Things to do in San Bernardino County – Welcome to San Bernardino County

9th Annual Bucky Ball celebrates the County Museum’s mission of public service and education

The San Bernardino County Museum Foundation announced its 9^th Annual Bucky Ball Gala taking place on the evening of Saturday, May 18, 2024. The in-person gala will feature the opening of the exhibit, Holding History: 50 Years in Redlands.

This exhibit explores the evolution of the County Museum from its founding to now, with a special emphasis on the relationship between the institution and its community partners over the last 50 years.

The Foundation is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands and its branches, including the Victor Valley Museum in Apple Valley. The fundraising event supports the museum’s mission of developing appreciation and sparking curiosity in regional cultural arts, history, and natural and earth sciences through exhibits and educational programming.

This year, the lively event will be held in the outdoor courtyard of the San Bernardino County Museum where guests will be able to connect and engage in conversations celebrating the museum’s service to Inland Empire families and support for increasing the number of youths pursuing art and science education and careers. As in the past, the event will include music, cocktails, live and silent auctions, dinner and a program.

The 2024 Bucky Ball will also honor three regional partners with the Good Egg Award. The Good Egg Award recipients have been exceptional partners of the Foundation by supporting its efforts to assist the museum in increasing their impact in our region.

As the largest cultural and natural history center in the region, the San Bernardino County Museum plays a vital role in our children’s education. Named in honor of the science innovation of Buckminster Fuller, an engineer, poet, and environmentalist, the Foundation’s Bucky Ball event highlights the mission of the museum, as well as the museum’s iconic architectural dome, inspired by Fuller’s geodesic domes, and visible from Interstate 10 since 1974.

“This is our most important event of the year. The support the Foundation raises at the Bucky Ball provides vital resources for the museum and ensures they can meet the educational needs of our region,” shared Brandon Mulder, the foundation’s executive director.

Museum Director David Myers said, “We are grateful to benefit from the fundraising efforts of the San Bernardino County Museum Foundation. This long-standing partnership is a key part of the Museum’s ability to develop excellent exhibits and programming. I look forward to a successful 2024 Bucky Ball and thank all the donors that appreciate the meaningful service the museum provides the community.”

Guests are encouraged to fill out an interest form if they would like to attend. Tickets are $150 per person, $125 for members. A non-member table for ten can be purchased for $1,500 or $1,250 for members. Guests who are unable to attend are encouraged to consider donating or becoming a sponsor. Sponsorship opportunities include a $15,000 Presenting Sponsor, $10,000 Titanium Sponsor, $5,000 Platinum Sponsor, $2,500 Gold Sponsor, $1,000 Silver Sponsor, and $500 Copper Sponsor. For more information on attending, donating or sponsoring, visit the San Bernardino County Museum Foundation’s website or call 909-798-8626.

The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional, cultural and natural history and the museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.

San Bernardino County Museum to celebrate 50 Years in Redlands with Holding History Exhibit opening May 19

This year, the San Bernardino County Museum (SBCM) is celebrating its 50th anniversary in the city of Redlands! The museum is the largest cultural and natural history museum in the region and has worked with countless institutions and partners throughout its long history and aims to highlight these relationships with the newly announced Holding History: 50 Years in Redlands exhibit opening on Sunday, May 19.

Since its inception, SBCM has educated, entertained and inspired visitors of all ages and asked them to challenge their assumptions and contribute to our common future. Supported by the Board of Supervisors and the Countywide Vision, the museum is excited to continue celebrating the arts, science, culture and natural history of the county, and improving the quality of life for residents and visitors.

“This exhibit is not only a look at the last 50 years, but also aims to set our sights on the future. What can we learn from our predecessors? Where can we adapt? Where have we transformed and pioneered change, not only here but across the nation? Ultimately, we want to hear from our community and elevate the voices of local residents,” stated Museum Chief Deputy and Curator of Anthropology Tamara Serrao-Leiva.

