The Pasadena Doo Dah Parade Is On Hiatus, But the Fun Is Far from Over

Natalie Flores, 2023 Queen of the Doo Dah Parade (File Photo – Doo Dah Parade)

Due to concerns about financial sustainability and the impact of recent wildfires on community resources, the Light Bringer Project, which produces the Pasadena Doo Dah Parade, announced that the beloved event will be postponed until 2026. But the Doo Dah Doers are not letting the absence of the parade slow them down. This year, they’re shaking things up with the ‘Doo Dah Takeover’, and the search for the Queen of the Doo Dah Takeover is on.

By Rena Kurlander

On Sunday, November 23rd, the Doo Dah spirit lives on with the Doo Dah Takeover Queen Tryouts, an all-inclusive competition to crown the 2025 Doo Dah royalty. The day kicks off at 10:30 am at DogHaus Pasadena (93 E. Green Street), where would-be queens can sign up, followed by entertainment starting at 11:00 a.m. The Queen Tryouts begin at noon, with hopefuls competing in front of a panel of former Doo Dah royals and eccentric judges.

This year’s Queen role is open to everyone, regardless of gender, shape, race, or species—yes, even pets have been crowned in the past! The only requirement? A flair for the dramatic and the embodiment of the Doo Dah spirit. Contestants will need to go all out, showcasing talents like singing, dancing, juggling, fire-breathing, sword swallowing—or whatever else they can dream up. Judges will be looking for someone who can channel the same energy and irreverence that defines the Doo Dah Parade, but on the lively streets of Old Pasadena, not a parade route.

Past Doo Dah Queens have ranged from the whimsically weird to the downright wild, including characters like Quing Robbie Ravenwood, Tequila Mockingbird, MeowMeowz, and Dorothy Romani, the original “Queen of the Stardust Ballroom” from 1978.

The Queen Tryouts wrap up at DogHaus by 2:30 pm, and the coronation ceremony moves to the nearby Old Towne Pub (34 Holly Street) at 3:00 pm. Once crowned, the new Queen will kick off the evening’s festivities, with live music by Ashton Slater’s Grateful Get-Down playing until 6:00 pm.

The Doo Dah Takeover Queen Tryouts are free to attend, though donations are encouraged.