City of Martinez kicks off Sesquicentennial Celebration: “Past, Present, Future, Together”

150th Anniversary of Cityhood

By Eve Kearney, Martinez City Manager’s Office

Martinez, CA — The City of Martinez is proud to celebrate the beginning of its Sesquicentennial year, marking 150 years since the City’s incorporation on April 1, 1876. Under the theme “Past, Present, Future, Together,” the City will honor its rich history, vibrant community, and bright future ahead. The City will be celebrating its 150th Anniversary on April 1, 2026, and to mark this momentous occasion, the City will be undertaking initiatives and events throughout 2026.

The Sesquicentennial will be recognized throughout the entire 2026 calendar year with special events, community projects, and opportunities for residents to celebrate the community’s legacy and help shape its next chapter.
Milestone Events

As part of the Sesquicentennial year, the City will hold three official events to honor the 150th anniversary.

• Early 2026 – District Community Sessions: To foster meaningful engagement and share the City’s forward-looking plans, Martinez will host Community Sessions in each district early in the year. These sessions will give residents a chance to learn about current City initiatives preparing Martinez for the future, offer input and ask questions, and connect with neighbors and City leaders.
• April 1, 2026 – Sesquicentennial City Council Meeting: April 1st marks the official 150th anniversary of Martinez’s incorporation. To honor this historic date, the City Council will hold a commemorative meeting featuring historical reflections, special recognitions, and highlights of Sesquicentennial initiatives taking place throughout the year.
• August 29, 2026 – Sesquicentennial Festival: To bring residents together in celebration of Martinez’s history and community spirit, the City will host a large-scale festival on August 29th featuring music, food, activities, and cultural showcases. The festival will highlight the people and stories that have shaped Martinez across generations.

Milestone Projects

As part of the Sesquicentennial, the City is launching three key initiatives designed to strengthen Martinez’s future while celebrating its identity.

• Park System Master Plan Update: A comprehensive effort to re‑envision Martinez’s parks, open spaces, and recreation facilities for generations to come. Through community collaboration and thoughtful planning, this update will provide a roadmap to enhance existing spaces, expand opportunities, and strengthen connection between people and their parks.
• Utility Box Art Program: A creative beautification project that will transform utility boxes throughout the City into works of public art celebrating Martinez’s culture, history, and community.
• 150 Trees for 150 Years: More than 150 trees have been planted across the City in advance of the Sesquicentennial year along Alhambra Avenue, Marina Vista, Arnold Drive, and other key corridors throughout Martinez. Residents will see these new trees begin to flourish as part of the Sesquicentennial year.

A Community Celebration

Residents, businesses, and community organizations are encouraged to participate in the celebratory events and key projects throughout 2026.

“Martinez’s Sesquicentennial is a celebration of where we’ve been and where we’re going,” said Mayor Brianne Zorn. “Together, we will honor our past, embrace our present, and build a future that reflects the spirit and resilience of our community.”

District Community Sessions 

The City is hosting district Community Sessions to kick off the year! Meet your District Representative and the Mayor and learn about key City initiatives planned or already underway.

Topics at these Sessions include:

• Sesquicentennial Celebration year
• City 4-Year Strategic Plan
• Waterfront and Marina Revitalization Project
• Park Masterplan Update

We’re bringing these conversations directly to you by hosting one session in each district of the City. No matter which date or location you attend, the topics and discussions will be the same, so you can choose the session most convenient for you and still be part of this conversation about our shared future.

January 15, 2026 5:30-7:30pm – District 4

Grace Episcopal Church, 130 Muir Station Road

Hosted by District Council Member Debbie McKillop and Mayor Zorn

January 28, 2026 6:30-8:30pm – District 2

John Muir Elementary School, 205 Vista Way

Hosted by District Council Member Greg Young and Mayor Zorn

February 12, 2026 6-8pm – District 3

Location to be confirmed

Hosted by District Council Member Satinder Malhi and Mayor Zorn

February 25, 2026 6-8pm – District 1

Alhambra High School, 150 E Street

Hosted by District Council Member Jay Howard and Mayor Zorn

Additional events and details will be shared on the City’s official channels as the celebration year unfolds, including on the City website at www.cityofmartinez.org/150.