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This venue is a lovely venue that's large enough to hold a decent sized crowd, but small enough that you will have a good view of the stage no matter where you are sitting. Staff is also very friendly and helpful. I was able to quickly clear security and get to my seat quickly, all while having employees smile and offer help every step of the way. The sound mixing for all three acts at the rock & roll show I was at (The Mars Volta) was fantastic. Better than most venues I've been to at this size. the speakers throughout the venue make sure everyone can hear vocals and instruments perfectly. In all, my only complaint would be I wish there was a dedicated parking structure or lot for the venue. Instead, you will just have to find parking at any of the surrounding lots throughout the area. They're usually cheap, but after the show ended, the last thing I wanted to do was walk a couple blocks back to my car. I thoroughly enjoyed my first trip to Pasadena Civic Auditorium. I'm already looking forward to when I will be coming back in a few months for a benefit show and I will certainly be looking to see what else comes through here in the coming years.
I stopped by on 03/21/26 for the AGT Auditions with my boyfriend! This is our second time attending the auditions and will hold a very special place in our heart. The acts we saw were great and humorous. Overall, a fun experience and a long one too!
The venue is a little old and out of date, but America's got talent show was kind of fun. Came here to be real live audience on the show and that was kind of fun. The auditorium is not big so every seat in the house is pretty good. The whole place is very old and out of date and smells kind of bad. They did put in new technology for the show which I think everyone appreciates. The seats were not particularly comfortable. Parking across the street was very easy, $12 maximum.
Nice old theater. Not too big, not too small. Went for one of the live shows of America's Got Talent. We were given seats in the second row of the very top balcony, but could see pretty darn well considering how high up we were. We could not, however, see the judges in their seats at all, nor could we see the announcer who works the audience into frenzies most of the time. Sound was good, which is especially a plus for an older theater. I was especially fond of a security guard who was kind enough to let us onto the floor before the show to take pics since our seats were up so high. Stairs leading up there were not bad though. Carpeted. Bathrooms are part-way up those stairs, off to the side, then up a few more stairs. Clean. Note: it's a fun experience to do the AGT live show thing!
Great old big venue, it would be nice to upgrade (bathroom, etc) abit but it does it job and nice staff.
Went to seen AGT auditions here Been meaning to see this for a couple years in person and it's been filming here at this location It's a nice old school theater or auditorium I suppose but with it being old it means it does lack things like bathrooms which can make for long lines especially at events like this when everyone is let in at the same time Seats were fine typical not crazy uncomfortable and the staff that did work the event were friendly but I will say things were a bit of a mess at times in terms of them not really enforcing their own set rules Hahaa But I had a lot of fun for what I went for and its located in the heart of the convention center there in Pasadena with a shopping center across the street and plenty of parking lots
An evening with David Sedaris was delightful. Location, parking and options for dinner are all walkable. Seats are not the most comfortable for plus size individuals. You can make it work. I purchased an extra seat so we had space between us and the next person.
The location is a wonderful part of Pasadena, very close to the 210 freeway, and with GPS very easy to get to. Parking is plentiful and close to two city parking structures. The building itself is a treat. Built in the early 1930s, it was fun just looking around and admiring the architecture. PCA is a large auditorium and well suited for watching concerts, plays, or any kind of show. The seats were, unfortunately, not so enjoyable. Small seats, narrow and set close to the row in front, made for an uncomfortable evening. I'm 6 ft tall and a bit overweight (about 20 lbs, or so). I was lucky the seat next to me was empty because if a large person had sat in that seat, we both would have been miserable. The seating by itself will make me think twice about coming to this venue in the future.
The auditorium itself is fine. This review is for the "a snow white Christmas" musical they had. We feel a bit duped. They had Neil Patrick Harris listed as one of the main actors and he was just participating as a recorded video. He was not physically present there. The dancing was fine. And some of the singing was good. But we were mostly disappointed. This ended up being a kid's show and a cheesy rendition of snow white. If you have kids they'll probably enjoy this show. Otherwise I wouldn't recommend this show.
I attended the annual holiday show here and enjoyed the experience. The theater is quite large. The seats are comfortable. The sound was good too. I found the food and drink options adequate. The bathrooms were easy to find and clean. Overall, the experience was very good.
Came here for a retro gaming event within the exhibit B hall. I can say overall the venue is super clean. Be extra cautious when driving as Pasadena has one way streets like downtown l.a which can lead to some accidents. Parking rates can run up to 20 dollars , but I recommend anyone on green street to park within the paseo parking structure for a better daily rate.
