Museum of Riverside

Programs and Events 

At the Main Museum

3580 Mission Inn Avenue,  Riverside, CA  92501 - This site is closed to the public.  Watch for our grand reopening in 2027.

                 

ArtsWalk The Museum of Riverside participates in the Downtown Riverside ArtsWalk held the first Thursday of each month 6-9 p.m.  Activity and ending time will vary. Location: Main Street and 9th April 3, 2025 - Native pollinators and plants May 1, 2025 - Paper floral garlands June 5, 2025 - Pride Month button-making July 3, 2025 - Explore stars and enjoy confetti cannon   First Sundays First Sundays are free, family-friendly events from 1-4 p.m., occurring at different locations. April 6, 2025 - Joseph Hart and his reptiles - on Main Street May 4, 2025 - Captain Carl and his mobile tidepool - First Sunday will be at the Main Library this week - Last event until fall!

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Nights with the Museum

Always Different, Never Boring

Attend fascinating discussions with people from our local community.  No previous expertise necessary!

First Fridays of the month  |  6:30 – 8:00 p.m.  FREE!

Located at the Main Library Community Room, 3900 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside.

TO BE RESCHEDULED:
Eric Focht, Ph.C., Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California Riverside                                                                                                                                                                                                            "California's Avocados, From the Past to the Present and into the Future"     

Take part in this overview of the biology and ecology of the plant in its native Central American/Mexican centers of origin, as well as learn about the history of its introduction to California and where the University of California, Riverside program has taken it.     

Friday, April 4, 2025  |  6:30-8:00 p.m.
Fortino Morales III, City of Riverside Sustainability Officer, "Upcoming Sustainability Initiatives with the City of Riverside"

The City of Riverside is at the forefront of sustainability initiatives that take the long view. Whether it's in building construction, vehicles, business operations, or any other area where we have an impact on resources, Mr. Morales can bring you up to date.

Friday, May 2, 2025  |  6:30-8:00 p.m.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Dr. Norm Ellstrand, retired, UC Riverside Plant Sciences, "Sex on the Kitchen Table: The Romance of Plants and Your Food"

Dr. Norm Ellstrand explores the bountiful world of plant sex and how it's responsible for your plant-based foods.  From endangered bananas to the scandalous sex life of the avocado to the unexpected origin of the sugar beet, Ellstrand reveals that many plants reproduce and evolve in fascinatingly unconventional ways.  He concludes by revealing that genetic engineering is the oldest form of sex, and what that means for the consumer.  In comparison, human sex is, well, just vanilla.

                                                                                         

At Heritage House

8193 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92504

Book a tour on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday (12:15-3:15 p.m.).  Stop in to see our new exhibition of gorgeous 1920s fashion, "Roaring Riverside: Fashions of the 1920s."
Please make a reservation for your free tour via Eventbrite.

Movies on the Lawn: Made in Riverside

Movies on the Lawn continues!  |  Gates open at sunset, film starts at dusk.
Bring your own lawn chair or blanket and dress warmly. Popcorn and other classic movie snacks are available for cash purchase only.  Onsite parking is limited.  All dates are Fridays.

May 16, 2025 - "It Happened One Night" (1934)

June 20, 2025 - "Father of the Bride" (1950)

October 17, 2025 - TBD

November 14, 2025 - "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" (1941)

 

Other Programs

April 11, 2025 - Insect Rave at Heritage House! Groove to the beat while hunting insects from 7:00-9:00 p.m., 8193 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside

April 12, 2025 - Curator-led tour of exhibition First Comes Love: Courtship in the Victorian Era.  At Heritage House, 8193 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, beginning at 1:00 p.m.

April 26, 2025 - Bug out at the Riverside Insect Fair! The Museum of Riverside will be back with our butterfly tents and other cool activities! Behind the Riverside Main Library from 10:00-4:00 p.m.

May 3, 2025 - Guided nature walk at Sycamore Canyon Park with Curator of Natural History Ian Wright.  Meet at the Ameal Moore Nature Center parking lot, 400 Central Avenue, for a not-too-strenuous hike from 1:00-4:00 p.m.  Bring water, a hat, binoculars, and a camera!

May 18, 2025 - Ice Cream Social at Heritage House, 8193 Magnolia Avenue, noon-4:00 p.m.  Live music, games, costumes, and ... of course ... free ice cream!

May 31, 2025 - Beatrix Potter and Friends ... a LiTEArature event at Heritage House, 8193 Magnolia Avenue. Hop down the lane and wander into the gardens to immerse yourself in the classic works of author, artist, and naturalist Beatrix Potter. This is a ticketed event, and spots are going fast! Check our listing on Eventbrite to get your tickets.