Walking Takes Center Stage During Pasadena’s Walktober Event Series

In an era when screen time often trumps outdoor activity, Pasadena is taking steps — quite literally — to get its residents moving.

This October, Pasadena will launch its seventh annual “Walktober,” a month-long celebration designed to coax people out of their cars and onto sidewalks.

The initiative is a joint effort by City officials and local advocacy groups.

Led by the Department of Transportation in partnership with Day One and the Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition, Walktober seeks to inspire residents to explore the city on foot while highlighting its rich history, cultural amenities, and natural beauty.

“We hope to inspire the Pasadena community by providing a variety of fun exciting events highlighting the City’s rich history, cultural amenities, and natural beauty,” said event organizers in a statement.

Walktober features a diverse range of activities in Pasadena, including neighborhood tours, fitness walks, and educational excursions.

Notable events include a “Hidden Secrets of Old Pasadena” tour, a sunset stroll with Pasadena Village, and several walks led by City Councilmembers.

The program also coincides with National Walk and Roll to School Day on Oct. 9, encouraging families to walk to their local schools.

Participants can look forward to exploring various aspects of Pasadena, from its architectural landmarks to its natural surroundings.

The Arroyo Seco Water Reuse Project Tour and a birding event with the Pasadena Audubon Society offer opportunities to learn about local environmental initiatives and wildlife.

Other highlighted events include “Neighborhoods, Bridges and Parks, Oh My!” with Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition, a District 5 Taco Trek with Councilmember Jess Rivas, and a Public Art Tour with Councilmember Justin Jones.

To ensure widespread participation, the City is providing funding and staff support for this year’s events. Early registration is highly recommended, as events will have limited capacity.

Detailed information about each walk, including start times and locations, can be found on the WalktoberPasadena.org website and social media platforms (@Day1do, @CityOfPasadena, @PasadenaCSC, #WalktoberPasadena).