SeeCalifornia.com

When Christmas is over Northern Californians typically pack up their Victorian costumes after the Great Dickens Christmas Fair closes its door for another year at Cow Palace in San Francisco. Southern Californians, however, are just getting started, anticipating the arrival of the Riverside Dickens Festival. It hits the streets this weekend (Feb. 22-23, 2020) with free admission and entertainment beautifully reenacted from 19th century England. There’s music, street artists, vendors, fantastic costumes and food to fuel you through two days of activities based on the works of famed author Charles Dickens.

Among this year’s highlights are Oliver’s Alley with Games, Tea Time and Children’s Dress Up Tea led by Tea Mum.

The Author’s Salon features literary works by Charles Dickens, Edgar Allan Poe, Mark Twain, Charlotte and Anne Bronte, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Jane Austen, Mary Shelley and Robert Louis Stevenson.

The Grand Parade in front of the Historic Courthouse includes Dickens characters along with other famous Victorians, followed by Author’s Picnic where you can bring your own picnic lunch.

From fashion shows to music, readings, recitations and debates, there’s much to see (with some events charging fees.) Head for
Main Street between University Avenue and 11th Street
(in front of City Hall) in Historic Downtown Riverside.

Here are some other things happening this weekend, as well.