What’s new in Pasadena

June in Pasadena is filled with vibrant live music and arts and cultural events across the city.

The rose gardens are in full bloom, while Visit Pasadena, the city’s official tourism organization, celebrates pride with a citywide Pride campaign.

It brings a simple, yet powerful message that “All Are Welcome in Pasadena.”

What Pride Means in Pasadena

Pasadena, California has been proudly celebrating all identities since The Boulevard Bar was established over 40 years ago. Today, it remains one of Pasadena’s staples. In 2014, Pasadena was recognized as the “Second Gayest City in America” by The Advocate. This marked a historic moment, when a gay couple exchanged wedding vows on a wedding float during the Tournament of Roses Rose Parade for the first time.

Visit Pasadena launched the city-wide “All Are Welcome in Pasadena” campaign this June. Look for the window decal at business entryways, proudly displaying the Pasadena Pride Rose. Visitors are invited to share their images of the campaign with a @visitpasadena or #visitpasadena tag on Instagram to be featured.

This year, The City of Pasadena raises the Pride Flag once again at City Hall this June. The flag is designed by non-binary artist Daniel Quasar and made by San Diego-based Pride Flag SD. There are a series of interactive and family friendly events. In historic Old Pasadena, visitors will experience the district’s powerful “commUNITY” campaign and “All Are Welcome” messaging while enjoying shopping and dining experiences. In October, SGV Pride will celebrate National Coming Out day with a celebration at Central Park.

Celebrate Pride in June in Pasadena

Head to The Boulevard Bar, a judgement free zone filled with energy for the past 44 years. Enjoy karaoke every night, and sing it loud and proud for open mic nights on Tuesdays.

There is a diverse culinary landscape in Pasadena, home to over 600 friendly restaurants. Savor the flavors at LGBTQ owned businesses such as Union, U Street Pizza, Yuca’s Pasadena, and Fat Boys Food Truck. For a haunting adventure, head to the LGBTQ owned Bunker Experience for a thrilling escape room complete with live actors and a three-part storyline.

Celebrate with the City of Pasadena with a variety of events such as the Love, Loud, and Proud Celebration on June 24 at City Hall.

Celebrate Outdoors Month in June in Pasadena

Pasadena’s blend of urban and suburban landscape is complimented by lush natural areas that feel a world away. Celebrate National Outdoors Month by enjoying the historic Arroyo Seco, where visitors can try archery, play disc golf, hike, bike, walk, and explore the urban wildlife. Enjoy recreation areas such as the Rose Bowl Recreation Loop for moderate activity, or more advanced trails such as Mount Wilson.

June is a perfect time to spend in the botanical gardens, as the rose gardens are in full bloom. The Huntington has forest bathing classes and Chinese music every Wednesday in the Garden of Flowing Fragrance. Descanso Gardens offers live acoustic music during extended summer hours in the Camellia Lounge. Enjoy live music with Pasadena POPs! at the Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanical Garden, featuring special guests such as The Fray.

Tour the Wrigley Mansion that was donated to the Tournament of Roses to become their headquarters by the Wrigley family. Enjoy the rose gardens during the Thursday 2:00 p.m. public tours until August 31, 2023. Celebrate live music in the beautiful outdoors with the Visit Pasadena Summer of Music Guide.

Pasadena Chalk Festival Celebrates 30 Years on Father’s Day Weekend

Add the Pasadena Chalk Festival to your bucket list on Father’s Day weekend, as over 500 artists gather to create 200 chalk murals. The festival celebrates 30 years bringing the Italian tradition of the Madonnari to Los Angeles County. On Saturday, June 17, head over to Pasadena City Hall for impressive architectural photo ops and the Vintage Car Show.

Pasadena Playhouse Awarded 2023 Regional Theater Tony Award

In a competitive performing arts region, the Pasadena Playhouse continues to shine with critically acclaimed performing arts. As the official state theater of California, the playhouse has had a brilliant history as the star factory for launching the careers of celebrated actors and actresses. These include Dustin Hoffman, Gene Hackman, Sally Struthers and more.  Pasadena Playhouse will be the recipient of the 2023 Regional Theatre Tony Award. The honor is accompanied by a grant of $25,000, made possible by City National Bank’s support.

This June, the playhouse’s six-month Sondheim Celebration culminates with a three-day performance by Sondheim’s most stunning muse, Bernadette Peters, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

For more information, see www.visitpasadena.com.