Teddy Bear Day | Saturday, September 12th
Glendale Glitters Returns to Downtown Glendale
Glendale Glitters Returns to Downtown Glendale
Enjoy a “Beary” special day at the 22nd annual Teddy Bear Day event on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. This free, family event runs 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. You will get a warm and fuzzy feeling with friends, family, and your favorite furry bears as you enjoy a fun-filled day of make-and-take arts and crafts and bear-themed activities and treats th
Enjoy a “Beary” special day at the 22nd annual Teddy Bear Day event on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. This free, family event runs 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. You will get a warm and fuzzy feeling with friends, family, and your favorite furry bears as you enjoy a fun-filled day of make-and-take arts and crafts and bear-themed activities and treats throughout the Catlin Court and Old Towne Districts.
Begin at the Arizona Information Center Booth (5836 W. Palmaire Ave.) to pick up the event map. Hop on the cool and comfortable event shuttle which will travel throughout the downtown from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The collection of locally owned boutique stores, specialty shops and downtown eateries will feature special offers, artisan pop ups, and hands-on activities (some have a nominal fee) including decorating a chocolate bear at Cerreta Candy Company and Arizona Search Dogs demonstrations at Bears & More. You can add to (or start) the Downtown Charm Bracelet with a special Teddy Bear charm.
In addition, Glendale Fire Department and Glendale Police Department vehicles will be on display in the Catlin Court retail district.
“An important part of the event is the charity drive to benefit the Trauma Teddy Program,” said Valerie Burner, owner of Bears & More and event founder. Bears & More located at 7146 N. 58th Drive, will be selling safety-approved teddy bears for $12. The bears will be donated directly to the Glendale Fire Department, Glendale Police Department, local emergency rooms and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. These first responder organizations give the bears to children who are experiencing traumatic situations. The cuddly bears help comfort the child and assists the first responders in providing needed assistance and treatment to the child. More than 16,000 bears have been provided to the Trauma Teddy Program since the beginning of Teddy Bear Day.
Don’t miss this 'beary' special day in Historic Downtown Glendale.
Presented by the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association in partnership with the Historic Downtown Glendale businesses and Bears & More.
Glendale Glitters Returns to Downtown Glendale
Glendale Glitters Returns to Downtown Glendale
Glendale Glitters Returns to Downtown Glendale
Celebrate 33 years of holiday magic as Glendale Glitters makes its triumphant return to Murphy Park in Historic Downtown Glendale!
Join us for the official lighting ceremony on Nov. 27, 2026, at 5:45 p.m., followed by the Glendale Glitters Kickoff Event on November 27 and 28 from 5–10 p.m. each evening.
This festive two-night celebration wi
Celebrate 33 years of holiday magic as Glendale Glitters makes its triumphant return to Murphy Park in Historic Downtown Glendale!
Join us for the official lighting ceremony on Nov. 27, 2026, at 5:45 p.m., followed by the Glendale Glitters Kickoff Event on November 27 and 28 from 5–10 p.m. each evening.
This festive two-night celebration will feature dazzling light displays, interactive attractions, and picture-perfect holiday photo opportunities. Enjoy holiday shopping with local vendors, seasonal treats, live entertainment, and the cheerful sounds of holiday carolers. Be sure to stop by and visit Santa during this special holiday tradition!
Following the kickoff event, the spectacular holiday lights will remain on display nightly through January 1, shining from 5–10 p.m.
Bring your family and friends to stroll through Historic Downtown Glendale, experience the magic of the season, and enjoy the unique shops, restaurants, and holiday charm that make Glendale Glitters a cherished community tradition.
Enjoy Our Peacock Passport
Enjoy Our Peacock Passport
Enjoy Our Peacock Passport
Created by the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association, the Peacock Passport is a fun and interactive guide through Historic Downtown Glendale and Historic Sahuaro Ranch as you search for metal designed peacocks and collect stamps at the listed businesses and attractions on the Passport. Participation is free and when you complet
Created by the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association, the Peacock Passport is a fun and interactive guide through Historic Downtown Glendale and Historic Sahuaro Ranch as you search for metal designed peacocks and collect stamps at the listed businesses and attractions on the Passport. Participation is free and when you complete the passport, bring it back to the Arizona Information Center for a free gift! The passport also includes the history of peacocks in Glendale (it all began in 1933!)
How the Peacock Passport Works:
-Passports and more information at the Arizona Information Center (5836 W. Palmaire Ave.)
