San Bernardino boasts a dynamic arts and culture scene, offering residents and visitors a plethora of events and programs that celebrate creativity and community spirit. From art exhibitions and music festivals to cultural workshops and performances, there’s always something happening in this vibrant city.
Annual Festivals and Events
One of the city’s hallmark events is the Route 66 Rendezvous, a four-day celebration held each September in downtown San Bernardino. This festival pays homage to America’s “Mother Road” with classic car shows, live music, and family-friendly activities. Another notable event is the National Orange Show Festival, a citrus exposition founded in 1911, held every spring to honor the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Additionally, the city hosts the Western Regional Little League Championships each August, bringing together young athletes and their families for a spirited competition. [Source]
Local Arts Organizations and Programs
The San Bernardino Arts Council plays a pivotal role in fostering the local arts community. Their programs include:
- Arts Avenue: An after-school program offering free arts and culture workshops to K-12 students, covering disciplines such as painting, drawing, ceramics, photography, dance, creative writing, and music. [Source]
- Estudio Aire: An artist-in-residence program providing emerging and mid-career artists with studio space and resources to develop their craft. [Source]
- Poetry Out Loud: A program encouraging high school students to engage with poetry through memorization and performance, culminating in competitions at various levels. [Source]
Upcoming Events
Looking ahead, the city has a lineup of exciting events:
- Footloose The Musical: Running from May 22 to May 31, 2026, at the Cultural Arts Center of the High Desert, this production promises to captivate audiences with its energetic performances. [Source]
- Wonder Wander and Make: May’s First Sunday Edition: Scheduled for May 3, 2026, at the Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation, this family-friendly event offers children’s book readings, hands-on woodworking, and art activities for all ages. [Source]
These events and programs underscore San Bernardino’s commitment to nurturing a thriving arts and culture environment, providing opportunities for creative expression and community engagement.