Local Events & What's Happening
Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, and Southwest Riverside County are full of life. Festivals, farmers markets, family outings, and a dining scene that keeps growing. Here is your guide to the best of what our community has to offer this year and beyond.
Looking for even more local events, neighborhood guides, and community happenings? Visit our Living in Murrieta site for the full picture. Including weekly event roundups, school guides, and neighborhood deep dives.
Explore Living in MurrietaOne of the things we love most about living and working in Southwest Riverside County is how much there is to do. And how much the community shows up for it. Whether you are a longtime resident or just getting to know the area, there is always something happening. As your local real estate agents, we put this page together to help you explore it all. And to show you why so many people love calling this place home.
Happening Now: October & November 2026
Last updated: October 2026
October and November are some of our favorite months in Southwest Riverside County. The days stay warm, the evenings turn that golden fall color, the pumpkin patches and harvest festivals are in full swing, and the community calendar is packed with ways to get out, meet your neighbors, and make memories. Here is what is happening around Murrieta, Temecula, and Menifee this season.
Murrieta
Murrieta Market Nights
First & third Thursdays, 5:00-9:00 PM -- Historic Downtown Murrieta
Downtown Murrieta comes alive on Thursday evenings with an open-air market along Washington Avenue. Local vendors, food trucks, live music, and neighbors catching up on a warm evening. Upcoming market nights are October 15, November 5, and December 3.
Dark in the Park
Friday, October 23, 5:30-8:00 PM -- Town Square Park, Murrieta
Murrieta's family Halloween celebration returns to Town Square Park with trunk-or-treat, live music from the Monster Mash House Band, a laser light show, and local food vendors. Costumes encouraged, and it is free for the whole family.
Murrieta Field of Honor
November 7-15 -- Town Square Park, Murrieta
For nine days each November, thousands of American flags line Town Square Park in a moving tribute to our veterans, active service members, and first responders. Visitors are welcome to walk the field, and many families plant a flag in honor of someone they love. It is one of the most meaningful sights of the year.
Murrieta Veterans Day Parade
Wednesday, November 11, 10:00 AM -- Downtown Murrieta
Murrieta's 24th annual Veterans Day Parade steps off at 10:00 AM on Washington Avenue at Ivy Street and winds through downtown to Town Square Park. Marching bands, veterans' groups, classic cars, and community pride. Bring the family and show our veterans some love.
Temecula
Peltzer Pumpkin Farm
Through October 31 -- Peltzer Winery, Temecula
Peltzer Winery transforms into a classic autumn destination each October with a pumpkin patch, hayrides, live music, and seasonal treats. A family favorite that captures everything we love about fall in wine country.
Starlight BIZARRE Halloween Night Market
Friday, October 23, 4:00-9:00 PM -- Promenade Temecula
A spooky evening night market at Promenade Temecula with Halloween-themed vendors, costumes, live entertainment, and fun for all ages. The perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit.
Temecula Halloween Carnival
Friday, October 30, 5:30-8:30 PM -- Civic Center, Temecula
A free community Halloween celebration at Temecula's Civic Center at 41000 Main Street, with carnival games, costume contests, and trunk-or-treating with first responders. This one fills up fast, so mark your calendar.
Temecula Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
Sunday, November 8 -- Wilson Creek Winery, Temecula
A scenic run through Temecula wine country starting and finishing at Wilson Creek Winery, the race's new home base for 2026. Choose the half marathon, 10K, or 5K (plus a kid's run), then enjoy post-race wine tasting, live music, and food. A beautiful way to see the vineyards on foot.
Cozy Up Fall Market
November 14-15, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM -- Promenade Temecula
A curated gathering of local artisans and small businesses at Promenade Temecula with a charming autumn feel. Browse handmade gifts, seasonal finds, and early holiday treasures while you shop small and support local makers.
Temecula Together: Day of Service
Saturday, October 17 -- Throughout Temecula
The whole community rolls up its sleeves for a citywide day of giving back. Volunteer projects, neighborhood cleanups, and helping hands across Temecula, organized by the city's Community Services team. It is a wonderful way to meet neighbors and do some good close to home.
