Corona Adult Literacy Services offers free classes with textbooks, workbooks and supplies included: English as a Second Language, ESL speaking and listening, ESL writing and grammar, citizenship preparation (N-400 forms and the interview) and basic computer skills. Fall sessions are running now; times are on the library's calendar (the class page still shows spring times). Start with the interest form, in English or Spanish. / Clases gratis de inglés y ciudadanía; formulario de interés en español.
Wednesday–Sunday, 8:30am–4pm (mid-September to early June)
Sunnylands Center & Gardens, Rancho Mirage · Riverside
The visitor center and desert gardens at Sunnylands, the Annenberg estate in Rancho Mirage, are free to visit Wednesday through Sunday, 8:30am to 4pm, from mid-September to early June. Guided tours of the historic house and estate are separate and paid. Garden walks, an art exhibition, self-guided audio walks and history displays are part of the free Center & Gardens.
The Lincoln Memorial Shrine in downtown Redlands is a small museum devoted to Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War era. Admission is free, Tuesday through Sunday, 1 to 5pm. Closed Mondays and major holidays.
Lighthouse of Hope Foundation runs a free community food pantry every Wednesday and Friday, 10:30am to noon. Open to all: no ID, no residency requirement and no qualifications. Fill out a basic information form each visit and bring a wagon, cart, box or reusable bags. On Fridays during pantry hours, people experiencing homelessness can get a hot meal (11am–noon). The group also runs a Monday pantry, 11:30am–12:30pm, at 8791 Philbin Ave. / Despensa de alimentos gratis, abierta a todos, sin identificación.
The UC Riverside Botanic Gardens is a 40-acre living museum with thousands of plant species in its curated collection. Open Monday to Friday 8am to 3:30pm (last entry 3pm) and the 1st and 3rd Sundays 8am to 2pm; starting in 2027 it opens every Sunday. A $5 donation per adult is suggested. Parking on campus needs a paid permit (Botanic Gardens lot from $2.50 an hour). Closed Nov 5, Nov 11, Nov 26–27 and Dec 24–Jan 1.
The City of Ontario's Museum of History & Art, in Ontario's former City Hall on South Euclid Avenue, shows regional history and art. Admission to the museum, its programs and events is free. Open Thursday and Friday noon to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm.
Friday–Sunday, 12–4pm; tours at 12:00, 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15pm (September–June)
Heritage House (Museum of Riverside)
Tour the Museum of Riverside's Victorian Heritage House and its gardens, Friday through Sunday, noon to 4pm. Tours start at 12:00, 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15pm; book a free tour online. A $5 donation per person is suggested but not required to tour. The house is open from the first Friday after Labor Day through the last Sunday in June. Through November 8, 2026, tours go 'Behind the Black Veil'.
Ryan Bonaminio parkrun is a free, timed 5K walk or run every Saturday at 7:30am at Ryan Bonaminio Park, at the foot of Mount Rubidoux. All ages and paces are welcome; it's not a race, and a volunteer tail walker makes sure no one finishes last. parkrun asks you to register once (free) before your first visit and bring your barcode if you want a time.
First Sunday of each month, 12–5pm (October through May)
The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture · Riverside
The Riverside Art Museum and The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture are free on the first Sunday of each month, noon to 5pm, from October through May. One visit covers both buildings on Mission Inn Avenue, a block apart. Regular adult admission is $17.95.
UCR ARTS' Family First Sunday celebrates Día de los Muertos: make a cyanotype sun print to honor someone you love (skulls, marigolds and frames provided, or bring your own objects), with short sets by Mariachi Los Alteños de UCR at 11:00, 11:40 and 12:20. Sunday, November 1, 2026, 11am to 12:30pm at the Culver Center of the Arts.
Ontario's library celebrates bilingualism with stories, songs and activities in English and Spanish for ages 0 to 5. Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 10:30 to 11:15am at Ovitt Family Community Library. Space is limited: free tickets are handed out first come, first served starting 30 minutes before. Cuentos, canciones y actividades bilingües para niños de 0 a 5 años; los boletos se entregan 30 minutos antes.
