"Dickens wrote the novel as a call out to the injustices of his time, and that spirit aligns beautifully with the work happening across Riverside right now," said Imari Nuyen-Kariotis, RDF Entertainment Chair. "At one point, someone said, 'We already have modern Olivers in our community — how do we honor them and the people supporting them?' That comment stuck with me."
The festival has partnered with Riverside University Health System, Disability Access Office and the Library System, connecting Dickens' social advocacy to contemporary challenges.
New storytelling circles will feature disabled community members and youth sharing personal narratives on resilience, identity and belonging.
"These aren't performances; they're conversations," Nuyen-Kariotis said. "My hope is that people walk away with a deeper understanding of how powerful it is when we make space for voices that are too often overlooked."
A collaborative canvas mural project invites attendees to contribute brushstrokes, signatures and illustrations. The completed piece will be installed in a public space after the festival.
Traditional festival elements return, including character reenactments, the Children's Tea featuring Queen Victoria and literary figures, and historical exhibits.
Saturday's schedule features the Poetry in Motion fashion show at 2:15 p.m., with models portraying Victorian poetesses. Sunday will host the Steampunk Peacock Parade.
The Riverside Dickens Festival features Victorian character appearances, steampunk activities, entertainment and period demonstrations at White Park. This year's event runs Feb. 21-22. (Photos courtesy of Riverside Dickens Festival)
Entertainment includes performances by the Sweetwater Creek Band, the Merry Wives of Windsor, the Limónadas Dance Company and pyrojuggler Thomas Wood. Character appearances include Mr. Pickwick, the Red Queen, the Mad Hatter and Jane Austen.
More information: The festival runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at White Park, 3901 Market St. Admission is $20 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12 and seniors 65 and older, and free for children 5 and under. ADA-compliant pathways, rest areas and low-sensory programming spaces will be available. For details and tickets, visit dickensfest.com.
