‘Walktober’ Returns in October With More Than 20 Walking Events

Pasadena’s Department of Transportation will preview its 2026 Walktober campaign for the Transportation Advisory Commission on Sept. 24, laying out a monthlong slate of more than 20 free walking events across the city in October.

The presentation is an information item; the commission will hear the update but take no binding action, advising the City Council, which retains final authority. Walktober is an annual campaign encouraging residents and visitors to explore Pasadena on foot while promoting pedestrian safety, local businesses and city history.

For 2026, the department has brought the nonprofit Day One under contract to help plan and run the events. This year’s lineup will highlight local businesses and history, share information on upcoming city mobility projects, and include walks organized with individual Councilmembers.

One planned event is a National Walk and Roll to School Day at Madison Elementary School on Oct. 7, organized with several city departments and the Pasadena Unified School District. Other activities include walking tours along Route 66 through Old Pasadena, a Gamble House Greene and Greene neighborhood tour, a Washington Boulevard food walk, a Craig Avenue greenway walk, and a Pasadena Heritage tour of Playhouse Village.

The campaign builds on a 2025 program that drew 624 participants — 442 of them unique — across 21 walks and events, with 48 local partners and businesses taking part.

Need to Know: More than 20 free Walktober events run throughout October across Pasadena, including a National Walk and Roll to School Day on Oct. 7 at Madison Elementary School. The Transportation Advisory Commission preview is Thursday, Sept. 24, at 4 p.m. in the Grand Conference Room S038, in the basement of City Hall, 100 North Garfield Avenue, in Pasadena; call (626) 744-7311. Full event details will be posted at www.WalktoberPasadena.org.