Verified Oct 27 · ontarioca.gov
Catch: Ages 0–5 · Free ticket at the library, handed out from 30 minutes before; limited space
San Bernardino Superior Court North Parking Lot · Rancho Cucamonga
The City of Rancho Cucamonga and Burrtec shred paper documents for free at a drive-thru event: up to three file-size boxes (15x12x10) per household, in your trunk, not in plastic bags. Saturday, November 7, 2026, 9am to noon at the San Bernardino Superior Court north parking lot (enter from Aspen Avenue). Stay in your car.
Verified Oct 27 · cityofrc.us
Catch: Rancho Cucamonga residents only: bring proof of residency · Limit three file boxes per household
A drive-thru event at Ontario City Hall: shred personal documents (staples, clips and binder clips are fine; no cardboard or plastic media) and drop off computers, keyboards, TVs, printers and microwaves. Saturday, November 7, 2026, 9am to 1pm. Large appliances, workshop tools and car batteries aren't accepted.
Verified Oct 27 · ontarioca.gov
Catch: Ontario residents only: bring proof of residency
Lawyers give free legal help with consumer law, housing, public benefits, elder law, simple estate planning and expungements, and refer you elsewhere for anything else. Thursday, November 12, 2026, 10am to 2pm (next session Tuesday, January 12, 2027, 1 to 5pm). First come, first served.
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.
Story time in English and Spanish for young children at Riverside Public Library's Arlanza branch: books in both languages, songs and fingerplays, then a simple craft. Friday, November 20, 2026, 11am to noon; check the library calendar for other dates. Hora del cuento bilingüe con libros en inglés y español, canciones y una manualidad.
Lighthouse of Hope Foundation's 7th annual Thanksgiving distribution gives each household a complete Thanksgiving meal box with a turkey, plus free groceries, clothing, diapers and giveaways while supplies last. Open to all; register on site and bring bags, a wagon or a cart. Saturday, November 21, 2026, 11:30am to 1pm. Bilingual English/Spanish event. / Evento bilingüe: pavo y caja de comida de Acción de Gracias gratis, inscripción en el lugar.
Verified Oct 27 · riversideca.events
Catch: Register on site · One turkey per household
Lighthouse of Hope Foundation serves its 7th annual sit-down Thanksgiving dinner after its morning food giveaway. Saturday, November 21, 2026, 3 to 5pm. RSVP through the form linked on the organizer's flyer.
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.
Practice speaking English at Ontario's free ESL pronunciation club: an interactive class for non-native speakers to refine their accent, improve clarity and build confidence in conversation. Tuesday, November 24, 2026, 5 to 6pm at Ovitt Family Community Library, for adults 18+; the city calendar lists other sessions too. ¡Gratis! Club de pronunciación para adultos que aprenden inglés, martes 24 de noviembre de 5 a 6pm.
The City of Temecula's annual tree lighting brings festive music, hot chocolate and treats, and a visit from Santa Claus to the Duck Pond and Veterans Memorial. Monday, November 30, 2026, 7 to 8:30pm.
Ontario kicks off the season at Town Square with cookie decorating, letters to Santa, community performances, photos with Santa and the tree lighting. Thursday, December 3, 2026, 5 to 8pm. Free for all ages.
Corner of Main Street and University Avenue · Riverside
The Museum of Riverside sets up at Main Street and University Avenue during December's Arts Walk to share Victorian-era holiday traditions and help you make vintage-inspired decorations. Thursday, December 3, 2026, 6 to 9pm.
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.
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.
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.
Moreno Valley lights its 30-foot tree at City Hall with entertainment, photos with Santa, and hot cocoa and cookies. Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 5:45pm. The city's Holiday Snow Day is the same day.
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.
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.
A Santa experience designed for accessibility and comfort: children and families of all abilities can visit Santa, make hands-on holiday crafts and explore textures, colors and scents at their own pace. Sensory supports, comfort items and communication devices are welcome. Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 to 11am.
The City of Fontana's free Festival of Winter at the Miller Park Amphitheater has rides and attractions, live entertainment, photos with Santa, vendors and activity booths, sledding on over 40 tons of fresh snow and a snow Tot Lot for little ones. Saturday, December 12, 2026, 11am to 4pm, the same day as the Fontana Christmas Parade (10am, Sierra Ave. and Arrow Blvd.).
