Arts & Entertainment

Named for the days when it served well drinks for $.35, the 35er Bar became a Route 66 mainstay after opening in 1963. Family-owned and operated since then, the bar features more than a dozen beer varieties on tap with a strong focus on local and regional breweries; more beer options are served up in cans and bottles. A small menu of simple pub grub (nachos, fish ‘n’ chips, chicken wings, chili cheese fries) helps fuel the libation consumption. Numerous televisions keep you up to date on sporting events.

The Armory Center for the Arts, housed in Pasadena’s historic 1932 National Guard Building, serves as the city’s hub for art education in its myriad forms. It originated as the education department of the Pasadena Art Museum in 1947 with classes led by artists whose teaching concepts grew out of the museum's exhibitions of modern art. This education program became known as the Pasadena Art Workshops after the museum closed in 1974. Without a permanent space for exhibitions, the workshops used professional artists as teachers and focused on the development of arts programs that presented alternative forms of learning. By working in partnerships with schools, libraries, parks, neighborhood groups, community centers, and city agencies, the museum’s programs brought the arts to new audiences – a trend that continues to this day.

Opening in its permanent space on Raymond Avenue in 1989, the center underwent a $2.4 million transformation in 2002 to create an additional 6,800 square feet of classrooms and studio spaces for drawing and painting, digital arts, and photography. Today it offers a wide range of programs and studio classes for all ages (in-person and online), as well as exhibitions in its galleries, year around.  Galleries are open by appointment Fridays from 3:00 to 7:00pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 to 5:00pm. Admission is always free.

Long after its start in Berkeley and then West Hollywood in the 1920s, Barney’s Beanery opened its Pasadena location in 2006, becoming a favorite on Colorado Boulevard for its rock ‘n’ roll-pop culture décor and dozens of beers on tap. Patrons also like the plentiful TVs showcasing sporting events, loud music, and a real bus installed indoors. The extensive menu is centered on American fare but also includes pizza and “south of the border” selections. Kids feel right at home here too: pool tables, a small selection of arcade games, and that psychedelic bus can occupy them long enough for parents to enjoy a couple of drinks.

If it’s whiskey you’re after, Blind Donkey is your spot. Here you’ll find a premier Whiskey Bar (65+ in stock), a solid lineup of craft spirits, and a curated draft beer list that’s in constant rotation. The bar’s food menu features standard pub fare and 10 different kinds of French fries. The open-late establishment encourages you to while away the hours with chess, shuffle board, and other games; its regular Wednesday Trivia Night is a big draw. 

The Bunker Experience is a live interactive escape game within a maze, involving puzzle-solving activities set in a post-apocalyptic sci-fi world. The challenges the group faces are solved by using hidden clues. Once they have solved all clues and missions, then they have successfully completed The Bunker Experience. The Bunker Experience is fun for a family, group of friends, and a useful experience for companies as a team-building opportunity. Participants must be 18 years of age or older to participate otherwise, parental supervision is required.  All games are private.

An always-packed fixture in Old Pasadena’s night club scene, Club 54 features two levels plus a basement lounge, three bars, two dance floors, three live guest DJs each evening, and state-of-the-art lighting and sound. VIP seating in spacious booths and bottle service are available upon request.

The Old Pasadena Color Me Mine, just one in a national franchise studio chain, lets patrons channel their inner arts-and-crafts spirit with paint-it-yourself, pre-made bisque pieces. Choose a piece, pay a studio fee, and you can paint all day using more than 60 colors, tools, and the friendly guidance of trained staff members.The studio glazes and fires customers’ creations in onsite kilns and the finished pieces are typically ready after 5-7 days. The paint and bisque are non-toxic, lead free, and can be used with food or drinks after it has been fired.

The Pasadena location of the popular chain hosts numerous social events throughout the year, including 21 and over First Fridays, Shop Classes, and community painting contests.

