City of Glendale, CA
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Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event
The City of Glendale will host its annual Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 6:30 PM at The Alex Theatre.
The 2026 program will feature performances by the AGBU Choir, Lilia Dance Group, Jivan Gasparyan Jr., musical selections by students from the Sonata Music School, and a short film prepared by the City of Glendale Television (GTV) team.
Event Details:
April 23, 2026
6:30 PM
The Alex Theatre
216 N. Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91203
Tickets are free, and can be reserved here.
More information on our program partners:
AGBU Choir The AGBU Los Angeles Choir is a dynamic, community-driven ensemble dedicated to celebrating Armenian culture through music and artistic expression. Open to adults of all backgrounds at no cost, the choir unites individuals who share a passion for preserving Armenian heritage through song. Under the direction of Choir Master Nektar Mirakyan, an accomplished and distinguished conductor, the ensemble pursues musical excellence while fostering a welcoming and inspiring environment for all.
Lilia Dance Group Lilia Dance School is a respected, longstanding institution dedicated to the art of Armenian and international dance. Led by master choreographer Lilia Margaryan and with studios in Glendale, Montrose, and Granada Hills, the school has become a cornerstone of the Armenian community — recognized for its commitment to cultural preservation, artistic excellence, and youth development. Rooted in a deep connection to Armenian heritage, Margaryan has built a program that trains dancers in technique and performance while instilling a strong sense of identity, pride, and tradition. Through performance, community engagement, and dedicated instruction, Lilia Dance School continues to keep Armenian culture vibrant and alive for future generations.
Jivan Gasparyan Jr. Born in Yerevan, Armenia, Jivan Gasparyan Jr. was immersed in Armenian folk music from an early age under the guidance of his grandfather, legendary duduk master Jivan Gasparyan. He studied at the Yerevan Vocal School while learning the art of the duduk directly from his grandfather — an apprenticeship that laid the foundation for his musical journey. After relocating to Los Angeles in his early teens, he initially pursued a path in medicine before recognizing that music was his true calling. Today, Jivan Gasparyan Jr. is devoted to preserving and advancing the duduk tradition, bringing a distinctive voice of his own to this timeless art form. Recognized as the best duduk player in New York by the Big Apple Music Awards, Jivan Jr. has dedicated his artistry to continuing the traditions of his grandfather and the Armenian people.
Sonata Music School Sonata Music School is passionate about helping students of every age grow into confident, well-rounded musicians. Through comprehensive, high-quality music education delivered in a supportive and resourceful environment, Sonata's teachers build meaningful relationships with students and families alike — cultivating skill, deepening musical appreciation, and inspiring a genuine, lifelong love of music and creativity.
City of Glendale Television (GTV) City of Glendale Television (GTV) is committed to delivering high-quality, informative programming to the Glendale community. The channel provides live coverage of City Council meetings as well as nearly all board and commission proceedings, while also highlighting a wide range of City-sponsored events throughout the year. GTV produces content designed to keep residents informed and engaged with the services, initiatives, and civic life of Glendale.
Official Flyer
Official Week of Remembrance
Official Partners
Official Press Release (English & Armenian)
Captions:
Caption 1:
Join the City of Glendale for the 25th Annual Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event as we honor the 1.5 million lives lost and reflect on this year’s theme, “Memory Across Generations: The Continuing Echo of 1915.” Reserve your seats: GlendaleCA.gov/AGCE.
Միացե՛ք Գլենդել քաղաքի կողմից կազմակերպվող Հայոց Ցեղասպանության 25-րդ ամենամյա ոգեկոչման միջոցառմանը՝ հարգելու 1.5 միլիոն զոհերի հիշատակը և անդրադառնալու այս տարվա թեմային՝ «Սերունդների միջով փոխանցվող հիշողություն․ 1915-ի շարունակվող արձագանքը»։ Տեղերը ամրագրելու համար այցելեք՝ GlendaleCA.gov/AGCE։
Caption 2:
The City of Glendale invites you to an evening of remembrance through performance and reflection, honoring the lives lost during the Armenian Genocide. This year’s program features the AGBU Choir, Lilia Dance Group, Jivan Gasparyan Jr., and more. Reserve your seats: GlendaleCA.gov/AGCE.
Գլենդելի քաղաքը հրավիրում է ձեզ հիշատակի երեկոյի՝ կատարումներով և խորհումով, նվիրված Հայոց ցեղասպանության ընթացքում կորցրած կյանքերի հիշատակին։ Այս տարվա ծրագրում հանդես կգան AGBU Choir-ը, Lilia Dance Group-ը, Ջիվան Գասպարյան կրտսերը և այլք։ Ամրագրեք ձեր տեղերը՝ GlendaleCA.gov/AGCE։
Caption 3:
As home to one of the largest Armenian American diasporas, Glendale is proud to host this annual commemoration honoring the past while educating future generations. Join us on April 23 at the Alex Theatre. Reserve your seats: GlendaleCA.gov/AGCE.
