Route 66 Centennial & Colorado Boulevard 150th Anniversary in Playhouse Village

Route 66 Centennial

Known as the “Mother Road,” Route 66 became one of the most influential highways in American history, connecting communities across eight states and shaping a century of travel, commerce, and culture. When the highway was established in 1926, its route through Pasadena followed Colorado Boulevard, placing the city’s historic main street on one of the nation’s most celebrated roadways.

For decades, travelers passed through Pasadena on their journeys west, making Colorado Boulevard an important link in a route that connected people to new opportunities, destinations, and experiences. Along the way, Route 66 inspired generations of road trippers to explore the communities, landmarks, and local character that defined the American landscape.

In 2026, Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary, marking a century of stories, connections, and adventures along the road that helped shape the nation’s travel culture.

Colorado Boulevard’s 150th Anniversary

Long before Pasadena became the city it is today, Colorado Boulevard was emerging as its central gathering place. Originally known as Colorado Street, the corridor took shape in the 1870s and quickly became a hub of activity. The opening of a general store and post office at the corner of Colorado and Fair Oaks in 1876 helped establish the area’s commercial center, laying the foundation for Pasadena’s future growth.

Over the decades, Colorado Boulevard evolved into the city’s principal thoroughfare, connecting neighborhoods, businesses, and cultural institutions. Today, it is home to many of Pasadena’s most recognizable landmarks, including Pasadena Playhouse, City Hall, and the world-famous Rose Parade route. In 1926, Colorado Boulevard became part of U.S. Route 66, bringing generations of travelers through the heart of Pasadena as they journeyed across the country. The boulevard’s role in both local and national history has made it one of Southern California’s most storied streets.

In 2026, Pasadena commemorates two significant milestones: the 150th anniversary of Colorado Boulevard and the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Together, these anniversaries celebrate the enduring legacy of a street that has helped shape Pasadena’s identity while connecting it to the broader story of America.

Playhouse Village on Route 66

The Playhouse District is the cultural heartbeat of Pasadena, home to world-class arts, history, and entertainment. Within its walkable streets are two museums, the Southern California Children’s Museum and USC Pacific Asia Museum; two acclaimed theaters, Pasadena Playhouse, the State Theater of California, and Boston Court Pasadena, a renowned home for new and innovative works. The district is also home to Vroman’s Bookstore, the oldest independent bookstore in Southern California, and The Ice House Comedy Club, the nation’s oldest operating comedy club. Alongside cultural institutions like Pasadena Heritage, these destinations make Playhouse Village an essential stop along historic Route 66 and Colorado Boulevard, offering visitors a uniquely Pasadena experience where history, culture, and community come together.

Celebrate the anniversaries of Colorado Boulevard and Route 66 with this curated guide to commemorative events and unforgettable experiences throughout Playhouse Village.

Route 66: First Hundred Years

July 9 | 3PM-4:30PM

Online Zoom Presentation

Join authors Jim Ross and Shellee Graham as they explore the life and legend of the road and its enduring status as a cultural icon. This illustrated Zoom presentation will feature images from their new book, Route 66: The First 100 Years. America’s Mother Road rose with the auto age, endured the Dust Bowl migration and World War II, and sparked a mid-century vacation boom. It was a road of dreamers, road-trippers, migrants, and nomads seeking escape, deliverance, and adventure during the best and worst of times. Today, pilgrimages continue into the route’s second century by those seeking to reimagine its vivid history. PMH members: $13 | General Admission: $18

Route 66 & Car Culture in Playhouse Village Walking Tour 

Tour meets at Pasadena Presbyterian | 585 E Colorado Blvd

July 11 | 10AM-12PM

Join Pasadena Museum of History Curator Julia Long, where the first part of the walking tour series finishes, and continue through the Playhouse Village. Learn about how Pasadena’s Playhouse Village was developed as a commercial district in the 1920s when automobile ownership was rising rapidly across the country. Many of its buildings represent important milestones in car culture. Tickets are $20 for Museum Members |  $25 for General Admission

All Route 66 Attractions

Get your kicks on Route 66 with Pasadena’s local attractions. The route was established in 1926 as one of the original highways in the US Highway System. Countless songs, works of literature, and television shows pay homage to this feat, and various sections of the road are now placed under the National Register of Historic Places.

Travel Guide: 2 Days on the Pasadena Boba Trail Exploring Route 66

Pasadena’s Boba Trail features 27 (and counting) boba shops, each with its own flavors and snacks. When you look at the map, the boba culture is strong along Pasadena’s Route 66. Check out Visit Pasadena’s Route 66 Boba Guide and be sure to try Playhouse Village locations, Home Brewed Bar, 7 Tea, and Ginger and Spice Noodle & Grill.

Route 66 at Vroman’s Bookstore

Vroman’s Bookstore | 695 E Colorado Blvd

Want to learn more about Route 66 and the history of Pasadena’s iconic Colorado Boulevard? Stop by Vroman’s Bookstore, founded in 1894 and the oldest independent bookstore in Southern California. Located across the street from other Route 66 landmarks like the Pasadena Playhouse, it’s the perfect place to learn more, shop local, and soak in Pasadena’s rich history. On any given day, visitors can catch an in-store book discussion, enjoy coffee at Tepito Coffee, or unwind with a glass of wine at the 1894 wine bar. Plan your trip and see what’s happening at vromansbookstore.com.

The post Honoring Two Icons: Route 66 Turns 100 and Colorado Boulevard Marks 150 Years appeared first on Playhouse Village Association.