Historic Highlands Celebrates 31st Annual July 4 Parade and Community BBQ

The Historic Highlands Neighborhood Association will host its 31st annual July 4 celebration, continuing a tradition that has brought neighbors together since the early 1990s. The event serves as both a patriotic celebration and community-building opportunity for the historic district.

The celebration begins at 11 a.m. with a neighborhood parade which kicks off at  The Triangle, the intersection of Howard and Chester streets in Pasadena.

“Traditionally, the celebration begins at 11 a.m. with a parade of our neighbors who have decorated their bikes, wagons, dogs or themselves,” according to association officials.

Following the parade, the association board provides a community barbecue with food, tables, chairs, napkins, utensils and drinks. The association’s volunteer board organizes and funds the meal as part of their commitment to fostering neighborhood connections.

The celebration includes a raffle event featuring four Grandstand seats for the 2026 Rose Parade and gift certificates donated by local restaurants and shops. According to the association, this year’s will be their biggest raffle yet.

Raffle proceeds support community initiatives including donations to public schools, homeless shelters, post office beautification projects and other neighborhood improvements.

The Historic Highlands neighborhood encompasses both Pasadena and Altadena, with approximately 150 homes located in Altadena. The City of Pasadena designated the Historic Highlands as a historic district in 2008.