Լինելով հայ-ամերիկյան ամենամեծ համայնքներից մեկի տուն՝ Գլենդել քաղաքը հպարտությամբ հյուրընկալում է այս ամենամյա ոգեկոչումը՝ հարգելով անցյալը և կրթելով ապագա սերունդներին։ Միացե՛ք մեզ ապրիլի 23-ին «Alex Theatre»-ում։ Ամրագրե՛ք ձեր տեղերը՝ GlendaleCA.gov/AGCE։
Upcoming Events:
Dreams Gather Here, by Rachel Hakimian EmenakerCurated by Ara and Anahid Oshagan
February 17 – April 26, 2026
ReflectSpace at the Central Library
222 E. Harvard
Glendale, CA 91205
Dreams Gather Here, ReflectSpace is a solo exhibition by Rachel Hakimian Emenaker exploring how the cultural memory of diasporic communities is preserved through the history of material objects.
Artist Talk - Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 6:30 PM
A walkthrough of the current exhibition with Rachel Hakimian Emenaker, followed by a conversation with the artist. This program is sponsored by the Glendale Arts & Culture Commission through funding from the Urban Art Fund.
More information can be found here.
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Armenian Genocide Commemoration at Burbank City Hall Steps
Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 10:00 AM
Burbank City Hall
275 E. Olive Avenue
Burbank, CA 91502
Press Conference & Flower Laying Ceremony.
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An Evening Dedicated to the 111th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
Monday, April 19, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Ararat Main Campus
3347 N. San Fernando Road
Los Angeles, CA 90065
Melody International Music School will be performing at Homenetmen Glendale Ararat Chapter for an evening dedicated to the 111th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
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Petals to Remember: Armenian History Month
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
The gathering, Petals to Remember, is a meaningful event dedicated to Armenian history, culture, and the importance of community engagement.
More information can be found here.
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Glendale City Council Proclamation (City of Glendale hosted event)
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 6:00 PM
A proclamation will be presented at the Glendale City Council meeting in recognition of the Armenian Genocide Commemoration and Armenian History Month.
A curated art exhibition will be featured in the lobby, highlighting works by Glendale High School students that reflect their interpretations of the Armenian Genocide and the broader themes of heritage and cultural identity.
More information can be found here.
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Glendale Community College Candlelight Vigil
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Plaza Vaquero
1500 N. Verdugo Road
Glendale, CA 91208
A candlelight vigil honoring the memory of the 1.5 million lives lost in 1915 during the Armenian Genocide, and those lost in more recent tragedies affecting the Armenian people.
More information can be found here.
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Khachatur Avetisyan's 100th Anniversary and Armenian Genocide Commemoration
Thursday, April 23 | 7:00 PM
Schoenberg Hall
445 Charles E. Young Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90095
In observance of the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, the Armenian Music Program hosts special guest musicians from Armenia and the LA Armenian community in this concert commemorating the 100th anniversary of the renowned composer Khachatur Avetisyan.
More information can be found here.
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Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) March
Friday, April 24, 2026 | 2:00 PM
The Armenian Youth Federation will host its April 24 march of remembrance as part of the community’s annual commemorative observances.
Start:
La Cienega Park
8400 Gregory Way
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
End:
Turkish Consolate
8500 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
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Formal Commemoration for the 111th Anniversary
Friday, April 24, 2026
Montebello Armenian Genocide Monument
Religious Ceremony & Placement of Flowers
More information can be found here.
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Armenian Genocide Remembrance Hike
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 9:00 AM
Brand Park
1601 W. Mountain Street
Glendale, CA 91201
A community walk of remembrance, unity, and healing. All ages & abilities welcome.
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A Biographical Approach to Genocidal Ruination: Knowledge, Nature and Dispossession in Johannes Jakob Manissadjian's (1862-1942) Lifework
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
UCLA Zoom Webinar
The fifth Raymond H. Kévorkian Armenian Genocide Remembrance Lecture will be delivered by Dr. Nazan Maksudyan, Senior Researcher at the Centre Marc Bloch (Berlin), with discussant commentary by Dr. Melissa Bilal, the Promise Chair in Armenian Music, Arts, and Culture at UCLA.
More information can be found here.
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Adult Watercolor for Beginners - Mount Ararat (City of Glendale hosted event)
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Pacific Park Library
501 S. Pacific Avenue
Glendale, CA 91204
Learn the basics of watercolor in our beginner-friendly sessions for adults! No registration required. Supplies provided—personal materials welcome!
More information can be found here.
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A curated panel discussion: The Effects of Genocide on Women, presented by the City of Glendale Commission on the Status of Women (City of Glendale hosted event)
Monday, April 27, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Adult Recreation Center
201 E. Colorado Street
Glendale, CA 91205
A multi-generational and inter-disciplinary discussion on the generational traumas and effects of Genocide on women and families.
More information can be found here.
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Glendale Community College: Araksya Karapetyan in Conversation
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 | 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Glendale Community College Auditorium
1500 N. Verdugo Road
Glendale, CA 91208
Araksya Karapetyan, news anchor for Good Day LA and Fox 11 Los Angeles, speaks as part of Glendale Community College’s Armenian Genocide Commemoration programming.