De Portola Wine Trail Harvest Celebration
Sunday, November 8 -- De Portola Wine Trail, Temecula
A harvest-season favorite along the De Portola Wine Trail, with member wineries pouring seasonal releases and celebrating the year's vintage. A relaxed, scenic way to taste your way through wine country at its most colorful.
Rhythm on the Vine Concert Series
November 2026 -- South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
The vineyard concert series at South Coast Winery keeps the music playing into November. Catch 80's Night with Wang Chung and Thomas Dolby on November 7, then Leonid & Friends on November 13. Great music, vineyard views, and a fun night out in wine country.
Pechanga Pu'éska Mountain Day
Sunday, November 15 -- Pechanga Reservation area, Temecula
A community celebration hosted with the Pechanga Tribe honoring Pu'éska, their sacred mountain, with cultural activities and storytelling. A meaningful opportunity to learn about the deep history of the land we call home.
Menifee
Menifee Trading Post Night Market
Fourth Fridays, 5:00-9:00 PM -- Central Park, Menifee
Menifee's community evening market returns to Central Park through November with local vendors, food trucks, handmade goods, and live music under the early fall sky. The next markets are October 23 and November 27. A wonderful way to kick off the weekend and support local makers.
Menifee Fall Festival
Saturday, October 17, 4:00-8:00 PM -- MSJC Menifee Campus
Menifee's annual free community autumn celebration at Mt. San Jacinto College's Menifee campus, with live music, food vendors, artisan booths, and kids' activities. A wonderful evening for the whole family.
Menifee Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Saturday, October 24, 4:00-8:00 PM -- MSJC Menifee Campus
A vibrant and heartfelt Dia de los Muertos celebration at the MSJC Menifee campus. Altars, traditional music, art, cultural activities, and community artistry make this a meaningful and beautiful event.
Menifee Veterans Day Celebration
Wednesday, November 11, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM -- Hidden Hills Park, Menifee
Menifee honors our nation's veterans with a special ceremony at Hidden Hills Park featuring veteran recognition, speeches, and a community coming together. All are welcome.
Menifee Trot for a Cause
Saturday, November 21, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM -- Central Park, Menifee
A community fun run and walk at Central Park supporting a great cause. A wonderful way to get moving in the crisp November air and support the Menifee community.
Menifee Foodie Fridays
First Fridays, 5:00-9:00 PM, March through November -- MSJC Menifee Campus
Menifee kicks off each month through the fall with Foodie Fridays at the Mt. San Jacinto College Menifee campus. Local food and drink vendors, live entertainment, and a relaxed low-key way to try something new and support local makers. The season runs March through November, and the November 6 edition is a great way to close it out.
Seasonal Highlights
Autumn in Temecula Valley Wine Country
October through November -- Temecula Valley
Harvest season settles over the valley this time of year, and it is worth slowing down for. Vineyard drives, harvest menus, special tastings, and long golden evenings make this one of the most scenic stretches of the year. Many wineries keep autumn celebrations going through the season, so check winery calendars before you go.
Big Horse Corn Maze & Harvest Festival
Through October -- Big Horse Feed & Mercantile, Temecula
Southern California's largest corn maze returns through October with over 11 acres of twists and turns, plus a pumpkin patch, farm animals, and harvest attractions for all ages. A must-do fall tradition for families in the valley.
Headless Horseman Rides & Ghost Tours
October weekends -- Old Town Temecula
As October arrives, Old Town Temecula leans into the spooky season with candlelit ghost tours of the historic district and Headless Horseman carriage rides on weekend evenings. A spooky-but-friendly way to see Old Town in a whole new light.
Murrieta Halloween Home Decorating Contest
Mid-October through Halloween -- Murrieta citywide
Homes across Murrieta get decked out for the season as part of the city's annual decorating contest, with a map of participating houses posted by the city so you can plan a family evening drive through the neighborhoods. It is one of our favorite ways to see the community come alive this time of year.
