Riverside keeps an active annual calendar of things to see and do. Here are a few, courtesy of the city of Riverside (riversideca.gov)

Riverside Dickens Festival, California Annual Events

Riverside Airshow, Riverside, CA

Riverside 4th of July

January
* RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY PLAYERS
Riverside's oldest arts organization performs throughout the year. Historic and contemporary plays with local and notable actors promise theater-goers an enchanting evening of entertainment. (951) 369-1200
* PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
An annual event focusing on cinematic styles & accomplishments. Five days of premieres and celebrities. (619) 322-2930
* VICTORIAN TWELFTH NIGHT
The Old Riverside Foundation, a non-profit organization for historic preservation, holds an annual Victorian Twelfth Night Celebration which includes a four-course progressive dinner hosted in some of the city's most illustrious vintage homes

February

* BLACK HISTORY PARADE & EXPO
Held on the second Saturday in February. The Parade begins at 10:00am from Terracina & Magnolia (RCC), proceeds down Market St. and ends at 13th & Main in front of the Old Court House. The Expo also starts at 10:00am on the Main St. Mall next to City Hall. For more information call (951) 682-4782.
* RIVERSIDE COUNTY NATIONAL DATE FESTIVAL
Camel and ostrich races, Arabian Nights Pageant, arts and crafts, gem and mineral show. commercial exhibits, home arts, exotic foods and much more. Indio Chamber of Commerce, (619) 347-0676
* DICKENS FESTIVAL
Main Days first weekend of February and other events throughout the year celebrating 19th century Victorian England and America and writers of the period, especially Charles Dickens, with plays, pageantry, Victorian ball, vendors, street entertainment, pub supper, teas, music, art and more.

March

* EVENING FOR THE ARTS
A fundraiser to benefit the arts in our community, and not to be missed! Mystery locations for hors d'oeuvres, gourmet dinner and fabulous desserts. Gifts Auction. Great Fun! Riverside Arts Foundation, (951) 680-1345
* SPRING GALA PERFORMANCES
Mixed bill performances by the Repertoire Riverside Ballet Theatre, (951) 787-7850

April

* APPLE FESTIVAL WEEKEND
This festival celebrates the apple trees in blossom. Festivities include a barbecue, dance, and a Miss Apple Blossom Contest. Oak Glen Apple Growers Association,
(909) 797-6833 or 787-1005.
* RENAISSANCE PLEASURE FAIRE
The original recreation of a 16th century English country fair honors the coming of spring with thousands of costumed performers, 15 festive parades, crafts and pageantry. Weekends April through June. San Bernardino Convention, & Visitors Bureau (909)880-6211 or (800) 523-2473
* RAMONA PAGEANT
A romance of early California. Utilizing an entire mountain-side as a stage, the poignant love story of' Ramona and her Indian hero, Alessandro, has a cast of more than 400. The play's worldwide fame has attracted an audience of' nearly 2 million during the seven decades that it has annually been staged. Its beauty is unparalleled. A fascinating journey into the California of yester-year at the Ramona Bowl in Hemet. (951) 658-3111 or (800) 645-4465.
* MULTICULTURAL YOUTH FESTIVAL
Join the Riverside Youth Council in exploring the heritage and cultures of Riverside. The festival offers an extensive array of attractions and exhibits that focus on the similarities among today's youth while at the same time celebrating their diversity. Visit the Multicultural Youth Festival website for more information.
* RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY FLOWER SHOW
Visit the Riverside Flower Show & Garden Tours website for more information on this annual event.

May

* A TASTE OF THE INLAND EMPIRE
Annual outdoor food & drink festival open to the public. 30 of the area's best restaurants, plus fine wine and imported beers. Top quality live R & B/Jazz bands. Admission $5. Centrelake in Ontario at Haven & 10 Fwy. Ticket information (909)982-0906.
* CINCO DE MAYO
Riverside celebrates the special day in grand style! Music. entertainment into the evening and food . . . Oh, the fantastic Mexican food is everywhere. Viva la Riverside! Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (951) 340 - 5906.
* INDIAN POW WOW
Sherman Indian High School hosts their annual pow wow featuring dancers in their native costumes, food and crafts. (951)276-6337
* VINTAGE HOME TOUR
Architecturally and historically significant homes are featured on the tour hosted by the Old Riverside Foundation. The Restoration Faire includes vendors selling items for use in restoration of structures. Old Riverside Foundation (951)683-2725

June

* CHERRY VALLEY CHERRY FESTIVAL
Carnival, food concessions, stage shows, music, crafts and games. Pick your own cherries! Cherry Festival Association (951)845-3628 or (951)845-9541
* JURUPA RODEO
This major Southern California rodeo attracts top circuit riders in the United States. Jurupa Chamber of Commerce (951)681-9242
* REDLANDS BOWL SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL
In its 70th season. Redlands Bowl features 1820 programs a year in an open air theater. A wonderful cultural experience for the whole family. Redlands Chamber of Commerce (909)793-7316
* TEMECULA BALLOON & WINE FESTIVAL
Festivities include the ascension of 60 hot air balloons, champagne balloon flights at dawn, a fine wine exhibit, country fair, jazz entertainment and children's activities. This event takes place at Lake Skinner. Contact the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce at (951)676-4713 or click on the link above for complete information.

