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Hey Reader!
January is kicking off a brand new year and San Bernardino County is wasting no time getting creative! Fresh exhibitions, immersive performances, hands-on workshops, and community powered events are already lining up, setting the tone for an exciting 2026. As winter settles in, the arts are bringing the warmth, the curiosity, and the momentum, inviting everyone to start the year inspired and connected. Here’s what’s happening this January across the county.
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Philharmonic Vocalist Auditions—Broadway
Monday, Jan 12th | 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Blak Box Theater in Joshua Tree | 61231 Hwy 62, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
The Joshua Tree Cultural Center is calling all powerhouse vocalists to take the stage in Broadway in Concert, the wildly popular Joshua Tree Philharmonic concert series returning May 8 to 10, 2026 at the Cultural Center’s state of the art Blak Box Theater. Now in its 22nd year, this always sold out production brings Broadway’s most iconic musical theater hits to the desert, performed by the Joshua Tree Philharmonic under the direction of acclaimed composer and conductor Jarrod Radnich. Selected guest vocalists will perform as soloists or as part of an ensemble, with a high energy repertoire featuring favorites from shows like The Lion King, Rent, Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, Les Misérables, Mamma Mia, Chicago, and more. Rehearsals are held Monday evenings, auditions are by appointment only, and musicians and vocalists of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and be part of one of Southern California’s most dynamic musical experiences. Interested singers can schedule an audition by emailing info@jtarts.org or calling 760.366.3777.
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NEW YEAR / NEW GROWTH Exhibition
Opening Reception Saturday, Jan 17th | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Hi-Desert Artists | 55635 29 Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, California 92284
The “New Year New Growth” exhibition brings together HDA member artists for a reflective and visually rich showcase inspired by seasonal change and personal transformation. Rooted in the shifting rhythm of the high desert, the show explores how artists interpret renewal, spiritual evolution, and metaphysical growth as winter slowly gives way to early spring. Members are encouraged to submit work that captures the quiet power, beauty, and vastness of the desert landscape while also reflecting where they are in their own creative and inner journeys. The result is an exhibition that feels grounded, expansive, and forward looking, marking the start of a new year with intention, curiosity, and fresh perspective.
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An-My Lê in conversation with Anna Katz
Saturday Jan 17th | Time TBA
A-Z West | 62923 Sullivan Road Joshua Tree, CA, 92252
The High Desert takes center stage on Saturday, January 17, 2026, with the public opening of An-My Lê’s newly commissioned body of work at High Desert Test Sites, marking a major moment in her 2025 fellowship rooted in Joshua Tree. Installed outdoors at A-Z West, the longtime experimental site founded by Andrea Zittel, the exhibition features new photographic works created using a star tracker to capture expansive night skies in a single exposure, extending Lê’s Dark Star series first initiated in 2024 at Mesa Verde National Park. The works are embedded within Zittel’s Planar Pavilions, a permanent architectural installation supported by VIA Art Fund, and are freely accessible to the public with interpretive signage woven into the desert landscape. Ahead of the Joshua Tree opening, audiences can also catch Lê in conversation with Anna Katz on Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 3 to 4 pm at MOCA Grand Avenue in Los Angeles, offering deeper context into the ideas and research shaping this High Desert rooted body of work.
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Kids Afternoon Art Exploration Class
Every Thursday, Jan 22nd - Mar. 12th | 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Phelan Community Center | 4176 Warbler Road, Phelan CA 92371
Now enrolling, this free 8 week Art Exploration class invites children ages 6 to 12 to dive into hands on creativity while building skills, confidence, and big ideas along the way. Designed as a structured series, the program guides young artists through playful material exploration and thoughtful idea development, encouraging curiosity, experimentation, and personal expression. Because each session builds on the last, students are expected to commit to attending all eight classes, ensuring a cohesive experience where every participant can grow, collaborate, and fully engage in the creative process from start to finish.
