Rose Parade
Colorado Blvd · January 1
Five and a half miles of floats, bands and horses. Locals stake curb space the night before — bring layers, it's cold at dawn.
Events
What's on in Pasadena
The city runs on a calendar: a parade on New Year's morning, a flea market every second Sunday, free concerts all summer and farmers markets most days of the week.
Annual
Once-a-year Pasadena traditions
Plan travel around these — hotels and street parking go fast.
Rose Bowl Game
Rose Bowl · January 1
College football's oldest bowl game, played in the Arroyo Seco since 1923.
Make Music Pasadena
Old Pasadena · June
A free one-day festival with dozens of stages spread across downtown blocks.
Pasadena Chalk Festival
Paseo · Father's Day weekend
Hundreds of street painters turn the pavement into a temporary museum.
Weekly & monthly
Something to do every weekend
Recurring markets, art walks and free concerts across the city.
Rose Bowl Flea Market
2nd Sunday monthly
2,500 vendors circling the stadium. Go at 5am for dealer hours or 10am for shade.
ArtNight Pasadena
Spring & fall
Free evening access to museums and studios, with shuttles between venues.
Levitt Pavilion Concerts
Memorial Park · summer
Fifty free shows a season. Bring a blanket and takeout from Old Town.
Victory Park Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8:30am–1pm
The big one — citrus, stone fruit and prepared food from local growers.
Villa Parke Market
Tuesdays, 9am–1pm
Smaller midweek market on the city's northwest side.
Playhouse District Art Walk
Select Saturdays
Galleries and shops open late along El Molino and Colorado.
Keep exploring
More Pasadena city guides
Build a full weekend around an event with places to eat, stay and explore nearby.
Attractions
Things to Do in Pasadena
Sights and activities near every venue — Rose Bowl, Memorial Park and Colorado Blvd.
Restaurants
Eat & Drink in Pasadena
Where to eat before or after the parade, flea market or a summer concert.
Areas
Pasadena Neighborhoods
Stay near the action — hotels, walkable districts and quiet hillside options.