Don’t Go to Just Like Heaven Without This Essential Guide
Just Like Heaven Festival 2026: Your Complete Guide to the Ultimate Indie Music Day in Pasadena
What Is Just Like Heaven?
Imagine a giant outdoor party where your favorite indie bands play all day long, you can shop for cool vintage clothes, dance on a checkered floor, and even watch marionettes (that’s fancy puppets!) walk around. That’s Just Like Heaven — a one-day music festival happening at Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
Think of it like: A giant playground for music lovers where the swings are replaced with stages, the sandbox is a vintage market, and the jungle gym is a dance floor.
The Big Stars: Who’s Headlining?
Two massive acts are leading the charge:
| Artist | Stage | Time | Why They’re a Big Deal |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Strokes | Orion Stage | 9:40–10:55 PM | The kings of 2000s indie rock — think "Last Nite" and "Someday" |
| LCD Soundsystem | Orion Stage | 7:40–8:55 PM | Dance-punk legends who make you move — "Dance Yrself Clean," "All My Friends" |
Plus: Chromeo closes the second stage with a funky DJ set at 8:55 PM!
Full Schedule: Plan Your Day
Pro Tip: Gates open at 12:00 PM (noon). Arrive early to catch the early acts and explore!
Orion Stage (Main Stage)
| Time | Artist |
|---|---|
| 12:10–12:40 PM | Girl Tones |
| 12:45–1:15 PM | This Is Lorelei |
| 1:20–1:50 PM | Porches |
| 1:55–2:30 PM | Whitney |
| 2:35–3:15 PM | Matt and Kim |
| 3:20–4:05 PM | STRFKR |
| 4:15–5:00 PM | EKKSTACY |
| 5:10–5:55 PM | Dayglow |
| 6:05–7:05 PM | TV Girl |
| 7:40–8:55 PM | LCD Soundsystem |
| 9:40–10:55 PM | The Strokes |
Stardust Stage (Second Stage)
| Time | Artist |
|---|---|
| 12:00–12:30 PM | Them Jeans |
| 12:35–1:05 PM | Tanlines |
| 1:30–2:00 PM | Pixel Grip |
| 2:25–3:00 PM | Coco & Clair Clair |
| 3:25–4:05 PM | George Clanton |
| 4:30–5:15 PM | Twin Peaks |
| 5:45–6:30 PM | Feist |
| 7:05–7:50 PM | The Rapture |
| 8:55–9:40 PM | Chromeo |
Strategy: The stages are timed so you can hop between them! For example, catch Feist on Stardust at 5:45, then walk to Orion for TV Girl at 6:05.
More Than Music: Fun Experiences
Heavenly Objects Market
- What: Vintage & handmade clothes, accessories, art from local makers
- When: All day
- Why go: Find one-of-a-kind festival fits!
A Club Called Rhonda
- What: LA’s famous dance party brings their checkered dance floor + DJs
- When: All day
- Why go: Dance between bands like you’re at a cool underground club
Bob Baker Marionette Theater — Cosmic Kids Land
- What: Real marionettes (string puppets!) roam the festival + surprise shows
- Hands-on: Try puppeteering yourself at the activity station!
- Hours: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Kids: FREE entry for ages 10 & under (max 2 kids per adult)
Family Alert: This is an all-ages festival — bring the whole crew! (Except the Clubhouse bar area — 21+ only)
Getting There & Parking
Driving? Read This First:
- Buy parking in advance at justlikeheavenfest.com — cheaper & guaranteed
- Lots open at 10:00 AM (2 hours before gates)
- Day-of parking available if not sold out (costs more)
- Accessible parking — limited, based on pass type
- Bike parking — north side of Lot I
No-Nos: No overnight parking, RVs, tailgating, or camping
Better Idea: Don’t Drive!
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) — drop-off/pick-up zones will be marked
- Public transit — check Metro schedules for Rose Bowl area
- Carpool with friends — split parking cost + more fun!
What You CAN Bring (The "Yes" List)
Bags (Clear Bag Policy)
| Bag Type | Size Limit |
|---|---|
| Clear bags (backpacks, totes, fanny packs) | 12" × 6" × 12" max |
| Non-clear bags (purses, small pouches) | 4.5" × 6.5" max |
ELI5: Think "see-through backpack" or "tiny clutch." If security can’t see inside, it must be tiny.
Other Approved Items
- Empty plastic water bottle (up to 64 oz) — refill inside!
- Non-aerosol sunscreen (lotion/stick only)
- Blanket or towel (max 50" × 70")
- Handheld fan (battery-operated)
- Empty personal mister (plastic, no aerosol)
- Parasol (fancy sun umbrella — no metal tips!)