More information can be found here.
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AGBU Choir and Lilia Dance Studio Performance
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Westerbeck Recital Hall - Pasadena City College
1570 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91106
A cultural performance evening featuring the AGBU Choir and Lila Dance Studio.
More information can be found here.
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GUSD Armenian-American Heritage Event
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Alex Theatre
Glendale Unified School District will host its Armenian-American Heritage Event celebrating community, culture, and student engagement.
More information can be found here.
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Lecture and Book Talk with Peter Balakian (Library, Arts & Culture with a co-sponsorship with the UCLA Promise Armenian Institute)
Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Glendale Central Library Auditorium
Author and poet Peter Balakian will present a lecture and book talk on New York Trilogy.
More information can be found here.
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Convergence: Contemporary Artists of Armenian Descent
She Loves Collective
On display throughout April 2026
Glendale Forest Lawn Museum
Convergence: Contemporary Artists of Armenian Descent brings together the work of diasporan Armenian artists in a major exhibition at Forest Lawn Museum.
More information can be found here.
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Past Events:
Armenian Story Time for Children (City of Glendale hosted event)
Ages 5-12
Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Library Connection @ Adam's Square
1100 E. Chevy Chase Dr.
Glendale, CA 91205
Join us for a celebration of Armenian stories and a craft. Stories will be read in English. Ages 5-12 years.
More information can be found here.
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Armenian Folklore Workshop: A Song of a Thousand Voices
Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
USC Dornsife Institute of Armenian Studies
3518 Trousdale Parkway
Los Angeles, CA 90089
This workshop invites participants into the marvelous landscapes of wonder tales, where a hero's journey through enchanted realms and the song of a mythical bird becomes a bridge between loss and renewal, silence and voice, earth and the unseen.
More information can be found here.
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Sounds of Ararat: Cultural Concert
Friday, April 10, 2026 | 5:45 PM - 9:00 PM
Glendale Community College Auditorium
1500 N. Verdugo Road
Glendale, CA 91208
This program offers an unforgettable evening celebrating Armenian heritage, culture, and community! Featuring musical and artistic performance and guest speakers.
More information can be found here.
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Armat Celebrates the Culinary Diaspora of Armenia (City of Glendale hosted event)
Saturday, April 11 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Central Library
222 E. Harvard St.
Glendale, CA 91205
Join in celebration of Armenian culture, history, and heritage during a joyous community event highlighting the culinary diaspora of Armenia.
Restaurants featured include:
- Carousel Restaurant
- Monta Factory
- Zhengyalov Hatz
Event begins at 10:00 AM with wristband distribution.
Tastings begin at 10:30 AM along with a brief conversation with Zhengyalov Hatz, Carousel Restaurant, and Monta Factory about each restaurant's origins and cuisine.
More information can be found here.
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LACDMH Service Area 2 Presents 8th Annual Armenian Genocide:
Transgenerational Effects & Healing Theme for 2026: Healing & Coping
Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
ACF Beshir Mardirossian Burbank Youth Center
75 E. Santa Anita Avenue
Burbank, CA 91502
A free in-person event to learn about the intergenerational traumatization, healing and coping.
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Eastern Armenian Storytime (City of Glendale hosted event)
Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Central Library
222 E. Harvard
Glendale, CA 91206
This program offers visitors an opportunity to engage with research and educational materials related to genocide history and remembrance.
More information can be found here.
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Armenian Genocide Research Program Poster Exhibit
The Promise Armenian Institute at UCLA
Sunday, April 12, 2026 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Ararat Eskijian Museum
This program offers visitors an opportunity to engage with research and educational materials related to genocide history and remembrance.
More information can be found here.
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Pomegranate Piñata (City of Glendale hosted event)
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Central Library
222 E. Harvard
Glendale, CA 91206
Make a mini pomegranate piñata to acknowledge Armenian History Month. Ages 5 – 12 years.
More information can be found here.
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Armenian Perler Pins (City of Glendale hosted event)
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Pacific Park Library
501 S. Pacific Avenue
Glendale, CA 91204
Create your own personalized perler Armenian flag or heart pin using the supplies provided.
More information can be found here.
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Naming Problems: From "Islamized" & "Hidden" to Muslim Armenians in Turkey
Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
USC Dornsife Institute of Armenian Studies
3518 Trousdale Parkway
Los Angeles, CA 90089
Join Dr. Hrag Papazian, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at USC, for his first public lecture at the Institute as Turpanjian Early Career Chair in Contemporary Armenian Studies!
More information can be found here.
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For information on parking and validations for at City operated lots please visit: TheAlex.com/GettingHere
Designated Parking Lots:
Orange Street Parking Garage
222 N. Orange St.
Glendale, CA 91203
Exchange Parking Garage
115 N. Artsakh Ave.
Glendale, CA 91206
Glendale Marketplace Garage
120 S. Artsakh Ave.
Glendale, CA 91205