Families filled the Pacific Community Center and Park on Saturday for Glendale’s Annual Fall Festival, a long-standing tradition celebrating community, creativity, and the fall season. Hosted by the City of Glendale’s Community Services and Parks Department, the event featured a pumpkin patch, carnival games, live music, arts and crafts, and the popular Glendale Rocks! climbing wall.
Now in its eleventh year, the festival continues to unite residents, local organizations, and city departments for a day of free family fun. Community Services Supervisor Christa Gregory said the event began in 2014 as a way to create a welcoming seasonal gathering for Glendale families.
“The pumpkin patch was inspired by our department’s leisure guide,” Gregory said. “We wanted to recreate that same sense of joy and connection for the community.”
This year’s event featured the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, where nearly 50 young vendors sold handmade goods they created independently. “It’s incredible to see how proud the kids are to share their work,” Gregory said. “They set up their own booths and handle everything themselves.”
Community Services Manager Sevag Garabetian said the event’s partnerships reflect Glendale’s commitment to inclusion. “We partner with local groups like the Children’s Entrepreneur Market and Play to Progress to make sure the event includes everyone, especially children of all abilities,” Garabetian said. “Our goal is to build community through play, creativity, and inclusion.”
Beyond the attractions that are open for everyone, the event also brought together a wide range of city departments and organizations. The Glendale Fire Department, Library, Arts & Culture, Office of Sustainability, Community Development Department, Glendale Water and Power and even Glendale Community College all hosted booths to share information, showcase services, and connect directly with residents. Local partners such as Magic Jump, Letterman Group, and the Verdugo Jobs Center also contributed to the event.
The festival drew attendees from across Glendale and neighboring cities. Children lined up at the climbing wall, families posed for photos by the pumpkin patch, and local musicians filled the park with music. Many parents expressed appreciation for the city’s efforts to keep the event free and accessible.
Gregory said organizing the festival is a team effort that begins months in advance. “We start planning in the summer to make sure every detail is in place,” she said. “Seeing it all come together is always the most rewarding part.”
The event ran from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering families three hours of games, food, and community engagement. City staff and volunteers worked throughout the day to coordinate activities and assist visitors. Gregory noted that preparation for the festival begins months in advance, involving multiple city departments and local partners.
Families who missed this year’s Fall Festival can look forward to upcoming seasonal events, including Glendale’s Spring Celebration and Summer Concert Series. Information about future events can be found on social media at @MyGlendaleParks or through the city’s website at glendaleca.gov/parks.
As the afternoon wrapped up and families carried pumpkins and craft projects home, the spirit of the day remained clear. Glendale’s Fall Festival isn’t just about celebrating autumn, but it’s about celebrating togetherness in this season, creativity within our students, and the simple joy of gathering outdoors as a community.