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Wild Lights At The Alpine Zoo
Wednesday - Sunday, Nov 6th, 2025 - Jan 4th, 2026 | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Big Bear Alpine Zoo | 42801 Moonridge Rd, Big Bear Lake, California 92315
Time is running out to experience Alpine Zoo Wild Lights at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, where more than one million twinkling lights have transformed the mountain into a glowing winter escape. This first of its kind walk through light experience invites visitors to wander illuminated forest paths filled with Everwhite trees, radiant archways, glowing snowmen, and immersive scenes that blend wildlife, sound, and seasonal magic. Taking place across a limited run of enchanted nights, this cozy, high altitude spectacle has quickly become a must see holiday moment for families, locals, and visitors alike. Powered by the support of community partners including Big Bear Valley Recreation and Parks District, Big Bear Alpine Zoo, Big Bear Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses, this new Big Bear tradition won’t be around for long, so catch it before the lights go dark for the season.
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Twin Peaks Farmers Market
Thursday, Jan 1st | From 2:00 PM until dusk
Rim of the World Masonic Lodge #711 | 26012 CA-189, Twin Peaks, CA
Tucked into the San Bernardino Mountains, the Twin Peaks Farmers Market is a reliable hub for fresh, high quality, locally sourced goods serving mountain communities year round. While many farmers markets pack up when the seasons change, this one stays the course, offering residents and visitors a dependable place to shop and connect no matter the time of year. Only closing during extreme cold or heavy snow, the market’s year round presence reflects a strong commitment to community care, local producers, and keeping the mountains well stocked with good food and neighborly energy.
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Paint N' Sip Ladies Night
Friday Jan 2, 2026 | 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Lost in the Woods Art Gallery | 42001 Big Bear Blvd., Unit 7, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Paint N’ Sip Ladies Night at Lost in the Woods Gallery is a laid back, creative night out designed for adults 21 and over who are ready to unwind and get artsy. With all materials included, guests can sip wine, relax, and create in a cozy gallery setting that encourages conversation, laughter, and creativity without pressure. Space is limited, so guests are encouraged to call 909.366.0725 to reserve a spot and get pricing details before this feel good night of art and connection fills up.
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Community Arts Photographic Society
Wednesday, Jan 7th | 8:00 AM - 5:00 AM
Alpine Escrow Corporation | 27236 State Hwy 189, Blue Jay, CA 92317
The Mountain Arts Photographic Society hosts monthly gatherings on the first Wednesday of each month at the Community Arts Center, bringing together photographers of all levels for connection, learning, and creative exchange. Doors open at 6:30 pm with the meeting kicking off at 7:00 pm, offering built-in social time to mingle, share work, and talk shop. First time guests are welcome to attend at no cost, making it an easy entry point for anyone curious about the local photography community. Those interested in going deeper can explore membership through the Mountain Arts Network, which supports creative programming across the mountain region. For more information, visit mountainartsphoto.com or email mtnartsphoto@gmail.com.
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Wide Brim Hat Decorating Workshop
Wednesday, Jan 7th | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Yucaipa Performing Arts Center | 12062 California St., Yucaipa, CA 92399
This hands-on decorating class invites participants to design and customize their own wide brim cowboy hat from start to finish, leaving with a one of a kind wearable masterpiece. Guided step by step, the workshop explores creative styling using ribbons, feathers, chains, charms, and other embellishments, making it approachable for beginners while still exciting for seasoned crafters. All supplies are included, no experience is required, and the focus is on playful experimentation and personal expression. Offered as a two session experience at $55 per session, this class is all about creativity, confidence, and walking out with something bold you actually want to wear.
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A Crash Course In Murder: Speakeasy Experience
Saturday, Jan 24th | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
California Theatre of the Performing Arts | 562 West 4th St., San Bernardino, CA 92401
Step into the roaring 1920s for A Crash Course in Murder, a live, in person mystery experience that blends comedy, suspense, and immersive storytelling into one unforgettable night. Guests are invited to dress the part and fully lean into the era as they follow a twisted trail of clues, interact with talented actors, and work to solve a captivating murder packed with unexpected turns. The experience keeps the energy high and the stakes even higher, all while guests enjoy a curated flight of four cocktails included with admission. Equal parts hilarious and heart pounding, this is a theatrical whodunit built for thrill seekers, amateur detectives, and anyone looking for a night out that goes way beyond the usual.
