Check out the best events in the Inland Empire this February 2017. Between Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, there are plenty of reasons to get out and have some fun this month. If you need Valentines date ideas for your sweetheart or a weekend getaway suggestion, theres plenty to choose from. For even more things to do in Southern California this month, check out our list of events in LA County and Orange County.
Pechangas Annual Chocolate Decadence amp; Wine Festival
Decadence: Friday, February 10th 7PM-10PM Wine Festival: Saturday, February 11th 1PM-5PM pechanga.com
This will be one sweet weekend. Hundreds of wine varieties, sweet and savory chocolate confections, food samples from acclaimed Pechanga Resort amp; Casino restaurants, live music, silent auction and helping out a good cause are all on the agenda for the two days inside the Pechanga Resort amp; Casino Grand Ballroom in Temecula. Tickets start at $55 for Decadence, $65 for the Wine Festival or $140 for a combo for the whole weekend.
Imagine | Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Gala
Saturday, February 11th 5:30PM desertaidsproject.thankyou4caring.org
First organized by and named for famed interior designer Steve Chase, these galas are a prime highlight of the desert communitys social season. Celebrating its 23rd year, the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Gala has raised millions of dollars for direct client services at Desert AIDS Project. The night of glitz and glam includes red carpet arrivals, cocktails, silent auction, dinner, awards, musical performances and an after party.
Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Ball at Big Bear Lake
Saturday, February 11th 5PM-10PM bigbear.com
What better way to spend to Valentines Day and spread the love than having a ball, all to benefit the Bear Valley Community Hospital? The 4th Annual gala Sweetheart Ball is a night of food, wine, live entertainment, dancing and silent auctions to help raise funds for a great cause. Tickets for the 2017 Sweetheart Ball are $65 per person.
Palm Springs Modernism Week
Thursday, February 16th – Sunday, February 26st modernismweek.com
Modernism Week’s cool, iconic, modern February festival is an exciting 11-day celebration of midcentury modern design, architecture, art, fashion and culture. The place to start is CAMP, the Community And Meeting Place located in downtown. CAMP is a place to attend exciting talks and presentations, take in free events and exhibits, relax between events and pick up some Modernism Week souvenirs. Check out the site for all the details on home tours, lectures, bike tours and more.
Park After Dark Adults Only Night
Friday, February 17th 6PM-8:30PM livingdesert.org
Ever wonder what the animals are up to at The Living Desert when the people go home and the lights go out? Find out at Park After Dark. The best night to check it out is on the Adults Only Nights sponsored by Total Wine. The next upcoming event is in February with Bourbon and Scotch tastings including in your guided tour of specially selected animal exhibits.
Palm Springs Fine Art Fair
Friday, February 17th – Sunday, February 19h Opening Night, Feb. 16th art-palmsprings.com
While you’re in town for the Palm Springs Modernism Week, don’t forget to stop by the Palm Springs Fine Arts Fair where local galleries will be exhibiting works from over 300 artists, all under one roof. Often referred to as The Arts Event of the Year in Palm Springs, the Fine Art Fair showcases everything from painting and sculpture to photography and other visual arts. This will be the 6th annual fair and it’s kicking off with a Opening Night Preview Thursday, February 16th.
Riverside County Fair amp; National Date Festival
Friday, February 17th – Sunday, February 26st datefest.org
Check out the nightly musical pageant, headline entertainment, Monster Truck and BMX shows, camel and ostrich races (it does exist), date and produce displays, arts and crafts, carnival rides, and deliciously fried fair food. Check out the website for all the details, extra value days, and ticket info. Included in your fair ticket price is the headliner entertainment on the weekends at the Fantasy Springs Concert Pavilion.
McCormick’s Palm Springs Classic Car Auction
Friday, February 24th – Sunday, February 26th Various times classic-carauction.com
Registration starts on Thursday, and Friday is a free champagne happy hour from 11AM-noon for buyers and sellers with free admission for the public. Saturday amp; Sunday admission is $15 per day or $25 for both days. Sunday Morning Coming Down with free Mimosas and Bloody Marys in the main auction tent.
Cheetah Run 5K
Saturday, February 25th 6:30AM-9AM active.com
The 3rd Annual Cheetah Run is a rare opportunity to race through The Living Desert and enjoy all of the many sights and sounds of this unique place. Gaze at the Bighorn sheep, race the cheetahs, and admire the zebras as you make your way through the park. The race includes a 5K with three different age brackets, a 1K for ages 3-99, and another free 1K for kids below 3 years old. Race registration includes complimentary entrance into The Living Desert after the race, souvenir tee shirt, finisher medal, pre and post-race refreshments and an awards ceremony for the top 3 winners in each age group.