Temecula Halloween Home Decorating Display
Late October -- Temecula citywide
The city of Temecula publishes a map of the season's best-decorated homes in late October each year. Load up the kids, cue up some spooky tunes, and cruise the neighborhoods in search of the most creative displays. Friendly, festive, and completely free.
Farmers Market Season Continues Weekly
Year-round -- Murrieta & Temecula Valley
Through the fall and into the holidays, the local farmers markets stay busy every week. Old Town Temecula Saturdays, Vail Headquarters Tuesdays, the Promenade Wednesdays, and Murrieta's Sunday market at Village Walk Plaza. Fresh produce, local honey, artisan bread, and neighbors catching up. See the Farmers Markets section below for full details.
Want the very latest schedules and any last-minute additions? The official city event calendars at murrietaca.gov, temeculaca.gov, and cityofmenifee.us are the best places to confirm details before you head out, and Visit Temecula Valley keeps the wine country calendar updated all season long.
Annual Community Favorites
These are the traditions that bring our community together year after year. If you missed one this season, put it on your calendar for the next one.
Murrieta Birthday Bash
Murrieta's biggest free community celebration. The 35th annual edition was held this past June at California Oaks Sports Park with live tribute bands, a Kid Zone, food vendors, and a fireworks finale. If you missed it, mark your calendar for next year. It is the kind of evening where you run into half the people you know.
Murrieta Firefighters' BBQ
A beloved spring tradition at Town Square Park with great BBQ, live music, and family activities. The whole community turns out for this one. Keep an eye on the city events calendar for 2027 dates.
Festival of Trees & Tree Lighting
The official start of the holiday season in Murrieta. The community gathers at Town Square Park for the annual tree lighting ceremony, with holiday festivities, seasonal entertainment, and that warm small-town feeling that makes the holidays special.
Winter Wonderland
Holiday crafts, photos with Santa, and seasonal festivities bring the magic of the holidays to life right here in our community. A wonderful way for families to celebrate the season without having to drive far.
The Grape Drop
Temecula rings in the New Year with its signature celebration. Live entertainment, the iconic illuminated grape drop from the Civic Center clock tower, and a festive atmosphere that draws the whole community to Old Town. Wine country's version of the ball drop, and it is wonderful.
Temecula Chilled Holiday Celebration
Old Town Temecula comes alive for the holidays with tree lightings, wine tastings, live performances, and the beloved Santa's Electric Light Parade. Nearly 100 illuminated entries light up the streets. It is the official start of the holiday season in the valley.
Holiday Happenings: November & December 2026
The holiday season in Southwest Riverside County is truly magical. From Santa's arrival to tree lightings, the Electric Light Parade to holiday markets, there is something for every family. Here are the confirmed dates we know of so far. We will update this section as more details are announced.
Santa's Arrival at Pennypickle's
Friday, November 27, 6:00-9:00 PM -- Pennypickle's Workshop, Old Town Temecula
Santa arrives at his cozy cottage in Old Town Temecula on Friday, November 27, with visits continuing on weekends through December 20. A wonderful family tradition that starts the holiday season the right way.
Peltzer's Very Country Christmas
November 28-29 tree lighting, ice rink through the holidays -- Peltzer Vineyards, Temecula
Peltzer Vineyards celebrates the season with a Christmas tree lighting and Santa visits on November 28 and 29, and its holiday ice rink and warm drinks continue through the season. Ice skating among the vines is a charming wine country tradition.
Temecula Christmas Tree Lighting
Monday, November 30, 7:00-8:30 PM -- Temecula Duck Pond
The annual tree lighting ceremony at the Temecula Duck Pond and Veterans Memorial with festive music, treats, and a visit from Santa. A beautiful way to kick off the holiday season.
Holiday Taste of Old Town
Thursday, December 3, 5:00-8:30 PM -- Old Town Temecula
Restaurants across Old Town Temecula open their doors for a festive food stroll with samples, wine tasting, and live music while you shop and stroll the historic streets. A delicious evening out.
