San Bernardino County
Arts & Cultural Happenings
A dispatch of what’s going on across the county: exhibits, festivals, performances, workshops, and more!
Got an event we should know about?
We’re always looking to share more of what’s happening across San Bernardino County — from art shows and performances to festivals, workshops, and neighborhood projects. If you’ve got something creative or cultural in the works, let us know! Submit your event for next month’s issue and help keep our community in the know.
(This newsletter goes out at the end of each month and features events for the month ahead.)
Upcoming Happenings Across SB County
Kids Adventure Race
Three summer days filled with outdoor adventure! Take the whole family to Big Bears very own Kids Adventure Race and experience outdoor activities promoting fun and health through alpine activities.
Register now!
Big Bear Rodeo
Labor Day Weekend in Big Bear is made for rodeo nights, carnival lights, and memories that last long after the summer ends. From thrilling rodeo action to family-friendly fun under the stars, the Big Bear Rodeo & Carnival is where tradition, community, and mountain-town magic come together. Join us September 4–6 for an unforgettable weekend in Big Bear.
Wonder, Wander, and Make
Wonder, Wander, & Make: September Edition
Date: September 6, 2026
Time: Noon to 4 PM
Cost: Free
Join us on the first Sunday of September for Wonder, Wander, & Make, a free event for all ages filled with creativity, nature, and hands-on fun.
Stroll through our native wildlife habitat, make bird calls with the Pomona Valley Bird Alliance, and learn from Master Gardeners and Master Food Preservers. Enjoy storytelling in the gallery with Julia Lewis, create wooden toys with the Inland Woodworkers, and discover free giveaways throughout the day.
Bring your family and friends, and fuel your curiosity.
Boat Parade of Lights
Enjoy the Labor Day Weekend Boat Parade of Lights hosted by the Rotary Club of
Big Bear Lake. The parade will begin at 7:00 PM from Garstin Island and follow the shoreline to the north shore east boat ramp. After the parade, stay to see the Drone Show hosted by Visit Big Bear.
Big Bear Drone Show
Everyone is invited to see the Labor Day Drone Show hosted by Visit Big Bear!
Launching from Pineknot Marina, the show will be visible from Veterans' Park, The Village and nearby locations.
Big Bear Trout Fest
Get ready for the ultimate Southern California fishing derby! The 20th annual Western Outdoor News (WON) Big Bear Lake Troutfest is back, offering anglers of all ages the chance to compete for tens of thousands of dollars in cash and prizes.
Bear Crawl Big Bear
This afternoon of fantastic drinks, community bonding, and goodwill awaits you! This event isn't just about the great pours; it's about making a genuine impact in our close-knit community.
Yucca Valley Film Festival
Submit your work to the 8th Yucca Valley Film Festival, November 6–8, 2026, at the Community Center of Yucca Valley, CA. Screen your film for a live, engaged cinephile audience, lead Q&A sessions, and compete for cash prizes and statewide recognition. Gain real exposure -last year we reached nearly 500 news outlets across North America and rolled out the Hi-Desert’s longest red carpet.
Claim discounted entry: 50% off for San Bernardino-based filmmakers, 40% off for Riverside County.
Playgroup!
Children and their caretakers are invited to an in-person play session that does nothing but encourage community and adult-child interaction throughout the session and even beyond! All recreational activities are geared towards school readiness and social life.
Make sure to reserve your spot!
Catfish Derby
Regional Parks is hosting their very own night-fishing opportunity! Open to all ages, this catfish derby will be a place to hone or show off your fishing skills while spending time with family and making connections. Prizes for catches available! All are welcome!
Fees include admission and parking.
16th Annual Lake Arrowhead Brewfest 2026
Up in Lake Arrowhead they’re having a big brewfest. An event to celebrate the hard work and creative innovations of the latest breweries in San Bernardino County. Go around sampling new brews, fresh food, and experience general live entertainment.
Pre-order tickets now!
Labyrinth Masquerade XXVIII
The Labyrinth Masquerade Ball is one of the largest masquerade balls in the world and celebrates creativity, enchantment and fantasy within the Royal Courts of Sypher.
