Inaugural Arroyo Seco Weekend to Bring Tom Petty, Mumford & Sons and Weezer to Pasadena

Jordan Bailey

Pasadena’s famed Rose Bowl Stadium will host the first annual Arroyo Seco Weekend festival coming late June (24-25). The focus for this burgeoning event will be on guitar-centric genres like rock, folk, funk and soul. Both young and old will find something to enjoy throughout the weekend as legends play alongside up-and-comers.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are no strangers to festivals as they’ve been playing together since the late 70s. These guys have produced hit after hit to solidify them as true American rock icons. They’ll take the stage on Saturday night. The first night of the weekend will also find Alabama Shakes on stage. This soul band is led by the dramatically-voiced singer Brittany Howard and the group made waves with their last album, “Sound & Color”. The Meters have something in common with both previous acts as this band is both legendary and soulful. Dawes will bring their authentic folk-rock sound on Saturday alongside alt-rockers Līve, indie band Broken Social Scene,  soul singer Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires and New Orleans’ own Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Sunday will be just as action-packed as its predecessor. Leading the charge on the main stage will be none other than folk-rock superstars Mumford & Sons. They took a turn towards rock on their last studio album “Wilder Mind,” a slight contrast to their early more acoustic-centric work. Weezer‘s on the bill, hot off their new single release “Feels Like Summer” from their upcoming “Black Album.” The Shins are riding high since the drop of their newest record “Heartworms” and will play a set Sunday which will also include performances by Fitz and The Tantrums, Andrew Bird, Galactic, The Revivalists and Boston funk band Lettuce.

As Southern Californians are wont to do, foodie culture will make its way into Arroyo Seco. Local restaurants will be in tow, serving up their specialties. Here’s a taste: Dog Haus makes gourmet hot dogs, sausages, and burgers with unique flavors including spicy basil aioli or pickled peppers; Ramen Hood serves up vegetarian ramen dishes with sunflower seed broth and king oyster mushrooms; Fat Dragon has unique Asian-inspired dishes like mushroom fries and five- spiced quail. Libation seekers should stop by the Beer Belly booth for a local IPA or three.

While in Los Angeles, check out some of the city’s superb boutique hotels like Farmer’s Daughter Hotel on Fairfax. Look for their on-site yoga or go the opposite route and try their daily whiskey tastings. The Line LA in Koreatown is über modern, featuring a rooftop pool and a true oasis of a restaurant located inside a greenhouse. Those looking to stay in Pasadena proper should try DusitD2 Hotel. This eccentric, design-oriented hotel is in the heart of the town’s theater district.

Arroyo Seco Weekend will take place in Pasadena from June 24-25. Tickets can be found here.