Modeled after a Bavarian Bier Haus, Der Wolf features 20 German and German-inspired craft beers, some unique to Der Wolf. Bavarian-inspired dishes – think sausages, spätzle mac, pretzels, and schnitzel – are served on communal tables under imposing chandeliers. Make sure to visit the Der Rathskeller bar downstairs: It features an incredible array of murals that calls both on mythological creatures, Teutonic battles, animals, and brand imagery from craft distilleries.

The Gamble House, one of Pasadena’s landmark treasures, is an outstanding example of American Arts and Crafts style architecture. The house and furnishings were designed by Charles and Henry Greene in 1908 for David and Mary Gamble of the Procter & Gamble Company. The house, a National Historic Landmark, is owned by the City of Pasadena and operated by the University of Southern California and is open for public tours.

One-hour, docent-led tours are available to the public Thursday-Sunday. Tours begin at noon with the last tour beginning at 3:00pm. Advance ticket reservations are strongly recommended. Tickets may be purchased in the bookstore on the day of the tour or in advance by booking online or by calling 844.325.0812.

On Tuesdays, The Gamble House is open for lunch-time tours. Guests can settle in with their brown-bag lunch (not provided) on the picturesque rear terrace or lawn between 11:30am and 1:30pm. Two 20-minute docent-led short tours will be given at 12:15 and 12:45 every Tuesday. Advance ticket purchase is recommended; tickets cost $8.

Hawg Heaven BBQ & Gastropub serves up a menu of barbecue sandwiches, brisket, and ribs, as well as Mexican and bar food options for lunch and dinner. Enjoy live jazz dinner shows from Wednesday to Sunday nights, and a Sunday Brunch with live jazz from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.  Have fun Salsa and Bachata dancing on Tuesday nights with Salsa lessons offered at 8:30pm.  More than 20 HD monitors are installed throughout the venue, so sporting events are great to watch at Hawg Heaven BBQ.

A pioneer of the dine-in theater concept, IPIC® Theaters' mission is to a create an unforgettable experience for guests. IPIC Theaters' ultimate theater experience includes the latest Hollywood blockbusters and classic films, inventive cuisine and signature cocktails, including personalized touches from the moment guests arrive. Guests can enjoy elevated food and beverage service delivered seat-side by 'ninja-like' servers for a dine in the dark theater experience, while relaxing in Premium Plus reclining leather Pod seats.

A night-life venue and restaurant, IX Tapa features classic dishes from Mexico’s west coast, from familiar entrée favorites to a large offering of bar bites. With over 7,000 square feet of space grandly appointed by LA-based design firm AKAR Studios, IX Tapa boasts live music, dancing, and a complete schedule of entertainment options.

Nestled into a hillside in Pasadena’s Brookside Park, just a stone’s throw away from the famed Rose Bowl, Kidspace Children's Museum is a place where everyone wants to be a kid. Opened in 2004 and expanded several times since, it is designed to provide creative environments that inspire learning through self-directed, interactive experiences and play in the arts, sciences, and humanities.

Exhibits are most-certainly hands-on and designed to excite all the senses. Its 2.2 acres of outdoor learning environments is remarkable, offering a running creek, treehouses, gardens, the Splash Dance Fountains, climbing structures, the science-themed Galvin Physics Forest, and so much more. Indoors, guests can enjoy arts and crafts opportunities and nature exhibitions, see what an earthquake feels like, and play in the Ant Hole and Climbing Towers. Infants and toddlers have their very own room that is quieter, softer, and filled with age-appropriate materials.

The Museum offers a robust calendar of events and workshops throughout the year; visit the website for complete information.

Note: Kidspace is closed each Monday between September and May, as well as any Saturday in the fall when UCLA is playing a game at the Rose Bowl.

A true pub with a rotating and curated beer selection to prove it, Kings Row Gastropub feels like a friendly neighborhood joint, complete with frequent live music, shuffleboard, and a small but solid menu of tasty artisan food. Choose your drink from a menu that specializes in small-craft and local brewers and Belgian ales (handcrafted cocktails and wine selections are on hand too) and grab a spot at one of the three seating areas: the open-air “patio” bar, dining room, or outdoor beer garden.

