook” Michael Feinstein with stars of stage and screen performing popular hits. pasadenasymphony-pops.org
Pasadena Pops Summer Concert Series
Explore. Discover. Experience.
World-class artworks, rare literary treasures, and 130 acres of botanical gardens. Inquire about group and specialty tours: tours@huntington.org
Golden State Tattoo Expo September 15-17, 2023
Presented by Inked magazine and hosted by local tattoo celebrities Nikko Hurtado and Carlos Torres, the Golden State Tattoo Expo returns with live tattooing, live arts, galleries, shops, seminars, jewelry, tattoo contests, side shows, and more. goldenstatetattooexpo.com
Latino Heritage Parade and Festival September - October 2023
The Latino Heritage Parade commemorates the contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community. Celebrate Latino Heritage Month with the annual parade full of music, performances, family-friendly activities, and more. pasadenalatinoheritageparade.org
Halloween: 45 Years Of Terror September 30 - October 1, 2023
Celebrate Halloween like never before with a weekend full of terror, frights, and gory nostalgia. halloween45.com
Carved at Descanso Gardens October 2023
Celebrate Halloween with Carved at Descanso Gardens featuring hundreds of carved pumpkins, natural sculptures, carving demonstrations, a pumpkin house, and a hay maze. descansogardens.org
Connect Week October 2023
This week-long series showcases innovations in technology, science, art and design, and entrepreneurship from Pasadena’s innovation community. connectpasadena.com
Pasadena Symphony Series October 2023-April 2024
The Pasadena Symphony performs classical music at Ambassador Auditorium, dubbed “Carnegie Hall of the West,” where visitors come
National Coming Out Day Celebration
to savor favorite masterpieces, be thrilled by world-famous soloists, and discover new works from emerging composers. pasadenasymphony-pops.org
Celebrate love and gender expression in the Pasadena City Hall Courtyard. Enjoy music, performances, art installations, and lively entertainment. cityofpasadena.net/parks-and-rec
Breeders’ Cup World Championships November 3-4, 2023
The Breeders’ Cup will return to the site of some of its most memorable moments, Santa Anita Park for the 40th running of the World Championships. In the shadow of the San Gabriel Mountains, 14 new world champions will be crowned on racing’s biggest stage. santaanita.com
Preservation Pasadena Walking Tours November 9-12, 2023
Join a celebration of preservation and architecture with tours, lectures, panel discussions, conversations with artists, collectors, and more. Immerse yourself in great architecture and programs throughout the week. pasadenaheritage.org
Enchanted Forest of Light November 2023 - January 2024
Descanso Gardens transforms into a glittering Enchanted Forest of Light with its special interactive, nighttime experience from Thanksgiving through the first week of January. descansogardens.org
Holidayfest! December 2, 2023
Deck the halls at Holidayfest! on South Lake Avenue. Get into the holiday spirit while enjoying this free family-friendly event with activities, in-store promotions, photo-ops, and more. southlakeavenue.org
Pasadena City College Flea Market Monthly
On the first Sunday of each month, peruse the wares of 450 vendors specializing in antiques and vintage collectibles. pasadena.edu/fleamarket
Visitors are strongly encouraged to check with businesses for current updates. For the latest, go to visitpasadena.com/events.
