Rain or Shine, South Pasadena’s 15th Eclectic Music Festival Brought Everyone Out

Charlie Hickey (Photo – Christian Brewster)

When The Eclectic music festival kicked off on Saturday, April 26 at 3:00 pm, the sun hid behind a blanket of gray clouds and light rain sprinkled down. That didn’t stop South Pasadena and neighboring residents from showing up to support the event—buying food and drinks, playing games, and listening to local artists perform short sets.

By Christian Brewster

Even before arriving, music could be heard echoing down Mission Street. Once there, despite the gloomy weather, crowds gathered to watch the performances. A few hours in, an artist named Lady Apple Tree took the stage and played a series of plucky folk songs. As if on cue, the gray clouds began to break and the sun made a welcome appearance.

The sunshine lingered even after Lady Apple Tree left the stage. As the next performer, Charlie Hickey, began setting up their equipment, the festivities continued. Nearby, tucked behind a row of merch pop-ups and food stands, a giant chessboard sat beside a table of regular-sized boards for anyone to play. Kids and adults alike joined in—scratching their heads, squinting in concentration, and carefully moving their pieces.

When Hickey began performing, the sun dipped lower in the sky, golden hour settled in, and the crowd grew. People closed their eyes and swayed side to side, nodding along to the percussion, which at times shook the ground and pulsed through their chests.

The music and merriment continued until around 10 p.m., but for many, the night was just getting started. Nearby spots like Griffins of Kinsale stayed open with more live bands, and other corners of Mission Street lit up with music. Folk, indie rock, dance—each artist brought something unique to the stage, sharing their sound with a crowd of strangers brought together by community and creativity.

Linked here is the lineup of artists who performed. Check them out, show support for your neighbors and creatives who put in the work to put their art out into the world.

The Eclectic 2025 (Photos – Christian Brewster)