In this year's State of the City, I announced 2025 as Riverside's Year of Arts and Culture with over 130 events planned throughout the city. You may have seen this vision come to life in galleries, theaters and our public spaces. As the calendar fills with cultural events, this season reminds us that the arts are more than entertainment, they are a reflection of who we are as Riversiders and they just make life more interesting.
One of the most exciting efforts underway is the Artists-in-Residency program, a collaboration between the Riverside Arts Council and the City of Riverside. Six local artists have been selected to work directly with our neighborhoods, creating public art that honors the unique identity of each community. These projects invite Riversiders to help shape how our city is represented and remembered. Stay tuned for opportunities to share your input as these works take shape.
We also have other opportunities to enjoy art that honors Riversiders. At The Cheech, the exhibition Hecho en Park Avenue, on view through October 26th, celebrates the Eastside community. Curated by the Eastside Arthouse Collective, this exhibition tells the story of the Eastside’s history of advocacy, resilience, and Chicano heritage.
Later this month, the Riverside Art Museum’s ARToberfest on Saturday, October 25 will be a celebration of local art features, live performances, and opportunities for the community to engage directly with artists. It’s a vibrant reminder that the arts are woven into Riverside’s identity and a great way to support our local creative community.
And check out Riverside’s performance venues that draw audiences from throughout the state. The Fox Theater continues to bring in nationally recognized performers alongside local talent, while the Riverside Municipal Auditorium offers something for every musical taste. Any day of the week Riversiders have the opportunity to laugh with friends at a comedy show, watch a favorite band at a concert, or catch a play or musical. These shows are cementing Riverside’s place as a growing cultural destination.
And fall in Riverside wouldn’t be complete without the beloved community traditions that bring us together year after year. October kicks off with the Moon Festival at Heritage House on October 6th, where paper lanterns, mooncakes, and performances highlight the deep contributions of Chinese American culture in Riverside.
On October 11, the Fall Festival returns to Villegas Park with live music, delicious food, and a petting zoo for families to enjoy. Cyclists can take part in the Citrus Classic Bike Ride on October 18, while runners lace up the next day for the Mission Inn Run, traditions that draw both Riversiders and visitors from across the region.
November brings the return of Fiesta DĂa de los Muertos on November 1st through 2nd. This beautiful celebration of life and remembrance fills downtown with music, dance, food, and altars honoring loved ones who have passed away.
On November 8, we pay tribute to our heroes with the annual Salute to Veterans Parade and Expo, honoring those who have served our country and who continue to enrich our community.
And, of course, the season culminates with the 33rd year of the world-famous Festival of Lights beginning with the Switch-On Ceremony on November 22nd. Capping off a year of Riverside’s Arts and Culture in a creative, welcoming, and joyful celebration.
Riverside is where creativity and community spirit take center stage. This fall’s events give us many opportunities to gather, learn, and celebrate. So get out and explore all that our city has to offer.
From cutting-edge crime prevention and ending youth homelessness to arts investment and economic growth, Riverside is shaping a future rooted in innovation and community pride.
