The Rialto Theatre (Photo – Marina Khrustaleva)
On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the Rialto Theatre in South Pasadena, will be turning 100 years old.
By News Desk
With a rich history as a movie house, vaudeville stage, community hub and more, the Friends of the Rialto non-profit organization is throwing a grand celebration.
The event, Rialto 100, will be from 3:00 – 9:00 pm as part of the South Pasadena Fall Arts Crawl on Meridian Ave. between Mission St. and El Centro St. This event is free to the public and will have offerings for all ages to enjoy. As part of the celebration, Friends of the Rialto will be unveiling a new, permanent display in the South Pasadena Preservation Foundation Historical Museum showcasing pieces of history from the Rialto Theatre. Entrance to the museum will also be free during the South Pasadena Fall Arts Crawl and Rialto 100 event celebration.
The streets will be filled with artisan booths, food and drink vendors, commemorative Rialto Theatre merchandise to celebrate the anniversary, and more. In addition, special Rialto 100 photo opportunities will be available only during the celebration.
As the sun begins to set, an evening stage show in the park adjacent to the museum will feature live and on-screen acts representing 100 years of entertainment in the Rialto Theatre. This presentation will feature the rich history of the Rialto Theatre, from a silent picture movie house with live organist, to a vaudeville stage, cinema, and even a shooting location seen in the movies “La La Land”, “Scream 2”, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”, and more.
“For almost a century the Rialto Theatre was the premiere cultural and social heart of South Pasadena,” states Friends of the Rialto founder, Escott Norton. “Generations of locals saw their first movie there, had their first kiss, celebrated with friends and family, and experienced some of the best cinematic art ever made on the Rialto screen. I am looking forward to celebrating the Rialto’s history on October 18th, 100 years (and a day) after its grand opening!”
For additional information see their website Rialto100.org.
The Friends of the Rialto is an advocacy group dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of the beautiful Rialto Theatre in South Pasadena.
Rialto 100 Saturday, October 18, 2025 3:00 - 9:00 pm Location South Pasadena Preservation Foundation Historical Museum 913 Meridian Ave. South Pasadena, CA 91030
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