As the leaves begin to turn and pumpkin spice scents the air, Pasadena is gearing up for a month-long celebration of autumn and Halloween. The City is launching a series of community events to celebrate the fall season and Halloween while prioritizing public safety. This initiative aims to foster community engagement and provide family-friendly activities throughout October.
“The City of Pasadena is excited to announce a lineup of engaging Fall and Halloween events throughout October,” said Pasadena Public Information Officer Lisa Derderian. “These events aim to bring the community together for family-fun during the spooky season.”
The Pasadena Public Library and Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department have organized multiple events for all ages.
These include a Pumpkin Patch Dive-In at the Honorable John J. Kennedy Pool on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 1-4 p.m., where youth can retrieve and decorate pumpkins. Dive-in times are scheduled by age group: ages 5 and under from 1-1:45 p.m., ages 6-12 from 2-2:45 p.m., and ages 13-17 from 3-3:45 p.m.
The annual Fall Festival at Victory Park, 2575 Paloma St., will take place on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 3-6 p.m. This free event will feature costume contests, carnival games, live entertainment, and free food. The Pasadena Public Health Department will administer flu vaccines from 3-5 p.m. during the festival.
Other events include “Spoooooky Beads!” on Oct. 19, Halloween-themed storytimes, craft sessions, and a “Room on the Broom Scavenger Hunt” from Oct. 26-31.
A Día de los Muertos celebration will be held on Nov. 1 from 5-9 p.m. at Villa Parke Community Center, featuring dance performances, arts and crafts, and traditional altars.
To ensure safety during Halloween activities, the Pasadena Police Department has issued guidelines for trick-or-treaters and those distributing candy. Recommendations include wearing bright, reflective costumes, traveling in groups, and inspecting candy before consumption. Trick-or-treaters are advised to stick to well-lit areas and cross streets safely. Homeowners are advised to keep their properties well-lit, clear of tripping hazards, and to hand out pre-packaged treats.
The Pasadena Fire Department emphasized fire safety, warning against the use of frayed electrical cords, “daisy chaining” of cords, and pyrotechnics in decorations.
They also cautioned that smoke-producing machinery indoors may activate fire alarm systems. The importance of working smoke alarms in homes was stressed.
Health precautions remain a priority, with the Pasadena Health Department recommending COVID-19 and flu vaccinations for everyone aged 6 months and over. They also advise wearing well-fitting face masks and staying home if feeling unwell. The department suggests using non-toxic makeup and avoiding decorative contact lenses without an eye exam and prescription.
The City encourages residents to use Pasadena Transit for transportation to these events. Six routes are available with fares under $1, ranging from 35 cents for seniors and disabled, 50 cents for youth (K-12), and 75 cents for adults. Service ends at 8 p.m. Live bus arrival times are available at PasadenaTransit.net, through the Pasadena Transit app, or at bus finders at select stops.
For more information on events, safety guidelines, and updated vaccine information, residents can visit the City of Pasadena’s official website at CityOfPasadena.net. They can also follow the City’s social media accounts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, or call the City Service Center Monday through Friday during business hours at (626) 744-7311.