I came down from Sacramento to see the semifinals of America's got talent. The auditorium has been the home of AGT for quite a few years now I've been down here to see the show before, and it is always so much fun. Watching it live is nothing like seeing it on TV, because the audience just really gets into the show, and it just makes it so much better. If you can make it to a taping, it is well worth it. There's a lot more than AGT, of course This grand old building is right about 95 years old now. It is kept up so very well It's a decent sized venue, having about 3000 seats. There's not a bad seat in the house. The sightlines are good and the acoustics are amazing. It's hosted award shows such as the daytime and primetime Emmy's. It's hosted American Idol and so you think you can dance, they hold Concerts, comedy shows, ballet/dance, Broadway shows, community events, the list just goes on and on. This place is a huge asset to the community. It is worth taking in any type of show here. Thanks for a great evening. read more
A beautiful venue with very nice, helpful staff. Built in 1931, the facility has been updated while maintaining the charm of its glory days. Acoustically, the speaker's sound could have been slightly more enhanced; otherwise, the space, which can seat up to three thousand people, felt intimate and royal. The Golden room serves hummus with pita, charcuterie board, chips, and candy bars. Decent wine and basic soda options are available as well. The auditorium is kept incredibly cold; therefore, don't forget your winter jacket! read more
I went to a black education expo grade school age and teenagers. Hosted by the NAACP that was fantastic. Got plenty of books for my nieces and cousins and learned about mental health, autism, private schools, and nurseries, etc. All of the staff was kind, informative and helpful. They have "Dulans" soul food truck to eat for our lunch which the friend chicken wings were fresh, tender, flavorful and hot. read more
This venue is a lovely venue that's large enough to hold a decent sized crowd, but small enough that you will have a good view of the stage no matter where you are sitting. Staff is also very friendly and helpful. I was able to quickly clear security and get to my seat quickly, all while having employees smile and offer help every step of the way. The sound mixing for all three acts at the rock & roll show I was at (The Mars Volta) was fantastic. Better than most venues I've been to at this size. the speakers throughout the venue make sure everyone can hear vocals and instruments perfectly. In all, my only complaint would be I wish there was a dedicated parking structure or lot for the venue. Instead, you will just have to find parking at any of the surrounding lots throughout the area. They're usually cheap, but after the show ended, the last thing I wanted to do was walk a couple blocks back to my car. I thoroughly enjoyed my first trip to Pasadena Civic Auditorium. I'm already looking forward to when I will be coming back in a few months for a benefit show and I will certainly be looking to see what else comes through here in the coming years. read more
6 months ago
I stopped by on 03/21/26 for the AGT Auditions with my boyfriend! This is our second time attending the auditions and will hold a very special place in our heart. The acts we saw were great and humorous. Overall, a fun experience and a long one too! read more
2 months ago
The venue is a little old and out of date, but America's got talent show was kind of fun. Came here to be real live audience on the show and that was kind of fun. The auditorium is not big so every seat in the house is pretty good. The whole place is very old and out of date and smells kind of bad. They did put in new technology for the show which I think everyone appreciates. The seats were not particularly comfortable. Parking across the street was very easy, $12 maximum. read more
Nice old theater. Not too big, not too small. Went for one of the live shows of America's Got Talent. We were given seats in the second row of the very top balcony, but could see pretty darn well considering how high up we were. We could not, however, see the judges in their seats at all, nor could we see the announcer who works the audience into frenzies most of the time. Sound was good, which is especially a plus for an older theater. I was especially fond of a security guard who was kind enough to let us onto the floor before the show to take pics since our seats were up so high. Stairs leading up there were not bad though. Carpeted. Bathrooms are part-way up those stairs, off to the side, then up a few more stairs. Clean. Note: it's a fun experience to do the AGT live show thing! read more
2 years ago
Great old big venue, it would be nice to upgrade (bathroom, etc) abit but it does it job and nice staff. read more
Went to seen AGT auditions here Been meaning to see this for a couple years in person and it's been filming here at this location It's a nice old school theater or auditorium I suppose but with it being old it means it does lack things like bathrooms which can make for long lines especially at events like this when everyone is let in at the same time Seats were fine typical not crazy uncomfortable and the staff that did work the event were friendly but I will say things were a bit of a mess at times in terms of them not really enforcing their own set rules Hahaa But I had a lot of fun for what I went for and its located in the heart of the convention center there in Pasadena with a shopping center across the street and plenty of parking lots read more
9 months ago
3 years ago
