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Hey Reader!
May brings longer days, warmer nights, and a packed calendar across San Bernardino County, with festivals, markets, performances, and workshops showing up all month long. As things move outdoors and the energy picks up, it is the perfect time to explore what is happening around you. You can now browse a full calendar of arts and cultural events on our website, with the same submission process as the newsletter and more space to discover events throughout the month. Here is what is going on this May across the county.
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Broadway In Concert! — Joshua Tree Philharmonic
Friday, May 8th -10th | Times Vary
Blak Box Theater | 61231 Hwy 62 Joshua Tree, CA 92252
The Joshua Tree Philharmonic is back and not playing around, bringing Broadway to the desert with its annual Broadway in Concert series, running May 8–10, 2026. Now in its 23rd year, the orchestra goes all in with a stacked lineup of iconic musical theater hits, featuring guest vocalists and selections from favorites like The Lion King, Wicked, Rent, Chicago, Mamma Mia, The Phantom of the Opera, and more. Under the direction of Maestro Jarrod Radnich, with Assistant Conductor and Vocal Director Beinn-Mhor Stuart, the performance delivers a full-scale concert experience that blends live orchestra with powerhouse vocals. This is one of those blink-and-you-miss-it events since tickets sell out fast, and with reserved seating, a cash and credit bar, and multiple ways to purchase tickets online or in person, it is set up for a smooth night out. Just note, it is rated G and open to ages 5 and up, so it is a solid pick for a wide range of audiences looking for a high-energy, feel-good night of musical theater.
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Film Submissions Are Open Yucca Valley Film Festival
Yucca Valley Community Center | 57090 29 Palms Hwy, Yucca Valley, CA 92284
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.
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Footloose The Musical
Friday, May 22nd - 31st | 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Cultural Arts Center of the High Desert | 15615 8th street Victorville, CA 92392
Audiences are invited to cut loose and kick off their Sunday shoes with an electrifying stage production running May 22–31, 2026, bringing high energy and a story that continues to captivate crowds. With performances scheduled on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, this limited run is built for packed houses and strong demand, making early ticket purchase a must. Priced at just $20, the show offers an accessible night out with major entertainment value, but with sellout buzz already building, waiting is not the move.
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Barstows’ High Desert Farmers Market
Every Tuesday | 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Barstow Community College | 2700 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311
The High Desert Farmers Market creates a lively, community-centered space where residents and visitors can gather, connect, and enjoy a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Organized by Kerri Santoro and Hillside Flower Growers, the market goes beyond shopping by serving as a hub for local activity, supporting a strong sense of place while uplifting the surrounding college and community. It brings together fresh food, unique goods, and local organizations, giving people direct access to farmers, makers, and nonprofits while building meaningful connections from farms to families. The overall vibe is intentional: part marketplace, part community hangout, and fully rooted in creating a positive, social, and civic experience.
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Mountain Health and Resource Fair
Wednesday, May 6th | 2:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Rim of the World High School | 27400 Hwy-18 Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352
The community is invited to take advantage of a free, all-in-one health event offering sports physicals, dental and vision screenings, and additional wellness services designed to support overall health and readiness. Built to remove barriers and make care accessible, the event creates a convenient, community-focused space where individuals and families can check in on their health, get cleared for activities, and connect with essential resources all in one stop.
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Mother's Day Soiree
Saturday, May 9th | 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Skyforest Mercantile | 28626 CA-18, Skyforest, CA 92385
The community is invited to celebrate at a Mother’s Day Soirée that blends local shopping with a laid-back, feel-good vibe, featuring a curated lineup of vendors alongside sips, nibbles, and fresh flavors from a food truck, coffee offerings, and baked sourdough goods. Guests can browse, snack, and connect while also enjoying a complimentary sunflower potting station, adding a hands-on, take-home moment to the experience. It is designed as an easy, festive outing that centers local makers and creates space to celebrate, gather, and enjoy the day.
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Library Beginners, Active Einsteins
Tuesday, May 12th | 11:30 AM -12:30 PM
Crestline Branch Library | 24105 Lake Gregory Dr Crestline, CA 92325
The Crestline Branch Library is leveling up everyday learning with a lineup of programs designed for all ages, from first-time visitors to curious young minds ready to explore. “Library Beginners” helps newcomers get comfortable navigating books, resources, and services, making it an easy entry point into lifelong learning, while “Active Einsteins” brings hands-on STEM activities and creative experiments that spark curiosity and build confidence in the next generation. With rotating sessions and something always on the schedule, the library continues to show up as a go-to community space where learning stays fun, accessible, and engaging.
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Big Bear Lake Maifest 2026
Saturday May 16th - 30th | Times Vary
Big Bear Lake Convention Center | 42900 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Big Bear Lake Maifest kicks off on Saturday, May 16, 2026, launching a high-energy celebration filled with festive vibes, community spirit, and alpine charm. The event builds momentum into America’s Heroes Weekend on May 23, honoring U.S. military, law enforcement, and firefighters with free general admission as a gesture of appreciation. The celebration continues through Memorial Day Weekend, May 23–24, offering a full lineup of activities that blend tradition, tribute, and seasonal fun, making it a standout mountain getaway experience during one of the busiest holiday weekends of the year.
