Residents enjoy summer activities across Riverside, including swim lessons, outdoor gatherings, sailing on Fairmount Park lake and a round of golf. (Courtesy of the City of Riverside)
Graduations, promotions, vacation planning, swimming lessons…all signs that summer has arrived and with it, a host of activities to make the next few months fun and interesting in Riverside.
With longer days and kids out of school, the City has planned all sorts of summer fun accessible to everyone and every taste.
Our beloved Concerts in the Park series returns to Fairmount Park every Wednesday evening from June 24 through July 29. These free community concerts bring live music, a beer garden, food vendors, and family-friendly fun to one of Riverside's most iconic gathering spaces.
Fairmount Park also offers unique summer experiences like the Riverside Community Sailing Program and swan pedal boat rentals on the lake. You can also enjoy an affordable round of golf at the golf course, one of the few public courses available in Riverside. Our historic Fairmount continues to be one of the best places in the city to enjoy the outdoors in a beautiful setting.
We are also continuing our Movies in the Park series, with free movies on Friday evenings throughout the summer. Pack a picnic and blanket and bring a friend to enjoy a movie under the stars together.
And of course, our seven public pools reopen June 1, offering opportunities for families to cool off during the triple-digit days we know are coming. Whether you are learning to swim, spending time with friends, or simply escaping the heat, our pools remain one of the best summer traditions in Riverside.
If you are looking for something more structured this summer, our Parks and Recreation Activity Guide offers something for every age group: Ceramics, cooking, woodshop classes, adult boxing, pickleball, volleyball leagues and countless opportunities to learn new skills, stay active, and connect with others. Families can also take advantage of swim lessons, day camps, and youth activities happening throughout the city. You can register for any of these classes and so much more, here.
One of the highlights of the summer is our Fourth of July celebrations as we join communities across the nation in commemorating America's 250th anniversary. In addition to our fireworks celebrations at La Sierra Park and Mount Rubidoux, Riverside will host a series of America250 events throughout the community to celebrate our nation's history and future.
For many Riverside families, summer also brings a real challenge: when school is out, gone are the reliable meals many children count on each day. That's why programs like Riverside Summer Feeds are so important. Beyond nutritious meals, these programs give families peace of mind and kids a safe, welcoming place to gather. No child should spend their summer worrying about where their next meal will come from, and Riverside remains committed to supporting the health and well-being of our young people.
As Mayor, I believe investing in our quality of life is just as important as investing in infrastructure and economic development. Strong cities are not only measured by roads and buildings, but by whether families feel connected, children feel supported, and residents feel proud of where they live.
So this summer, take advantage of everything our city has to offer. Go to a concert. Watch a movie in the park. Visit one of our pools. Try something new. Meet your neighbors. Support local events.
Summer in Riverside is about community, and there is no better community than ours. I hope to see you out there this summer!
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