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Cosmic Nights
Saturday, Jan 24th | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
San Bernardino County Museum | 2024 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands, CA 92374
Cosmic Nights invites guests into a calm, curiosity driven evening where the night sky becomes a place for reflection, discovery, and shared wonder. Hosted outdoors in partnership with the San Bernardino Valley Amateur Astronomers, the program offers guided stargazing with experienced astronomers who help visitors observe celestial objects and better understand our place in the universe. Founded in 1958, SBVAA has long been dedicated to making astronomy accessible and inspiring lifelong learning across the region, bringing deep knowledge and contagious enthusiasm to the experience. Weather permitting, the evening unfolds under the stars, with guests encouraged to dress comfortably, while museum galleries remain open throughout the night for those who want to move between cosmic exploration outdoors and indoor discovery.
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SCBCC Black Renaissance Art Show
Saturday, Jan 31st | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
San Bernardino County Museum | 2024 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands, CA 92374
The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce invites the community to the opening reception of the Black Renaissance Art Show, a celebratory evening spotlighting creativity, culture, and artistic excellence. This kickoff event brings artists, supporters, and community members together to connect, experience powerful works, and honor the ongoing influence of Black artists through a contemporary lens. Designed as both a cultural gathering and a moment of recognition, the opening reception sets the tone for an exhibition rooted in expression, legacy, and collective pride.
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Film Night: Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts
Thursday, Jan, 8th | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Ontario Museum | 225 S. Euclid Avenue, Ontario CA 91762
Film Night shines a spotlight on Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts, a powerful screening that explores the experiences of Black soldiers navigating service, segregation, and identity while shaping California and the nation’s history. Following the film, a facilitated discussion invites audiences to unpack key themes and draw connections to the current exhibition, creating space for reflection, dialogue, and deeper understanding. Light refreshments will be provided, making this an engaging and thoughtful evening of film, conversation, and community connection.
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Studio Saturdays: Dream World Collage
Saturday, Jan 17th | 12:00 PM - 3:00 Pm
Ontario Museum | 225 S. Euclid Avenue, Ontario CA 91762
Studio Saturdays invites visitors of all ages to Dream World Collage, a hands on, drop in art activity that turns imagination into action. Using magazines, found drawings, and colorful paper, participants are encouraged to build their own vision of a world rooted in peace, respect, and acceptance for all. Inspired by the legacy and dreams of Martin Luther King Jr., the workshop creates space for creative reflection and hopeful expression through art. All materials are provided, making it easy to jump in, get creative, and leave with a collage that reflects a more just and inclusive future.
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Opening reception for Solomonica: A Series of Cabinets by San Diego-based wood artist Beston Barnett
Saturday, Jan 24th | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sam And Alfreda Maloof Foundation For Arts And Crafts | 5131 Carnelian St., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701
The opening reception for Solomonica: A Series of Cabinets celebrates the work of San Diego based wood artist Beston Barnett, bringing his acclaimed Solomonica series together in a single exhibition for the very first time. Known for his masterful craftsmanship, Barnett’s furniture blends fine woodworking with storytelling, drawing from the rich tradition of Jewish craftspeople and the intricate, multilingual visual language of Islamic geometry. Each cabinet functions as both sculptural form and narrative surface, carved with patterns that explore history, identity, and cultural connection, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience this award winning body of work as a unified, immersive presentation.
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Fontana Farmers' Markets
Every Sunday | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Fontana Park | 15556 Summit Ave. Fontana CA 92336
The City of Fontana, in partnership with The Family Market Company, hosts a weekly Certified Fontana Farmers’ Market overseen by the Healthy Fontana Division of the Community Services Department. Each week, residents can shop fresh local produce, healthy prepared foods, specialty items, and a rotating mix of vendors that keeps every visit feeling new. Designed as a consistent, community centered gathering, the market offers an easy way to support local growers and makers while prioritizing wellness and access to good food. For more information, the community can contact Healthy Fontana at 909.350.6542.
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Got an event
we should know about? |
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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.)
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@ 2024 Arts Connection - The Arts Council of San Bernardino County. All Rights Reserved. 501(c)(3) - Tax ID # 46-3088038 |
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Office: 468 W. 5th St.. Unit 218, San Bernardino, CA 92401
Mailing: P.O. Box 1181, San Bernardino, CA 92402
P: 909.381.1900
E: info@artsconnectionnetwork.org
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