Navigating ArtNight Pasadena Friday, March 13

The Pennington Dance Group (Photo – cityofpasadena.net)

With 19 venues, four shuttle routes, and multiple parking options, ArtNight Spring 2026 might feel a little overwhelming. Here’s the skinny on making it a success.

By Melanie Hooks

Pasadena’s Spring 2026 ArtNight promises live dancers, actors, singers, interactive art for all ages, and of course, the chance to enjoy a huge range of the visual arts — all for free. Don’t forget your wallet though if you want to take advantage of the multiple food vendors, including cookies for sale by City Youth Ambassadors at City Hall, the transportation hub.

The first and best place to find out where it’s all happening is the official website. There, you can download a two-page, printable brochure with free shuttle routes, parking info, and details on all 19 venue offerings, including food trucks and special treats.

How To Get Around

Park and shuttle is the way to go if you’d like to take full advantage of the night’s 19 site offerings. Luckily, the free shuttles pick up and drop off at all venues, meaning you can choose to park at any of them and use it as your base.

It’s best to choose a route that includes multiples sites you wish to visit. The routes are divided into North, Northwest, East, and Central areas, so make sure you note the route that your car is parked along.

Shuttle route details are here. Wheelchair accessible buses will be running.

What’s On

With so many offerings in one evening (it’s a big, talented city!), it’s a great idea to look at the offerings ahead of time and do a little planning. Some are specifically designed for kids and families, while some galleries may feel more comfortable for adults.

All events and venues are listed below and on the event website, as well as a downloadable schedule.

• A Room To Create, 1158 E. Colorado Blvd., hosts The Pennington Dance Group, who presents a kinetic evening of live dance, music, and dialogue with local and national performing artists.
• Alkebulan Cultural Center, 1435 N. Raymond Ave., presents renowned Altadena artist Sam Pace. His art is a blend of blues & jazz. With live painting by Riea Owens and jazz music by Clazzical Notes. Food Truck: Fat Boys.
• Armory Center For the Arts, 145 N. Raymond Ave., invites all to dance it out with DJ Trankis, then make art! Enjoy drawing, photography, family workshops, and explore “Material Prophecies: Craft as Divination.”
• ArtCenter, HMCT Gallery, 950 S. Raymond Ave., presents “Primarium: A Case for Cursive,” an unprecedented look at cursive writing instruction varying across over 40 countries, based on deep-dive research by handwriting consortium TypeTogether.
• ArtCenter, Mullin Gallery, 1111 S. Arroyo Parkway, exhibits “2-Yokai: Andy Fedak and Bruce Yonemoto.” Animated surrealistic vignettes explore Japanese mythological spirits. Also features the landmark film Kappa (1987) with drawings by Mike Kelley.
• ArtCenter, Williamson Gallery, 1700 Lida St., exhibits “Dave Muller: Proto Typical,” which revisits the vibrant cultural landscape of Muller’s roots in LA with paintings, newly commissioned wall mural, and functioning record store installation.
• Art Works Teen Center, 2817 E. Foothill Blvd., invites all to explore their creative space with all-ages crafts, live screen-printing demonstrations, and student artwork.
• City of Pasadena City Hall Hub, 100 N. Garfield Ave., has spring festivities with seasonal art activities and live music. Treat yourself to a snack then catch a free shuttle to another venue. Food Trucks: Pie ‘N Burger and Dina’s Dumplings.
• Jackie Robinson Community Center, 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave., invites all to enjoy the distinctive blend of funk and smooth jazz of Pasadena-born bassist and composer Michael Haggins. His hit song “Daybreak” from the NBC show Community has introduced his music to a new generation. Experience “GLOW: Art That Shines” featuring interactive, glow-in-the-dark installations. Explore Jackie and Mack Robinson memorabilia.
• Kidspace Children’s Museum, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., celebrates the resiliency of our communities and wild spaces by helping guests paint an enduring community mural. Food Truck: Cakes by Chante.
• Norton Simon Museum, 411 W. Colorado Blvd., opens its door for all to explore the Museum’s celebrated art collection, with works by Raphael, Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso and South and Southeast Asian sculpture, and its recently renovated Sculpture Garden.
• Parson’s Nose Theater, 95 N. Marengo Ave., Ste 110, hosts Amapola Players for an evening of monologues, music, and poetry. When crisis feels never-ending, “carrying on” can mean joining others and moving forward together.
• Pasadena City College Galleries, 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., invite guests to explore a solo exhibition of paintings by Mark Steven Greenfield and an exhibition of student work by the Exhibitions class.
• Pasadena Conservatory of Music, 100 N. Hill Ave., offers live music all night. Explore multiple venues on PCM’s campus while enjoying continuous classical, multicultural, and interactive performances, including the Absolute Focus Hindustani classical music trio.
• Pasadena Heritage, 160 N. Oakland Ave., will host three artists who will showcase their current work, share local cultural initiatives and preview unique techniques. Enjoy the participatory Pattern-Making Station with Shagho.
• Pasadena Unified School District at Paseo Colorado, 300 E. Colorado Blvd., The Pasadena Unified School District presents “No Boundaries 21,” featuring TK-12 student artwork that showcases the diversity of student experience, demonstrates the healing power of the arts, and celebrates creativity. Enjoy music by Staff Lounge and student performances.
• Shumei Arts Council, 2430 E. Colorado Blvd., presents live Japanese taiko drumming with Makoto Taiko at 6:15, 7:15, 8:15, and 9:15 pm, casual tea ceremony, and gallery display “The Heart that Seeks Beauty.”
• The Gamble House, 4 Westmoreland Place, invites all to roam the halls and find inspiration in current exhibition “From Strand to Sculpture: Contemporary Japanese Basketry” before creating your own woven work of art. Food Truck: Rodney’s Ribs.
• USC Pacific Asia Musuem, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., opens its doors for visitors to discover “Mythical Creatures: The Stories We Carry,” an immersive exhibition inspired by pan-Asian mythology and the immigrant experience. Explore the galleries and pick up a free coloring page to take home.

Spring 2026 ArtNight Pasadena
Friday, March 13, 2026
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Location
Venues listed above.