“West Coast Thunder” is scheduled to roar to life on the morning of May 25.

Riverside Harley-Davidson always hosts the event, which began in 2000 when the dealership belonged to Skip Fordyce and operated under that banner.

More than 7,500 motorcycle enthusiasts are expected to take part in this year’s ride.

The event returned in May 2023 following a three-year hiatus, initially stemming from the COVID lockdowns, then ongoing concerns that led to further cancellations.

This year’s event will get underway in front of the dealership at 7688 Indiana Ave., with motorcyclists bearing American flags and other ensigns starting to assemble about 6 a.m. on May 25. They’ll leave the location at 9:11 a.m., under escort by Riverside police officers, Riverside County sheriff’s deputies and other law enforcement personnel, proceeding up Alessandro Boulevard to south Riverside, where residents regularly gather on sidewalks to wave and show support.

The ride will then transition to Van Buren Boulevard, where some participants will peel off to Riverside National Cemetery to pay their respects, while others will loop back to downtown Riverside via area freeways, making a wide sweep that will conclude near the Riverside Municipal Auditorium.

The exact route had not been announced as of Monday. However, West Coast Thunder Foundation Director Jackson Dodd said two local bands, The New Originals and Travis Humble Heritage Harmonic, had been confirmed to perform for riders and other celebrants in the Historic Downtown space, beginning in the early afternoon of May 25.

“There is a unique synergy between the rumble of a motorcycle engine and the rhythm of live rock and roll,” Dodd said. “Bringing The New Originals and Travis Humble into the fold allows us to celebrate our local culture while maintaining our focus on honoring those who have served.”

There will be a beer garden and other activities during the afternoon entertainment.

In previous years, the rides traveled farther east to San Jacinto, or farther south into the Temecula Valley.

A large share of proceeds raised from the rides and musical shows are donated to the Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee, which relies on contributions to build monuments and make other improvements at the hallowed grounds, where over 250,000 U.S. military veterans, police officers, firefighters and others are interred.

More than $1 million has been generated over the past two decades, and even when the rides weren’t held, the West Coast Thunder Foundation continued donation drives to support the cemetery.

More information about the rides is available at westcoastthunder.com/.

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The towering Mount Rubidoux Cross will be the destination of the faithful, led by multiple pastors, who will preside at intervals during the inter-denominational observance.

Nonprofit organizations that regularly take part include the Diocese of San Bernardino, Restored Life Fellowship and Born Again Christian Church.

The services generally draw around 2,000 people, who make the 3-mile trip up to the 1,300-foot peak, where Biblical parables are shared, followed by singing by members of choirs.

The ascending paved trail, accessible via Ryan Bonaminio Park, is rated as moderately difficult, and attendees are always encouraged to dress in appropriate footwear and attire and to bring their own water. No vehicles are permitted on the trail or at the memorial.

The Easter Sunrise Service began in 1909, always attracting large crowds, according to organizers.

As with last year’s service, Sunday’s will be livestreamed via riversideeasterservice.com.

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Most of the 33rd annual fest’s activities will be held Saturday, Feb. 21, and Sunday, Feb. 22, in White Park, at the intersection of Chestnut and 10th streets.

“Attendees will step into a living history experience,” according to a statement released by event organizers. “The festival offers a rich tapestry of theatrical performances, costumed characters and historical re- enactments that bring the grit and glamour of 19th-century England to the modern day.”

The main fare will begin Saturday morning in White Park, where characters from Dickens’ 1838 novel “Oliver Twist” will be on hand, offering staged readings and acting out scenes depicted in the book. There will additionally be parades, live music and who-dun-it mysteries to solve.

Fest Secretary Imari Kariotis said this year’s theme is “community storytelling,” underscoring the importance of oral traditions for the benefit of future generations.

“The Riverside Dickens Festival is more than just an event; it’s a journey into the past that celebrates the stories that connect us all,” Kariotis said.

In the past, each fest has concluded with “Knighting Ceremonies” presided over by Queen Victoria and her royal retinue. Merchants will additionally be selling food and wares that resemble a 19th century London bazaar, interspersed with caroling, dancing and games.

Last February, the fest was held at White Park for the first time. In 2024, the hosting venue was the Jensen Alvarado Historic Ranch & Museum, near Flabob Airport, in Jurupa Valley. The decision to relocate the event from its traditional place along the Main Street pedestrian mall, between Mission Inn Avenue and 11th Street, in Riverside was cost-driven.

Organizers said setting up security barriers and cordoning off streets required paying ever-escalating municipal fees that the fest couldn’t afford. The Alvarado Historic Ranch & Museum, part of the Riverside County Park & Open Space District, offered a more economical option.

Access to White Park will require tickets for admission. More information is available at https://dickensfest.com/.

The fest was nearly nixed completely in February 2021 amid the COVID lockdowns, but organizers managed to throw together a virtual presentation featuring profiles of Dickens’ stories online. In-person activities returned in February 2022.

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