The city of Murrieta is inviting families and friends to come out and celebrate at the town’s 34rd birthday party. The party kicks off at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Cal Oaks Sports Park, 40600 California Oaks Road. The fireworks show starts at 9 p.m.

“Join us for Murrieta’s 34th Annual Birthday Bash! Festivities begin at 2 p.m. and include a full day of family-friendly fun, live entertainment, and activities for all ages,” a city spokesperson said. “Celebrate with the City of Murrieta as we honor our community’s birthday in style—with local vendors, delicious food, interactive zones for kids, and toe-tapping tribute bands. The evening wraps up with a dazzling fireworks display you won’t want to miss.”

At the event, attendees will be able to find a variety of local vendors, games and activities for all ages. Tribute bands Classic Journey, playing favorites from Steve Perry and company, and Arena, which recasts Duran Duran’s entire catalog, are slated to play throughout Saturday afternoon, during which a “firefighters’ hose down” is planned, giving residents a chance to cool off under a spray from fire engines.

• 2 p.m.– Kid Zone Opens
• 4:30 p.m. – Firefighter Hosedown
• 5 p.m.– Live Music: ARENA – Duran Duran Tribute Show
• 7:15 p.m. – Live Music: Classic Journey
• 9 p.m. – Fireworks

Have Questions? Call (951) 304-PARK (7275) for more information.

“No Dogs, No Alcohol, No Smoking and No BBQs are allowed,” the city would like to remind all guests. Do enjoy the fireworks.

Next week, on July 3, Renaissance Village Senior Living and Memory Care in Murrieta is hosting an Independence Day “4th of July BBQ” starting at 11:30 a.m.

Here’s what’s on the menu: St. Louse style ribs, BBQ chicken thighs, potato salad, baked beans, corn on the cob and watermelon wedges. Find more information about the July 3 event here.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Menifee, a celebration will kick off at 4 p.m. with a parade along La Piedra Road, featuring tractors, public safety equipment and other vehicles.

“Menifee’s annual celebration is a cherished tradition that unites our community in honoring the freedom we share and the pride we feel for our great nation,” Mayor Bill Estrada said. “We invite everyone to join us for an evening filled with food, fun and fireworks.”

There will be a variety of food and crafts vendors, a kids’ play zone with bounce houses and music featuring the country band Franklin Wall, as well as 50s and 60s rock favorites by The Dreamboats. The event will take place in Wheatfield Park, 30627 Menifee Road.

A fireworks show is set to start promptly at 9 p.m., officials said.

The post 4th Of July Kicks Off Early In Southwest Riverside County appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

This year, the community is invited to bring their families and lawn chairs every Thursday evening to enjoy live music, food vendors, lake views and a “dazzling” laser show at every concert.

The area opens each week at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. at Launch Pointe, 3240 Riverside Drive, Lake Elsinore.

Community members are invited to create their own cozy spaces in front of the stage with blankets and lawn chairs, the city said. Ice chests are also welcome as long as guests are respectful of the space and environment.

Here’s the 2025 summer lineup:

• July 10 – Green Day Tribute by Green Day Today
• July 17 – Tribute to Bronco by Amigo Bronco
• July 24 – Tribute to Taylor Swift by Swift Nation
• July 31 – Tribute to Adele by Always Adele

“This free, family-friendly concert series is the perfect way to spend summer evenings,” the city said in a news release. “Enjoy top-tier tribute performances, cool lake breezes, and magical nights under the stars — all at no cost.”

The post Lake Elsinore Announces Free Summer Concert Series appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

While some restaurants will be closed for the holiday on April 20, plenty in Temecula’s wine country and Southwest Riverside County will be open.

Plus, there are plenty of family-friendly activities going on in Temecula leading up to and on Easter.

On April 13, Peltzer Winery is hosting a Family Funday with gem panning, train rides, cookie decorating, a scavenger hunt, live music, food trucks and adult-friendly golden egg prizes. The festivities continue April 19 with an Easter egg hunt at Old Town Ranch with pony rides, live music, food and photos with the Easter Bunny. On that same day, Europa Village is inviting families to a free Easter Eggstravaganza with BBQ, spring cocktails and wine in its scenic gardens.

No matter where you land this Easter Sunday, be sure to book in advance — these eateries tend to fill up faster than a basket of chocolate eggs.

From scenic wineries to upscale trattorias — here’s a roundup of restaurants in Temecula offering Easter Sunday brunch:

Altisima Winery

Bolero Restaurante

Cougar Vineyard & Winery

Corbeaux Wine & Tea House

Falkner Winery

The Gambling Cowboy

Wilson Creek Winery

Trattoria Toscana – Temecula

The Restaurant at Ponte

Small Barn Old Town

Gourmet Italia

The Cave Restaurant at Oak Mountain Winery

Public House

Cork Fire Kitchen

The Vineyard Rose at South Coast Winery

Pinnacle Restaurant Falkner Winery

Cafe Champagne Restaurant

The Restaurant at Mount Palomar Winery

Finch

Distillery at Oak Mountain

The post 20 Wineries, Restaurants Serving Easter Brunch In Temecula appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Mama Duck, as she is known, stands six stories tall and will be available for free visits between noon and 8 p.m. daily for the Duck Festival. The event is free to attend, according to a city spokesperson. Special events are planned at the diamond throughout the day.

“Join us at Lake Elsinore Diamond Stadium as we welcome the majestic mama duck, towering over 6 stories tall, and don’t miss out on the Fourth of July festivities from July 4-6,” they said. “Come and experience the world’s largest rubber duck and celebrate in style!”

That week, multiple events are planned as the Lake Elsinore Storm are away, battling the Inland Empire 66rs in San Bernardino. If you want to see fireworks after the Storm Game, the Lake Elsinore Storm will have a fireworks spectacular following the game on July 3, according to the team website.

• • July 4th: Independence Day Party: from 4 to 9:30 p.m.: Flash Pants 80s concert, Vendors, food and more, and a live fireworks show from Lake Elsinore Diamond Stadium.
• • July 5th: Jeep Duck Day Car Show: come to the Lake Elsinore Diamond Stadium for a Jeep Car Show at 8 a.m. to noon, and stay from 4 to 9:30 p.m. for Rocio La Dama De La Cumbia, vendors, food and more.
• • July 6th: Lake Elsinore Duck Festival: from 4 to 9:30 p.m., arrive for vendors, food and more and a Queen Tribute Concert.

Enjoy the 4th of July events and be sure to take a picture with Mama Duck when you go.

The post What The Duck? Lake Elsinore Hosts 6-Story Rubber Duck Over July 4th appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.