
Major Events & Festivals in Riverside, California, United States
1. Riverside Art Walk
Monthly event showcasing local artists and art installations in the downtown area, fostering cultural appreciation.
- Artistic Diversity: Offers a wide range of artistic styles and mediums.
- Community Engagement: Encourages interaction between artists, visitors, and local businesses.
- Free Admission: Accessible to all without any ticket or admission fees.
2. March Field Airfest
Biannual air show featuring aerial demonstrations by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and other military aircraft.
- Military History: Provides a unique glimpse into modern military aviation.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Offers activities for all ages, including static displays and interactive exhibits.
- Outdoor Experience: Takes place at the historic March Air Reserve Base, offering a scenic backdrop.
3. Festival Caliente!
Annual celebration of Mexican culture with food, music, dance, and art in downtown Riverside.
- Authentic Cuisine: Features traditional Mexican dishes prepared by local vendors.
- Cultural Education: Provides insights into the rich history and traditions of Mexico.
- Community Unity: Brings together residents and visitors to celebrate a shared heritage.
4. Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival
Annual fair featuring date-themed food, contests, rides, and entertainment.
- Date-Centric Activities: Celebrates the agricultural heritage of Riverside County's date farming industry.
- Family Entertainment: Offers a wide range of activities suitable for all ages, including rides, games, and shows.
- Local Artisans & Vendors: Features local artisans selling their unique creations.
5. Riverside County Wine & Food Experience
Annual event showcasing wines from local wineries and gourmet food pairings.
- Local Wineries: Showcases wines from vineyards within Riverside County.
- Gourmet Food Pairings: Offers attendees the opportunity to sample foods perfectly paired with featured wines.
- Educational Workshops: Includes workshops and seminars led by wine experts for those interested in learning more about wine.
6. Riverside Renaissance Faire
Annual event transporting visitors to a medieval-themed fantasy realm filled with costumes, music, and performances.
- Immersive Experience: Creates an immersive experience for visitors by having performers interact with guests.
- Artisans & Performers: Features artisans demonstrating their crafts, as well as jousting tournaments and stage shows.
- Food & Drink: Offers authentic medieval-style food and drink for guests to enjoy.
7. Riverside Art Crawl
Monthly event highlighting local artists and their studios in the Riverside Arts District.
- Artist Collaboration: Provides opportunities for artists to collaborate and share ideas.
- Direct Access: Allows visitors to interact directly with artists in their studios.
- Unique Artworks: Features a diverse range of unique artworks and styles.
8. Riverside Pride Parade & Festival
Annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in Riverside, featuring a parade, live music, and vendors.
- Community Empowerment: Provides a platform for the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate their identity.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Offers activities suitable for all ages, including games and interactive exhibits.
- Inclusive Environment: Celebrates diversity and fosters an inclusive environment for all attendees.
9. March Field Airfest - Night of Lights
Special nighttime event during the biannual March Field Airfest featuring illuminated aircraft flyovers.
- Unique Light Show: Offers a visually stunning display of illuminated aircraft.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Includes activities for all ages, such as food vendors and interactive exhibits.
- Outdoor Experience: Takes place at the historic March Air Reserve Base, offering a scenic backdrop under the stars.
10. Riverside Splash!
Annual summer event featuring water activities, live music, and food trucks along the riverside.
- Water Activities: Offers a variety of water activities for visitors to enjoy.
- Live Music & Entertainment: Features local musicians and performers throughout the event.
- Scenic Riverside Location: Takes place along the beautiful Santa Ana River, offering a picturesque setting.
11. Riverside Chalk Art Festival
Annual event showcasing chalk art creations by local and international artists.
- Artistic Talent: Features talented artists from around the world.
- Interactive Experience: Allows visitors to walk through the art installations and interact with the pieces.
- Community Engagement: Encourages interaction between artists, visitors, and local businesses.
12. Riverside Harvest Festival
Annual event celebrating the harvest season with pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and family activities.
- Fall Fun: Offers a variety of fall-themed activities for visitors to enjoy.
- Family Bonding: Provides opportunities for families to spend quality time together.
- Scenic Farm Setting: Takes place on a working farm, offering a picturesque and authentic setting.
13. Riverside Dickens Festival
Annual event celebrating the Christmas season with a Victorian-themed street fair.
- Holiday Spirit: Captures the holiday spirit and tradition of Charles Dickens' stories.
- Historic Downtown Setting: Takes place in historic downtown Riverside, enhancing the Victorian atmosphere.
- Entertainment & Activities: Offers live music, caroling, and other holiday-themed activities for visitors.
14. Riverside Hot Air Balloon Regatta
Annual event featuring hot air balloons in a competitive race over the Riverside skyline.
- Aerial Spectacle: Offers a breathtaking display of hot air balloons gliding through the skies.
- Competitive Racing: Includes a competitive race element, adding excitement to the event.
- Scenic Riverside Views: Provides panoramic views of the Riverside skyline and surrounding areas.
15. Riverside Native American Pow Wow
Annual event celebrating Native American culture with traditional music, dance, food, and crafts.
- Cultural Education: Provides insights into the rich history and traditions of Native American cultures.
- Authentic Performance: Features authentic traditional music, dance, and storytelling performances.
- Artisans & Vendors: Showcases Native American artisans selling their unique creations.