July

* INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
The City of Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department is proud to present the 4th of July Spectacular at the Riverside Sports Complex. Enjoy live music as we celebrate our country's independence. Gates open at 7pm and the fireworks show begins promptly at 9pm. Children under 5 are free, $4 per person. Tickets are on sale at the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department (3936 Chestnut St.).

You and your group are welcome to bring ice chests or picnic baskets no larger than 15" high by 15" wide by 20" long, sealed plastic containers with non-alcoholic beverages, and re-usable drinking containers (thermos, Igloo) containing non-alcoholic beverages. An aerial show is also available at Mt. Rubidoux.

September

* ANNUAL MAYOR'S BALL FOR THE ARTS
One grand evening the Plaza outside City Hall is transformed into a huge stage by this annual fundraiser. Many organizations and groups of attendees arrive in costume with props, decorations, food, and drink to enjoy their separate banquet productions which range from simple picnics to lavish black tie. Prizes are awarded in many categories as music and dancing continue late into the starstudded night. City Hall (951)826-5312
* OKTOBERFEST
German-style festival at Big Bear Lake with log sawing contests, yodeling contests, polka bands, dance groups, and authentic German food. Big Bear Chamber of Commerce (909)866-4607
* WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
Sponsored by the YWCA, this luncheon attracts approximately 800 people, gathered to honor leading female achievers. YWCA (951)687-9922

October

* FESTA ITALIANA
Held annually at White Park in downtown Riverside, the festival features food, entertainment and family fun. For more information, call (909) 826-2391.
* GHOSTWALK RIVERSIDE
What do you get when you combine historic landmarks with spooky spine-tingling stories? Ghostwalk Riverside! This haunting fund raiser will stalk downtown on Friday and Saturday before Halloween weekend. A Halloween must for the whole family! Riverside Ballet Theatre (951)787-7850.
* PANHELLENIC HOME TOUR
Five select homes in the Riverside area are "on tour" in this annual fund raiser to benefit local charities. For more information (951)684-6308 or 686-9627. Address is P.O. Box 2212, Riverside CA 92516.
* RIVERSIDE COUNTY PHILHARMONIC
Every year beginning in October the Philharmonic plans five outstanding programs under the direction of the gifted conductor and music director Patrick Flynn. Performances are in October, November, January, March, and April. Don't miss this fine orchestra performing in the historic Municipal Auditorium. Riverside County Philharmonic (951)787-0251

November

* RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS & SKATING RINK
To kick off the holiday season Riverside presents the Festival of Lights and Downtown Skating Rink on November 24. Bring the whole family and join the festivities!
* FESTIVAL OF TREES
Annual fund raiser by Riverside County Regional Medical Center Foundation celebrates Riverside's claim to be the "City of Trees" held the week of Thanksgiving at the Riverside Convention Center. The RCRMC Foundation's main number is 951-486-4213.
* MISSION INN 5K/10K RUN
Runners and walkers from throughout Southern California gather annually on the second Sunday of November for the Mission Inn 5K/10K run. About 1,200 participants run, walk and racewalk the 5K and 1OK scenic course through historic downtown Riverside's Fairmount Park, around Lake Evans, Bankers' Row, Mt. Rubidoux, and turn-of-the-century homes. Mission Inn 5K/1OK Run (951)781-8241

December

* RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS & SKATING RINK
To kick off the holiday season Riverside presents the Festival of Lights and Downtown Skating Rink on November 24. Bring the whole family and join the festivities!
* ANNUAL JUNIOR LEAGUE BALL
This black tie event is attended by hundreds of Riversiders — a time to see and be seen. (951)683-0622
* CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
Music and entertainment brighten Christmas spirits at historic Heritage House. Refreshments, gifts & tours. Riverside Municipal Museum (951)826-5273
* HOLIDAY HOME TOUR YWCA
sponsors this tour that visits five homes varying in style and age, from elegant Victorian homes to spectacular modern ones. Bus service for tours provided. Holiday Home Tour, Redlands (909)793-2957
* "THE NUTCRACKER"
The Riverside Ballet Theatre Company performs the classic ballet "The Nutcracker." Matinee and evening performances. Riverside Ballet Theatre (951)787-7850