[photo credit: City of Pasadena]
The 2026 theme, “Unifying the Culture, Protecting Our Freedom, Passing the Baton to the Next Generation,” highlights intergenerational connection and the passing on of leadership, memory, and cultural identity.
City officials frame the festival as part of a broader Black History Month observance “honoring the achievements and contributions of African Americans and recognizing their central role in shaping our nation’s history.”
The event is described as a long-running community anchor, officially billed as the 44th Annual Black History Festival.
Festival highlights include youth performances showcasing local middle and high school talent, live entertainment from artists representing Pasadena’s cultural community, food trucks, and community resource booths staffed by local organizations.
Organizers are also bringing back the classic car show as part of an expanded festival experience at Robinson Park, honoring the tradition of Pasadena’s historic Black History Parade even as the parade itself remains canceled in 2026 to focus on fire recovery and the community’s current landscape.
The 44th Annual Black History Festival will run on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Robinson Park, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave. in Pasadena 91103. For more information, visit https://www.cityofpasadena.net/event/black-history-festival/. Ticket prices: All festival activities are free and open to the public.
