Coming out of one of the rainiest winters Los Angeles has recently experienced, and as school comes to a close, there is so much to be excited about this summer in Pasadena. From flea markets, botanical gardens and food festivals, this list will ensure your summer is not only eventful but also memorable. Grab your friends, soak up the sun and have a good time!
Museums
The Huntington Library
1151 Oxford Road, San Marino
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Situated in beautiful San Marino, the Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens attract travelers to soak in its oasis of culture. This summer, the library is hosting four art exhibitions, featuring work from the Gee’s Bend Quiltmakers’ Collective from Alabama; Nigerian-born, Los Angeles-based artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby; the Chinese Buddhist Canon from the Song Dynasty; and Liu Fang Yuan. The Huntington grounds are a popular film set destination, with movies and TV shows like “Legally Blonde 2,” “The Muppets,” “Parks and Recreation,” and “Iron Man” all being filmed there.
Norton Simon Museum
411 W. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena
Noon to 5 p.m. Thursday to Monday
The perfect activity to cool off during those scorching summer days, the Norton Simon Museum features a large collection of European paintings and sculptures, spanning the Renaissance era all the way to the 20th century.
Pasadena Museum of History
470 W. Walnut Street, Pasadena
Noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday
A maybe undervisited spot, the Pasadena Museum of History is a private, nonprofit museum and research library dedicated to the preservation and sharing of Pasadena’s rich history. The museum offers public changing exhibitions, events and lectures, and more. Come by today to check out “Community Stitches,” an exhibition featuring quilt designs, and “Frozen Frames,” preserving Pasadena’s visual legacy.
The Broad
221 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday
If you’re willing to drive a little southwest into Downtown Los Angeles, the Broad is a fierce contemporary art museum, featuring iconic pieces of art from the 1950s to the present, and offering free general admission. Starting May 27, The Broad will be hosting a special Keith Haring exhibition, “Art is For Everybody.”
USC Pacific Asia Museum
46 N. Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday
Established in 1971 by the University of Southern California, the USC Pacific Asia Museum is one of the few U.S. institutions dedicated to sharing the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands. The museum is hosting a student-led pop-up exhibit, “Dismantling Orientalism: This is Not a True Story.” Come by now, as the museum is currently offering free admission for AAPI Heritage Month during the entire month of May.
Griffith Observatory
2800 E. Observatory Road, Los Angeles
Noon to 10 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday
If you’re looking for an artsy spot for a summer picnic or first date, look no further than Hollywood’s Griffith Observatory. Head up to the park for sunset before heading into the observatory where visitors can look through telescopes, check out exhibits and look over LA’s skyline. Plus, who wouldn’t want to recreate a “La La Land” moment?
The Gamble House
4 Westmoreland Place, Pasadena
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday
The Gamble House, located in central Pasadena, represents the finest example of early 20th-century craftsman architecture. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Reservations are recommended in advance.
Shopping
Rose Bowl Flea
1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena
5 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 11, July 9, Aug. 13
Every Angeleno knows that the Rose Bowl Flea is the most iconic flea market in all of Los Angeles. The massive market, which is hosted the second Sunday of every month, hosts over 2,500 vendors spawning a large collection of vintage clothing, art and antiques alike. Make sure to buy your tickets online ahead of time to skip the line.
PCC Flea Market
1570 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 4, July 2, Aug. 6
A smaller alternative to the Rose Bowl Flea would be the PCC Flea Market, held at Pasadena’s City College. With over 400 vendors, this market is known for special antiques and collectibles.
Dining
Old Pasadena
For a night to remember, check out Old Pasadena and dine at one of the many restaurants located on the 22 historic blocks of Old Pasadena. Get dinner at Mi Piace for a classic Italian meal and finish the night with ice cream from Wanderlust Creamery.
Concerts
Re:SET
1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena
4 p.m. June 2 to June 4
From June 2 to June 4, the Rose Bowl Stadium is hosting a concert series to kick off the summer. Featuring artists like Steve Lacy, Clairo, Dijon, Jamie xx and more, the festival is one not to miss. Three-day general admission tickets start at $250.
Janet Jackson, Ludacris
Hollywood Bowl
2301 N. Highland Avenue, Los Angeles
8 p.m. June 10
This year, Janet Jackson will be headlining Hollywood Bowl’s Opening Night, along with special guest Ludacris. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m.
Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival
3:30 p.m. June 17 to June 18
Hollywood Bowl
2301 N. Highland Avenue, Los Angeles
From June 17 to June 18, this jazz festival returns at the Hollywood Bowl for two days of incredible music and good vibes. Who doesn’t like jazz?
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2” in Concert
Hollywood Bowl
2301 N. Highland Avenue, Los Angeles
8 p.m. June 24
In the epic finale of the Harry Potter Concert Series, the battle between good and evil forces will go head to head.
July 4th Fireworks Spectacular with The Beach Boys
Hollywood Bowl
2301 N. Highland Avenue, Los Angeles
7:30 p.m. July 2 to July 4
Don’t miss this summer’s Fourth of July celebration with epic fireworks, sounds from the Beach Boys, and special guest John Stamos. It’s one of LA’s favorite summer traditions. Tickets are half off for kids 12 and under.
Maestro of the Movies: John Williams with the LA Phil
Hollywood Bowl
2301 N. Highland Avenue, Los Angeles
8 p.m. July 7 and July 8; 7:30 p.m. July 9
Join John Williams, the greatest composer in Hollywood history, for a night to remember as he shares the podium with dear friend Gustavo Dudamel. William’s scores are instantly recognizable and featured in some of the world’s biggest films like “Star Wars,” “Harry Potter,” “E.T.” and “Jaws.”
Live Presentation of “2001: A Space Odyssey”
Hollywood Bowl
2301 N. Highland Avenue, Los Angeles
8 p.m. Aug. 3
As Warner Bros. celebrates 100 years, the Hollywood Bowl is highlighting a special celebration through Stanley Kubrick’s sci-fi epic “2001: A Space Odyssey.” On one night only, watch and listen as the Los Angeles Philharmonic performs the score live during an on-screen presentation of the film.
Head in the Clouds
Brookside at the Rose Bowl
1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena
Noon Aug. 5 and Aug. 6
Head in the Clouds is hosting a music and arts festival located at Pasadena’s Brookside at the Rose Bowl on Aug. 5 and Aug. 6. You’ll be hearing songs from artists like XG, Jackson Wang and Rina Sawayama, as well as special guest Zedd. Two-day passes start at $269.
Sports
LAFC vs. L.A. Galaxy
Rose Bowl Stadium
1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena
7:30 p.m. July 4
Are you ready for the soccer rivalry game of the summer? Don’t miss out on LAFC playing against LA Galaxy this July 4 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $49 each. Rescheduled from Feb. 25.
Real Madrid vs. AC Milan
Rose Bowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena
7 p.m. July 23
This July, European soccer teams Real Madrid and AC Milan are coming to Pasadena to participate in the 2023 Soccer Champions Tour. Tickets begin at $84.
Other
FoodieLand Los Angeles
Rose Bowl Stadium
1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena
3 to 10 p.m. June 23; 1 to 10 p.m. June 24 and June 25
Located in the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium, FoodieLand Night Market is going to be foodie heaven this summer. The market is a multicultural food and entertainment event, guaranteed to be a good time. Tickets are $6 and only available through Eventbrite.
Sunset Ranch Hollywood
3400 N. Beachwood Drive, Los Angeles
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Have you ever wanted to ride a horse alongside LA’s famous Mulholland Trail? This is your sign to do it. Sunset Ranch Hollywood offers three unique rides in the Hollywood Hills, with unbeatable views of Griffith Park and the Hollywood Sign. Use “spring23” for 10% booking now.
Universal Studios
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City
Various times
For a summer day full of fun, go behind the scenes and experience some magic from the busiest motion picture studio in the world. Don’t miss the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab offers free onsite and virtual tours for groups and individuals on an advance reservation basis. Registration for tours for the month of August will be released on 9 a.m. Monday, June 5
Rose Bowl Aquatics Center
360 N. Arroyo Boulevard, Pasadena
Various times
The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center is a public swimming pool, featuring two Olympic pools, a diving well, a therapy pool, as well as dry land facilities. Swim lessons are open for registration now.
La Pintoresca Park
45 E. Washington Boulevard, Pasadena
6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Perfect for kids, this park features a splash pad, picnic area, basketball court, skate park and playground to keep them never wanting to leave. Plus, there are public restrooms.