National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 through October 15, but Pasadena’s 2026 celebration extends well beyond the national observance.
The City of Pasadena has scheduled Latino Heritage Month programs across Villa Parke, Pasadena Public Library branches, Madison Elementary School and Pasadena City Hall, with events continuing through November 7.
From wine tasting and salsa workshops to Pasadena’s 28th Annual Latino Heritage Parade and Festival and Día de los Muertos celebrations, here is what is coming up in Pasadena.
This weekend: Hispanic Heritage Wine Fiesta at Monopole
One of the first major events following the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month takes place Saturday, September 19.
Monopole by Wine Rx will host its 4th Annual Hispanic Heritage Wine Fiesta from 2 to 6 p.m. at 21 S. El Molino Ave. in Pasadena’s Playhouse Village.
The event features more than 25 wines paired with bites representing Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Uruguay.
Tickets are listed at $75, with a $25 deposit available to reserve a spot.
Hispanic Heritage Wine Fiesta
Saturday, September 19
2 to 6 p.m.
Monopole by Wine Rx
21 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena
Pasadena’s Latino Heritage celebration started at Villa Parke
The City’s official Latino Heritage programming began September 11 with Fiestas Patrias at Villa Parke Community Center.
The free community celebration honored independence traditions across Latin America and included live music, traditional dance, arts and crafts, food and family activities.
Villa Parke will remain one of the centers of Pasadena’s Latino Heritage programming throughout September and October.
Salsa dancing, pupusas and Pan de Muerto are coming to Villa Parke
Several hands on cultural programs are scheduled at Villa Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa St.
The Dance with Me: Baila con Migo salsa workshops take place September 25, October 2 and October 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. The workshops are designed for adults age 18 and older.
On Saturday, September 26, Villa Parke hosts a Sazón Latino Pupusas Workshop from noon to 2 p.m., giving participants an opportunity to learn how the traditional Salvadoran dish is made.
The culinary programming continues Saturday, October 3, with a Pan de Muerto workshop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chef Alex Peña will lead the session while discussing the traditions and history connected to the Mexican bread.
Some workshops may require advance registration, so participants should check the City of Pasadena event calendar before attending.
The 28th Annual Pasadena Latino Heritage Parade and Festival returns October 10
One of Pasadena’s largest Latino Heritage Month events returns on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
The 28th Annual Pasadena Latino Heritage Parade and Festival begins with the parade at 4 p.m. at Los Robles Avenue and Buckeye Street.
Participants will travel south toward Pasadena City Hall, where the festival begins at 5 p.m. and continues until 9 p.m.
The 2026 theme is “Unidos por el Latido de Nuestra Comunidad,” translated as “United by the Heartbeat of Our Community.”
The event brings together local schools, community organizations, residents and other participants for an afternoon and evening centered on Latino history, culture and community.
Pasadena Latino Heritage Parade and Festival
Saturday, October 10
Parade begins at 4 p.m.
Festival begins at 5 p.m.
Pasadena City Hall
100 N. Garfield Ave., Pasadena
The parade is organized in partnership with the City of Pasadena Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department and the Pasadena Latino Heritage Committee.
Día de los Muertos programming begins in October
Pasadena’s programming continues after the parade and after the official end of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
On Saturday, October 10 at noon, Hastings Branch Library hosts an Ofrenda Nicho Box and Flower Making program at 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.
The activity introduces participants to traditions connected with Día de los Muertos through the creation of nicho boxes and flowers honoring loved ones who have died.
A free family screening of Disney and Pixar’s Coco follows on Thursday, October 15 at 6 p.m. at Madison Elementary School, 515 E. Ashtabula St.
Families are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and snacks. Free popcorn is scheduled to be provided.
Community ofrendas will remain on display through November 7
Beginning October 17, Pasadena residents can contribute photographs, messages and family mementos to community ofrendas at three Pasadena Public Library branches.
Participating locations include:
Hastings Branch Library
3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.
La Pintoresca Branch Library
1355 N. Raymond Ave.
Santa Catalina Branch Library
999 E. Washington Blvd.
The community ofrendas are scheduled to remain on display through November 7.
The installations give residents an opportunity to honor and remember deceased family members and loved ones through one of the central traditions associated with Día de los Muertos.
Pasadena’s Día de los Muertos celebration returns to Villa Parke
The city’s major Día de los Muertos celebration is scheduled for Friday, October 30, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Villa Parke Community Center.
The community event will include dance performances, arts and crafts, food available for purchase and traditional ofrendas honoring people who have died.
Community members may also bring a framed photograph of a loved one to place on the shared community altar.
Día de los Muertos at Villa Parke
Friday, October 30
5 to 8 p.m.
Villa Parke Community Center
363 E. Villa St., Pasadena
Why Latino Heritage Month matters in Pasadena
Latino culture has a substantial presence in Pasadena.
According to current U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts data, approximately 34 percent of Pasadena residents identify as Hispanic or Latino.
That history and community presence can be seen throughout Pasadena’s 2026 programming, which stretches from Villa Parke and northwest Pasadena to Playhouse Village and Pasadena City Hall.
It also helps explain why Pasadena’s celebration extends beyond a single festival. The calendar includes food, dance, books, family programs, history, music, community altars and opportunities for residents to participate directly.
National Hispanic Heritage Month officially concludes October 15, but Pasadena’s local celebration continues through November 7 with Día de los Muertos programming and community ofrendas.
Event schedules and registration requirements can change. Check with the City of Pasadena or individual event organizers before attending.
Have a Pasadena Latino Heritage Month or Día de los Muertos event we should add? Let Everything Pasadena know, and we will continue updating this guide.
Photo Credit: Daniel Pichardo