Crafting Memories at The Gamble House (Photo – The Gamble House)
Craftsman Week returns October 11–18, 2026, with eight days of unforgettable experiences celebrating Pasadena’s extraordinary architectural legacy and the artists and craftspeople who continue its traditions today.
By Melanie Hooks
On Sunday, October 11, The Gamble House and Pasadena Museum of History welcome visitors of all ages to “Crafting Memories: Family Day,: a free celebration of architecture, art, and exploration from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Picnics are welcome at both sites.
The event is free, and no reservations are required.
At The Gamble House:
- Enjoy self-guided tours of the Gamble House.
- Enjoy the kinesthetic pinwheel art installation by Jerolyn Crute Sackman and assemble your own pinwheel.
- Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 by creating a road trip zine with Remainders Creative Reuse.
- Get to know our native plants! Join One Arroyo for leaf rubbings and discover the shapes, textures, and patterns of the leaves you can find around Pasadena while creating your own nature-inspired art.
- Gather under the big oak tree for Pasadena Conservatory of Music’s Musical Storytime—a family-friendly mix of music and storytelling with interactive activities and performances by PCM students.
- Spot our feathered friends! Join the Pasadena Audubon Society in the Hummingbird Cantina for hands-on tools like binoculars and bird ID wheels.
- Design and construct your very own mini historic house using recycled materials with Pasadena Heritage. “The greenest building is the one that’s already built!”
At Pasadena Museum of History:
View two unique exhibitions.
- Where History Meets the Road: Celebrating Route 66 & Colorado Boulevard is filled with a century of fascinating history and nostalgia.
- Pasadena Palette: Selections from the Museum’s Collection is a treasure trove of Pasadena-centric art, featuring a stunning, recently added portrait of baseball icon Jackie Robinson.
Step back in time—and across cultures—with mini self-guided tours of the 1906 Fényes Mansion and the charmingly rustic Finnish Folk Art Museum. Docents will be available to answer questions.
Kids of all ages will have a zoomingly good time creating custom cardboard-tube race cars in the Art 2 Go arts-and-crafts workshop. Vintage car enthusiasts can enjoy the eye candy courtesy of the Glendale Model A Ford Club.
Bring the family for a great day of free fun, and check out the sites’ other special events on their calendar.
Pasadena Museum of History’s Art 2 Go’s craft table (Photo – PMH)
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