Old Pasadena Celebrates Small Business Saturday With Giveaways, Free Transit

Old Pasadena’s historic District will showcase nearly 200 independent businesses during Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 30, offering shoppers free tote bags, exclusive promotions and chances to win American Express gift cards.

The 22-block National Register Historic District, internationally recognized as a shining example of urban renewal, will host seven of the City’s 25 Small Business Saturday welcome stations, operating from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., where visitors can collect custom canvas tote bags and Old-Pasadena branded enamel pins while supplies last.

Santa’s Helpers will roam the District throughout the day, surprising shoppers with opportunities to pull Shop Small AMEX gift cards valued at $25, $50, and $100 from holiday stockings, redeemable at any Old Pasadena business.

The City of Pasadena and Visit Pasadena are supporting the initiative through their Shop Local Pasadena campaign.

The Pasadena Department of Transportation is offering free rides on Pasadena Transit on both Nov. 29 and 30. Transit information is available at (626) 744-4055 or PasadenaTransit.net.

Independent retail shops and specialty boutiques line its historic quaint side streets and alleys, alongside 100 restaurants, cafés and entertainment venues. The area is served by major bus lines and two Metro A Line stops.

Welcome stations will be located at:

• Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery – 40 W. Green Street
• AMT Vintage – 16 E. Holly Street
• The Dog Bakery – 36 W. Colorado Blvd. #3 on Mills Place
• PlayLab Beauty – 25 N. Fair Oaks Avenue – One Colorado
• Portrait Space – 110 W. Green Street
• Rebecca Crews – 52 Hugus Alley –Bokaos Aveda Pop-up – One Colorado
• The Unicorn Store – 12 Douglas Alley – One Colorado – (Closing at 6 p.m.)

Shoppers can navigate the District using a dedicated Shop Small / Dine Local Google Map, which highlights participating businesses and marks welcome station locations with stars. The area offers convenient parking, with the first two hours costing just $1 in three Park & Walk Garages.