- Binoculars
- Portable phone charger
- Cameras: Digital, disposable, Polaroid, film, GoPro (no poles/extenders)
What You CANNOT Bring (The "No" List)
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Food/Drink | Outside food, beverages, coolers, glass/metal containers |
| Seating | Chairs, inflatable furniture |
| Weather Gear | Umbrellas (parasols OK), large tarps |
| Bags | Large bags, wagons, backpacks (non-clear, oversized) |
| Tech | Drones, professional cameras, video cameras, selfie sticks, tripods |
| Other | Weapons, drugs, alcohol, laser pointers, noise makers |
Medication: Prescription meds ARE allowed — must match your government ID name. Bring in original bottle.
Money & Entry Stuff
Cashless Festival
- No cash accepted at vendors
- Accepted: Credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, tap-to-pay
- Have cash? Convert to prepaid Visa card at onsite kiosks
ID Requirements
- Physical government-issued photo ID required for:
- Alcohol purchases (21+)
- Will call / box office
- Clubhouse entry (21+ area)
- NOT accepted: Photos of ID, digital IDs, expired IDs, school IDs
Rain or Shine / No Re-Entry
- Festival happens rain or shine — bring that parasol!
- No in-and-out privileges — once you’re in, you’re in for the day
Tickets & Info at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, August 22, 2026 |
| Time | Gates: 12:00 PM • End: ~11:00 PM |
| Location | Brookside at the Rose Bowl, 1133 Rosemont Ave., Pasadena |
| Ticket Prices | $249 – $699 (depends on tier: GA, GA+, VIP, etc.) |
| Website | justlikeheavenfest.com |
| Ages | All ages (Clubhouse: 21+) |
| Kids 10 & under | FREE (max 2 per adult) |
Summary: Your Festival Day Checklist
Before You Go
- [ ] Buy tickets + parking (if driving) at justlikeheavenfest.com
- [ ] Pick your must-see acts from the schedule above
- [ ] Pack clear bag or tiny non-clear bag
- [ ] Fill empty water bottle at home
- [ ] Bring physical ID (not a photo!)
- [ ] Charge phone + portable charger
- [ ] Check weather — pack sunscreen / parasol / light jacket
Pack These Essentials
- [ ] Clear bag or tiny purse
- [ ] Empty water bottle (≤64 oz)
- [ ] Non-aerosol sunscreen
- [ ] Blanket/towel (≤50"×70")
- [ ] Portable charger
- [ ] Cash for onsite Visa card conversion (optional)
- [ ] Government-issued photo ID
- [ ] Prescription meds in original bottle (if needed)
Leave These at Home
- Outside food/drink/coolers
- Chairs, umbrellas, wagons
- Professional camera gear, selfie sticks, drones
- Large bags, glass/metal containers
- Weapons, drugs, alcohol
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
1. Can I bring my kids? Is it kid-friendly?
Yes! It’s all-ages. Kids 10 and under get in FREE (max 2 per adult). Cosmic Kids Land has marionettes, puppet shows, and hands-on puppeteering from noon–6 PM. Just know the Clubhouse bar area is 21+ only.
2. What if it rains?
The festival goes on rain or shine. Bring a parasol (allowed!) or light rain jacket. No umbrellas allowed (metal tips = safety hazard). No refunds for weather.
3. Can I leave and come back?
No. No re-entry once you scan in. Plan to stay the whole day! Eat, drink, and shop inside.
4. I don’t have a clear bag. Can I bring my regular backpack?
Only if it’s tiny — non-clear bags max out at 4.5" × 6.5" (about the size of a wallet or small makeup bag). Best bet: buy a cheap clear backpack or fanny pack online beforehand.
5. Is there seating? Can I bring a camping chair?
No chairs allowed (not even fold-up ones). You can bring a blanket or towel (max 50"×70") to sit on the grass. There are also standing areas near stages and the Rhonda dance floor.
6. How do I pay for food/drinks/merch?
Cashless only. Credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay. If you only have cash, visit an onsite kiosk to load it onto a prepaid Visa card.
Final Thoughts
Just Like Heaven isn’t just a concert — it’s a full-day adventure. You’ll hear legendary bands (The Strokes! LCD Soundsystem!), discover new favorites, dance on a checkered floor, hunt vintage treasures, and maybe high-five a marionette.
Plan ahead, pack smart, stay hydrated, and have the time of your life.
See you at Brookside on August 22!
Festival details subject to change. Always check justlikeheavenfest.com for latest updates before you go.