Pasadena Civic Auditorium

Historic Venue

This 3,000-seat theater was dedicated in 1932, and it is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Civic—as it is colloquially called—has hosted the Daytime Emmy Awards, NAACP Image Awards, ALMA Awards, and Motown 25.

Legendary Concerts

The Civic has hosted such legendary concerts as Ray Charles' 50th Anniversary and Carlos Santana's Supernatural Live.

Following the passing of Eddie Van Halen in October 2021, the City of Pasadena unveiled a plaque outside the Civic Auditorium honoring Mr. Van Halen's local connection to Pasadena, as well as the impact that his artistry had on music. The legendary band played several of its earliest performances inside the venue.

Talent Competitions

Reality talent shows regularly film at The Pasadena Civic Auditorium, it has hosted the likes of America's Got Talent, American Idol, and So You Think You Can Dance to name a few.

Civic Pipe Organ

The Pasadena Civic Auditorium houses a historic theater organ that was designed by Moller for Reginald Foort. It is one of the largest instruments in the world—having been designed to travel the Vaudeville circuit, it required fifteen handlers and four trucks to transport it.

Party on the Plaza

Annually, some of the best tribute bands perform on the plaza in front of The Civic, these tribute concerts have become very popular with residents and folks from neighboring communities. Some of the regular tribute bands include The Spazmatics (80s tribute); Space Oditty (David Bowie); Led Zepplica (Led Zeppelin tribute); DSB (Journey tribute); and Elton and The Early Years Band (Elton John tribute). The NAACP Image Awards whipped out the red-carpet featuring stars like Will Smith, Queen Latifah and more.