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Elements Adult Art
Every 1st and 3rd Thursday | 6:00 PM -7:30 PM
Yucaipa Performing Arts Center | 12062 California Street Yucaipa, CA 92399
The “ELEMENTS” Adult Basic Art Class offers a hands-on, guided experience where participants explore the core elements of art through the lens of diverse artists and creative styles. Each session introduces new techniques across a range of mediums, pairing a structured lesson with space to experiment and build confidence. With all supplies included, the class removes barriers and makes it easy to show up, create, and learn, leaving each participant with both new skills and a finished piece they can be proud of.
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Art Journaling Class
Wednesday, May 13th | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Museum of Redlands Store | 1 N Center St, Redlands, CA 92373
This hands-on workshop invites participants to explore collage, mixed media, and storytelling in a relaxed, no-pressure setting designed to make creativity feel easy and accessible. Centered around art journaling, the experience offers a fun way to document memories through Redlands-inspired visuals, using cards and tags to build a personalized keepsake journal. Guided step-by-step by two instructors, participants of all skill levels can learn new techniques while still having the freedom to experiment and express their own style. With all materials provided, it is a low-lift, high-reward creative session where attendees walk away with a finished journal that feels both personal and one of a kind.
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Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Friday, May 15th - 17th | Times Vary
California Theatre of the Performing Arts | 562 West 4th St. San Bernardino, CA
Beautiful tells the inspiring story of a young woman who rises to become a music icon, brought to life through the work of Douglas McGrath and the legendary songwriting of Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Barry Mann, and Cynthia Weil. This Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical blends a powerful, coming-of-age story with a soundtrack of timeless hits like You’ve Got a Friend, Natural Woman, and Will You Love Me Tomorrow. Packed with nostalgia and emotional depth, the show delivers a full-circle experience that celebrates resilience, creativity, and the music that shaped generations.
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Human & Pet Wellness Resource Fair
Saturday, May 30th | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Veterans Park | 290 E “O” St, Colton, CA 92324
The community is invited to enjoy a day centered on health, happiness, and healing for both people and their pets, bringing together health professionals, pet care experts, and local vendors in one dynamic, easygoing space. With services like a pet vaccination clinic alongside resources and activities focused on overall wellness, the event creates a one-stop experience that is both informative and fun. Designed to support healthy lifestyles for the whole household, it blends education, care, and community connection into a feel-good outing built around living well together.
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First Thursdays: My Little “Citrus” Piñata with Isaias Rodriguez
Thursday, May 7th | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Ontario Museum of History & Art | 225 Euclid Avenue Ontario CA 91762
Participants are invited to get hands-on and creative by crafting a mini citrus-themed piñata with artist Isaias Rodriguez, choosing from orange, lemon, or grapefruit designs inspired by California’s citrus heritage. Along the way, the workshop weaves in local history, highlighting how the citrus industry helped shape the community of Ontario. With all materials provided and a drop-in format, it is an easy, low-pressure way to learn a new skill, connect with culture, and leave with a playful, handmade piece.
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Chaffey College Theatre: Spring Band Concert
Saturday, May 9th | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Chaffey College Theatre | 5885 Haven Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737
The community is invited to welcome the season at a Spring Band Concert featuring the Chaffey College Community Band and Jazz Ensemble, led by Patrick Aranda. Blending classic concert band sounds with the energy of jazz, the performance offers a lively mix of melody, rhythm, and harmony that captures the shift into spring. Designed as an easy, feel-good afternoon experience, the concert brings people together to celebrate the season through live music and community connection.
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Southland Symphony Orchestra Celebrates Season Finale with Dvořák, Brahms, and Guest Cellist Ruslan Biryukov
Saturday, May 16th | 4:00 PM
Bethel Congregational Church | 536 N Euclid Ave, Ontario CA 91762
The Southland Symphony Orchestra closes out its 2025–2026 season with a powerful finale concert on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Bethel Congregational Church, bringing together bold Romantic works and standout solo performance for a high-impact afternoon of live orchestral music. Under the direction of Sylvia Lee Mann, the program features internationally acclaimed cellist Ruslan Biryukov performing Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104 by Antonín Dvořák, alongside sweeping selections like Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98 by Johannes Brahms and a vibrant overture by Elfrida Andrée. Designed to deliver both emotional depth and technical brilliance, the concert highlights the full range of orchestral expression while staying rooted in accessibility, with affordable ticket options, free entry for children under 12, and community-supported access for those who need it, making it a strong close to the season and an easy yes for both seasoned listeners and first-time audiences.
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Fontana Arts Festival
Saturday, May 16th | 5:00 PM -10:00 PM
15556 Summit Ave, Fontana, CA 92336
The community is invited to tap into the energy of Fontana Arts Events, where a vibrant mix of local vendors, original artwork, and great food comes together for an easy, all-ages outing. With live performances and hands-on art workshops woven into the experience, the event blends creativity and community into one dynamic space built for discovery and connection. With free admission, it is a low-barrier way to show up, explore, and make memorable moments with the people around you.
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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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