October brings the good spirits and cool weather to Riverside. The calendar is full of activities from the outdoor to the afterlife.
Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Meliia's Lemonade Stand
Tuesday, October 1 | 4:00 p.m. | Corner of Jane and Victoria, 6705 Victoria Ave, Riverside Join the Riverside Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the official grand opening of Meliia's Lemonade Stand with an official ribbon cutting ceremony. This exciting new addition to our local business community brings fresh-squeezed lemonade and refreshing treats to the Victoria Avenue corridor. Meet owner Meliia, and help welcome this sweet new venture to our thriving riverside district. Event Details
Downtown Riverside Haunted Tours Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation
October 2, 3, 4, and 31 | 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Tour starts in front of Eliza Tibbets Statue, 3615 Main Street #102, Riverside Join the Mission Inn Foundation this spooky season for their annual Haunted Tours — a thrilling walk through Riverside's history with a few eerie twists along the way. Not only will you uncover ghostly tales and hidden stories, but every ticket helps support the Mission Inn Foundation's mission to provide educational programs for local schools, share Riverside's rich history with the public, and protect the stories and treasures that make our city unique. Ages 18+, $39.19.missioninnmuseum.org | Event Details
Free Christian Art Exhibit: Icons in Transformation
Saturdays, October 4, 11, 18 | 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. | Immanuel Lutheran Church, 5455 Alessandro Blvd, Riverside Experience the internationally acclaimed Icons in Transformation exhibit, featuring over 150 contemporary works by artist Ludmila Pawlowska. Presented in the sanctuary and fellowship hall of Immanuel Lutheran Church, this powerful collection reimagines traditional sacred icons through modern materials and abstract expression. Free and open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays (1-5 p.m.). Artist proceeds benefit Ukrainians impacted by war. Event Details
Local History Book Fair and Silent Auction
Sunday, October 5 | 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. | Riverside City Hall, 3900 Main St, Riverside The 2025 Riverside Historical Society Local History Book Fair and Silent Auction debuts 5 new books, including the "Anthology of Women in Riverside 1870-1970" (highlighting the stories of over 100 women who contributed to Riverside's growth and development during its first 100 years) and "City Hall 50" (celebrating 50 years of our renowned city hall building). Browse tables of local history books, meet authors, and bid on rare out-of-print editions. Free admission.riversidehistoricalsociety@gmail.com | Event Details
Moon Festival
Monday, October 6 | 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | Heritage House, 8193 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside Celebrate the autumn moon with this traditional festival at Heritage House. The perfect family-friendly evening to honor the harvest season and lunar traditions. Contact (951) 826-5273 for more information. Event Details
50+ Better Health Fair
Wednesday, October 15 | 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. | Janet Goeske Center, 5257 Sierra St, Riverside This vibrant event designed for those 50 and better offers free health and wellness services including vaccine clinics, safe medication disposal, on-site health screenings, relaxing wellness spa experiences, tasty food samples, fun fitness activities, informative exhibitor booths, and access to local services and resources. Come explore, connect, and celebrate your health. Contact (951) 351-8800 for more information. mcosner@jgf4seniors.org | Event Details
October 18: A Full Day of Community Events
The Riverside Citrus Classic Bike Ride
Saturday, October 18 | 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Riverside Plaza, 3639 Riverside Plaza Drive, Riverside The Riverside Citrus Classic Bike Ride supports educational enrichment for students in Riverside. Hosted by the Riverside Educational Enrichment Foundation (REEF), the ride features scenic, well-supported routes for all experience levels, including 7-mile, 28-mile, 50-mile, and 100-mile options. Enjoy a vibrant start and finish at Riverside Plaza with music, vendor booths, and local entertainment. reef4rusd@gmail.com | (951) 333-7724 | Event Details
Pink on Parade Breast Cancer Awareness Walk
Saturday, October 18 | 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Ryan Bonaminio Park, 5000 Tequesquite Ave, Riverside Join us at Pink on Parade to walk Mt. Rubidoux, a 5k endeavor representing the cancer journey, or the Family Fun Walk, a 1.7k route that encircles the park. This annual event features a vendor expo, food and drink, a classic car show, family-friendly activities, and a survivor celebration. Proceeds benefit The Pink Ribbon Place, which provides programs and services to those impacted by cancer in our community at no cost. pinkonparade.org | development@rchf.org | (951) 788-3471 | Event Details
Riverside Sports Complex Entertainment District Community Meeting
Saturday, October 18 | 10:00 a.m. | Springbrook Clubhouse, 1011 Orange Street, Riverside The City of Riverside invites the community to learn more about the proposed Riverside Sports Complex & Entertainment District. In attendance will be key City officials, representatives of the developer and the local community. The proposal includes a 5,005-seat stadium, housing, retail space, sports facilities, and community amenities for the former Ab Brown Sports Complex site. riversideca.gov/northsideplan/neighborhood/riversidesports.html | Event Details
Tragic Endings Ghostly Meal Tour
Saturday, October 18 | 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Historic Victorian Mansion Do you dare to join us for "Tragic Endings, Ghostly Meal & Tour"? This exclusive event for ages 18+ begins with eerie refreshments inside one of Riverside's historic — and rumored haunted — Victorian mansions. Then, as the lanterns flicker and night descends, follow your guide into the shadowed paths of Olivewood Cemetery, where the forgotten dead are dying to share their tragic tales. $75, exact address provided after ticket purchase. Event Details
48th Annual Mission Inn Run
Sunday, October 19 | 7:00 a.m. | Downtown Riverside at Market Street & Third Street The 48th Annual Mission Inn Run returns to downtown Riverside! This historic race has been a Southern California tradition for nearly 50 years, winding through the parks, landmarks and historic neighborhoods of our town. Races include the 5K, 10K and ½ Marathon with dedicated 5K Walk. All participants receive the 2025 limited edition dry-tech T-shirt, finisher medal, and limited edition non-woven reusable tote bag. Proceeds support the nonprofit Mission Inn Foundation and Museum.missioninnmuseum.org | Event Details
Blue Zones Project Riverside Mission Inn Run Cheer Squad
Sunday, October 19 | 8:00 a.m. | Downtown Riverside at Market Street & Third Street For those who want to participate in the Mission Inn Run festivities but prefer cheering on runners rather than completing the full course, join the Blue Zones Project Riverside Cheer Squad. A perfect way to be part of this major Riverside tradition while supporting community health and wellness initiatives. Event Details
Nosferatu - A Vampire Silent Movie
Saturday, October 25 | 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. | Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, RiversideFriends of the Mission Inn presents the classic vampire silent film Nosferatu, accompanied live on the Mission Inn's historic Kimball Organ by organist William Zeitler. This atmospheric screening combines cinematic history with the grandeur of one of Riverside's most iconic venues. Doors open at noon, program begins at 1:00 p.m. Perfect Halloween season entertainment in an unforgettable setting. Tickets
