Anthony Solorzano sits down with the actor, comedian and art collector to discuss how the Cheech Marin Center bridges cultural identity and social activism.
Riverside Arts Walk Thursday, July 3 | 6 to 9 p.m. | Downtown Riverside Downtown’s biggest monthly arts celebration returns with 22 galleries and museums open late, artisan vendors lining Main Street, and special activities at both the Riverside Art Museum and The Cheech. This free event transforms downtown into an open-air gallery perfect for exploring Riverside’s thriving arts scene. riversideartscouncil.com
Disney’s Newsies Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 20 | Landis Performing Arts Center The high-energy Broadway musical comes to Riverside with performances Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. This Tony Award-winning show brings the inspiring story of the 1899 newsboys’ strike to life with dynamic choreography and memorable songs. performanceriverside.org
T.S.O.L. Sunday, July 20 | 2:30 p.m. | Riverside Municipal Auditorium Legendary Orange County punk pioneers T.S.O.L. (True Sounds of Liberty) bring their influential hardcore sound to Riverside. A rare opportunity to see these underground icons who helped define West Coast punk in an intimate venue setting. riversiderma.com
Concerts in the Park Wednesdays | 6 to 9 p.m. | Fairmount Park July’s outdoor concert series features diverse musical styles perfect for family-friendly summer evenings. July 9 brings Sonora de Los Angeles with cumbia and rock en español, July 16 features The Dreamboats performing ’50s and ’60s classics, and July 23 showcases B.I.G. with R&B and old-school favorites.
Arts & Culture
Courthouse Murals and Heroes Walking Tour Friday, July 4 | 1 p.m. | Downtown Riverside A special Independence Day walking tour exploring downtown’s historic courthouse area, featuring vibrant murals and stories of local heroes. Led by knowledgeable Mission Inn Foundation docents, this tour combines Riverside’s art, architecture, and history. raincrossgazette.com/calendar
Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour 2025 July 12–13 & 19–20 | UCR Culver Center of the Arts, 3824 Main St. Experience the best short films from the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in this acclaimed touring program. Weekend screenings at 3 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday offer film enthusiasts a chance to see cutting-edge cinema in Riverside’s premier arts venue. artsblock.ucr.edu
Free Summer Sundays Every Sunday through Sept. 7 | Noon to 5 p.m. | Riverside Art Museum & The Cheech Beat the summer heat while exploring world-class art with free admission to both museums every Sunday. The Riverside Art Museum features local and regional exhibitions, while The Cheech showcases Chicano and Latino art and culture.
Community Events
Front Row Fireworks 2025 Friday, July 4 | 6 to 9:30 p.m. | Evergreen Memorial Historic Cemetery Experience Independence Day fireworks from a unique front-row perspective at this special celebration in Riverside’s historic cemetery. This family-friendly event combines patriotic celebration with local history in an unforgettable setting.
Back to School Kickoff and Backpack Giveaway Saturday, July 19 | 9 a.m. to noon | Riverside Main Library The Miracle & Dreams Foundation hosts this community celebration helping families prepare for the new school year. Free backpacks and school supplies are available while supplies last, making this an essential community resource event. riversideca.gov/library
IE International Food & Music Festival 2025 Saturday, July 26 – Sunday, July 27 | 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Mission Inn Avenue Mission Inn Avenue transforms into a global celebration featuring international cuisine, live music, and cultural performances. This major weekend festival showcases the Inland Empire’s diverse communities through food, entertainment, and cultural exchange.