An evening with David Sedaris was delightful. Location, parking and options for dinner are all walkable. Seats are not the most comfortable for plus size individuals. You can make it work. I purchased an extra seat so we had space between us and the next person. read more
4 years ago
The location is a wonderful part of Pasadena, very close to the 210 freeway, and with GPS very easy to get to. Parking is plentiful and close to two city parking structures. The building itself is a treat. Built in the early 1930s, it was fun just looking around and admiring the architecture. PCA is a large auditorium and well suited for watching concerts, plays, or any kind of show. The seats were, unfortunately, not so enjoyable. Small seats, narrow and set close to the row in front, made for an uncomfortable evening. I'm 6 ft tall and a bit overweight (about 20 lbs, or so). I was lucky the seat next to me was empty because if a large person had sat in that seat, we both would have been miserable. The seating by itself will make me think twice about coming to this venue in the future. read more
The auditorium itself is fine. This review is for the "a snow white Christmas" musical they had. We feel a bit duped. They had Neil Patrick Harris listed as one of the main actors and he was just participating as a recorded video. He was not physically present there. The dancing was fine. And some of the singing was good. But we were mostly disappointed. This ended up being a kid's show and a cheesy rendition of snow white. If you have kids they'll probably enjoy this show. Otherwise I wouldn't recommend this show. read more
I attended the annual holiday show here and enjoyed the experience. The theater is quite large. The seats are comfortable. The sound was good too. I found the food and drink options adequate. The bathrooms were easy to find and clean. Overall, the experience was very good. read more
Came here for a retro gaming event within the exhibit B hall. I can say overall the venue is super clean. Be extra cautious when driving as Pasadena has one way streets like downtown l.a which can lead to some accidents. Parking rates can run up to 20 dollars , but I recommend anyone on green street to park within the paseo parking structure for a better daily rate. read more
This place is amazing and grandiose. I came here for an event (America's got talent) in March and the interior is large and spacious. Plenty of seating with a great view of the stage. Even the sound effects were amazing. Came here with my friends and we got to see some of the acts that will be shown on tv in May. There are plenty of parking garages nearby and plenty of ladies rooms so no waiting in line to tinkle. Staff here is friendly and there are handicapped rails to accommodate. Interior decor is amazing. Definitely will try and come back for more events. read more
7 years ago
The Pasadena Civic Auditorium is a beautiful architectural landmark that has been one if the jewels of Old Town Pasadena for over 100 years. Tonite they are having the gala pre-opening of the movie "Frozen ll". A Walt Disney Studios production and is the the 58th film produced by the studio, it is the sequel to the 2013 film Frozen and features the return of directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, producer Peter Del Vecho, songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and composer Christophe Beck. . . . . . . #frozenll,#frozentwo,#frozen2,#waltdisneystudios,#chrisbuck,#peterdelvecho,#kristenandersonlopez,#frozen,#pasadenaauditorium,#pasadena,#californiadreaming, #californiadreamin, #waltdisney,# read more
10 years ago
The Venue: Mid size theater. It is a historic building. One of the landmark in Pasadena. Since it is older theater, not much leg room. enough restrooms. The theater is not to big so every seat has good view. The Parking: There are parking lot structures near the auditorium. $10+ depends on the events. There are also street metered parking but only 1-2 hours. read more
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Christine S.
Thank you for the review, Cassandra. Yes, the Pasadena Civic…
8 years ago
What a fabulous place to have an event. We had complimentary tickets to see the America gots Talent show being taped here. It was very well organized and the entrance went smoothly. The interior of the building is old school beautiful and has all its artistic glory in prime condition. The restrooms are very big and there is no waiting around to use a stall. read more
This auditorium is one of the landmark building in old town Pasadena. Opened in 1932, the auditorium is the place for touring theatrical productions, concerts, television shows, & various award shows. Auditorium holds about 3000 people. Attended the Celtic Women in concert. Turns out the scale of the Celtic Women production was in much smaller scale than what I was used to seeing. Regardless of the size, the concert was wonderful. The Celtic Woman put up a wonderful repertoire and thoroughly enjoyed the show. The acoustic & visibility from where I was seated (LC - row J) were good. The concessions set up outside and bathrooms were clean. The event parking was $15 & attendents were friendly and nice. (Parking is by the Sheraton Hotel on the east side of the entrance). Those who parked at the parking structure by the hotel, there are only 2 elevators going down to the parking levels. There aren't any other way (no stairs) to get to parking other than the elevators, so need to have some patience to get to parking. I'd park across the street (at Paseo Colorado) from the auditorium next time for faster exit. ***electric car charger is available at the parking structure read more
8 years ago