Ladies and Gentlemen is a one-of-a-kind speakeasy located in the basement of a building in Pasadena. The entrance is disguised as a restroom, but once you say the secret password and enter, you'll be transported to a magical world of cocktails and luxury. The owner, Leo Temory, has taken mixology to the next level with chef bartenders who expertly craft visually stunning and delicious cocktails.  Order a pizza if you need sustenance for those sips.

An authentic British pub serving traditional English breakfast and offering over 60 beers on tap, Lucky Baldwins Pub opened in 1996.  A locals’ favorite and long-time mainstay in Old Pasadena, enjoy a traditional English meal around the clock, such as bangers and mash, Irish bacon, and of course, fish and chips, or grab a seat at the bar, and they'll recommend a new brew for you to try.

Though their taps change often, rest assured that your favorites, like Stella Artois, Guinness, and Boddingtons Pub Ale, are permanently on tap and ready to pour. Throughout the year, Lucky Baldwins also celebrates European drinking festivals, including its renowned Belgian Beer Festival, Oktoberfest, IPA Fest, and Sweet & Sour Fest!

Neon Retro Arcade celebrates the history of video games, proudly featuring 50+ classic arcade games and pinball machines restored to their original glory. Patrons can find Space Invaders, Ms. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong... all the greats! Neon also has comfortable video game console stations where you can challenge your friends to some of the latest next-gen games. No quarters required here: All games at Neon are set to "free play," with a flat-fee admission per hour of play. The arcade can also serve as event space: It regularly hosts birthday parties and other private events.

No Comment Restaurant & Lounge is Old Pasadena’s ultra-lux dining experience and entertainment, serving a flavorful fusion of Asian and Mediterranean cuisine, complete with craft cocktails, a luxurious ambience.  They offer live entertainment, every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night, featuring burlesque, belly dancing, a live DJ, magic, and more!  Be sure to make your reservation and don't miss out on this experience.

The Norton Simon Museum holds one of the world's finest and most prestigious collections of art. Reflecting the extraordinary effort and vision of its founder, it stands as a tribute to human civilizations, the visual arts, and the nobility of individual accomplishment.

The permanent collections consist of Western and Asian art from a period spanning more than 2,000 years. European and American masterpieces -- including paintings, sculpture, works on paper and photography -- are complemented by stunning art works from India and Southeast Asia. The Museum holds an extensive print collection, which includes rare etchings by Rembrandt and Goya, as well as a comprehensive collection of Picasso graphics. The collection also includes the Galka E. Scheyer Collection of works by the Blue Four artists: Feininger, Jawlensky, Kandinsky, and Klee.

Located just outside Old Pasadena's boundaries and easily walkable from the district, the Museum is housed in a unique building originally designed by architects Ladd & Kelsey in 1969, with recently updated interiors by Frank O. Gehry & Associates. It boasts a beautiful garden, inspired by Monet's Giverny. The Norton Simon is a true Pasadena landmark, promoting art education through a variety of programs, which include special exhibitions, tours, children's programming, and lectures.

Operating since 1973, Old Towne Pub is tucked into one of Old Pasadena’s alleyways and serves as one of the district’s late-night live music venues. Bands showcase classic rock, hard rock, reggae, punk, and anything in between. The bar offers a selection of local brews and well drinks.

The Pasadena Museum of History’s collections, exhibits, and programs provide educational resources for the public to increase understanding and appreciation of history, culture, and science in Pasadena and neighboring communities. Founded in 1924 as the Pasadena Historical Society, the Pasadena Museum of History operates the only Museum and Research Library devoted solely to preserving and educating the community about the history of Pasadena and the west San Gabriel Valley.

