November is here, and the holiday season is in full swing. Time to get out the sweaters, put snow tires on the car and watch the leaves go from green to a fiery fall mix of reds and oranges. Ok…probably not, but there's still plenty of autumnal activity around Riverside, and the Gazette has selected a few of the best.
VOTE!!!
First, we encourage you all to VOTE!!! Election Day is November 5, but you can vote now by mail or in person. You're on your own for the national contests, but Justin has put in serious work to get you the goods on local racesand campaigns.
Day of the Dead
Though it comes from humble origins, Riverside's Dia De Los Muertos festival has become one of the largest celebrations of the holiday in California. This year, Division 9 gallery owner and event organizer Cosme Cordova and his crew have added a second day to the festival. Two stages of live music, car shows, ballet folklorico, food vendors, and ofrendas (altars) in White Park mean one epic weekend on Market Street.
RCAA Gallery
The RCAA Gallery on Lemon St. hosts their Celebrate America exhibit featuring Michael J. Elderman. Michael is known affectionately as "the Eyes of Riverside." His photos have captured the changing landscape and the people of our city for 50 years. He has become an institution around town, and years of experience and access to the city make his vision uniquely important.
Veterans Day
Celebrate Veteran's Day at Flabob Airport. Just over the Mission Inn Bridge is a 100 year old airport. On November 9 you can join the great folks at Flabob and the Hornets Hot Rod Club for a parade, vintage planes, hot rods, and military reenactors. Bring an unwrapped toy valued over $10 to benefit the Ft. Irwin toy drive benefiting the kids of active duty soldiers.
Riverside's Salute to Veterans Parade takes place on November 9 at 10 am. Find a spot along Magnolia/Market between Ramona and Tenth for the best view of this Veteran's Day tradition. Following the parade, there will be a Veteran'sVeterans Expo in front of the Main Historic Courthouse.
Goeske Center
The Goeske Center always has something going on. November is no exception. Aside from their regular day-to-day awesomeness "The Goeske" has a few special events planned for the month.
The Medicare Expo on November 13 is an excellent way to get professional advice and assistance navigating healthcare options for retired individuals. The health care and insurance industries can be confusing and overwhelming to navigate. The Medicare Expo at the Goeske Center will help you find the right option for you.
The Holidays Craft Fair on November 21 brings local vendors to the Goeske Center to peddle their holiday wares. Decorating is one of the best parts of the season, and buying locally-made and hand-crafted items gives your house a unique touch that you just can't get at a big box store.
NCAA Basketball
November means the start of College Basketball. Riverside has two competitive Division One basketball programs in the city, and these games are always fun and truly a great "bang for your buck" night out option.
The CBU Women have a challenging non-conference schedule this November. They start their season on the road against the University of Oregon, play Pepperdine and SDSU at home, and take the long trip to Ft. Meyers, Florida, for a battle with the Ivy League Penn.
UCR Women take a western states road trip to Fresno State, Boise State, and Pepperdine this month and host the Idaho Vandals at home on November 20.
UCR and CBU have become a legitimate multisport, crosstown rivalry. There is a little bad blood between the Lancers and the Highlanders, and the rivalry matches are always a little rowdy. On November 12, CBU will host the rivalry game at the Fowler Center. CBU has won four of the last five meetings, but less than five points decided the last two contests. Tickets for the matchup start at $8 for adult seats, and you will not find a better value for a family night out.
Vicky Tafoya
Penrose recording artist Vicky Tafoya and the Big Beat will be at the Hideaway on Saturday, November 16. Vicky belts it out with the best of them and their 50's R&B inspired tunes are the perfect soundtrack for a trip around the dance floor with your favorite dance partner or a tear in your beer if you're lonely...
Festival of Lights
In what has become one of the biggest holiday events in the country, the Mission Inn's Festival of Lights flips the switch on November 23. Whether you're there for the big party or a quiet stroll on a weeknight type of person, the Festival of Lights has it all. We will have more details on entertainment schedules and festival hours as they become available.
Mission Inn Foundation Tours
The Mission Inn Foundation is offering a new series of tours. Take a stroll downtown with a highly-trained docent and learn something new about the city you love. Check out their new retail store and museum on Market between University and Mission Inn for riverside-themed merchandise and tour inquiries. If you would like to become a docent you can inquire on their website about the docent training program.
