Bandfest 2025 is set to light up Pasadena in the final days of December, offering a three-program showcase of brass and percussion bands that will later march in the Rose Parade. The event, presented by REMO, will take place on December 29 at 2 p.m. (Bandfest 1) and on December 30 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (Bandfest 2 and 3). Tickets cost $26.50 for general admission and are sold only online; children five years old and younger enter free. The shows will be held at Robinson Stadium on the campus of Pasadena City College.
The schedule is designed to give each program its own spotlight. Bandfest 1 opens the evening of December 29 with a brass-heavy lineup, while Bandfest 2 on the morning of December 30 shifts the focus to percussion and rhythm. The final program, Bandfest 3, returns to brass while also featuring international talent. The Pasadena Herald Trumpets will open each session with a clarion call that sets an energetic tone.
Attendance requires a single ticket for the chosen program; a ticket does not grant access to all three. Because the event is sold exclusively online, there are no in-person sales at the college. The price of $26.50 covers the entire program, and families with children five and under can enjoy the show at no additional cost.
The lineup highlights several notable groups. The Bands of America Honor Band of Indianapolis will perform during Bandfest 2, bringing a high-energy performance to the percussion-focused program. In Bandfest 3, the Mino Jiyu Gakuen “Golden Bears” Green Band from Toyonaka, Japan will showcase their distinctive style, adding an international flair to the event.
Beyond the 2025 schedule, the full roster of 2026 Rose Parade bands that will join Bandfest is listed on the official site under each program’s section. Those who cannot attend the live event may still experience the parade’s musical excitement on Colorado Boulevard on the morning of January 1, 2026, where drumming delights and tuba-strong melodies will echo the spirit of the parade.
The second-to-last week of December is often described as awash in aural magic, with cute carols, in-home sing-alongs, and vintage songbook classics humming from grocery store speakers. This tradition of musical celebration is a cherished part of Pasadena’s cultural calendar, and Bandfest 2025 continues that legacy with a focus on brass and percussion.
Key Takeaways
- Bandfest 2025 offers three separate programs on December 29 and 30, each with its own theme and lineup.
- Tickets are $26.50 per program and must be purchased online; children five and younger attend for free.
- The event will feature local and international groups, including the Bands of America Honor Band and the Golden Bears Green Band.
Pasadena residents and visitors looking for a pre-parade musical experience should secure their tickets early, as the online sale is limited and the event’s popularity is expected to fill quickly. The combination of tradition, talent, and community makes Bandfest 2025 a must-see for anyone who loves the sound of marching bands and the anticipation of the Rose Parade.
