Doo Dah Queen Tryouts Set for Sunday at Old Towne Pub

Pasadena’s wacky Doo Dah Parade will hold its annual Queen Tryouts on Sunday, Oct. 25, at Old Towne Pub in Old Pasadena, where contestants will compete for the title ahead of the parade’s return in November.

Sign-ups and live music will begin at 2 p.m., followed by the competition at 3 p.m., according to an Oct. 20 announcement from Light Bringer Project, which is organizing the event with the Doo Dah Preservation Society. Admission is free, although donations will be accepted.

Each contestant will have three minutes to demonstrate why they should receive the crown. Organizers are encouraging elaborate costumes and performances ranging from singing and dancing to comedy, juggling, impressions and other unconventional talents.

The competition is open to people of different genders, sexual orientations, races and backgrounds, according to the announcement. Organizers said animals, including birds, dogs and lizards, have also participated in past tryouts.

The public will have an opportunity to influence the selection, although organizers did not specify a formal voting procedure. In previous years, the voting has been boisterous and atmosphere decidedly informal.

Reigning Queen Bootleg Meg is scheduled to crown her successor. She received the title during the November 2025 Doo Dah Takeover, which replaced that year’s traditional parade.

According to the parade’s official archives, the 2025 procession was canceled because of funding difficulties following the Eaton Fire. Organizers instead held Queen Tryouts, musical performances and a coronation in Old Pasadena.

This year’s tryouts will feature live performances by Ma the Band.

Former queens, parade participants and members of the Doo Dah royal court are also expected to attend, according to the organizers.

The Queen Tryouts precede the 46th Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade, scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 22, at 11 a.m. in Old Pasadena. The parade began in 1978 as an irreverent alternative to Pasadena’s traditional Rose Parade.

Sunday’s competition will take place at Old Towne Pub, 66 N. Fair Oaks Ave., with the event entrance designated at 34 Holly St. in the organizers’ announcement. The pub is located off an alley in Old Pasadena.

Additional event information is available at www.pasadenadoodahparade.info.