Autumn fun in Pasadena, CA

As summer turns into autumn, the fun in Pasadena doesn’t let up.

In fact, Pasadena is just as cool as ever with new themed tours, music, new attractions, and of course the spooky season of Halloween to come. Check out what’s new:

LODGING

Hotel Dena, Pasadena Los Angeles, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel debuted as the ultimate artists’ retreat in the heart of downtown. There’s a unicorn floatie in the pool, guitars and other instruments in the bar for guests to play, and a silent movie screening room. More about Hotel Dena here.

Playtime with Paddington at the Langham Huntington Pasadena comes with a Paddington-themed in-room tent, pillowcases, bed runner, and children’s bathrobe. There’s even a take home Paddington and Langham collaboration plush, drawstring bag, children’s slippers, and balloon with holder. Available now through December.

The Courtyard by Marriott Old Pasadena is getting a full renovation and set to debut before the end of the year. It’s located in Old Pasadena and close to the shuttle stop to the Rose Bowl Stadium.

New 194-room AC Hotel by Marriott breaks ground in Pasadena.

Pasadena Hotel & Pool launches Day Passes for their pool.

MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS

320-year-old Japanese Heritage Shōya House to open at The Huntington in October. Sustainable living across three centuries will be showcased in the historic residence and compound, which was moved from Marugame, Japan. The house will present Edo period regenerative farming and sustainable living . Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi offered their historic family home to The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in 2016.

Recently, The Huntington also opened their historic Rose Garden Tea Room with an elegant tea service. Advanced reservations recommended.

World of Racing opens in Pasadena, offering a state-of-the-art center equipped with professional-grade simulators and full-motion technology www.worldofracing.com.

Rose Bowl Stadium has opened the California High School Football Hall of Fame to the public as part of the stadium’s tour program and on UCLA game days this fall. Dedan Brozino, Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation president, said the project was a tribute to the rich history and tradition of high school football in California. The space is also available as a new meeting space at the Rose Bowl Stadium.

Rose Bowl Stadium is protected in a new US Congressional Historic Stadium Caucus that was announced August 25. The caucus will bring together a bipartisan group of Congressmembers to work on preserving the legacy and protecting the integrity of these storied venues across America.

Halloween at KidSpace Children’s Museum is happening all month long this October. Arrive in costume and join the daily Kidspace Halloween Parades. Visit the costume creation station for some DIY accessories and costume additions, decorate a pumpkin and enjoy the magic of Halloween. kidspacemuseum.org.

Descanso Gardens welcomes back the holiday transformation of the botanical gardens for fall and winter. Carved returns with a display of pumpkins and Enchanted returns with a display of festive holiday lights. https://www.descansogardens.org/.

Melting Pot Food Tours has launched Pasta, Pasta, Momma Mia!, a new Thursday night walking food tour in Old Pasadena. The 2.5 hour long walking tour is approximately 1.25 miles long, giving you a local’s look at “Pastadena,” while diving into the region’s rich history.

Route 66 centennial As America celebrates the 100th birthday of Route 66, Pasadena will also be celebrating the 150th birthday of Colorado Boulevard, which is Pasadena’s little section of Route 66 (also the Rose Parade Route).

Pasadena Playhouse, which recently earned the 2023 Regional Theater Tony Award, has The Sound Inside on stage from September 6 – October 1. Pulitzer Prize finalist Adam Rapp’s nail-biting drama makes you wonder who you can trust. www.pasadenaplayhouse.org

UPCOMING EVENTS

24th Annual Pasadena Latino Heritage Month Parade and Festival (September 16) Event listing

America’s Got Talent (now through September 27) tapes in front of a live studio audience at the historic Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Tickets are free through On Camera Audiences. Event listing

UCLA Football season kicks off at the Rose Bowl Stadium. Calendar of Events.

Halloween: 45 Years of Terror (September 29 – October 1) comes to the Pasadena Convention Center to celebrate the 45^th anniversary of the original Halloween movie. Event website

Coldplay Music of the Spheres (September 30 – October 1) at the Rose Bowl Stadium Event listing

Clásico de México (October 15, 2023) at the Rose Bowl Stadium. Club América and Club Deportivo Guadalajara. Clásico de México arrives at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium on October 15 to wrap up Hispanic Heritage Month. Event listing