Local Happenings in Pasadena: Week of October 7
Local Happenings in Pasadena
New students, welcome to Caltech! There’s a lot of great places in and around Pasadena, ranging from flea markets, art stores, boba arcades, and free museums.
Seasonal events:
Knott’s Scary Farm
Now - November 2, >$60
Knotts Berry Farm
Marking its 51st year in the running, Knott’s Berry Farm turns into a haunting park of themed mazes and attractions, with scare actors, spooky decorations, and impressive themed mazes with immersive environments.
Pasadena Pumpkin Patch
Monday - Friday 1 pm - 10 pm, Sat-Sun 10 am - 10pm, $3 entry (best bring cash)
900 N Lake Avenue
This little patch has been in business for over 20 years! It’s set up in the CVS parking lot and features a wide variety of pumpkins for sale. Come for a good time on the bouncing slides, giant bounce houses, and petting zoo!
‘Carved’
Now - October 30, 6 - 10 pm, $45
Come wander the beautiful Descanso gardens through an eerie pumpkin wonderland filled with floating lanterns, a glow-in-the-dark art installation, looming hay statues, and giant hand-carved pumpkins. The Camellia Forest and Rose Garden will be decorated with festive fall spirit and lit with armies of glowing jack-o-lanterns as you wander through the trail.
Recurring Events:
PCC Flea Market
November 3 and every first Sunday monthly
8 am - 3 pm, FREE
Pasadena City College parking lot
The PCC Flea Market occurs on the first Sunday of every month. The parking lots along S. Hill Avenue host over 400 vendors and mainly features antiques and collectibles. If you’re a big fan of vinyls, there are many vendors selling records inside the parking structure levels. Many students have found great finds on plants, jewelry, clothing, skateboards, and other knick-knacks.
Rose Bowl Flea Market
November 12 and ever second Sunday monthly
9 am - 3 pm, $12 regular admission
1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA
The legendary Rose Bowl Flea Market has been happening on the second Sunday of every month for over 50 years with over 2,500 vendors in the Rose Bowl Stadium. Some vendors accept only cash so make sure to hit up an ATM for those sweet flea finds. A word of advice: to avoid the long box office lines, you can purchase your ticket ahead of time on Eventbrite at their website. If you’re really an early riser, VIP admission is $20 which allows you to access the flea market from 5 am to 9 am, meaning you can get to those valuable finds before most of the crowd.
Cool Places to Check out:
The Blue Rooster Art Supplies
This is a local independent art store on East Colorado Blvd with a store cat named Lizard. They offer a 15% student discount on all manner of art materials.
Norton Simon Museum
Free! (bring student ID)
411 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
An astounding museum with a world renowned private art collection and home to works by Picasso and Rembrandt, the Norton Simon also has a beautiful sculpture garden to walk around in. They are currently showcasing their new exhibit, Plugged In: Art and Electric Light, which features the work of neon and glass benders, and clockmakers as well as Andy Warhol and Allen Ruppersberg.
Buffalo Exchange
468 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101
Commonly frequented by students, this store offers an eclectic collection for the avid thrifter.
Happy Autumn!