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.

INTERNATIONAL SOCCER WATCH PARTY

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The City of South Pasadena Community Services Department invites the community to attend a family-friendly Soccer Watch Party on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Garfield Park, located at 1000 Park Avenue.

The event will feature a live outdoor viewing of the USA vs. Paraguay soccer match, bringing residents, families, and soccer fans together for an evening of community, recreation, and national team spirit.

Community members are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and their favorite team gear as they enjoy the match in a fun and welcoming park setting. Additional activities and event features may include family-friendly games, live music, community booths, and food vendors.

The event is open to the public. Parking near Garfield Park may be limited, and attendees are encouraged to walk, bike, carpool, or use rideshare when possible.

For more information, please contact the South Pasadena Community Services Department at (626) 403-7380 or at specialevents@southpasadenaca.gov.

CONCERTS IN THE PARK

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The South Pasadena Community Services Department will host four dates of Concerts in the Park this summer. Admission is free, and patrons are encouraged to bring their picnics, blankets, and lawn chairs with family and friends to enjoy an evening of music in the park.

Concerts in the Park is held at Garfield Park, located at 1000 Park Avenue, South Pasadena. The current schedule of performances includes OC Groove Band, performing Funk, Soul, and Rock & Roll, on Sunday, June 28; Y2K2K, performing 2000s hits, on Sunday, July 26; Sangria, performing Latin music, on Sunday, August 2; and New Romantics, a Taylor Swift tribute, on Sunday, August 16. All concerts run from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The City of South Pasadena extends its appreciation to our generous event sponsors for their support of the 2026 Concerts in the Park series. Their contributions help make these free community events possible for residents, families, and visitors to enjoy.

Title Sponsor:

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Gold Sponsors: AYSO Region 214, The Pansky Markle Family, and Shannon F. Harringer, DDS

Silver Sponsors: Harvest Architecture and Law Offices of Michael Oran, APC

 Bronze Sponsors: Learning Edge Education Center and South Pasadena Little League

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

MOVIES IN THE PARK

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The South Pasadena Community Services Department will host two Movies in the Park events this summer. Admission is free and attendees are encouraged to bring their picnics, blankets, and lawn chairs to enjoy a movie under the stars with family and friends.

Movies in the Park is held at Garfield Park, located at 1000 Park Avenue, South Pasadena. Movies begin at sunset. The current schedule includes Hoppers (2026) on Friday, July 10, and Cars (2006) on Friday, August 7, in celebration of the film’s 20th anniversary.

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

4th OF JULY CELEBRATION

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The City of South Pasadena is excited to host its annual 4th of July celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026. This year’s theme, “From Sea to Shining Sea: 250 Years of the American Spirit,” honors the nation’s 250th anniversary and celebrates the community traditions that make South Pasadena’s Independence Day festivities so special.

The day will begin with the Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast at 7:00 a.m. at the South Pasadena Fire Station, located at 817 Mound Avenue. The Opening Ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. on the steps of the South Pasadena Public Library Community Room, located at 1115 El Centro Street, followed by the 4th of July Parade at 11:00 a.m. The parade will travel along Mission Street from Diamond Avenue to Garfield Park.

Following the parade, the celebration will continue at Garfield Park, located at 1000 Park Avenue, with family-friendly activities, food vendors, games, and community entertainment until 2:00 p.m.

The evening celebration will take place at South Pasadena High School Stadium, located at 1401 Fremont Avenue. Gates will open at 7:00 p.m., with live entertainment beginning at 7:30 p.m. The fireworks spectacular will begin at 9:00 p.m. Gates will close promptly at 8:30 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to arrive early.

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

4th OF JULY PARADE PARTICIPATION

Join South Pasadena’s 4th of July Parade!

The City of South Pasadena invites you to participate in our annual 4th of July Parade as we celebrate a historic milestone: 250 years of the American spirit!

This year’s theme, “From Sea to Shining Sea: 250 Years of the American Spirit,” sets the stage for a fun, vibrant, and unforgettable community celebration—and we want you to be part of it.

Don’t miss out—this is the year to be in the parade! Bring your group, spread the word, and invite others to join in the celebration.

Parade participants are encouraged to review the Parade Participant Packet for registration details, parade guidelines, and important event information.

Application Deadline: Thursday, May 28, 2026

Completed applications may be submitted by email or mail:

Email: specialevents@southpasadenaca.gov
Mail: Recreation Office, 815 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030

Thank you for your continued interest and support. We look forward to your participation in making this year’s parade a memorable and meaningful celebration.

For more information, please contact the Community Services Department at (626) 403-7380 or at specialevents@southpasadenaca.gov.

4th OF JULY FIREWORK SHOW

The City of South Pasadena invites the community to celebrate Independence Day and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States during this year’s 4th of July celebration.

As the nation marks this historic milestone, South Pasadena will join communities across the country in honoring 250 years of American history, community, and civic pride. The day’s festivities will conclude with an evening celebration at South Pasadena High School Stadium, located at 1401 Fremont Ave., featuring a live concert from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., followed by a spectacular fireworks show at 9:00 p.m.

Tickets for the fireworks viewing area will go on sale beginning Monday, June 1, 2026. Tickets are required for entry and may be purchased online at www.southpasadenaca.gov/events or in person at the South Pasadena Recreation Division office, located at 815 Mission Street.

Ticket Information

Ticket Sales Begin: Monday, June 1, 2026

Advance Ticket Price: $15.00 per person

At the Door: $20.00 per person

Children 2 years and under: Free

Gates Open: 7:00 p.m.

Gates Close: 8:30 p.m.

Where to Buy: Online at www.southpasadenaca.gov/events or in person at the South Pasadena Recreation Division Office located at 815 Mission Street, South Pasadena

Gates will close promptly at 8:30 p.m. to allow attendees enough time to enter the stadium, find seating, and settle in before stadium lights are turned off in preparation for the fireworks show.

The Community Services Department charges a 3.00% convenience fee, with a minimum of $2.00, for all credit or debit card transactions. Attendees should bring a copy of their receipt and tickets to enter the stadium.

Join us for an evening of music, community, and fireworks as South Pasadena comes together to celebrate Independence Day and this once-in-a-generation 250th anniversary of the nation.

For more information about the City’s 4th of July celebration, please contact the Community Services Department at (626) 403-7380 or 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, 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 risk@southpasadenaca.gov.