Free events in Riverside

7 listings in Riverside, CA: free concerts, festivals, shows and things to do. Each one checked against its official source, every catch spelled out.

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Coming up 7 listings

EntertainmentFree (worth about $10)

Riverside Veterans Parade and Expo downtown

Sat, Nov 14, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Downtown Riverside

Marching bands, equestrian units, color guards, military vehicles, classic cars and floats honor veterans along Magnolia Avenue, Market, 10th and Main streets, ending near the Historic County Courthouse. An expo with community booths, music and family activities surrounds the parade. Saturday, November 14, 2026, 10am to 2pm. Free parking in downtown structures.

Verified Oct 27 · riversideca.events

No catch

EntertainmentFree (worth about $20)

Festival of Lights Switch-On Ceremony and fireworks in downtown Riverside

Sat, Nov 21, 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Downtown Riverside (Orange St. and Mission Inn Ave.)

Riverside's 34th Festival of Lights starts with the Switch-On Ceremony at 5pm at Orange Street and Mission Inn Avenue, followed right away by fireworks, plus food vendors and live entertainment downtown. Saturday, November 21, 2026; the city suggests arriving by 4:30pm. The lights stay up through December 31 (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). Candy Land (ticketed) and the ice rink ($20 per skater) are separate paid attractions.

Verified Oct 27 · riversideca.gov

No catch

EntertainmentFree (worth about $12)

Free panel at UCR ARTS: Inland Empire artists on Douglas McCulloh's photography

Thu, Dec 3, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

UCR ARTSRiverside

Artists Lewis deSoto, Sant Khalsa and Thomas McGovern and novelist Susan Straight talk about making work rooted in the Inland Empire, tied to the exhibition Dispatches: The Photography of Douglas McCulloh. Thursday, December 3, 2026, 6 to 7:30pm (doors 5:30pm). It's also Arts Walk night downtown.

Verified Oct 27 · ucrarts.ucr.edu

Catch: Free ticket: reserve online

EntertainmentFree (worth about $10)

Santa's Electric Light Parade into Old Town Temecula

Fri, Dec 4, 7:00 PM

Jefferson Ave & Del Rio Rd to Old Town Temecula

Lit-up floats, bands and marchers travel south from Jefferson Avenue and Del Rio Road into Old Town Temecula. Friday, December 4, 2026, starting at 7pm sharp. Bring blankets and chairs.

Verified Oct 27 · temeculaca.gov

No catch

EntertainmentFree (worth about $15)

Free Christmas pipe organ concert at Eden Lutheran Church, Riverside

Sat, Dec 5, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Eden Lutheran ChurchRiverside

Organists David Christensen and Makena James play seasonal music on one of Southern California's finest pipe organs in the decorated sanctuary, followed by a meet-and-greet with refreshments. Saturday, December 5, 2026, 2 to 4pm.

Verified Oct 27 · riversideca.events

No catch

EntertainmentFree (worth about $10)

Ontario Holiday Light Parade on Euclid Avenue

Sat, Dec 5, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Euclid Avenue (Fourth St. to B St.)Ontario

Ontario's annual Holiday Light Parade runs along Euclid Avenue from Fourth Street to B Street, followed by carolers, crafts and a photo with Santa at Ontario Town Square. Saturday, December 5, 2026, 6:30 to 8pm.

Verified Oct 27 · ontarioca.gov

No catch

Show 1 more coming up
EntertainmentFree (worth about $10)

Chanukah Festival and Grand Menorah Lighting at the Riverside Courthouse

Mon, Dec 7, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Riverside Historic Courthouse

The 22nd annual Chanukah Festival on the fourth night of Chanukah brings a grand menorah lighting, traditional food, live music and activities for the whole family to the front of the Riverside Historic Courthouse. Monday, December 7, 2026, 6 to 8pm. All are welcome.

Verified Oct 27 · riversideca.events

No catch