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Hey Reader!

The calendar may say fall is approaching, but San Bernardino County is nowhere near slowing down! This month is packed with live music, art exhibitions, cultural celebrations, theater, film, festivals, workshops, markets, and plenty of unexpected fun. Dance in the desert, explore art in the valley, soak up mountain culture, or follow the music somewhere new. There is something creative waiting around nearly every corner. Grab your calendar and possibly your dancing shoes because here is what is happening across the county this September.


DESERT HAPPENINGS

Mandala Show

Open through Sept 6 | Opens daily at 11 a.m.

MazAmar Art Pottery | 53626 Mane St., Pioneertown CA 92268

Art lovers can explore an outdoor exhibition pairing Julia Briest’s intricate natural-fiber mandalas with Thomas Alban’s carved ceramic wall pieces. This showcase brings texture, pattern, and nature beautifully together in one inspiring setting.

Thrasher Magazine's DEATH MATCH

Saturday, Sept 12 | 4:00 PM

Pappy & Harriet's | 53688 Pioneertown Rd, Pioneertown CA 92688

Catch Thrasher Magazine’s Death Match at Pappy & Harriet’s, featuring Circle Jerks, Melvins, rising heavy acts, DJs, and invite-only mini-ramp mayhem, with all-ages outdoor performances and a 21-plus indoor stage too.

2026 GramFest: Cosmic American Music Festival - Memorial Tribute

Saturday, Sept 19 | 3:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Blak Box Theater | 61231 Highway 62, Joshua Tree CA 92252

GramFest brings Cosmic American Music back to Joshua Tree with two stages of nonstop performances, immersive projections, concert lighting, food, drinks, seating, and free parking. Fans can settle in and enjoy every note.

2026 Art Tours Collective Show

Sept 25 - 28 | Time varies

Hi-Desert Artists | 55635 29 Palms Hwy, Yucca Valley, CA 92284

Curious creatives can get a head start on Hwy 62 Art Tours at this Yucca Valley showcase, where participating artists fill one gallery with original pieces ready to inspire their future studio stops.

Joshua Trees: Past, Present & Future

Saturday, Sept 26 | 5:00 PM

Joshua Tree Retreat Center | 59700 29 Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA 92252

What does the future hold for Joshua trees? Guests can find out through conservation talks, community connections, and a documentary premiere at Joshua Tree Retreat Center during this pay what you can event.


MOUNTAIN HAPPENINGS

Market at Lake Gregory: Labor Day Weekend Finale

Friday, Sept 4 | 5:00 PM– 9:00 PM

Leisure Shores | 24658 San Moritz Dr., Crestline CA 92325

Handmade treasures, tasty bites, and toe tapping tunes share the spotlight at this free lakeside gathering, where visitors can browse artisan vendors, enjoy live music, meet neighbors, and soak up the waterfront atmosphere.

The Wright Stuff Cards, Collectibles, Art and Crafts Show

Saturday, Sept 5 | 10 AM–6 PM

Wrightwood Place | 770 CA-2, Wrightwood, CA 92397

Trading cards meet handmade creativity at this new family friendly celebration of hobby culture, featuring collectibles, gaming, visual art, craft vendors, food, raffles, giveaways, and plenty of opportunities to discover a new obsession.

Boat Parade of Lights and Drone Show

Sunday, Sept 6 | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

40870 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake CA 92315

Big Bear Lake sparkles after sunset as illuminated boats cruise from Garstin Island along the shoreline. Spectators can enjoy the Labor Day parade, then stick around for Visit Big Bear’s dazzling drone show.

Arrowhead Arts Association Fall Music Festival

Sunday, Sept 20 | 3:00 PM

Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church | 27627 Rim of the World Dr, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352

Fresh from an Italian tour, Mountaintop Strings joins Arrowhead Arts Orchestra for a free concert spanning Romeo and Juliet, The Magnificent Seven, and West Side Story, with violinist YuEun Kim. Registration is appreciated.

Running Springs Farmers Market & Artisan Faire

Saturdays | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Running Springs Farmers Market & Artisan Faire | 2645 Whispering Pines Dr, Running Springs, CA 92382

Fresh flavors, handmade finds, and neighborly fun fill this welcoming community market. Families can shop pesticide free produce, enjoy hot lunches and live music, visit craft stations, and connect with local community partners.


