Located on the Chaffey College campus, the Wignall Museum of Contemporary Art is a teaching museum that primarily highlights work from students, but it also hosts other temporary exhibits from artists in the Inland Empire. In addition to contemporary art, the Wignall hosts talks and conferences for the benefit of the college as well as the community. Admission is always free and the galleries are closed on Fridays, Sundays and Holidays.
Located in Upland, the Grove Theater is a mid-century modern venue that was built in 1947 to screen Hollywood films. Today, it functions as a live event theater for stage performances which range from dance musicals to plays and one-man shows. Every season has a theme and the shows fit accordingly, so expect plenty of holiday spectaculars during winter. The theater also offers workshops and classes to all age groups in order to better appreciate performance art in the community. On a side note, the stage director is Sherry Kinison, brother-in-law to the late, great comedian Sam Kinison.
Located on Euclid Avenue in downtown Ontario, the town square serves as a gathering spot for picnics, concerts and other outdoor events. As a backdrop, the grand outdoor amphitheater/stage presents concerts, plays, workshops, festivals and many other happenings throughout the year. Additionally, there is a slew of food trucks that convene on certain nights which makes it a one-stop shop in terms of combining fun, food and festivity,
The Ontario Museum of History and Art aims to expand the community's knowledge of local culture through educational programs, exhibits and special events. The museum exhibits in detail, the life and people of the Inland Empire and the docents organize various outreach programs and field trips throughout the year. One of the highlights during Autumn is the Dia de los Muertos festival, when local artists showcase the macabre through painting, sculpture and crafts. Every year the event draws in thousands over the Halloween season.
Located at the base of the Jurupa Hills, the Mary Vagle Nature Center serves as an educational point-of-interest that highlights the Inland Empire's flora and fauna. The center also works as a good starting point for exploring the hills themselves. In the area surrounding the center, visitors can see myriad wildlife, from birds and butterflies to reptiles and smaller mammals. If you venture towards the top of the hills, the vantage point offers a superb view over the Inland Empire; it also provides a great place to have a picnic.
This anachronistic drive-in theater opened in 1956 and since then it has entertained legions of Inland Empire denizens over the decades. In your car, you can revisit another era while enjoying the modern comfort of upgraded technology. At the concession stand, they serve burgers, pizzas, hot dogs, french fries and other treats. Moreover, on weekends the entire drive-in area becomes a huge swap meet; it has since become one of the oldest and largest open-air markets in Southern California.
Gardiner Whittier Spring Auditorium, located on the Chaffey High School campus, has a rich and fascinating history. Originally built during the Depression by the Works Projects Administration and the Public Works Administration, this gorgeous Spanish Colonial-style venue includes a 1919 concert organ that (thanks to a restoration in the late 1980s) is still in excellent condition. A plethora of legendary figures have graced its stage since its 1939 dedication, including Paul Robeson, the Trapp Family Singers, Jimmy Durante, and Tony Bennett.
Built in 1837, La Casa Primera de Rancho San Jose is one of the oldest standing buildings in Pomona Valley. Built in an area of 1.6 acres (0.65 hectares), this was the abode of the Ygnacio Palomares that had 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, dining room, 3 fireplaces, and a pool. It was the first home to built of a thick wall of abode bricks This historic house was declared a National Landmark in 1954 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
The Redlands Historic Museum Association took hold of the Redlands Daily Facts at the current location to convert it to the Museum of Redlands so as to use the already existing artifacts to showcase more about the town of Redlands. Spread across an area of 14000 square feet (1300 square meters), the museum depicts the history of the area through exhibits of artifacts, historic items and documents.
The Highlander Auditorium has played host to graduations, ballets, weddings, and so much more. There are around one hundred and fifty assorted events from various fields of art held here annually. This 1073 seat proscenium arch theater is located roughly about thirty minutes away from downtown Los Angeles. With its staff of both professionals and students, the Highlander Auditorium is dedicated to providing great service throughout the season.