Get out there!

Grab your camera and a friend and head out to one of these great opportunities to practice your photography craft. 

If you know an event that should be added to this list, please email the RCC website coordinator, [email protected].

 

Extensive Seasonal Ideas

Redlands Camera Club member Brian Spears maintains an extensive list of photo opportunities in Southern California:

https://www.bspnews.news/new-events

 

Seasonal Highlights

 

 

Desert X

3/8 – 5/11
Coachella, CA

Website

The first Desert X took place in 2017 and included 16 artists who created works for locations from Whitewater Preserve to Coachella. The guiding purposes and principles of Desert X include presenting public exhibitions of art that respond meaningfully to the conditions of desert locations, the environment and indigenous communities; promoting cultural exchange and education programs that foster dialogue and understanding among cultures and communities about shared artistic, historical, and societal issues; and providing an accessible platform for artists from around the world to address ecological, cultural, spiritual, and other existential themes.

 

Redlands Bicycle Classic

4/9-13
Redlands, CA

Website

The Redlands Bicycle Classic is the longest continuous running invitational, professional stage race in American bike racing. Each year, the City of Redlands and surrounding communities open their homes, their hearts and their streets to world-class athletes. From humble beginnings on a Memorial Day weekend in 1985, the event, featuring 350 elite racers, has hosted future stars of the Olympics, Tour de France, and World Championships. The Redlands Bicycle Classic’s long heritage of attracting future stars has earned its position in history: “Where Legends Are Born!”

 

Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival

4/12-13
Santa Clarita, CA

Website

Celebrate cowboy culture. Gun slingers, trick roping, bull riding, blacksmithing, Civil War reenactments, music and more.

 

National Orange Show Fair

4/16-20
San Bernardino, CA

Website

For over 100 years, the National Orange Show Fairgrounds has hosted an annual Festival that celebrates the region’s citrus heritage. Today’s “New” Festival includes much of that original charm, plus a multicultural overlay to reflect today’s demographics. On Superhero Sunday there will be a costume contest. On Community Hero Saturday, a portion of ticket sales will be donated to local heroes.

 

Southern California Air Show

4/12-13
March Air Reserve Base, CA

Website

Into the wild blue yonder with the 2025 Southern California Air Show. Experience flyovers by military fighters, bombers, support craft and more. See numerous aerial demonstrations by stunt planes, P-51 Mustangs, the Patriots Jet Team, and the US Air Force Thunderbirds! Meanwhile, on the ground, there will be a wide variety of aircraft on display to walk around. General Admission and parking are FREE.

 

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve

March thru May
Antelope Valley, CA

Website

Each spring, hills of the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve erupts in a beautiful display of colors and scents. The wildflower season generally lasts from as early as mid-February through May, with a variety of wildflowers creating a mosaic of color that changes daily. Check the website for bloom density.

 

Idyllwild Celtic Faire

5/9-11
Idyllwild, CA

Website

Halò and Welcome to the annual Celtic Faire in the Beautiful Shire of Idyllwild at Hurkey Creek Park. Food vendors, Merchants, Entertainment. Kids 12 and under are FREE.

 

Photogenic Events in Redlands

Run Through Redlands

March

Website

Every year, runners, walkers and riders (wheelchair) take part in these 5K, 10K and Half-Marathon competitions. The courses wind through beautiful Redlands’ tree-lined streets, past historic homes with breathtaking views of the San Bernardino Mountains. Additional event activities typically include a Kid’s Dash, Runner’s Expo and refreshments.

 

Redlands Bicycle Classic

April

Website

The Redlands Bicycle Classic is the longest continuous running stage race in American bike racing. From humble beginnings on a Memorial Day weekend in 1985 hosting future stars for the Olympics, Tour de France, and world championships, the Redlands Bicycle Classic has earned its position in history “Where Legends Are Born”.

 

Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival

Summer

Website

At 8:00 p.m. every Tuesday and Friday evening during the summer, the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival draws thousands to its world-class performances. Since its inception in 1924, the Bowl has been a special place in Redlands for families, friends, and music-lovers of all ages and backgrounds to gather and enjoy its superb programs.

 

Fourth of July Fireworks

July

Website

All-day activities at Sylvan Park set up this Independence Day celebration. Evening festivities tend to include displays from aircraft and skydivers followed by a ground firework displays and a long session of impressive aerials.

 

Redlands Firefighters Car Show

May

Website

The heart of historic downtown Redlands provides the perfect backdrop for snapshot of a gorgeous classic car … and the winning recipe for a nostalgia-filled stroll back in time.

 

Christmas Parade

December

Website

The annual Downtown Redlands Christmas Parade is a magical evening event in Downtown Redlands, with floats, musical performances and a visit from Santa Claus.

 

 

Photogenic Places in and near Redlands

 

Umbrella Alley

Ongoing
Redlands

Website

420 multicolored umbrellas covering the alley. 

 

Lincoln Shrine

Ongoing
Redlands

Webite

A memorial and research center dedicated to the memory of Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States of America. 

 

A.K. Smiley Library

Ongoing
Redlands

Website

Established in 1894, A.K. Smiley Public Library has served generations of patrons. See this beautiful, historic building and attractive grounds.

 

Ed Hales Park

Ongoing
Redlands

Website

A small park with pavilion and stage, sister cities clock, and historic artwork in downtown Redlands.

 

Kimberly Crest

Ongoing
Redlands

Website

A national historic landmark, the home is a one-of-a-kind example of life during the Gilded Age in Southern California. 

 

University of Redlands

Ongoing
Redlands

Website

Established in 1907, the University of Redlands campus features a palm-lined main street, lush green lawns, and canopy of 100-year-old trees, where colonnaded buildings share space with modern structures. 

 

Murals of Downtown Redlands

Ongoing
Redlands

Website

Hummingbirds, Little Rascals, bandstands, and more. Take a walk around downtown Redlands to view and photograph some 40 works of art decorating the walls of Redlands’ downtown district.

 

Sculpture Art

Ongoing
Redlands

Website

Steel and glass, sails, clocks, dancing geometric figures, atomic structures. Redlands has a number of sculptures in public places. Aside from the general experience, these pieces provide an exceptional opportunity for capturing some abstract images.

 

Crystal Cove State Park

Ongoing 
Newport Beach

Website

On the beach: rolling surf, sandy beaches, tidepools. Landside: gently sloping hills, and deeply wooded canyons and ridges.  A great opportunity to capture the coastal sunset.

 

Tahquitz and Indian Canyons

Ongoing 
Palm Springs

Website

Tahquitz Canyon is one of the most beautiful and culturally sensitive areas of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation. Tahquitz Canyon is home to a spectacular seasonal 60-foot waterfall, rock art, ancient irrigation systems, native wildlife, and plants. Protect yourself with sunscreen and a good hat, and be sure to stay hydrated.

 

Weekend Farmer’s Markets

Ongoing
various locations

Check out one of the many Farmer’s Markets displaying local fruits, vegetables and more. Nearby options include Redlands, Yucaipa, Ontario and Claremont.

 

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.