Santa's Electric Light Parade
Friday, December 4, 7:00 PM -- Old Town Temecula
Nearly 100 illuminated floats, marching bands, and Santa travel south through Old Town starting at 7:00 PM. Bring blankets and chairs. This is the holiday highlight of the season in Temecula.
Menifee Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Bazaar
Early December, 4:00-8:00 PM -- MSJC Menifee Campus
Menifee's Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Bazaar returns in early December at the MSJC Menifee Campus. Holiday shopping, live entertainment, photos with Santa, snow play, and the official lighting of the community tree. Check the city calendar for the exact date.
Murrieta Festival of Trees & Tree Lighting
Early December -- Town Square Park & Amphitheater, Murrieta
The official start of the holiday season in Murrieta. The community gathers at Town Square Park in early December for the annual tree lighting ceremony, decorated Christmas trees, seasonal entertainment, and a toy and food drive. Mark your calendar, details are posted on the city calendar as the date approaches.
Temecula Chilled Holiday Celebration
Late November through December -- Old Town, wine country & Pechanga
A season-long holiday celebration across Old Town Temecula, wine country, and Pechanga Resort with holiday decor, performances at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater, tastings, a Lighted Car Cruise, and much more. Something festive is happening just about every night of the month.
New Year's Eve Grape Drop
December 31 -- Old Town Temecula
Temecula rings in the New Year with its signature celebration. Live entertainment and the iconic illuminated grape drop from the Civic Center clock tower in Old Town. Wine country's version of the ball drop, and it is wonderful.
Farmers Markets
There is nothing quite like a Saturday morning at the farmers market. Fresh produce, local honey, artisan bread, and the chance to connect with your neighbors. These markets are a weekly tradition for good reason.
Old Town Temecula Saturday Market
Saturdays, 8:00 AM-12:30 PM -- Year-Round
Corner of Sixth and Front Streets, Temecula
One of the area's most popular markets with 70-80 vendors, set in the heart of historic Old Town. Fresh local produce, honey, sourdough, artisan goods, and a wonderful community atmosphere. A perfect weekend morning tradition.
Murrieta Certified Farmers' Market
Sundays, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM -- Year-Round
Village Walk Plaza, Murrieta
A year-round Sunday market with fresh local produce, specialty foods, and community vendors. A great way to start your week with the freshest ingredients and a friendly, welcoming vibe.
Promenade Certified Farmers' Market
Wednesdays, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM -- Year-Round
Promenade Temecula (JCPenney parking lot)
A convenient midweek market at the Promenade Mall. Perfect for grabbing fresh produce during your errands. Local vendors, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and a relaxed shopping experience.
Menifee Trading Post Night Market
4th Friday, 5:00-9:00 PM -- April through November
Central Park, Menifee
Menifee's signature community market at Central Park with local vendors, food trucks, and live music on the fourth Friday of each month. Menifee does not currently host a verified weekly produce market, so the Trading Post is the best place to browse local and handmade finds. Upcoming 2026 dates are October 23 and November 27.
Vail Headquarters Farmers Market
Tuesdays, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Vail Headquarters, Temecula
Set at the historic Vail Headquarters, this midweek market combines fresh local produce with a unique, historic setting. A hidden gem for those who know.
Sun City Farmers Market
Fridays, 8:30 AM-1:00 PM -- Year-Round
Menifee United Church of Christ, Sun City
A weekly market serving the Sun City and Menifee community with fresh produce, local goods, and a friendly neighborhood atmosphere. Hours can vary with the season, so it is worth checking the city calendar before you go. Free admission.
Activities for All Ages
Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, there is always something fun to do with the family in Southwest Riverside County.
Mulligan Family Fun Center
Mini golf, batting cages, go-karts, and an arcade. All in one spot on Madison Avenue. A go-to for birthday parties, weekend outings, and friendly family competition.
24950 Madison Ave, Murrieta
Uptown Jungle Fun Park
An indoor playground and trampoline park. Perfect for burning energy on hot days or rainy afternoons. Great for younger kids and birthday parties.
39493 Los Alamos Rd, Murrieta
Old Town Temecula
Stroll the historic boardwalks, browse antique shops, enjoy live music, and grab a meal at one of the many restaurants. Old Town has a wonderful small-town atmosphere the whole family can enjoy.
