
January
MAYOR'S STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
• Each year the Mayor is hosted by the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce at the State of the City luncheon. The Mayor reviews the past year's events and accomplishments, and sets forth the plans and objectives for the new year. 951-683-7100
RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY PLAYERS
• Riverside's oldest arts organization performs throughout the year. Historic and contemporary plays with local and notable actors promise theater-goers an enchanting evening of entertainment. 951-369-1200
February
BLACK HISTORY PARADE & EXPO
• Held on the second Saturday in February. The Parade begins at 10:00am from Terracina & Magnolia (RCC), proceeds down Market St. and ends at 13th & Main in front of the Old Court House. The Expo also starts at 10:00am on the Main St. Mall next to City Hall. For more information call 951-682-4782.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY NATIONAL DATE FESTIVAL
• Camel and ostrich races, Arabian Nights Pageant, arts and crafts, gem and mineral show. Commercial exhibits, home arts, exotic foods and much more.
619-347-0676
DICKENS FESTIVAL
• First weekend of February and other events throughout the year celebrating 19th century Victorian England and America and writers of the period, especially Charles Dickens, with plays, pageantry, Victorian ball, vendors, street entertainment, pub supper, teas, music, art and more. 800-430-4140
March
EVENING FOR THE ARTS
• A fundraiser to benefit the arts in our community, and not to be missed! Mystery locations for hors d'oeuvres, gourmet dinner and fabulous desserts. Gifts Auction. Great Fun! Riverside Arts Foundation, 951-680-1345
SPRING GALA PERFORMANCES
• Mixed bill performances by the Repertoire Riverside Ballet Theatre,
951-787-7850
April
RAMONA PAGEANT
• A romance of early California. Utilizing an entire mountain-side as a stage, the poignant love story of Ramona and her Indian hero, Alessandro, has a cast of more than 400. The play's worldwide fame has attracted an audience of
nearly 2 million during the seven decades that it has annually been staged. Its beauty is unparalleled. A fascinating journey into the California of yester-year at the Ramona Bowl in Hemet. 951-658-3111 or 800-645-4465.
MULTICULTURAL YOUTH FESTIVAL
• Join the Riverside Youth Council in exploring the heritage and cultures of Riverside. The festival offers an extensive array of attractions and exhibits that focus on the similarities among today's youth while at the same time celebrating their diversity. 951-826-5686
May
INDIAN POW WOW
• Sherman Indian High School hosts their annual pow wow featuring dancers in their native costumes, food and crafts.
951-276-6337
VINTAGE HOME TOUR
• Architecturally and historically significant homes are featured on the tour. The Restoration Faire includes vendors
selling items for use in restoration of structures. Old Riverside Foundation
951-683-2725
June
CHERRY VALLEY CHERRY FESTIVAL
• Carnival, food concessions, stage shows, music, crafts and games. Pick your own cherries! Cherry Festival Association
951-845-3628 or 951-845-9541
JURUPA RODEO
• This major Southern California rodeo attracts top circuit riders in the United States. Jurupa Chamber of Commerce 951-681-9242
July
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
• Celebrate America's Independence at Wheelock Field. Located at Riverside Community College. Festivities, food booths, and entertainment. Then at sunset view fireworks from the ground and high atop Mount Rubidoux. Concurrently in La Sierra, at La Sierra Park, Independence Day festivities with fireworks at sunset are also offered. Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce
951-683-7100
September
ANNUAL MAYOR'S BALL FOR THE ARTS
• One grand evening the White Park is transformed into a huge stage by this annual fundraiser. Many organizations and groups of attendees arrive in costume with props, decorations, food, and drink to enjoy their separate banquet productions which range from simple picnics to lavish black tie. Prizes are awarded in many categories as music and dancing continue late into the star-studded night. City Hall 951-826-5312
OKTOBERFEST
• German-style festival at Big Bear Lake with log sawing contests, yodeling
contests, polka bands, dance groups,
and authentic German food. Big Bear Chamber of Commerce 909-866-4607
WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
• Sponsored by the YWCA, this luncheon attracts approximately 800 people, gathered to honor leading female achievers. YWCA 951-688-5531
October
FESTA ITALIANA
• Held annually at White Park in downtown Riverside, the festival features food, entertainment and family fun. For more information, call 951-826-2391.
GHOSTWALK RIVERSIDE
• What do you get when you combine historic landmarks with spooky spine-tingling stories? Ghostwalk Riverside! This haunting fund raiser will stalk downtown on Halloween weekend. A Halloween must for the whole family! Riverside Ballet Theatre 951-787-7850.
PANHELLENIC HOME TOUR
• Five select homes in the Riverside area are "on tour" in this annual fund raiser to benefit local charities. For more information 951-684-6308 or 686-9627.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY PHILHARMONIC
• Every year beginning in October the Philharmonic plans five outstanding programs under the direction of the gifted conductor and music director Patrick Flynn. Performances are in October, November, January, March, and April. Don't miss this fine orchestra performing in the historic Municipal Auditorium. Riverside County Philharmonic
951-787-0251
November
RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS & SKATING RINK
• To kick off the holiday season Riverside presents the Festival of Lights and Downtown Skating Rink the day after Thanksgiving. Bring the whole family and join the festivities!
FESTIVAL OF TREES
• Annual fund raiser by Riverside General Hospital Foundation is held the last week of November. Riverside Convention Center. RCRMC Foundation 951-358-7950
MISSION INN 5K/10K RUN
• Runners and walkers from throughout Southern California gather annually on the second Sunday of November for the Mission Inn 5K/10K run. About 1,200 participants run, walk and racewalk the 5K and 10K scenic course through historic downtown Riverside's Fairmount Park, around Lake Evans, Bankers' Row, Mt. Rubidoux, and turn-of-the-century homes. Mission Inn 5K/10K Run
951-781-8241
MISSION INN HOTEL & SPA
• Stroll through the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa’s magnificent grounds, decorated to celebrate the season with over two million lights! Enjoy the sounds of the holiday’s as Dickens’ Carolers stroll throughout the hotel every Thursday through Sunday, beginning the Firday after Thanksgiving, or enjoy a romantic
carriage ride around the extravagantly
lit grounds.
December
ANNUAL JUNIOR LEAGUE BALL
• This black tie fund raiser is attended by hundreds of Riversiders — a time to see and be seen. 951-683-0622
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
• Music and entertainment brighten Christmas spirits at historic Heritage House. Refreshments, gifts & tours. Riverside Municipal Museum
951-826-5273
HOLIDAY HOME TOUR YWCA
• Sponsors this tour that visits five homes varying in style and age, from elegant Victorian homes to spectacular modern ones. Bus service for tours provided. Holiday Home Tour, Redlands
909-793-2957
"THE NUTCRACKER"
• The Riverside Ballet Theatre Company performs the classic ballet "The Nutcracker." Matinee and evening performances. Riverside Ballet Theatre
951-787-7850