Teddy Bear Day | Saturday, September 14th
Enjoy a “Beary” special day at the 20th annual Teddy Bear Day event on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in downtown Glendale. 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. New this year, visit with Charlie the Bear! Al the Bear is hibernating this year and is sending his beary special friend, Charlie, to Teddy Bear Day. This loveable, huggable bear will delight the young and young-at-heart from 10 a.m. to noon. Be sure to bring a camera to get a picture with this beary special guest.
Hop on the cool and comfortable event shuttle sponsored in part by Interstate Packaging, Inc., to travel throughout the downtown area, visiting boutique stores, specialty shops and downtown eateries for 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 bear-themed 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. Bears & More, located at 7146 N. 58th Drive, will be selling safety-approved teddy bears for $15. 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 12,000 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, Bears & More, Charlie Bears, and Interstate Packing, Inc., in partnership with the Downtown Business Community.
Follow Max & Mollie Murphy's Downtown Adventures
Historic Downtown Glendale's Murphy Park and City Hall are being renovated. The construction process has brought the debut of Max and Mollie Murphy! This whimsical pair of construction vehicles will be all throughout the Downtown area on numerous adventures. You'll want to follow the Historic Downtown Glendale social media to keep up with their journey throughout the locally owned businesses. Every Monday, we will be dropping clues on our social media with fun hints on where this adorable pair is visiting. Follow the clues to the business you think they are located at for the month. Visit that business before the last day of the month, find Mollie who will be cleverly on display and enter to win for a chance to win $100!
Rules: No purchase necessary to win. Limit of one entry per household per month. Entries must be made in person at the participating shop. Must be 18 or older to enter. Odds of winning are determined by number of entries per month. Winner will be notified by phone or email. Other restrictions and rules may apply. Void where prohibited by law.
Presented by the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association in partnership with the Downtown Business Community.
Historic Downtown Glendale Sticker Contest
Calling all Artisans! We are excited to announce the Inaugural Historic Downtown Glendale Sticker Contest! Create an image that you think best represents our treasured Downtown. All art mediums are welcome. There will be three winners picked from the entries received by September 30, 2024. Winners will be announced in October. Winning entries will be turned into stickers to be featured in the shops in Historic Downtown Glendale.
Please review the Guidelines and entry information for the Sticker Contest. Click the links below to view and download the two pages:
Presented by the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association in partnership with the GFWC Glendale Woman's Club.
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 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.
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!
Old Towne's brick-trimmed sidewalks and glowing gaslights lead the way to the famous Restaurant Row, specialty boutiques and eclectic shops.
Historic Catlin Court features a wonderful collection of unique boutiques and one-of-a-kind eateries. Located in mid-century bungalows, the area is surrounded by picket fences and mature shade trees.
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 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 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.