Old Town Front St, Temecula
Hot Air Balloon Rides
The Temecula Valley is a well-known launch area for hot air balloon rides in Southern California. Float over the vineyards at sunrise with one of several local operators. An unforgettable experience.
Various Launch Sites in Temecula
Promenade Temecula
The area's main shopping destination, with over 170 stores and restaurants, plus a movie theater and seasonal events. A great spot for a family day out. Recent additions include Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, a LEGO Store, CHAGEE Tea, and Cotti Coffee.
40820 Winchester Rd, Temecula
Town Square Park & Amphitheater
The heart of Murrieta's community life. A beautiful park with an amphitheater that hosts concerts, movies, and events throughout the year. Kids love the playground, and there is always something happening.
11 Town Square, Murrieta
Food & Dining Scene
The dining scene in Murrieta and Temecula has grown tremendously, and it keeps getting better. From casual taco shops to fine dining, Old Town bars to wine country restaurants, there is something for every palate and every occasion.
Fine Dining & Steakhouses
For a special night out, try Great Oak Steakhouse, Gambling Cowboy Chophouse, or Corbeaux. These restaurants offer exceptional food, curated wine lists, and an atmosphere worth savoring. And Gaucho Grill, a new Argentine steakhouse in Old Town Temecula, opened its doors this fall and is already a wonderful addition to the neighborhood.
Old Town Favorites
Old Town Temecula is packed with character and flavor. The Swing Inn for BBQ and breakfast, 1909 for craft cocktails, Devilicious for creative comfort food, and The Goat & Vine for wine-friendly small plates. Newer spots include La Pe�a Mexican Grill and the recently opened Kura Revolving Sushi Bar.
Murrieta Dining
Murrieta offers an impressive range of restaurants. The Mill's creative pizzas, Savage Chef's bold flavors, Papa Feta's Mediterranean classics, Himalayan Taste's Indian cuisine, and newer spots like SOPO K-Grill, Valley Pizza Kitchen, and Masa Madre are all worth a visit. Lin's Grand Buffet opened its first California location here, and Talia Kitchen is coming to Murrieta Hot Springs Resort.
Craft Breweries
The local brewery scene is thriving. 8 Bit Brewing and Garage Brewing in Murrieta, plus Black Market Brewing, Ironfire, and Oscar's Brewing in Temecula. Grey Iron Brewing in Menifee also hosts stand-up comedy nights. A growing selection of taprooms with great vibes and even better beer.
Wineries & Wine Country Dining
No discussion of the local dining scene would be complete without the Temecula Valley wine country. Over 40 wineries offer tasting rooms, restaurants, and special dining events. From casual picnics among the vines to elegant winemaker dinners, the valley provides an experience you would normally have to drive hours to find. New additions like Better Buzz Coffee and Ono Hawaiian BBQ are also under construction in the Temecula Town Center, and CAVA Mediterranean is planned for the Temecula Parkway Shopping Center.
Outdoor Recreation & Trails
Southwest Riverside County is a paradise for outdoor lovers. From ecological preserves to mountain biking trails, our area offers incredible access to nature right outside your door.
Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Preserve
Murrieta -- 39400 Clinton Keith Rd
A 9,000-acre preserve with miles of trails through grasslands, oak woodlands, and unique vernal pools. One of the most beautiful natural spaces in the region and a must for nature enthusiasts.
WhiteCross Mountain Bike Trails
Murrieta -- Central Park Dr
A network of mountain biking trails that range from beginner-friendly to challenging singletrack. A local favorite for riders looking for a great workout with scenic views.
Sylvan Meadows Trailhead
Murrieta -- Tenaja Rd
An entry point to the Santa Rosa Plateau with scenic hiking and equestrian trails. The rolling hills and seasonal wildflowers make this a local gem.
Greer Ranch & Bell Mountain
Menifee
Popular hiking spots in Menifee offering rewarding views. Bell Mountain and the Greer Ranch trail system provide varied terrain for hikers of different levels.
