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PRESS RELEASE

South Pasadena, CA – This October, the Rialto Theatre in South Pasadena, California, will be turning 100 years old. With a rich history as a movie house, vaudeville stage, community hub and more, the Friends of the Rialto non-profit organization can’t let this milestone pass without a grand celebration. On Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 3:00-9:00pm, Rialto 100 will celebrate as part of the South Pasadena Fall Arts Crawl on Meridian Ave. between Mission St. and El Centro St. The Arts Crawl is produced by the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce as a ‘neighborhood night on the town’ to celebrate the arts in South Pasadena. 

This event is free to the public and will have offerings for all ages to enjoy. As part of the celebration, Friends of the Rialto will be unveiling a new, permanent display in the South Pasadena Preservation Foundation Historical Museum showcasing pieces of history from the Rialto Theatre. Entrance to the museum will also be free during the South Pasadena Fall Arts Crawl and Rialto 100 event celebration.

The streets will be filled with artisan booths, food and drink vendors, commemorative Rialto Theatre merchandise to celebrate the anniversary, and more. In addition, special Rialto 100 photo opportunities will be available only during the celebration. 

As the sun begins to set, an evening stage show in the park adjacent to the museum will feature live and on-screen acts representing 100 years of entertainment in the Rialto Theatre. This presentation will feature the rich history of the Rialto Theatre, from a silent picture movie house with live organist, to a vaudeville stage, cinema, and even a shooting location seen in the movies “La La Land”, “Scream 2”, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”, and more.

“For almost a century the Rialto Theatre was the premiere cultural and social heart of South Pasadena,” states Friends of the Rialto founder, Escott Norton. “Generations of locals saw their first movie there, had their first kiss, celebrated with friends and family, and experienced some of the best cinematic art ever made on the Rialto screen. I am looking forward to celebrating the Rialto's history on October 18th, 100 years (and a day) after its grand opening!”

The Rialto 100 portion of the event will be produced under The Friends of the Rialto as part of the South Pasadena Fall Arts Crawl, which is produced by the South Pasadena Chamber. . Learn more at www.Rialto100.org.

For additional information and/or an interview request, please email Escott@FriendsoftheRialto.org.

Event Website: Rialto100.org

About Friends of the Rialto
The Friends of the Rialto is an advocacy group dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of the beautiful Rialto Theatre in South Pasadena, California. The Friends of the Rialto has multiple goals. We advocate for preservation and restoration of the Rialto Theatre. We also strive to see the Rialto activated throughout the week, with events for the whole community.We are local residents, theatre lovers, historians, and preservationists who want to see this beautiful theatre revitalized so it will once again be a cultural and social center for the community. Website: FriendsoftheRialto.org

South Pasadena Preservation Foundation Historical Museum is located at 913 Meridian Ave., South Pasadena, California, 91030  Website: SPPreservation.org

South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Website: SouthPasadena.net