All the must-do Pasadena events this summer

There is so much to do in Pasadena, it can sometimes be challenging to choose just one event per day. (As those who live in less desirable places would say, “That’s a nice problem to have!”) This summer, an abundance of Pasadena events and activities invite fun, recreation, and culture, while showcasing the best of the city. Whether you already have the pleasure of calling Old Town Pasadena home or are looking for the best time to visit, these are the Pasadena events you won’t want to miss from June to August.

Levitt Pavilion Summer Concert Series, June 29, 7pm, Memorial Park

This summer’s free Levitt Pavilion Pasadena concert series at Memorial Park kicks off. Come early to pick the perfect picnic spot on the lawn, and get the full lineup, with artists including Pete Escovedo on July 2, The HillBenders present The Who’s TOMMY: A Bluegrass Opry, on July 7, and Jan and Dean’s Beach Party! Featuring Dean Torrence, on July 9, here.

Old Pasadena Historic District Walking Tour, July 1, 9–11am, Pasadena Heritage

This monthly walking tour is conducted by Pasadena Heritage and includes “historical and architectural insights.”

Old Pasadena Food Tasting Tour, July 1, 10:30am–2pm, Raymond Avenue & Holly Street

Get a real taste of Old Pasadena restaurants and unique dining options on this weekly 3.5-hour walking tour. You’ll cover 1.25 miles with nine stops covering international fare, poke, and artisan ice cream, just for starters, with tasty samples at each one and “behind the scenes” tales from merchants.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema: Jurassic Park, July 1, 8:30pm, One Colorado Courtyard

Another season of these favorite Pasadena evenst kicks off with the Old Pasadena Summer Cinema Series, with indoor and outdoor movie screenings in a variety of locations and playing a broad mix of films, starting with Jurassic Park at One Colorado.

Americafest, July 4, 2–9:30pm, The Rose Bowl

It’s the 91^st annual 4th of July Celebration at the Rose Bowl, with a full day of activities including food and entertainment, culminating with a spectacular fireworks show.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema: Song of the Sea, July 6, 7:30pm, Flower Pepper Gallery

PMCA 1234: First Free Friday, July 7, all day, Pasadena Museum of California Art

Free admission all day at the Pasadena Museum of California Art makes this local treasure even better. 

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema: Samsara, July 7, 8pm, Distant Lands Travel Bookstore

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema: Freedom Writers, July 7, 8:30pm, One Colorado Courtyard

Dancing Under the Stars, Starting July 7, 7–9:30pm, Paseo Colorado

These popular Pasadena events return with dancing every Friday to a variety of swing and salsa bands, starting with the Pete Jacobs Swingtet on July 7. See the full schedule here.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema: The Sting, July 8, 8:30pm, Central Park

In addition to the film, you can “Register in advance for a guided Walking Tour of several filming locales including the filming locations for the movie “The Sting.” Also at Central Park, enjoy live ragtime music with the Holly Street Stompers, swing dance lessons, and a Prohibition-themed photo booth.”

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema: Remember the Titans, July 8, 8:30pm, One Colorado Courtyard

Live at the Arboretum with LeAnn Rimes, July 8, 6pm, L.A. County Arboretum

The inaugural Live at the Arboretum features Grammy Award-winning artist LeAnn Rimes in concert. Gates open at 5 pm and food can be purchases on site or brought in.

Eat See Hear: Singin’ in the Rain, July 8, 7pm, Pasadena City Hall

The classic musical “Singin’ in the Rain” is shown in a whole new way at one of the most popular Pasadena events, outdoors on a large screen at Centennial Square in front of Pasadena City Hall, with live music and food from several tasty food trucks. Doors open at 5:30pm and music starts at 7pm.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema: The Martian, July 14, 8:30pm, One Colorado Courtyard

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema: Riding Solo to the Top of the World, July 14, 8pm, Distant Lands Travel Bookstore

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema: Ocean’s Eleven, July 15, 8:30pm, One Colorado Courtyard

