Summer's not done with us yet — the heat's still hanging around and those first "back to school" signs are popping up on lawns and storefronts. But before the routines of fall settle back in, there's still plenty of August left to enjoy. Whether you're squeezing in one more walking tour, testing your trivia knowledge on a Wednesday night, or coming out to support Riverside Arts Academy's young musicians at their summer fundraiser, there's a little something for everyone this month. Here's what's on our radar.
Upcoming Opportunities for Your Radar
Centerpiece Challenge: Design to Win!
The Mission Inn Foundation invites artists to submit proposals for original centerpiece designs to be featured at the Frank Miller Civic Achievement Award Dinner, honoring Kathy Wright & Dwight Tate. Submission deadline: August 10.
Cheech Film Program & Residency
Calling Inland Empire filmmakers: selected projects receive a stipend of up to $10,000 and a year-long production cycle, culminating in a premiere at The Cheech in June 2027. Submission deadline: August 15.
An all-women's chorus is looking for new singers. No audition necessary, though a knowledge of reading music is preferred. Meets Wednesdays, August 12, 19, and 26, 9:30–11:30 am, Victoria Presbyterian Church.
Arts & Culture
Summer Zine Workshop Series with Brookes Reeder
Saturday, August 30, 1–4 pm, Riverside Art Museum. Free. Learn how to make your own zine with Brookes Reeder of @lunchtimeprinthouse. Come to one, two, or all three sessions.
Little Shop of Horrors 40th Anniversary Screening
Friday, August 14, 7 pm. Forty years ago, Frank Oz brought the off-Broadway musical by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman to the big screen, itself a twist on Roger Corman's 1960 original. Rick Moranis stars as a mild-mannered flower shop worker whose bloodthirsty, fast-talking plant turns his life upside down, with Ellen Greene, Vincent Gardenia, and Steve Martin along for the ride. Catch the cult classic on the big screen for its 40th anniversary.
Amor Prohibido - Tribute to Selena
Saturday, August 29, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, Riverside Municipal Auditorium. Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, known simply as Selena, remains one of the most influential figures in Tejano music, earning her the title "Queen of Tejano." Her genre-blending sound reshaped Latin music in the early '90s, and her career was cut short when she died at just 23. Ages 3+ welcome, everyone requires a ticket regardless of age.
Community Events
The Wonders of Waste with Riverside Public Works
Wednesday, August 5, 6–7 pm, Cactus Cantina, 151 Alessandro Blvd. Free. Meet the Riverside Public Works team and learn about caring for your community. Community service hours available.
Courthouse, Murals and Heroes Walking Tour
Fridays, August 14 & 28, 3:30 pm, starting at Mission Inn Foundation, 3598 Main Street. $23.18. A downtown walking tour covering the Riverside County Courthouse exterior, historic architecture, murals, and the Main Street Freedom Walk.
Saturdays, August 1, 15, & 29, 8 am, Mt. Rubidoux Trailhead near Ryan Bonaminio Park. $21.20. A guided walk up the mountain covering its history and panoramic views, suitable for all fitness levels.
Tuesday, August 4, 11 am–4 pm, and Saturday, August 29, 8 am–1 pm, Corporation Yard. Furniture, electronics, clothing, books, bikes, office supplies, lab equipment, and more, priced to move. Credit/debit or mobile pay only.
Health & Wellness
These free sessions are hosted by Community Yoga Center, a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to making yoga education and practice accessible to everyone in the community. Ongoing throughout August, varying locations:
Standard First Aid with CPR/AED Adult/Pediatric
Sunday, August 30, 9:30–11:30 am, UCR Student Recreation Center Conference Room. Blended in-person/virtual course resulting in a 2-year certification. Open to the general public.
Get Outdoors / Recreation
Saturdays, August 1, 8, 15, & 22, 8–10 am, Fairmont Park. Free. Fun and casual, all welcome.
Out & About
Saturday, August 29. Meets 4050 Main Street, 2 hours before ride time; ride starts at sunset (8 pm in summer). 10–12 miles, open to pedal bikes, e-bikes, scooters, and cargo bikes. Bike rentals available via the site's "Rent a Bike" tab.
Plants, prizes, and a little friendly competition — Plant Bingo brings a fresh twist to game night. Gather your crew, grab a card, and see who can spot and match plants the fastest as you play. It's part scavenger hunt, part trivia, and all fun, with a chance to learn something new about the green world around you along the way.
- 8/19 @ Taco Station
- 8/23 @ Thomson Brewing Co. (Noon Session)
- 8/23 @ Thomson Brewing Co. (Evening Session)
Wednesdays, 7 pm, Food Lab, 3605 Market Street. Free to play, prizes for winners.
Live Music
Farm House Collective presents, Friday, August 14, with special guests Funk Freaks. A pioneering figure in West Coast electro, Egyptian Lover has spent over four decades crafting a signature sound built on driving 808 beats, funk, and hip-hop energy. Funk Freaks join the bill with their own mix of funk, boogie, disco, and rare groove classics for a night of heavy bass and packed dance floors.
Presented by (((folkYEAH!))) at Farm House Collective, Friday, August 28. Doors/show 7 pm, ends 10 pm. With opener Marinero. Formed in Seattle in 2012 and fronted by guitarist and vocalist Shana Cleveland, La Luz has built a following for its moody, reverb-drenched sound often described as "surf noir," blending dreamy harmonies with a psychedelic garage-rock edge.
Summer Break for the Kids
Saturday, August 29, 10–11 am, LandUse Learning Center, 4500 Glenwood Drive. Free. A one-hour children's nature program held the last Saturday of each month, with story time, crafts, demonstrations, and nature walks in the garden.
Get Your Tickets Now
Sueño de Verano — Featuring Mariachi Campana de Riverside
Hosted by Riverside Arts Academy, Saturday, August 29, 6:30–8:30 pm. Set beneath a warm summer evening, this salon-style gathering brings together thoughtfully paired food and drink with a live performance by Mariachi Campana de Riverside, the Riverside Arts Academy's flagship ensemble. It's an intimate evening built around music, connection, and community. Every ticket goes directly toward the RAA Scholarship Fund, helping keep music education within reach for local students regardless of their family's financial circumstances. With limited seating, this is a rare chance to support the next generation of young musicians while enjoying an unforgettable night out.
Save the Date
Riverside Arts & Music Festival — returning this year, with applications for artist vendors, performers, and volunteers coming soon.
Mission Inn Festival of Lights (34th Annual) — Switch-on Ceremony Saturday, November 21, 5 pm, Orange St. and Mission Inn Ave. Festival runs November 22–December 31 (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day).
The Raincross Rundown is published monthly by the Raincross Gazette staff. Know about an event we should include? Add it to our Community Calendar.
