For those who call
Corona home—or are considering it—this Southern California city offers more than scenic hillsides and convenient proximity to Orange County and the Inland Empire. It provides a welcoming community lifestyle anchored by meaningful annual events. From chili cook-offs and lobster feasts to music festivals and fine art galas, Corona's annual event calendar invites residents to engage, celebrate, and connect throughout the year.
Whether a new resident, exploring the local lifestyle as a potential homeowner, or wanting to add a few more festivities to elevate your social calendar, here's a look at Corona's most notable annual happenings.
Fire & Ice Chili Cook-Off and Craft Beer Festival
Kicking off the year with flavor and flair,
Fire & Ice Chili Cook-Off is a crowd favorite hosted by Circle City Rotary. Local chefs and chili aficionados compete for the coveted "Best Chili" title while guests sample a rotating list of craft beers from regional breweries. Live music, entertainment, and family-friendly activities complement this energetic community favorite, which balances spice, spirit, and local goodwill.
CNUSD Festival of the Arts
Hosted by the Corona-Norco Unified School District, the springtime
Festival of the Arts celebration brings together over 1,000 student performers and visual artists. Set in the Corona Civic Center area, the festival features choir and dance performances, jazz bands, and a sprawling visual art exhibition. It's an inspiring example of how the community invests in its youth and their creative pursuits.
Corona Music & Arts Festival
Presented by the City of Corona, the day-long
Corona Music & Arts Festival transforms the city center into a lively artistic playground. Attendees enjoy live musical performances across multiple stages, browse the work of local artisans, and participate in family-friendly art workshops. It's an inclusive celebration of local creativity, culture, and Corona's growing identity as an arts-forward community.
Memorial Mile March
Held each Memorial Day, the
Memorial Mile March is a moving tribute to those who gave their lives in service to our country. Participants walk a one-mile route lined with memorials bearing the names of fallen heroes. It's one of Corona's most meaningful civic traditions—a time for quiet remembrance and reflection within the community.
Antiques & Collectibles Faire
Presented by the
Corona Heritage Foundation, this biannual event brings together vintage lovers and collectors in the historic Civic Center District. With dozens of antique vendors, curated collectibles, home décor, and period furniture on display, it's both a shopper's paradise and a charming nod to Corona's storied past.
Corona Rotary Club Lobsterfest
Few events blend indulgence and impact like the
Rotary Club Lobsterfest. Hosted outdoors on the lawn of Corona City Hall, this ticketed event offers a steak-and-lobster feast, VIP lounges, entertainment, and auctions—all benefitting Rotary charities. The ambiance is festive yet refined, making it a standout social event on the local calendar.
4th of July Independence Day Celebration
The city's
hallmark summer celebration features a morning Main Street Parade and an evening fireworks display at Santana Regional Park. Families gather early for a full day of patriotic fun, community pride, and the good old-fashioned energy of summer. It's the quintessential hometown celebration—with all the festive charm of a small-town parade and the grandeur of a city-wide fireworks show.
Movies in the Park
Throughout the summer, Corona hosts free
movie nights in local parks, complete with food trucks, lawn games, and family-friendly programming. It's an easy way for residents to enjoy warm nights under the stars with a built-in sense of community.
Summer Street Fair
Downtown Corona turns festive every Thursday night in July with the
Summer Street Fair. Think artisan vendors, gourmet food trucks, live music, and craft beverages—all set in the historic Civic Center plaza. It's casual, welcoming, and ideal for a summer evening stroll with friends or family.
Taste of Corona
Corona's newest signature event,
Taste of Corona, is quickly establishing itself as a must-attend for food lovers. Local restaurants, caterers, and wineries come together to offer tastings of their best bites and sips. Guests enjoy curated pairings, live entertainment, and the chance to discover new local culinary favorites in one evening.
Beaux Arts Ball
Hosted by the Corona Art Association, the
Beaux Arts Ball is a costumed masquerade that merges fine art, fashion, and fantasy. With themes such as the Venetian Carnival and surrealist dreamscapes, the event is a whimsical, elevated evening that supports local art initiatives. Art collectors, creatives, and patrons of the arts won't want to miss this one.
Corona Holiday Lighting Celebration
As the holiday season begins, the city comes together for an
annual tree lighting, complete with music, crafts, food, and a visit from Santa. It's a festive, family-friendly tradition that transforms City Hall into a winter wonderland, even under Southern California's skies.
The Crossings at Corona: Seasonal Community Events
Throughout the year,
The Crossings at Corona shopping center hosts a full slate of events designed to bring the community together. Standout celebrations include:
- Hoppin' Spring Fling: Easter-themed activities
- Family Fun Day: Earth Day celebration with crafts and education
- Street Painting Festival: Chalk art installations and local artists
- Trunk or Treat Carnival Night: Halloween fun with costumes and candy
- Tree Lighting Ceremony: The Crossing's tree lighting ceremony occurs the day after Thanksgiving, this year on November 25, 2025
These events offer a casual, approachable experience wonderful for families, children, or those looking to explore the local vibe in Corona's lively retail district.
Discover More of Corona, California, with a Trusted Local Expert
Whether you're sipping wine at Taste of Corona, reliving history (and perhaps acquiring a piece of it as well) at the Antiques Faire, or delving into the creative energy of a street art festival, these events highlight the city's multifaceted character. They are neighborhood moments elevated—opportunities to connect with your neighbors, support local talent, and enjoy the finer details of everyday living.
For anyone considering a move to Corona or seeking to strengthen their ties to the city, these events are more than dates on a calendar. They are invitations to experience the community's warmth, creativity, and sense of place—season after season.
If you're interested in learning more about homes for sale in the Corona real estate market,
contact Diana Renee Homes today to start your Southern California real estate journey.
