The Redlands Bowl: 99 Seasons of Fun!

From June to August, despite the heat of the IE summer, families gather in an open amphitheater to enjoy the company of friends and loved ones. You see young couples, playful toddlers, and loving grandparents at the Redlands Bowl. People bring food, chairs, and more so they can enjoy outdoor entertainment while sitting under the stars or having a picnic on the grass.

(Photo by John Valenzuela, The Sun/SCNG, 2013 Season Finale)

The Tradition of the Redlands Bowl

The Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival is one of the nation’s longest-running free outdoor concert series, kicking off its 99th season on June 24th, 2022. The festival spans eight weeks ending August 12th. A different act features each week. Tuesday & Friday evenings events start at 8:00 pm in the Redlands Bowl amphitheater.

Several musical acts are scheduled to perform this year! They include: The Redlands Symphony Orchestra; The Inland Empire Jazz Band; The Big Band Sounds of Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey. There are many more, and something for everyone! The Redlands Bowl is one of the few truly free events you will find in the IE. The Redlands Bowl runs on donations of attendees and companies throughout the area, volunteers staff the performances. It is truly a community event and a favorite of our team!

Children’s Education

In addition to the live performances, the Redlands Bowl organizes Children’s Workshops around the events. These provide children with hands-on experiences in music and the arts that offer them unique opportunities this summer. The workshops are geared for youngsters aged 4 through 12 years old and are also completely free. They’re held Tuesdays and Saturdays, and a schedule can be found by clicking here.

Planning Meals

Many attendees prepare picnic dinners at home and bring them to enjoy on the grass with a blanket. Sometimes with our hectic modern lives a homemade meal just isn’t feasible. Fortunately, the Redlands Bowl is located near the heart of downtown, affording some delightful dining options! Some great dining choices are accessible within walking distance. Some of our team’s favorites include Bricks and Birch, Theron’s, Wok-in Cafe and Olive Market. For more formal meals Batter Rebellion, Don Orange Taco, Hate Burger (delicious but not for those with a peanut allergy in the family), and Gourmet Pizza Shoppe are just a couple blocks away.

Redlands Bowl Performances 2022

Find more information about this year’s event on the Redlands Bowl website here. The site also has a place to make contributions and firther help support this amazing community resource. Below are some of the amazing featured performances from this year’s schedule!

  • Friday, June 24th : “Swing This” An Evening with Debby Boone (1960s)
  • Friday, July 8th: Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar with a guest appearance by Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles
  • Tuesday, July 12th: DRUMLINE LIVE (Marching Band Style)
  • Tuesday, July 19th: Pete Jacobs Wartime Radio Revue (1930-40s)
  • Thursday, July 28th- Sunday, July 31st: Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Dress Rehersal Thursday)
  • Friday, August 12th: State Street Ballet “A Spin on the Classics”
  • Friday, August 19th: Season Finale with The Redlands Symphony (Classical w/ Fireworks)

Tips for Attending

Here are some things we’ve found over the years that help make each year a special and memorable part of our lives.

  • Bring a blanket or low-back chair for lawn seating
  • Arrive early to get a good spot
  • Consider packing a picnic dinner or bringing cash to buy food from one of the nearby restaurants
  • Check the schedule in advance, so you know which musical acts will be performing
  • Sometimes bug spray is a must!
  • Have fun!

The Redlands Bowl is a time-honored tradition in the Inland Empire and offers a wide variety of entertainment. From free concerts to children’s workshops, there is something for everyone at the Redlands Bowl. This year’s event is sure to be even more special! For example, this year adds Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Be sure to arrive early to get a good spot, grab some food, and enjoy all the Redlands Bowl has to offer. We’ll probably see you there!

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