Azusa and Monrovia Events Highlight Community Cycling and Cultural Engagement

Community initiatives in the San Gabriel Valley are set to bring residents together through distinct events this summer, focusing on active transportation and cultural enrichment. Azusa is preparing to host its inaugural Twilight Criterium, a closed-circuit cycling race, while Monrovia will welcome attendees to its Pride Book Festival, celebrating literature and community connection.

Azusa Twilight Criterium

The city of Azusa will be the setting for the Azusa Twilight Criterium on Saturday, July 11th. This event is designed to bring a dynamic cycling competition to the city’s downtown area. The criterium format, a race held on a short, closed circuit, is known for its fast pace and spectator-friendly nature.

This race is part of a larger weekend for Californian cyclists, as the state championship is scheduled for the following day in Manhattan Beach. The Azusa event also coincides with the ongoing centennial celebrations for Route 66, a historic highway that passes through the city, adding a layer of local heritage to the proceedings.

Organisers are encouraging participation, with registration details available for interested racers. The event is expected to draw both professional and amateur cyclists, providing a showcase for the sport and a lively atmosphere for the local community. Details of the race and its connection to Route 66’s legacy are being highlighted by city officials and cycling advocacy groups.

Monrovia Pride Book Festival

In Monrovia, the focus shifts to literary and cultural engagement with the upcoming Monrovia Pride Book Festival, scheduled for this Saturday. Organised by Underdog Books, the festival aims to be a significant gathering for authors and readers, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.

The festival programme includes a diverse range of activities, featuring appearances by dozens of authors, discussion panels exploring various themes, and engaging drag storytellers. A pet parade is also part of the lineup, adding a unique and family-friendly element to the day’s events.

Underdog Books, which has recently seen new leadership and an expansion of its operations, is positioning itself as a non-profit organisation dedicated to serving as a community safe space. This book festival is a key initiative under its new direction, aiming to foster dialogue, celebrate diverse voices, and strengthen community bonds through literature and arts. Previous engagement with the bookstore’s former leadership has been noted, indicating a continuity of community support and evolution of its mission.

Community Impact and Urban Engagement

These events underscore a broader trend of local authorities and community groups utilising public spaces for engaging activities that promote both physical well-being and cultural appreciation. The Azusa Criterium taps into the growing interest in cycling as both a recreational and competitive pursuit, while also leveraging the city’s downtown infrastructure. Such events can stimulate local economies by drawing visitors and encouraging spending at local businesses.

The Monrovia Pride Book Festival, on the other hand, highlights the role of cultural events in building inclusive communities and providing platforms for underrepresented voices. By transforming public spaces into venues for literary and artistic expression, the festival contributes to the cultural vibrancy of the city and reinforces its commitment to diversity and community support. The involvement of a bookstore transitioning into a non-profit community hub signifies a model for how local businesses can evolve to meet community needs and provide valuable social infrastructure.

Both events, though different in nature, serve to activate public spaces and foster a sense of community engagement. They demonstrate how cities can support diverse interests, from sports and active lifestyles to arts and culture, through well-organised local programming. The success of such events often relies on effective collaboration between city governments, local businesses, community organisations, and resident participation.

Key facts

Source: Streetsblog LA, https://la.streetsblog.org/2026/06/18/sgv-connect-149-azusa-twilight-criterium-monrovia-pride