Although the traditional Doo Dah Parade won’t be gallivanting down the streets of Pasadena this year, organizers of the eccentric, satirical event are not going quietly — instead, they’ll hold Sunday’s “Doo Dah Takeover,” described as “a two-part celebration of music, mayhem, and merriment in Old Pasadena.”
The day will begin at 11 a.m. at Dog Haus Biergarten at 93 E. Green St., with a cabaret of Doo Dah legends, followed by tryouts from noon till 2:30 p.m. for the “coveted crown” of 2025 Doo Dah Queen.
The festivities will continue a few blocks away at The Old Towne Pub at 66 N. Fair Oaks Ave. for a 21+ after-party from 3-6 p.m., featuring the coronation of the queen, followed by live music.
Though contenders must be at least 21, “the queen role is not exclusive to gender, sexuality, race, class, shape, or even species,” organizers said.
“Yes, lizards, birds, dogs, and critters of all kinds have tried out for the role of Queen.”
Hopefuls are asked to “dress to fit the part and be ready to put on a show.”
Known as the “twisted sister” of the conventional Rose Parade on Jan. 1, the Doo Dah Parade began as a grassroots event in 1978. The parade, which has spawned numerous off-beat replicants across the country, is co-produced by Light Bringer Project and the Doo Dah Preservation Society.
Organizers said they decided to forego the usual parade this year “in order to conserve financial resources and sustain the high quality of programs it delivers throughout the community.”
The Light Bringer Project says its “a significant provider of arts education to underserved youth.”
More information can be found at pasadenadoodahparade.info.