Pasadena Parks After Dark Kickoff Festival

Date/Time
Date(s) - 07/06/2026
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Location
Robinson Park & Recreation Center

Category(ies)

• Outdoors

Parks after Dark returns to Pasadena (Photo – PasadenaParksandRec)

Summer evenings are about to get a whole lot brighter as the City of Pasadena’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department (PRCS) brings back its popular Parks After Dark (PAD) program for its 15th year.

From July 9 through Aug. 14, Pasadena parks will come alive with free, family-friendly activities designed to bring neighbors together for fun, fitness, and community connection. From outdoor movies and sports tournaments to glow parties and evening swims, there’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout the summer.

The celebration kicks off Thursday, July 9, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Robinson Park with the Parks After Dark Kickoff Festival, featuring free food, games, arts and crafts, music, and community sports activities.

New this year, scientists and engineers from Caltech will lead hands-on STEM activities at select events, giving families the opportunity to explore science and engineering while enjoying the summer festivities.

The lineup includes:

• Movies in the Park on Fridays from July 10 through Aug. 8 at parks across Pasadena.
• Foam & Glow Frenzy on Thursday, July 16, at Villa Parke Community Center.
• A World Cup Soccer Tournament with Dena United on Friday, July 24, at Robinson Park.
• Aztec Dance Toltecayotl on Saturday, July 25, at Villa Parke Community Center.
• A high-energy Teen Neon Party on Thursday, July 30, at the La Pintoresca Teen Education Center.
• Aqua Boogie Nights, featuring evening recreational swims on Saturdays from July 11 through Aug. 8 at Kennedy and Villa Parke pools.

Sports enthusiasts can also get in the game with adult and youth basketball leagues, as well as adult soccer leagues, offered throughout the summer.

Best of all, nearly every Parks After Dark activity is free, with registration required only for select programs and leagues. Organizers note that activities are subject to change.

For a complete schedule and program details, visit CityOfPasadena.net/Parks-And-Rec or call (626) 744-6530. For accessibility information or accommodation requests, email CSC@CityOfPasadena.net or call (626) 744-7311.