EAST VALLEY HAPPENINGS

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!

September 4–6 and 11–13 | Times varies

Yucaipa Performing Arts Center | 12062 California St, Yucaipa, CA 92399

The prairie comes alive at YPAC Live as Legendary Productions presents Oklahoma!, the beloved musical blending romance, community, rivalry, and unforgettable songs. Performances run Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with afternoon and evening showtimes.

Redlands Symphony: Shostakovich’s Fifth

Saturday, Sept 12 | 7:30 PM

Memorial Chapel, University of Redlands | 101 Chapel St, Redlands, CA 92374

Bold sounds take center stage as music director Deanna Tham leads Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony alongside works by contemporary composer Derrick Skye and French composer Mélanie Bonis, creating an evening of striking musical contrasts.

RAFFMA Fall Exhibition Opening and 30th Anniversary Celebration

Saturday, Sept 12 | Noon – 4:00 PM

Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art, CSUSB | 5500 University Pkwy, San Bernardino, CA 92407

Two exhibitions, one celebration: RAFFMA unveils To See Through, exploring transparency and perception, alongside Gathered Here, honoring the artists, students, educators, and partners shaping the museum since 1996. Both run through December 12.

The Annual San Manuel Nation Pow Wow

September 18 – 20

Cal State San Bernardino | 5500 University Pkwy, San Bernardino, CA 92407

Drums, dance, and tradition fill three unforgettable days at this free celebration presented by the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, featuring Native performers, food, fine art, traditional crafts, Grand Entry ceremonies, and competitions.

Southern California in Film: The Ring (1952)

Saturday, Sept 19 | 2:00 PM

Contemporary Club | 173 S Eureka St, Redlands, CA 92373

Step into 1950s Los Angeles with The Ring, Alfred E. Green’s boxing drama following a Mexican American fighter. A.K. Smiley Public Library presents the film as part of its free Southern California series.


WEST VALLEY HAPPENINGS

Wonder, Wander, and Make

Sunday, Sept 6 | 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation | 5131 Carnelian St., Rancho Cucamonga CA 91701

Curiosity leads the way at Wonder, Wander, & Make, a free first Sunday gathering where all ages can explore nature, spark their imaginations, create something special, and enjoy playful hands on fun together outdoors.

A Racket of Banshees: Goddesses and Monsters Re-Imagined

Sept 8–Nov 14 · Artist reception Sept 12 | Noon – 2:00 PM

Wignall Museum of Contemporary Art, Chaffey College | 5885 Haven Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737

Mythology meets bold new possibilities in this contemporary feminist exhibition, where sculpture, painting, photography, video, drawing, and performance explore transformation, gender equity, and speculative futures. Admission to the exhibition and reception is free.

Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion

Sept 18 | 2:00 PM –9:00 PM & Sept 19 | 9:00 AM–9:00 PM

Historic Euclid Avenue and Ontario Town Square | 224 N Euclid Ave, Ontario, CA 91762

Engines roar and chrome shines as more than 1,000 classic cars, hot rods, Woodies, and custom rides take over downtown for Route 66’s centennial, complete with cruising, contests, vendors, and free evening concerts.

Rose Royce and Tierra Legacy: Legends of Soul & Groove

Friday, Sept 18 | 8:00 PM–10:00 PM

Lewis Family Playhouse | 12505 Cultural Center Dr, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739

Southern California’s soundtrack takes center stage as Rose Royce and Tierra Legacy share an evening of funk, soul, R&B, and Latin influenced favorites that have moved generations. Tickets cost approximately $53 to $68.

La Gran Fiesta: A Hispanic Heritage Celebration

Saturday, Sept 19 | 5:00 PM–9:00 PM

Miller Park Amphitheater | 17002 Arrow Blvd, Fontana, CA 92335

Color, flavor, and creativity come together at this free family celebration of Hispanic and Latin culture, featuring music, food, community connections, local entrepreneurs, and artists working in painting, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and woodwork.


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.)

@ 2024 Arts Connection - The Arts Council of San Bernardino County. All Rights Reserved. 501(c)(3) - Tax ID # 46-3088038

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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