‘Taste of South Pasadena,’ that flavorful fundraiser, is deliciously back in May – NBC Los Angeles

What to Know12th Annual Taste of South PasadenaTuesday, May 195 to 8 p.m.Presented by the Rotary Club of South PasadenaThe 2025 Eaton Fire Relief event raised over $40,000, with “… 100% of the proceeds going to purchase items for over 500 survivors who lost important items in the January 2025 fires.”Tickets will go on sale soon; follow this site for more information

South Pasadena may whimsically wear its treeful reputation like a pretty tiara made of leaves, and just about everyone who has disembarked at the Metro train station knows how easy it is to saunter to shops, parks, and green spots.

But the small-ish hamlet is also known for its sup-ability, and the terrific restaurants that have long sizzled, sautéed, and plated a variety of vivacious and memorable meals.

Those eateries get some much-deserved love each spring, along with a host of good causes, all at the same time.

Call Taste of South Pasadena a bewitching stew of sorts, an upbeat event that gives a spotlight to local restaurants while raising money for great organizations.

The date has been set for 2026, and while details are still baking, you can expect to stroll along both Mission Street and Fair Oaks Avenue at the May 19 celebration, with several stops for bites, sips, and easygoing socializing.

“All Proceeds Go to Local Charities” is the moving promise, with the organization behind the event, the Rotary Club of South Pasadena, working hard to connect the funds raised with the community.

“Last year’s Eaton Fire Relief Tast of South Pasadena netted over $40,000 with 100% of the proceeds going to purchase items for over 500 fire survivors who had lost important items in the January 2025 fires,” the club shared in an update.

“Thanks to you, and others like you, we were able to replace family and personal items including furniture, home goods, musical instruments, record albums, even sports memorabilia.”

Information about the 2026 fundraiser, tickets, and participating restaurants will be available soon. Past participants have included Canoe House, Mike & Anne’s, and Gus’s Barbecue.