Happy Birthday Pasadena logo by Pasadena Museum of History.
Community members are invited to take a road trip through time during a free, family-friendly celebration honoring the City of Pasadena’s 140th birthday, the centennial of historic Route 66, and the 150th anniversary of Colorado Boulevard.
By Melanie Hooks
Happy Birthday Pasadena 2026 will take place Sunday, June 14, from noon to 4:00 pm at the Pasadena Museum of History, 470 W. Walnut St. in Pasadena.
Happy Birthday Pasadena 2026 will feature a full day of entertainment, exhibits, activities, and historic experiences at the Pasadena Museum of History. Mayor Victor Gordo and special guests will commemorate the occasion with an official birthday cake ceremony.
Organizers have planned attractions for all ages. Guests can pose with vintage automobiles and motorcycles provided by the Jewel City Model A Club, Pasadena Motorcycle Club, and private collectors. Children and adults can build custom cardboard tube race cars during Art 2 Go’s craft workshop, participate in scavenger hunts and trivia contests, and cool off with interactive water activities.
A centerpiece of the celebration is the museum’s new exhibition, “Where History Meets the Road: Celebrating Route 66 & Colorado Boulevard,” which explores Pasadena’s connection to the iconic highway and the city’s historic main thoroughfare.
Live music and dancing will be provided by 4 on the Floor. Visitors can also take part in a variety of creative activities, including watercolor painting with the Pasadena Society of Artists, postcard-style mural creation at the Greetings Tour station, face painting, and interactive 3-D chalk art by artist Alex J. Cabalu of Appojax Designs.
History enthusiasts can step back in time with self-guided tours of the 1906 Fényes Mansion and the Finnish Folk Art Museum. Additional Route 66- and Colorado Boulevard-themed photo opportunities will be available throughout the event.
Guests can also stop by Eva’s Roadside Diner for complimentary birthday cake, lemonade and popcorn served throughout the day.
The Pasadena Museum of History is located at 470 W. Walnut St., at the corner of Walnut Street and Orange Grove Boulevard in Pasadena.
The celebration is supported by Signature Sponsor the City of Pasadena and Happy Birthday Pasadena Cake Sponsor Stater Bros. Markets. Additional support is provided by the Paloheimo Foundation, the Estate of Benla C. Bennett, Susan Stevens & Family, and Thunderbird Sponsors Janet Kadin, Bradford Macneil, and Andrew Stevenson.
Numerous outreach and community partners are participating in the event, including the Altadena Historical Society, California Historic Route 66 Association, Caltech, The Gamble House, Pasadena City College, Pasadena Public Library, Pasadena Society of Artists, Rotary Club of Pasadena, and many others.
Admission is free, and no reservations are required.
For updated information about Happy Birthday Pasadena 2026 and Pasadena Museum of History exhibitions, programs, and projects, visit the museum’s website.
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