The most amazing fantasy artists, costumers and dreamers gather once a year to bring a diverse host of characters, creatures and mythologies to life. The Labyrinth Masquerade is one of the few classical events open to those who dreamed of a surrealistic fantasy fading into a weekend of dance and revelry.
Enter the Royal Court of Sypher, where music and visuals heighten your senses in this annual tribute to dreamers and imagination. Within our realms you'll find influences from Venetian tradition, Celtic faerie and goblin lore, and other stories of fantasy. The Labyrinth Masquerade continues to be a singular experience within which you may dance, explore and dream.
Handmade Outdoor Garden Stepping Stones
Maloof All-Ages Workshops
Join Maloof’s Teaching Artist from our arts education team, Crystal Rodriguez, for a creative workshop to design and craft your very own decorative garden stepping stones. These unique pieces will add a personal touch to any outdoor space. Beginners will gain hands-on experience as they transform simple materials into beautiful, functional art. Come prepared to explore your creativity and bring your outdoor vision to life!
Friday, August 21, 2026
Session 1: 10 am to noon, Booking Link: https://bookeo.com/malooffoundation?devent=3151WYE4TA19F1EAD28CC_2026-08-21_ZWWUYETYhj
Session 2: 2 pm to 4 pm: Booking Link: https://bookeo.com/malooffoundation?devent=315133JJ9319ECD412353_2026-08-21_nTM9N2QigJe
Ages: 8 to 99
Cost: $95 per member, $105 per non-member
Trivia Night at 3rd Strike Beer Co.
Hosted by King Trivia, come on down and throw your hat into the ring to win potential prizes! Taking place inside of a newly opened Brewery, drinks and food will be available to gulp down while pondering about answers to tough questions. Be prepared!
Sensory Hours: Kinetic Sand Fossil Cart
The San Bernardino County Museum is hosting Sensory Hours this month! Join educators in their Hall of Earth Science Floor where you can closely examine real fossils and participate in “excavating” fossils through kinetic sand. Open to all ages!
Prices for admission vary.
Big Bear MX Grand Prix by O'Neal
Racing dirtbikes, action, and prizes! Big Bear Mountain is helping host a Grand Prix over the summer. Join in and have some outdoor fun ranging from ages 5 and up. Whether you want to participate or watch the professionals get to it, there should be something for everyone.
MX Grand Prix
Racers! Ready your engines, it's time for the MX Grand Prix. This motocross course is brimming with jumps, berms, and climbs taking advantage of the unique terrain of Bear Mountain Ski Resort. The MX Grand Prix will feature race classes for youngsters to 60+ and beginners to pro riders.
Fiber Arts Gathering
Do you cross stitch, crochet, knit? Come up to the Wrightwood Arts Center where the fiber arts community is gathering for their monthly meeting to show off their hard work and just generally connect with other creatives. Attendance is free and all ages are welcome!
Sky Fest
Stargazing in Big Bear is a magical experience in any season, but this August, we're celebrating our celestial landscape like never before! SkyFest Big Bear puts our stars front and center along with astronomical exploration and dark sky preservation.
Summer History Series
History is defined by culture! Learn more about it and the mountains surrounding Southern California through the last event of SkyPark’s Summer History Series. Follow along with historical expert Russ Keller while he explains the history behind the logging industry that helped build the community you may be familiar with. Stick around afterwards for some food and beverages.
Instrument Petting Zoo w/ Agua from MiLPA
Join the city of Ontario in helping others learn more about the world through sound. Young people and families can come together in hands-on access with instruments taken from all parts of the world that help connect them through cultural history and the art of sound.
Free and for all ages.
Woodcarving!
The Yucca Valley Community Center is offering hands-on insight into the art of woodcarving. For just two dollars you can learn more about woodcarving basics while also putting those skills to the test, but don’t fret! Experts will be on deck.
Be sure to click the link to register!
Senior Center Luau Party
Celebrate summer down in Rancho with a tropical luau themed party. An event with live music, community, and fun games all in part to bring warm and good energy to the community as a whole but especially the Seniors in our community.
Register now!
Hot Summer Nights
Another fun community event to promote togetherness. Regional Parks are hosting Hot Summer Nights for people to hang out, eat, and witness a live drone show in which the night sky will light up in a rainbow of colors all designed to take your breath away. All ages and even pets are welcome.
