If you’re standing on Colorado Boulevard right now wondering where everyone is heading, they’re probably not just going for another avocado toast. Today is actually the Fourth Annual Pasadena Neighbor Day. It’s one of those hyper-local things that started as a joke—literally a social media skit by the mayor—and turned into a massive community excuse to drink craft beer and listen to local bands.
Honestly, Pasadena can feel a bit "museum-heavy" sometimes. We love the Huntington, sure, but today is about something else entirely. It’s about the Wild Parrot Brewing Company over on East Colorado. From 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., the place is basically the heart of the city. You’ve got bands like The Nextdoors (who basically invented this holiday) and Nina Lares playing live. It’s free. It’s loud. It’s exactly what you need if you’re tired of the usual tourist traps.
The Real Neighbor Day Vibe (And Why It Matters)
Most people think of Pasadena as the place with the Rose Parade and then they leave. Big mistake. Neighbor Day is the city’s way of saying, "Hey, we actually live here."
District 4 Councilmember Gene Masuda and Mayor Victor Gordo are usually around for this. It’s not some stiff ribbon-cutting event; it’s more like a giant block party where the local fire foundation and educational non-profits get a cut of the merch sales. If you want to feel like a local for five minutes, this is your spot.
Things To Do In Pasadena Today For The Art-Obsessed
If the brewery scene isn't your speed, or maybe you need to clear your head before the music starts, the Norton Simon Museum is doing its usual Sunday thing. But here’s the kicker: they have a specific exhibition running right now called Gold: Enduring Power, Sacred Craft.
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Think 3,000 years of shiny stuff.
It’s not just "look at this pretty necklace." It’s actually a deep look at how gold was used in Nepal and India to basically flex power or show devotion. If you’re there at the right time, museum educators sometimes do walk-throughs, but even just wandering the sculpture garden with a coffee is a top-tier move.
- Location: 411 West Colorado Blvd.
- Hours: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Sundays)
- Pro Tip: The parking lot fills up fast. Like, really fast. Use the side streets if you don't mind a three-minute walk.
The Huntington’s Hidden Workshop
Technically, it’s in San Marino, but no one in Pasadena acknowledges that border. Today at The Huntington Library, there’s a ceramics workshop called Clay in the Garden. It’s inspired by the Edmund de Waal exhibition.
Now, look. Most people just go to see the Japanese Garden or the Blue Boy painting. They miss the actual hands-on stuff. Artist Jenna Bonistalli is leading people through building and glazing vessels. It’s sort of a "main character" moment to be making pottery while surrounded by one of the best botanical collections on the planet.
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Why The Food Scene Is Shifting Today
You can’t talk about what to do in Pasadena without mentioning where to eat. But today is Sunday, and Sunday in Pasadena is... different.
Everyone tries to get into Union or Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery. Those places are amazing—Agnes has this live-fire cooking thing that makes the whole block smell like heaven—but they’re usually booked solid.
Here is the move: If the wait at the big names is two hours, head over to Jones Coffee Roasters. They often host the South Pasadena Jazz Collective on Sundays. You get a world-class latte and some of the best live jazz in the San Gabriel Valley for the price of a bag of beans. It’s low-key, it’s local, and you won’t have to fight a TikToker for a table.
The MLK Legacy Service
Since we’re right in the middle of January, the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance is holding their annual MLK Scholarship Service today. It’s happening at 3:30 p.m. at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church on North Raymond Avenue.
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Bishop Terry Turrentine is the keynote. This isn’t just a "thing to do"—it’s a massive part of the city’s soul. They raise money for local high school seniors, and the energy in that room is usually incredible. If you want to understand the real Pasadena, the one that exists outside of the Rose Bowl, this is where you go.
Nature Calls (But Check The Clouds)
If you're planning on hitting Eaton Canyon or the Gabrielino Trail today, just be smart. It's January.
The trails are beautiful this time of year because everything is actually green for once, but the stream crossings can be tricky if we've had any recent rain. If you want something a bit more controlled, Arlington Garden is a "climate-appropriate" habitat that's always open and always free. It's a great spot to hide with a book if the crowds at Old Pasadena get too intense.
Actionable Next Steps For Your Day:
- Start at Wild Parrot Brewing around 2 p.m. for Neighbor Day. Catch the first band and grab a local pint.
- Swing by the Norton Simon before 5 p.m. to see the gold exhibit. It’s a nice contrast to the brewery vibe.
- End with a late dinner at Parkway Grill or Arroyo Chop House if you’re feeling fancy, or hit up Pie ‘n Burger on Magnolia for a classic, no-nonsense Pasadena staple.
Don't overthink it. Just get out there. Pasadena is way more than just a pretty backdrop for a football game.