ArtNight at Armory Center for the Arts (File Photo – ArtNight)
Pasadena’s beloved cultural showcase, ArtNight Pasadena, returns on Friday, March 13, 2026, bringing an evening of free arts experiences to the community.
By Rena Kurlander
Produced by the City’s Cultural Affairs Division in collaboration with partner organizations, the spring edition features 19 in-person venues offering visual art, dance, music, and interactive performances from 6:00 to 10:00 pm.
Celebrating the “Year of the Horse”
This spring’s theme highlights Asian arts and traditions. Visitors can explore contemporary Japanese basketry at the Gamble House’s exhibition “From Strand to Sculpture”, where guests may even create their own woven artwork. The Shumei Arts Council will host a casual Japanese tea ceremony accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of Makoto Taiko drumming.
At the USC Pacific Asia Museum, the immersive exhibition “Mythical Creatures: The Stories We Carry” invites audiences into a world inspired by pan‑Asian folklore.
ArtCenter Highlights: Myth, Film, and Design
Japanese mythological spirits take center stage at ArtCenter’s Mullin Gallery with “P2‑Yokai”, an animated surrealist collaboration by Andy Fedak and Bruce Yonemoto. The gallery also screens the 1987 film “Kappa”, featuring drawings by artist Mike Kelley.
ArtCenter’s HMCT Gallery continues its exhibition “A Case for Cursive,” while the Williamson Gallery presents the cultural landscape of artist Dave Muller, complete with a functioning record store installation.
Citywide Visual Art Experiences
Interactive and community-centered exhibitions span the city:
- “GLOW: Art that Shines” at the Jackie Robinson Community Center
- A solo exhibition by Altadena artist Mark Steven Greenfield at Pasadena City College
- The newly renovated sculpture garden at the Norton Simon Museum, featuring works by Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Southeast Asian artists
- PUSD’s “No Boundaries 21”, showcasing TK–12 student art at the Paseo
Performances Across Pasadena
Music, dance, theatre, and hands-on activities will energize venues throughout the night:
- Classical, multicultural, and interactive performances at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music
- Monologues, poetry, and music by the Amapola Players at Parson’s Nose Theatre
- Kinetic dance and music with the Pennington Dance Group at A Room to Create
- A DJ‑driven dance experience at the Armory Center for the Arts alongside the exhibition “Material Prophecies: Craft as Divination”
- Theatre Americana’s “Doo Drops” at City Hall
- Pattern‑making workshops with Shagho at Pasadena Heritage
- Jazz by Clazzical Notes and live painting by artist Riea Owens at Alkebu‑lan Cultural Center
- Live screen‑printing at ArtWorks Teen Center
- A community mural project at Kidspace Children’s Museum celebrating resiliency
Accessibility, Food, and Community Support
The City’s Arts and Culture Commission supports participation through Mini‑grants for small arts groups and individual artists. Braille versions of the ArtNight brochure will be available at every venue, and many locations—including City Hall—will feature food trucks.
For full program details, visitors can explore ArtNightPasadena.org (also available in Spanish).
For additional information about Cultural Affairs Division programs, contact Division Manager Rochelle Branch at (626) 744‑7062.
Leave a Reply