-There are eight unique stamps to collect. Collect a minimum of six to receive your gift.
Special thanks to local resident, Davita, for bringing us
this fun-filled idea.
Happy Birthday Program
Enjoy Our Peacock Passport
Enjoy Our Peacock Passport
Celebrate your birthday with us and be showered with gifts and discounts from businesses all around Historic Downtown Glendale. Start your journey at Memory Lane Trinkets and Treasures/AZ Information Center (5836 W. Palmaire Ave.) or Pink House Boutique (7009 N. 58th Ave.) to pick up your birthday passport! The passport is valid during th
Celebrate your birthday with us and be showered with gifts and discounts from businesses all around Historic Downtown Glendale. Start your journey at Memory Lane Trinkets and Treasures/AZ Information Center (5836 W. Palmaire Ave.) or Pink House Boutique (7009 N. 58th Ave.) to pick up your birthday passport! The passport is valid during the month of your birthday. Enjoy more than two dozen discounts, deals and giveaways.
Please Note: The Birthday Program is for ages 18 and older.
Presented by the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association in partnership with the Downtown Business Community.
Charm Trail
Enjoy Our Peacock Passport
Charm Trail
Did you know that Historic Downtown Glendale has a Charm Bracelet Trail? Start at Glendale Flowers & Gifts (7163 N. 58th Drive), Memory Lane Trinkets and Treasures (5836 W. Palmaire Ave.) or Pink House Boutique (7009 N. 58th Ave.) to pick up the starter bracelet ($5 each) and your first charm. Then follow the map to pick up beautiful char
Did you know that Historic Downtown Glendale has a Charm Bracelet Trail? Start at Glendale Flowers & Gifts (7163 N. 58th Drive), Memory Lane Trinkets and Treasures (5836 W. Palmaire Ave.) or Pink House Boutique (7009 N. 58th Ave.) to pick up the starter bracelet ($5 each) and your first charm. Then follow the map to pick up beautiful charms all throughout Old Towne and Catlin Court ($2 each). In addition, the monthly Specialty Events each have a special themed charm!
Become a Friend of Historic Downtown Glendale!
Welcome to the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association
The Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association (HDGMA) debuted in 2018. We are a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization representing businesses throughout Catlin Court and Old Towne. HDGMA is a positive force working with the business community to stimulate, enhance and sustain the economic vitality and customer experience of the Historic Downtown Glendale Shopping and Dining District.
We love the support we receive from the community, our treasured Friends of Downtown. These advocates join us with a $25.00 Annual Membership Fee. Every donation is used to promote Downtown Glendale and put together our monthly specialty events and iconic activities including the Birthday Program and the Peacock Passport.
We would be honored to have you join us. If you would like to join HDGMA, please CLICK HERE to send us an email. We will follow up with more information and payment options.
Thank you for your support of Historic Downtown Glendale.
Our Story
Our Old Towne & Catlin Court Shopping & Dining Districts | Shop-Eat-Repeat!
Discover Historic Downtown Glendale which has been named as one of the country’s ten best places for shopping and has received national accolades for dining.
Historic Downtown Glendale's Entertainment District is actually two distinct neighborhoods!
Historic Catlin Court features a wonderful collection of unique boutiques and one-of-a-kind eateries. Located in early to mid-century bungalows, the area is surrounded by picket fences and mature shade trees. Architecture throughout the area includes Victorian, Craftsman Bungalow, Ranch and Spanish Eclectic.
Old Towne's brick-trimmed sidewalks and glowing gaslights lead the way to the famous Restaurant Row, specialty boutiques and eclectic shops.
The pedestrian friendly area spans 10 square blocks. Free covered parking is available at the Palmaire Parking Structure located at 5835 W. Palmaire Ave.
We are a must see when visiting the Phoenix, Arizona area. We look forward to seeing you soon in Historic Downtown Glendale - A Real Hometown Happening!
Our Treasured History
Cowboys, farmers and ranchers wove the fabric that is the Glendale, Arizona of today. Visitors have a number of ways to catch a glimpse of these pioneers at the many culture and heritage attractions within the city. Journey Glendale’s past with public art, historic ranches, National Register neighborhoods, museums & exhibits. Historic sites include the Old Towne and Catlin Court neighborhoods of Historic Downtown Glendale, Historic Sahuaro Ranch, and Manistee Ranch.
Historical photos courtesy of Glendale AZ Historical Society.
To learn more about the Glendale AZ Historical Society, visit www.glendalearizonahistoricalsociety.org.