Special Events

The Recreation Division hosts annual events and programs as listed below. Please visit the calendar page for the most up to date details of the events and programs. For additional information, email specialevents@southpasadenaca.gov or call (626) 403-7380.

4th OF JULY FESTIVAL OF BALLOONS

2025 Festival of Balloons Flyer.png

The City of South Pasadena is pleased to announce the return of the 4th of July Festival of Balloons. This year’s theme is Unity in Community: One Nation, One Neighborhood. 

July 4th Festival of Balloons activities kick off with Kiwanis’ Pancake Breakfast at the South Pasadena Fire Station at 7:00 a.m., located at 817 Mound Ave., South Pasadena. Opening Ceremony for the parade will start at 10:30 a.m. at the South Pasadena Public Library Community Room, located at 1115 El Centro St., South Pasadena. The parade will begin at 11:00 a.m. and travel from Diamond Avenue to Garfield Park where games, a live DJ, and food will be available until 2:30 p.m.

The day will conclude with a live concert from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and the firework show at 9:00 p.m. at the South Pasadena High School Stadium, located at 1401 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena. Fireworks presale tickets will be available for purchase beginning Saturday, June 1 for $15.00 per person online at www.southpasadenaca.gov/events. Children 2 years and under are free. Gates open at 7:00 p.m. Please bring a copy of your receipt and tickets to enter the stadium.

For more information, contact the Recreation Division at (626) 403-7380 or at specialevent@southpasadenaca.gov.

4th OF JULY FESTIVAL OF BALLOONS PARADE PARTICIPATION

The City of South Pasadena invites you and your organization to take part in its cherished Festival of Balloons 4th of July Parade! A community favorite since 1982, the hometown celebration will begin at 11:00 a.m., starting on Diamond Avenue by the Library Community Room and ending at Garfield Park. 

The parade has long featured Scouts, elected officials, local service clubs, Little League and AYSO teams, and South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Committee volunteers riding atop the chassis of the City's Rose Parade float. Marching alongside them are dozens of children from the South Pasadena Library’s Summer Reading Program and library staff. 

As many locals like to say: “Half the town is in the parade, and the other half is watching it!” Founded by civic leaders Ted and Joan Shaw and David Margrave, this treasured tradition continues to unite the community each Independence Day. 

This year’s theme, Unity in Community: One Nation, One Neighborhood, encourages participants to highlight togetherness and creativity through decorations and music. Groups may walk or ride in a decorated vehicle along the approximately 0.6-mile route. 

To participate, complete the one-page registration form and agree to the parade guidelines by Thursday, May 29, 2025. Forms can be submitted: 

  • By mail: 
    South Pasadena Recreation Division 
    815 Mission Street 
    South Pasadena, CA 91030 
    Attn: Festival of Balloons Parade 

After the parade, join us for the Party in the Park at Garfield Park, followed by the Fireworks Spectacular at South Pasadena High School beginning at 9:00 p.m. The evening includes a pre-show concert from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

For more information, please contact Community Services Supervisor Nathalie Wilcox at (626) 403-7380 or via email at specialevents@southpasadenaca.gov.

 

ADA Title III - Reasonable Accommodations

Upon request made no later than four (4) business days before the event, the City will provide a reasonable accommodation for a qualified person with a disability to have equal access to the event. Please contact ADA Coordinator and Human Resources and Risk Manager, Tina Lopez, at (626) 403-7312 or fill out the City’s request form available at www.southpasadenaca.gov and email the form to Human Resources at tlopez@southpasadenaca.gov. 

Contact Us

Phone
(626) 403-7380

 

Email
specialevents@southpasadenca.gov

 

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