Page 78 - 2025-2026 Travel Guide to California

SPECIAL EVENTS 2025
RIVERSIDE COUNTY FAIR & NATIONAL DATE FESTIVAL This annual fair in Indio cel-
ebrates the region's rich date harvest heritage. Visitors can enjoy pageants, rides, and
attractions, with highlights including the crowning of the Date Festival Queen and thrilling
monster truck races. Feb. 13-Mar. 2, datefest.org
RIVERSIDE DICKENS FESTIVAL Costumed Dickens characters descend upon downtown
Riverside. Festivities include a fashion show, parade, street entertainment and Oliver’s
Alley for children. Feb. 21-23, dickensfest.com
RAMONA OUTDOOR PLAY Playing since 1923, this tragic romance about the Ponca
Indians is America’s longest running drama and California’s Official Outdoor Play.
April 26-27, May 3-4 & 10-11, ramonabowl.com
TEMECULA ROD RUN Roaring hot rods descend upon Old Town Temecula. May 2-3,
temeculaca.gov/991/temecula-rod-run
TEMECULA VALLEY BALLOON & WINE FESTIVAL This festival features hot-air balloon
rides, wine and craft beer tastings, gourmet food, live music and more on Lake Skinner.
June 20-22, tvbwf.com
BIG BEAR LAKE & LAKE ARROWHEAD OKTOBERFESTS These events
feature bands, beer and brats at a 7,000-foot elevation. Weekends, Sept. 7–Nov. 2 at Big
Bear Lake, Sept. 14–Oct. 27 at Lake Arrowhead Village. bigbearevents.com/Oktoberfest,
lakearrowheadoktoberfest.com
ROUTE 66 CRUISIN’ REUNION Classic 20th-century cars roam Ontario’s historic down-
town in a tribute to the legendary Mother Road, which runs through Rancho Cucamonga
just to the north. Contests, live entertainment, fabulous food and revelry make it a
fun-filled jamboree. Sept. 20–21, gocvb.org/route-66-cruisin-reunion
76 2025-26 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA
Beautiful Homes,” and its opulent Victor-
ians and Arts and Crafts-style homes of
yesteryear.
North of Temecula, play in the mud or
soak in the soothing mineral waters of the
165-year-old Glen Ivy Hot Springs, dating
from early stagecoach days. Get in on the
action of the gaming tables at the Pechanga
Resort Casino. Or soar in a hot air balloon
over Temecula Valley’s 33,000-acre wine
country, dotted with B&Bs and luxury
resorts amid vines and citrus groves. After-
wards, relax with a glass of local wine on a
winery portico or play golf in this quiet
oasis.
Heritage & Culture
Riverside harbors a wealth of California his-
tory. On Magnolia Avenue, visit the site
where California's first and oldest navel
orange tree was planted in 1873, marking
the beginning of the state's citrus industry.
Since 1876, the iconic The Mission Inn
Hotel & Spa has hosted U.S. presidents and
delighted travelers with a Hearst Castle-like
MONKEY BUSINESS IMAGES/SHUTTERSTOCK. OPPOSITE: LOWE LLAGUNO/SHUTTERSTOCK