Santa Margarita River Trail
Fallbrook / Temecula
A peaceful riparian trail along the Santa Margarita River, featuring lush vegetation and a natural retreat from the bustle of daily life. Great for walking and birdwatching.
Parks & Sports Complexes
Murrieta -- Temecula -- Menifee
California Oaks Sports Park, Alta Murrieta Sports Park, Harveston Community Park, Centennial Park, and Central Park all offer pools, fields, playgrounds, and open spaces for active families.
What's New in the Area
Southwest Riverside County is growing. And that means new restaurants, new stores, and new reasons to be excited about calling this area home. Here are some of the recent openings and developments we are watching.
New at Promenade Temecula
The Promenade Temecula keeps adding exciting new names. Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, a conveyor-belt sushi concept, opened in April 2026, with plates starting at $3.95. The LEGO Store, the first in all of Riverside County, opened its doors with a grand-opening celebration in September and is now open for business. CHAGEE Tea and Cotti Coffee round out the new dining and retail options. And Texas Roadhouse has been approved for a new location at the mall as well.
Temecula Dining & Retail Updates
The Temecula dining scene keeps expanding. Einstein Bros. Bagels opened in February on Temecula Parkway. Better Buzz Coffee and Ono Hawaiian BBQ are under construction at the former Claim Jumper site on Rancho California Road. CAVA, a Mediterranean fast-casual concept, is planned for the Temecula Parkway Shopping Center. La Pe�a Mexican Grill is coming to Jefferson Avenue. And Gaucho Grill, an Argentine steakhouse tucked into a historic bank building in Old Town, opened its doors this fall and is already drawing a crowd. Tecovas is also bringing its Western wear to Old Town, and Eos Fitness is planning a new 24-hour gym near the corner of Winchester and Margarita.
Murrieta Innovation Center & New Dining
The city of Murrieta opened its new Innovation Center this year, featuring offices, meeting rooms, presentation space, and a wet lab for life-science startups. In healthcare, Rady Children's celebrated the grand opening of a new 60,000-square-foot Medical Plaza here, expanding pediatric care close to home. And The Village Core, a mixed-use hub near Butterfield Sage Road and Murrieta Hot Springs Road, is finishing its first phase, with new shops and homes expected through late 2026. On the dining side, Lin's Grand Buffet opened its first California location here, and Talia Kitchen is coming to the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort. Newer local favorites include SOPO K-Grill, Masa Madre, Valley Pizza Kitchen, and Jumunjin.
Menifee Growth & New Openings
Menifee keeps growing, and the dining scene is keeping pace. Recent local favorites include Dave's Hot Chicken and Chronic Tacos, along with newer spots like Kulturas, Timber Ridge Steakhouse, and Noodle Mia. At McCall Square, Starbucks, Chipotle, and Jersey Mike's have opened their doors, with more restaurants on the way, and Richie's Real American Diner is planning a new dine-in location at Menifee Lakes Plaza. A large grocery store is also in the works at McCall and Menifee Road. It is a wonderful time to watch this city take shape.
Infrastructure & New Development
Murrieta is investing in key infrastructure improvements, including the Keller Road and I-215 interchange project and the Madison Avenue widening. The Shops at the Triangle development between the 15 and 215 freeways continues with over a million square feet of retail, restaurant, hotel, and entertainment space in the pipeline. In Menifee, the massive Menifee Valley Business Park (five industrial buildings totaling nearly 5 million square feet) is under active construction, and Southwest Traders is relocating its headquarters there, bringing 250 local jobs. Our community is growing in wonderful ways.
Not Ready Yet? That Is Okay.
Most people reach out long before they are ready to make a move because they have questions about timing, pricing, neighborhoods, payments, or what the next step should be. Our goal is to help you understand your options early so you can make a calm, confident decision when the time is right. No pressure, no rush, just honest guidance.
Thinking about making a move to the area? We would love to help you find the right home near all the things that make Southwest Riverside County special. Whether it is the farmers market down the street, a trailhead five minutes away, or the school your kids will love, the right neighborhood changes everything.