Museum Director David Myers shared, “Museums create stronger communities by cultivating a sense of shared identity and history. We are proud to be the stewards of this museum, which has done so much to contribute to the quality of life in the region, and recognize the contributions of so many staff, volunteers, partners and friends.”

SBCM was founded in 1952 by the San Bernardino County Museum Foundation (SBCMF). It opened to the public in 1957 and was donated to San Bernardino County in 1961. The facility moved from Bloomington, California to its present location in Redlands in 1974. The museum continues to be an active curation facility and, as such, has an indispensable function for many industries.

The museum oversees additional branch sites including the Victor Valley Museum (VVM) in Apple Valley, the Yucaipa Adobe in Yucaipa, the Agua Mansa Pioneer Cemetery in Colton, the Yorba-Slaughter Families Adobe in Chino, the Oro Grande Cemetery in Oro Grande, and the María Merced Williams and John Rains House in Rancho Cucamonga.

If you would like an exclusive viewing of the exhibit before the public opening, we invite you to join us for our annual Bucky Ball Gala hosted by SBCMF the evening prior on Saturday, May 18. For more information about attending, donating or sponsoring, visit SBCMF’s website or call 909-798-8626.

SBCMF is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the SBCM in Redlands and its branches, including VVM in Apple Valley. The fundraising event supports the museum’s mission of developing appreciation and sparking curiosity in regional cultural arts, history, and natural and earth sciences through exhibits and educational programming.

Regional Parks hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony offering free admission, games, movie in the park

Regional Parks is excited to announce the completion of several new park projects and is inviting the public to join in on the ribbon-cutting ceremony and festivities at Glen Helen Regional Park on Friday, May 24 from 3 to 9 p.m. Park admission is free after 3 p.m.

In attendance will be the Board of Supervisors and other elected officials discussing the completion of the new park projects, such as the new waterslides and rodeo-themed splashpad, new restrooms and picnic shelters, new island bridge and fishing dock and a new entry monument. These accomplishments support the Countywide Vision 2B Active that aims to improve the health and wellness of the communities by investing in recreational programs, amenities and activities.

After the ceremony, the celebration and festivities continue with music, games and activities, food trucks and a movie in the park showing of Migration. Free popcorn will be available, while supplies last. Visitors are encouraged to stick around after the ceremony and spend the afternoon exploring the park, picnicking, grilling or just relaxing before the games and movie. Leashed pets are welcome too! Food trucks will be onsite at an additional cost and may accept debit/credit cards, but it’s always useful to have cash on hand.

Schedule of Events

3-3:30 p.m.: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony (open to everyone)
3:30-6 p.m.: Swim Complex Opens (unfortunately the complex has already reached capacity)
6-7:30 p.m.: Pre-Movie Activities (open to everyone)
7:30-9 p.m.: Movie in the Park, Migration (open to everyone)

For more information on Regional Parks, visit parks.sbcounty.gov.

Beep, beep! County Museum’s host first-ever transportation events

Screech! Hold up. Did you hear that? The San Bernardino County Museum and Victor Valley Museum are gearing up to host their first-ever On the Move: All Things That Go! events.

Join us on Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands and Saturday, June 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Victor Valley Museum in Apple Valley.

On the Move: All Things That Go! is a community event where both kids and kids at heart can see, touch and learn about vehicles of all types – public service, crime fighting, emergency, utility, construction, transportation, delivery and is just plain cool! This event is replacing our Train Days but don’t fret, there will still be model trains on display with expanded programming to include all modes of transportation.

On the Move: All Things That Go! will guarantee to be filled with additional activities including complimentary face painting, transportation resources at our partner booths, and other special entertainment – all included with the price of museum admission. This event offers county departments, local organizations and companies a unique opportunity to showcase their brand and interact with the community in a fun and educational environment. A range of agencies are participating in the event, including Ontario International Airport, San Bernardino County Public Works, San Bernardino County Human Resources, San Bernardino County Animal Care and more.