Second Saturdays: Bead Snakes
Any and all are invited to Victor Valley Museums recreational event for this month that sharpens hands on creativity, fine motor skills, and overall connection through their relaxing Bead Snake workshop. You can bring the whole family!
Fontana Car Show
Join the city of Fontana for its return of the car show series! Either as a spectator or a participant, this inclusive show is free and open to the public and encourages connection through passion for cars and or car art in general.
Admission is free but there are rules for attendance so be prepared!
Big Bear Fun Run
Another big day in Big Bear Mountain. This three day event will be showing off all of the cool cars the community has compiled in one big gathering and awards show! Feel free to enter or just join in on witnessing what San Bernardino County has to offer.
Attending is free!
Trivia Night at 3rd Strike Beer Co.
Hosted by King Trivia, come on down and throw your hat into the ring to win potential prizes! Taking place inside of a newly opened Brewery, drinks and food will be available to gulp down while pondering about answers to tough questions. Be prepared!
Moonlight and Music at Magnolia Park
Gather under the moon to stargaze and connect with your community! Upland is hosting an event that promotes live music, local food vendors, and also cold drinks. It’s the final live event of their own summer series, you won’t want to miss it!
Free admission.
Community Monthly Meet Up
A monthly event for artists to meet up, show off some work, and connect with other creatives! Or if you simply know of an artist looking for like minded passions, let them know so they can be part of the local San Bernardino Arts Avenue.
Splash Pad and Snow Cones
Join the regional parks team in an event that promotes fun and learning combined for a fun day in the sun (and water)! From hands-on environmental based activities to tasty snow cones and exciting games for the whole family to join in.
Tour De Big Bear
Come on up to SoCal's premier cycling fest! Spend your time amidst the beautiful San Bernardino mountains and experience the sense of community while attending to a series with over nine events, including family friendly things and as always food and drink.
Motown Explosion: Night of Tributes and Performances
Looking for some high energy and lively music? The city of Adelanto is putting together a celebration/tribute to the era of Motown Music, featuring live performances that pay homage to the many artists that created the explosion of sound from the 60s and 70s. Consider joining! After all, it's “more than just a concert.”
Slasher Market Pop Up
You love horror? The macabre? Spooky scary stuff? Feel free to RSVP to the Slasher Market Pop Up. A market for all of your horror needs and opportunities. It’ll be packed with vendors, collectibles, photo opportunities, and even more!
Hesperia Farmers Market
Got a free Saturday Afternoon? Head down to the Hesperia Farmer’s Market! Featuring artisanal goods, local farm products, fantastic food, and growing businesses in a space that promotes connection, gatherings, and local shopping.
Call for Art! (SBAA's Open Art Exhibit)
Looking for an opportunity to submit your art and have it potentially showcased and win prize money? The Garcia Center for the Arts is opening up their 2026 exhibition to submissions! Click the link for more information, don’t want to miss this opportunity!
Swim-in Movie Night
Grab your suit and towel, sit poolside or in the water, kick back and watch a family friendly movie at our Swim-In Movie Night! This popular program sells out, please register in advance. $7 in person/ $4 online.
Watching: Finding Dory
Matilda Jr. the Musical
YPAC Live, in collaboration with Legendary Productions, proudly presents Roald Dahl’s Matilda Jr., performed by the talented students of Legendary Kids Productions 2026 Summer Camp. Based on the beloved book by Roald Dahl, Matilda Jr. tells the story of an extraordinary young girl with a vivid imagination, a sharp mind, and the courage to change her own destiny. Filled with energetic musical numbers, memorable characters, and a heartwarming message about resilience, friendship, and the power of knowledge, this family-friendly production has delighted audiences around the world. Over the course of the summer, students will have received training in acting, singing, dancing, audition techniques, and all aspects of musical theatre performance. These performances showcase the hard work, creativity, and dedication of our young cast members as they bring this beloved story to life on stage. Join us at the Yucaipa Performing Arts Center for this special presentation and celebrate the achievements of the next generation of performers.
Performance Dates: July 31, August 1 & August 2, 2026.

