South Pasadena’s 4th of July Festival of Balloons (Photos – City of South Pasadena)
South Pasadena is gearing up for an unforgettable 4th of July celebration, featuring two exciting events that promise to unite the community in a day of fun, tradition, and patriotism.
By Katlyn Ong
From a festive parade showcasing classic cars to a dazzling fireworks display, this year’s Festival of Balloons is set to light up the city like never before.
Tickets Now on Sale for Fireworks Show
The day will culminate with the highly anticipated Festival of Balloons Fireworks Show, and tickets are now available for purchase. Set against the backdrop of the South Pasadena High School Stadium, this year’s event will feature a live concert by Faultline from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm, followed by the breathtaking fireworks show at 9:00 pm.
Tickets are required for entry to the fireworks viewing area and are priced at $15 in advance, or $20 at the door. Children under 2 years old get in for free. The gates open at 7:00 pm and seating is sure to be in high demand, so early ticket purchases are encouraged.
Tickets can be bought online at southpasadenaca.gov/events or in person at the South Pasadena Recreation Division office, located at 815 Mission Street. A convenience fee applies for credit or debit card transactions.
For more information, contact the Community Services Department at (626) 403-7380 or specialevents@southpasadenaca.gov.
Classic Cars Shine in the Annual Parade
A beloved tradition of South Pasadena’s Independence Day celebration is the Festival of Balloons Parade, which will take place at 11:00 am on Friday, July 4, 2025. This year, the parade will be graced by an array of classic cars, adding a touch of nostalgia and elegance to the event. The parade will begin at Diamond Avenue by the Library Community Room and end at Garfield Park.
Classic car owners are invited to participate by showcasing their vintage and antique vehicles, especially if they are willing to drive local dignitaries or special guests through the parade. This year’s parade theme, Unity in Community: One Nation, One Neighborhood, encourages participants to embrace creativity and togetherness as they decorate their vehicles or create themed entries.
The parade will feature a vibrant mix of local service clubs, youth teams, and cultural groups, all celebrating the spirit of unity. Classic car enthusiasts are encouraged to register their vehicles now, and to help drive community leaders, volunteers, and VIPs in a truly unique way.
To sign up, visit southpasadenaca.gov/events to complete the registration form and review parade guidelines. You can submit your registration via email to specialevents@southpasadenaca.gov or by mail to the South Pasadena Recreation Division at 815 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030.
After the Parade: Party in the Park and Fireworks
Following the parade, attendees are invited to head to Garfield Park for the annual Party in the Park celebration, where there will be music, food, and plenty of family-friendly fun. After the party, the evening will culminate with the Fireworks Spectacular at the South Pasadena High School Stadium, offering an unforgettable conclusion to the day’s festivities.
Whether you’re watching the parade from the sidelines, cruising in a classic car, or enjoying the fireworks show with family and friends, this year’s Festival of Balloons promises to be a highlight of the summer.
Don’t Miss Out on the Fun!
Join the City of South Pasadena in celebrating America’s birthday with music, community spirit, and of course, classic cars and fireworks. Register for the parade, secure your tickets for the fireworks show, and get ready to experience an Independence Day celebration like no other.
For additional details or to inquire about participation in the parade, contact Community Services Supervisor Nathalie Wilcox at (626) 403-7380 or via email at specialevents@southpasadenaca.gov.
South Pasadena’s 4th of July Festival of Balloons is a city-wide celebration organized by the South Pasadena Community Services Department.
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