The San Bernardino County Museum is located at 2024 Orange Tree Ln., at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Victor Valley Museum is located at 11873 Apple Valley Rd. in Apple Valley. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (children ages 6 to 12). Children five and under and Museum Foundation members are admitted free. Parking is free. The museums are accessible to persons with disabilities.

The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional, cultural, and natural history and the museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.

For more information, visit museum.sbcounty.gov or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

Mojave Narrows hosts Spring Fling outdoor event with games, contests, animal presentation

Join Regional Parks at Mojave Narrows as we celebrate springtime with our Spring Fling event on Saturday, May 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is $10 per vehicle and free for those camping with us. Mojave Narrows is located at 18000 Yates Rd. in Victorville.

Activities include group games, lawn games, face painting, bingo, arts and crafts, music and food trucks (food truck prices will apply). Eventgoers can explore a variety of butterfly species in the walk-in butterfly tent, enter a paper airplane contest from 11:30 a.m. to noon, or watch Wildlife Adventure Time’s live animal presentation from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

All ages are welcome. Leashed pets are welcome too! Bring your chairs, coolers, games and spend the day with us. Our parks have grills as well on a first come, first serve basis. For more information on Regional Parks, visit parks.sbcounty.gov.

Stimulate your imagination with Second Saturdays at Victor Valley Museum

Families can enjoy on-site themed art projects every month with Second Saturdaysat the Victor Valley Museum (VVM) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

2024 Second Saturdays schedule:

June 8
July 13
Aug. 10
Sept. 14
Oct. 12
Nov. 9
Dec. 14

VVM is located at 11873 Apple Valley Rd. in Apple Valley. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military/senior), $7 (student), and $5 (children ages 6 to 12). Children 5 and under and museum members are free. Parking is free and the museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. For more information, visit museum.sbcounty.gov/events.

VVM’s exhibits of regional, cultural and natural history and the museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.

Family Fish & Wildlife Festival offers hands-on fishing workshops, wildlife exhibits at Prado Regional Park

Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe, Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman, Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., along with Regional Parks, San Bernardino County Fish & Game Commission, and Hesperia Lake Recreation & Park District, will host the 3rd Annual Family Fish & Wildlife Festival at Prado Regional Park on Saturday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The festival is a family-friendly event that provides hands-on fishing workshops with fishing supplies provided, live demonstrations, animal exhibits, food booths, live music and more.

Local vendors, such as Bass Pro Shops, Turner’s Outdoorsman, Inland Valley Big Brothers and Big Sisters, California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW), Chino Valley Fire Department and many more will be onsite to greet eventgoers and offer prize giveaways.

Activities include archery lessons, games, face painting, arts and crafts, biking and more.

A fishing workshop will provide free rods as well as gear and bait for those who want to learn how to fish. The CDFW will stock 1,000 lbs. of catfish prior to the event. No fishing license or park fishing permit will be required for those attending the event.

We encourage eventgoers to bring their own chairs, food and snacks and spend the day with us. Food trucks will be onsite as well.

All ages are welcome! Leashed pets are welcome too!

For more information, visit parks.sbcounty.gov and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for event updates.

Park admission is $10 per vehicle and free for those camping with us. Camping reservations can be made online at sbcountyparks.com.

Prado Regional Park is located at 16700 S. Euclid Ave., in Chino.

Regional Parks hiring lifeguards, pool managers for 2024 swim season

Build skills and valuable teamwork experience working outdoors as a lifeguard or pool manager at Glen Helen or Yucaipa Regional Parks swim facilities. The 2024 swim season begins Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Starting salaries for lifeguards begin at $17/hr. and pool managers start at $21/hr. These positions are responsible for protecting the public against accidents in the swim facilities, administering first aid/CPR if an accident should occur and maintaining and operating the pool, waterslides, and park equipment. Lifeguard and/or CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications are required at the time of hire. Reimbursements for certifications may be provided by Regional Parks. Scan the QR code to apply or visit sbcounty.gov/jobs.