Rancho Cucamonga's winter celebration at Red Hill Community Park has holiday crafts, entertainment and a photo with Santa, all free. Real snow play and sledding need a $10 wristband (sold online and at Central Park and the RC Sports Center; they sell out). Saturday, December 12, 2026, 11am to 3pm.
Verified Oct 27 · cityofrc.us
Catch: Snow play and sledding need a $10 wristband per person (crafts, entertainment and the Santa photo need none)
The Museum of Riverside opens its decorated Victorian Heritage House for a once-a-year holiday open house: docents show how Victorians decorated, with live music, warm apple cider, cookies, a period-inspired craft and a visit from Father Christmas. Sunday, December 13, 2026, noon to 4pm.
Verified Oct 27 · riversideca.events
No catch
Free itemsFree (worth about $20)Eligibility applies
City of Riverside community centers hand out one toy per child (17 and under) through Spark of Love on Thursday, December 17, 2026, at your assigned time. Register in person at your local City of Riverside community center between November 16 and December 11 with the application, a current ID, proof of residency in ZIP codes 92501–92508 and each child's birth certificate. Limited supply.
Verified Oct 27 · riversideca.events
Catch: Register Nov 16–Dec 11 at a community center · Riverside residents (ZIPs 92501–92508) with ID and kids' birth certificates · Kids 17 and under; one toy each
Riverside Public Utilities teaches how mulch, compost and soil improvements save water and cut weeds, which lawn replacements and groundcovers work, and how to prevent pests, plus the residential rebates RPU offers. Saturday, January 23, 2027, 10am to noon at Arlington Library.
Verified Oct 27 · riversideca.events
No catch
Always free 7 listings
Classes & fitnessFree (worth about $40)Eligibility applies
San Bernardino County Library branches · Riverside
San Bernardino County Library's Adult Literacy Program pairs adults with trained volunteer tutors for free, confidential one-on-one help with reading and writing, with weekly sessions at local library branches. For learners 17 and older who aren't enrolled in school, speak basic English and read or write below a seventh-grade level. Contact the library to enroll.
Verified Oct 27 · main.sbcounty.gov
Catch: Enroll with the library first · Ages 17+, not enrolled in school, reading below 7th-grade level
Any time during library hours (7-day loan, once every 30 days)
San Bernardino County Library branches · Riverside
San Bernardino County Library cardholders can check out a free County Museum Pass at any branch: one-day admission for two adults and three children at the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands or the Victor Valley Museum in Apple Valley. Keep it 7 days; one checkout every 30 days. Passes are limited, so call your branch to check availability. Regular adult admission in Redlands is $12.
Verified Oct 27 · library.sbcounty.gov
Catch: San Bernardino County Library card required · Limited passes per branch; once every 30 days
Admission to the Palm Springs Art Museum's main building is free every Thursday from 5 to 8pm, funded by the City of Palm Springs (regular adult admission is $25). The museum is always free for under-18s and active-duty military families. It went cashless on October 15, 2026.
On the first Thursday of every month, downtown Riverside's Arts Walk runs from 6 to 9pm. Admission is free during Arts Walk at the Riverside Art Museum and The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture (normally $17.95 for adults; one ticket covers both), and UCR ARTS on Main Street (normally $12 for adults) is open and free that evening too.
Verified Oct 27 · riversideartmuseum.org
No catch
Free itemsFree (worth about $10)Eligibility applies
Riverside County residents with a Riverside County Library System card can borrow a State Parks vehicle hangtag for two weeks, good for free day-use entry at more than 200 state parks, lakes, beaches and monuments. One per household. Holds aren't available online: call your branch for a 3-day hold, and return the pass to the desk where you borrowed it.
Verified Oct 27 · rivlib.net
Catch: Riverside County residents with a library card only · One pass per household · No online holds: call your branch
Any time during library hours (7-day loan, 2 renewals)
San Bernardino County Library branches · Riverside
San Bernardino County Library cardholders can borrow a California State Library Parks Pass: free vehicle day-use entry (one car of up to nine people) at over 200 state parks, including Silverwood Lake and Chino Hills State Park. Keep it 7 days and renew twice. The library card is free. It doesn't cover camping, boats, tours, museums or special events.
Verified Oct 27 · library.sbcounty.gov
Catch: San Bernardino County Library card required (free) · Day-use vehicle entry only
