Doo Dah royalty is on tap for this weekend. But if your “normal,” you might consider staying away.
The annual Pasadena Doo Dah Queen Tryouts will be Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Old Towne Pub.
Light Bringer Project, the organizers of the tryouts and the Doo Dah Parade, are inviting people to tryout for the quirky local tradition, a prelude to the annual Doo Dah Parade, the irreverent, quirky downtown Pasadena spectacle scheduled for Nov. 22.
“The Doo Dah Takeover!” was held at Dog Haus Biergarten in Old Pasadena on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. (Photo by Jacob Lewis, Contributing Photographer)
If chosen as Queen of the parade, you would be in royal, funky company. On hand for the tryouts this weekend will be queen-hopefuls, former Queens, and characters with names like Everlasting King Clayton, Magistrate Vince, Czar Tom, Duke of Doo Dah, Rocket Man the emcee, veteran parade entrants, tryout supporters, and, as organizers say, “those too curious to stay away.”
There will also be live music throughout the afternoon, performed by Ma the Band.
If you’re trying out, just be prepared to show Doo Dah royals why you deserve to wear this year’s crown.
“The public is welcome to weigh influence on the Doo Dah glitterati,” read a release from the organizers.
But one must be swift.
Contestants will have three minutes to try out.
Organizers urge you to:
– Dress extravagantly (whatever that means to you);
– Be ready to demonstrate your gifts; “whether it’s song, dance, gags, recitation, impressions, looks, vibes, juggling, pantomime, ventriloquism, sword-swallowing, plate-spinning, glass blowing, whistling, or turning invisible the hunt is on for someone who is the life of the party.”
Organizers also note that the queen role is not exclusive to gender, sexuality, race, class, shape, or even species.
“Yes, lizards, birds, dogs, and critters of all kinds have tried out for the role of Queen! The new queen will be crowned by our reigning royal, Queen Bootleg Meg,” organizers said.
Pasadena Doo Dah Queen Tryouts are produced by Light Bringer Project and the Doo Dah Preservation Society.
Sign-up to tryout start at 2 p.m., and the competition gets going at 3 p.m.
The Old Towne Pub, Enter at 34 Holly Street. The event is free but donations are welcome.
For more information, check out https://www.pasadenadoodahparade.info/.