Doo Dah Parade

The Doo Dah Parade is an annual celebration in the streets of Old Pasadena featuring handmade vehicles, marching groups, art installations, and various performers that lasts around 90 minutes. It is far less formal than large traditional parades and stands out for its chaotic and creative energy.

The parade began in 1978 when friends at a local bar created an alternative celebration to mark an unusual Sunday occasion. This spontaneous idea grew into a popular tradition over the decades that attracts thousands today.

The parade brings together local artists, musicians, and performers who present humorous and unconventional acts reflecting the creative energy of Southern California. Visitors see people who make their own rules and celebrate in entirely personal ways.

The parade is free to attend and starts from Raymond Avenue in the morning, with several parking areas nearby and public transit options available for visitors. It is wise to arrive early to secure a good spot, as the streets fill up quickly.

Participants throw tortillas into the crowd during the parade, an unusual gesture that has become a signature of the event. Groups like the Shopping Cart Drill Team perform their own choreographed routines that cannot be seen anywhere else.