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema: Wreck-It Ralph, July 15, 8:30pm, Central Park

Music from Jersey Boys and Beyond, July 15, 7:30pm, L.A. County Arboretum

The next concert in the 2017 Summer Concert Series features The Midtown Men: Four Stars from the Original Broadway Cast of Jersey Boys, who will be singing hits from the Beach Boys, the Beatles, Motown, and more. Gates open at 5:30 for picnicking.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema: Kubo and the Two Strings, July 20, 7:30pm, Flower Pepper Gallery  

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema: A Good Year, July 21, 8pm, Distant Lands Travel Bookstore

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema: Hugo, July 21, 8:30pm, One Colorado Courtyard

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema: Mamma Mia!, July 22, 8:30pm, Central Park

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema: Dr. Strange, July 22, 8:30pm, One Colorado Courtyard 

CONCACAF Gold Cup 2017, July 23, The Rose Bowl

The Rose Bowl Stadium is one of 13 international sites hosting a match for the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Gold Cup. The winner lands a spot in the next CONCACAF Cup, on the way to the 2021 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema: Cairo Time, July 28, 8pm, Distant Lands Travel Bookstore

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema: School of Rock, July 28, 8:30pm, One Colorado Courtyard

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema: Inside Out, July 29, 8:30pm, One Colorado Courtyard

Michael Feinstein Sings & Swings!, July 29, 7:30, Los Angeles Arboretum

Famed soloist Michael Feinstein will be singing some of the classics during one of the seasons’s favorite Pasadena events, from Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and more. Gates open at 5:30pm for picnicking.

Talk & Tour: Pasadena in the Movies, August 4, 7pm, Pasadena Heritage

This luxury bus tour covers “Pasadena buildings and cityscapes have been used in hundreds of films, TV shows, and commercials as varied as ‘Father of the Bride,’ ‘Batman,’ ‘Chinatown,’ and even ‘Gone with the Wind.’”

Shakespeare by the Sea—MacBeth, August 4, 7pm, Garfield Park

This free re-telling of the Shakespeare classic comes to Pasadena’s Garfield Park.

Old Pasadena Historic District Walking Tour, August 5, 9–11am, Pasadena Heritage

This monthly walking tour is conducted by Pasadena Heritage and includes “historical and architectural insights.”

PMCA 1234: First Free Friday, August 5, all day, Pasadena Museum of California Art

Free admission all day at the Pasadena Museum of California Art makes this local treasure even better.

Eat See Hear: Mean Girls, August 5, 8:30pm, Pasadena City Hall

One of the most unique Pasadena events pairs favorite movie Mean Girls, which is shown on a large screen in Centennial Square in front of Pasadena City Hall, with live music and food from several tasty food trucks. Doors open at 5:30pm and music starts at 7:00pm.

Gershwin & Friends, August 19, 7:30pm, LA County Arboretum

Principal Pops Conductor Gershwin & Friends presents Michael Feinstein, Principal Pops Conductor, and Jordan Donica, Rachel York, and Madelyn Baillio, soloists performing pieces from Feinstein’s personal archives, including “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “I Got Rhythm,” and “Embraceable You.” Gates open at 5:30pm for picnicking.

While you’re in Old Town enjoying these great Pasadena events, don’t miss the chance to tour its most spectacular new home community, Villas at the Ambassador Gardens, from renowned builder and developer etco HOMES. These new luxury townhomes in Pasadena combine spacious floorplans filled with high-end features like gourmet kitchens, private outdoor spaces, four-car garages, and elevators in each unit, with one of Southern California’s most coveted locations. Villas is walkable to all of Pasadena’s best shops and restaurants and ensconced within the historic Ambassador Gardens, a century-old wonderland of vast lawns, majestic oaks, lush gardens, meandering walkways, and calming fountains and streams. For more information, visit Villas at the Ambassador Gardens. You can also click here to be added to the VIP Interest List.