🍊 Friday Gazette: July 4, 2025

Friday Gazette: July 4, 2025

Hello Riverside, Happy Friday — and Happy Fourth of July!

We're almost at the end of our weeklong summer membership campaign.

As we celebrate our nation's independence, it's worth reflecting on the critical role independent local journalism plays in a healthy democracy.

If you've lived in Riverside for any length of time, chances are you've heard someone say, "Riverside is like a big city with small-town charm," or something like it. If you're newer to town, you might not know that sense of community exists largely because, for over 100 years, there was a newspaper doing the work of telling Riverside’s story—connecting neighbors to one another and to their local leaders.

Unfortunately, as economic realities changed for newspapers at the end of the last century, Riverside lost local, independent ownership of that newsroom, and our city has slowly suffered in the wake.

The Gazette exists to rebuild what this city once had—adapted for an ever-changing digital age—and we rely on support from readers like you to produce our hyperlocal, independent journalism.

Since we launched this membership campaign on Tuesday, 13 people have chosen to support us with recurring subscriptions. Thank you! It's a big task, but I'm hoping 96 more readers will do the same before the end of the day on Sunday.

If you're able, I’d truly appreciate it if you signed up for a monthly or annual donation today and helped build the newsroom Riverside deserves.

COMMUNITY

July 4th Celebration Guide

Some of the best Independence Day things to do in Riverside.

Main Event: 4th of July Spectacular

Friday, July 4, at 9 p.m. – FREE

The City of Riverside presents fireworks at two locations:

La Sierra Park

5215 La Sierra Ave.
• Park is closed all day for safety
• Alternative viewing: Doty Trust Park and Myra Linn Park

Mt. Rubidoux

Ryan Bonaminio Park, 5000 Tequesquite Ave.
• Offers a more scenic/elevated viewing experience
• Iconic Riverside location with panoramic views

Both locations feature entertainment, food vendors and family activities before the fireworks.

Be sure to be neighborly: watch from a safe spot and leave sidewalks and driveways clear.

Visit riversideca.gov for more details.

Daytime Activities

Courthouse Murals and Heroes Walking Tour | 1-2 p.m.
Explore Riverside’s historic murals and learn about local heroes.

Visit raincrossgazette.com/calendar for more details.

Calvary Presbyterian Church Festival | 7 -10 p.m.
Traditional community July 4 festival with activities and refreshments.

Gates for the festival open at 7:00 pm and everything is FREE but the food trucks. Food trucks will have shredded beef tacos, burritos, tostadas, and tortas.

Visit calvarypresch.org for more details

Farm House Sandlot Screening | 6:30 p.m.
Special outdoor movie screening.

Grab concessions at Cold One and enjoy free popcorn with any purchase!

Check out their Instagram for more details.

Evening Bar Scene

Riverside Red, White & Brew Bar Crawl | 5-11 p.m.
Patriotic-themed bar crawl through Downtown.

Check out raincrossgazette.com/calendar for more details.

Important Notes

• All fireworks are illegal in Riverside — fines start at $1,500
• Bring blankets and lawn chairs for fireworks viewing
• Arrive early for best parking and viewing spots
• Consider the "Paws & Peace" event if you want to help comfort shelter pets during fireworks. Visit petsadoption.org for more information.

Pro Tips

• Start with the afternoon walking tour
• Grab dinner at a nearby restaurant
• Arrive at fireworks locations by 8 p.m.
• Have backup viewing locations in mind
• Stay hydrated and bring snacks

Read and share the complete story...

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Adoptable Pet of the Week

Meet Rudy!

Meet this week’s featured furry friend from the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center. Dedicated to eliminating pet homelessness, the center provides compassionate care and facilitates adoptions for animals in need of loving homes. Find your new companion and help support their mission of humane care and responsible pet ownership.

Say hello to Rudy, a sweet and mellow 2-year-old pup who’s learning the world isn’t such a scary place after all. He walks nicely on a leash, loves exploring, and finds comfort in the company of other dogs. With a little patience and a calm environment, Rudy will blossom into the loyal, loving friend you’ve been waiting for. Visit petsadoption.org for more information on Rudy and all adoptable pets.

Alumni Update: Bluey has been adopted!

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What's Happening in Riverside

Friday, July 4

• Riverside Sunrise Rotary at Zacatecas Mexican Cafe
• Paws & Peace: A 4th of July Comfort Event for Adoptable Dogs & Cats at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center
• Courthouse, Murals and Heroes Walking Tour at Mission Inn Foundation ($23.18)
• Fridays are Fun! at My Learning Studio ($247- $277)
• Riverside Red White and Brew Bar Crawl starting at Palenque Kitchen

Saturday, July 5

• Youth Writer's Camp at Bourns Family Youth Innovation Center
• Emo Prom at The Hideaway Cafe & Lounge
• Legends Of Hard Rock: Volume 5 at Riverside Municipal Auditorium

Sunday, July 6

• Blue Zones Project Riverside Hiking Moai at Mt. Rubidoux
• Gardening for Butterflies at UCR Botanic Gardens
• Learn Origami at UCR Botanic Gardens
• Storytime in the Gardens at UCR Botanic Gardens
• Your Place: The Unexpected Power of Writing About Place at Inlandia Institute ($150- $350)

Save the Date

• July 5: Bingo at the Janet Goeske Center at Janet Goeske Center ($20- $100)
• October 18: The Riverside Citrus Classic Bike Ride at Riverside Plaza ($15- $80)

🗓️ See More Events     📝 Submit Your Event

📸 Submit a photo to be featured in our newsletters and social media accounts.

🏆 Nominate a remarkable Riversider as Neighbor of the Week.