Sunday, April 13 arrives in Pasadena not as a day of rest, but as a day of choices.
From early-morning treasure hunting to late-night theater, the city’s cultural calendar has filled every hour with options. The sheer volume of events offers a kind of quiet abundance: something for every interest, though not nearly enough time to take it all in.
(Once we pique your interest in an event or several, check our details on our daily calendar by clicking here.)
Things begin early, well before sunrise, with the Rose Bowl Flea Market. As always, vendors begin setting up in the darkness for the monthly event that draws thousands of shoppers. By 5:00 a.m., the stadium grounds were already active with locals and out-of-towners searching through aisles of antiques, vintage clothing, furniture, art, and bric-a-brac. For many, it’s as much a ritual as a shopping trip.
Nearby, at Victory Park, the California State Boxing Tournament continues with its second and final day of matches. This annual event brings amateur boxers from across the state to compete in front of coaches, families, and community members. The fights are more about discipline and determination than showmanship, but they draw a dedicated crowd.
Mid-morning brings with it more meditative activities. The Yoga Expo opens at the Pasadena Convention Center at 9:30 a.m., offering a full day of yoga classes, workshops, wellness talks, and product showcases. Whether attendees are there for the physical practice or the lifestyle accessories, the event has become a staple in the city’s health and wellness circuit.
At the same time, families begin arriving at Kidspace Children’s Museum. Two exhibits—Wired for Wonder, a multisensory maze, and Butterfly Season, a springtime staple—run throughout the day. The museum’s hands-on displays are designed for children but clearly aimed to draw parents into the experience as well.
Religious observances take place across the city, notably at All Saints Church, where the Palm Sunday service begins at 10:00 a.m. Meanwhile, over at Jones Coffee Roasters, the Gold Line Jazz Collective starts playing their weekly morning set. As one of the city’s most reliable spaces for live music, Jones balances casual atmosphere with serious musical talent.
Educators have their own gathering at The Huntington in San Marino, where a special open house titled Making Shakespeare Relevant runs from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Later, the gardens themselves host Second Sundays: Rediscover The Huntington from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., focusing this month on the Shakespeare Garden. These events don’t draw large crowds but often attract devoted regulars.
Back in Pasadena, The Langham offers Wander Through Wonderland, a series of themed tea experiences at various times throughout the day. While loosely inspired by Alice in Wonderland, the events mostly provide a carefully staged mix of dining and light performance in a historic hotel setting.
Theater lovers have their pick of two matinee options. At noon and again at 4:00 p.m., The Wizard of Oz – Youth Edition plays at the Fremont Centre Theatre in South Pasadena, featuring a cast of young performers. At 2:00 p.m., A Noise Within continues its run of Jane Eyre, a more traditional literary production staged with the company’s usual clarity and focus.
At the same hour, Jones Coffee resumes its music programming with Catlin & Rosser, who perform as part of the venue’s Jazz Sundays series. For those seeking something educational for younger audiences, the Southern California Children’s Museum hosts Sustainability Sundays at 2:00 p.m., offering simple environmental lessons in a kid-friendly setting.
As the afternoon fades, events begin to take on a more social or reflective tone. The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at the Blinn House starts at 3:30 p.m. and blends costuming, light refreshments, and a nod to literary tradition. Simultaneously, BurkeTriolo Studio opens its doors for the Eclectic Preview Party, a visual art gathering running until 7:00 p.m. that highlights upcoming work from the studio’s resident artists.
Performing arts events carry into the evening. The Follies begins at 5:00 p.m. at the Lineage Performing Arts Center and blends dance and storytelling. At 7:00 p.m., the Sierra Madre Playhouse presents a jazz concert by guitarist Greg Porée and his band—a polished, instrumentally rich offering that will likely appeal to longtime music fans.
Finally, at 8:00 p.m., Heritage Square Museum in nearby Los Angeles hosts Julius Caesar under the stars. This outdoor performance, set among preserved Victorian buildings, provides a striking end to the day—a blend of timeless text and historic setting.