Came here to watch America's Got Talent with my family. The performances were absolutely incredible. The live theater experience is COMPLETELY different from the home experience. Everything is amplified around you. Also, the theater is much smaller than the TV makes it out to be (in case you're wondering). Just some important advice: Arrive here EARLY to get FREE street parkings and better seatings. After you arrive, go get your ticket, and you can wander around the area until your call time. Also, the show requires A LOT OF YOUR TIME (call time was 7:45pm, didn't start until 9pm) and ENERGY (I ended up croaking at the very end). But as for the auditorium itself, I was... not impressed. The seats were cushiony, but... the floors were very dirty. They told us to put our bags underneath our chairs, and when I looked down, my eyes BULGED. There were SAUCES and CRUMBS all over the floor... I thought they didn't allow food or drinks in the auditorium? Then, there were the restrooms, which needed A LOT of attention. Almost EVERY SINGLE STALL had no toilet seats or toilet papers! read more
9 years ago
When the theater is set up for the taping of America's Got Talent stay away from section Orch C rows Z and back. You'll be behind the camera area. The last row in that section is row FF. We were told they would move us after the judges were introduced and walked down the aisle, but during a bathroom break we missed them doing this. We came back to an empty section and no one would tell us where to move to. So we got stuck in that section for the rest of the show. read more
I came to see the Opera called "Journey To The West" on Sunday afternoon and finding that I really liked the old school look of the building! Even the seats had the look and feel like they were originally part of the place, which they probably were. The walls of the lobby and auditorium had decorative wallpaper meant to give a Ye Old English Theatre ornateness to the place which makes it work in a cheesey kind of way. The restrooms were huge and accomodating - so no long lines...well from the male point of view. The acoustics were great for the Opera singers and the orchestra that were playing. In fact so great that a guy somewhere in the back burped and I heard it pitch perfect. Loved the AC in there too.Had no idea that people were cooking from the heat outside while we watched the show. The Opera was wonderful. Gotta love live performances...they're all unique and different every time. I wouldn't mind coming back for future events! It's a nice old fashioned auditorium. In fact I think I saw an usher in there that was probably there when it first opened... read more
My cousin and I came to the Pasadena Centre to see the Kevin Hart Irresponsible Tour. I loooove Kevin Hart. Pasadena is a very nice area so I was happy the show was taken place here. It's also only 30 minutes from our hotel at the Hilton Whittier. Parking lot is not too far away. When we got to the venue the line up was insane just to go through security. Once inside we had to line up again for the washroom. Theres only one ladies room at the Pasadena centre which is quite surprising. The venue is nice nothing extravagant. Our seats were in the EE row and we managed to see the stage very well. The auditorium was not huge so even if you get seats at the back the views not that bad. All in all a great venue and the Kevin Hart show was amazing. Very funny! read more
It's a great venue full of history, one of the oldest in LA, good for events and performances, staff members were friendly and very helpful, and event was well organized. The nearest parking garage $12 up to 16 hours, alternatively street meter parking but two hours only. read more
3 years ago
10 years ago
Went here for a friends graduation from Western University, and I have to say, this place looks really nice! It was packed so my friends and I waited outside. I was able to get a quick sneer peak inside the auditorium and it looked like it can seat a lot of people! There is an upper balcony to seat more people which can come in handy. Parking can be a bit of a hassle, with limited spots for metered street parking, so I parked across Green Street from the auditorium. You get 90min free and after that you will have to pay a few shackles but nothing to sweat about. read more
11 years ago
The Pasadena Civic is one of the oldest auditorium venue in LA. 84 years old and still in very good shape. Beautiful inside and is a truly a gem. The format is similar to Pasadena playhouse but much bigger. Many shows were perform over the year here. Not many people remember that Michael Jackson Moonwalk debut is in here ! Parking is about $12 and is pricey, I suggest you go park other place nearby can be half the cost or even free. Paseo across the street is $9 daily rate vs $12, but you can find many street parking. The layout is simple and is easy to find your seat. To get to the balcony is like going to the third floor, the second floor it seem use for the performer or vip. read more
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Ask the Community - Pasadena Civic Auditorium
What is the dress code here, will be attending a graduation here?
There really wasn't a dress code so to speak but you had to have a ticket to attend.
I'm going to see "the Wonderful Winter of Oz" here in a week or so, and I was wondering where the stagedoor is? It's where actors come out and typically they are allowed to meet fans and sign a program.
Hello, Thanks for the message. The artist entrance is on the southwest side of the building. Though we are unable to guarantee any of the talent will be available for autographs.
Where's the best easiest place to park? Any validation? Seeing AGT and not familiar with the area. Thanks!
Thank you for the question. We have a subterranean parking structure shared with the Sheraton and…