The Museum's valuable archival collection includes over 1,000,000 historical photographs, original manuscripts, books, maps, architectural records, costumes, and other artifacts. Spanning the years 1850 to present, this is the largest and most comprehensive collection relating to the history of the west San Gabriel Valley. Significant collections include the Tournament of Roses Collection, Pasadena Black History Collection, Pasadena Star-News historic archives, and the Sylvanus Marston Architectural Collection.

Since 1970, the Museum has been headquartered on the 2.1-acre grounds of the Fenyes Estate, a Pasadena Cultural Landmark that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Museum's 1906 Beaux Arts Fenyes Mansion contains approximately thirteen rooms with original Victorian furnishing and a historically significant painting collection. Named for its founders, Eva and Adalbert Fenyes, the home became a California version of the kind of "salon" popular on the East Coast and in Europe.

Founded in 1928 by Conductor Reginald Bland, the Pasadena Symphony concerts are held in one of the most extraordinary venues in the United States, the Ambassador Auditorium, known as the Carnegie Hall of the West.  Over the past 90 years, the Pasadena Symphony has artistically matured into one of the top-performing symphonic ensembles in southern California, comprised of the most gifted and sought-after musicians from the motion picture film industry. With extensive credits in the film, television, recording, and orchestral industry, the musicians of Pasadena Symphony and POPS are the most heard in the world.

​Discover the hidden gems and untold stories of Pasadena on a guided walking tour with Pasadena Walking Tours. Led by passionate and knowledgeable local guides, their tours offer a unique and immersive experience of our vibrant city. From historic architecture and hidden speakeasies to the dark corners of "Haunted Pasadena", they'll take you to the places that only locals know about and share the stories that make Pasadena so special. Whether you're a visitor or a longtime resident, these tours are a great way to learn more about this fascinating city and experience its charm firsthand!

Pasadena Walking Tours was founded in 2017 with the goal of sharing Pasadena's history, culture, and neighborhoods with locals and visitors alike and to make life a little more interesting, one sidewalk story at a time. They are proud to be an independent, women-owned, and locally-operated business! Check out their calendar of Walking Tours including Haunted Pasadena, Explore Pasadena, and Saloons & Speakeasies. 

Pinot's Palette lets you try your hand at painting with the help of expert staff, all supplies, and a little wine! Pinot's offers an unforgettable evening of friends, fun, wine, and painting in Pasadena. 

For over two decades, Q’s Billard Club has been a neighborhood restaurant, sports bar, and late-night hang-out, located above Barney’s Beanery. Q’s features a delicious menu, 10 pool tables, more than 45 TVs, three outdoor patios, a DJ spinning your favorite music, and a friendly staff to assist you.

The Rose Bowl Stadium is the proud home of the Tournament of Roses Football Game, UCLA Bruin Football, Americafest Fourth of July celebration, concerts, religious services, studio filming, and the World's Largest Flea Market (R.G. Canning). Just north of the world famous Rose Bowl Stadium is the 36-hole Brookside Golf Course and Club House, nestled in the golden foothills of Pasadena's Arroyo Seco. A National Historic Landmark built in 1922 and known for the New Year's Tournament of Roses Football Game, the Rose Bowl Stadium has also earned its world-class reputation by hosting five NFL Super Bowl Games, the 1984 Olympic Soccer Matches, the 1994 Men's World Cup, the 1999 Women's World Cup, numerous National College Football Championship Games, and countless other memorable events over the past eighty plus years.

With a name that recalls the Prohibition, The Speakeasy also operates like the “secret” bars from that era: It requires a password to enter, which patrons can obtain by emailing or calling the venue in advance. Once inside, expect a lounge bathed in red light, excellent cocktails, 250 beer selections, and DJ music.

The Corridor is an art gallery located in FoundrSpace Pasadena. Curated by Leo Moleiro, The Corridor carries a handpicked selection of art from both renowned and emerging local and international artists, creating imaginative and thought-provoking works in a wide spectrum of artistic mediums. The rotating selection of contemporary art features unique, one-of-a-kind works of art. The gallery hosts workshops, artist talks, and other events to engage the community and promote the arts.