Ten Things Temecula Residents Should Do This Summer

Summer’s flying by, and before you know it, school will be back in session and the leaves will start falling. What better way to take advantage of these long, lazy days than to have a good time in your own backyard? Here are 10 fun - and sometimes free - things to do in Temecula and the surrounding area.

Take a look back with the Temecula Valley Museum’s current exhibition, “The Old West.”  On display are women’s dresses, chaps and spurs, pocket watches, rifles and pistols. Through September 17. $2 suggested donation. Sam Hicks Monument Park, 28314 Mercedes St., Temecula. Call 951-694-6450 for hours.

Bring the kids to Pennypickle’s Workshop at the Temecula Children’s Museum for a day filled with fun and learning. The 7,500 square foot space is filled with hands on inventions, experiments, and gadgets. On July 20, the Aerospace Engineering class will teach participants how to make a special flying machine. $5 per person. 42081 Main Street, Temecula. Call 951-308-6376 for hours.

Enjoy a night of music during the Summer Sunset Concert Series. Every Thursday night, head out to the Temecula Amphitheater for an hour-and-a-half of lively tunes. Bands set to play the rest of the season include Turn the Page, Bella Donna, Rockola Band, and The Ranch Rockers. Through August 9. 7 to 8:30 p.m. 30875 Rancho Vista Road, Temecula. For more information, call 951-694-6480.

Dancing in the Vines at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater pairs together dance and wines from Europa Village Wineries. The night starts with performance artists, dancers, and vocalists showing what they do best, with an intermission featuring wine tasting in the theater courtyard for those 21 and older. There are two chances to take part in this event: July 20 and July 21. 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 orchestra ($25 for students 21 and under); $30 parterre ($20 students); and $25 balcony ($20 students). For more information, call 866-653-8696.

Old Town Temecula will come alive Fridays for Hot Summer Nights. Live bands from all genres will play as patrons visit wine bars and restaurants in Old Town. Through August 31. For more information on bands call 951-694-6480. 

With so many wineries in Temecula, there’s always an event or wine tasting going on. Check out the Temecula Winegrowers Association website for the latest information on happenings, coupons, tours, and more.

Enjoy the beauty of nature through art at the Santa Rosa Plateau Preserve’s free Art Show. Watercolors, bronze and stone sculptures, photographs, and more will be on display. While you’re there, visit the preserve for just $3 for adults, $2 for kids two to 12. Through August 11. 39400 Clinton Keith Road, Murrieta. Call 951-677-6951 for hours and more information.

Get some fresh air at Diamond Valley Lake. Families can rent boats, explore trails, and take advantage of recreational areas for soccer, swimming, and more. For directions, hours, and fees, visit the Diamond Valley Lake website.

In need of a good laugh? Head over to The Comedy Club at Pechanga for a night filled with humor Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Must be 21 or older to get in. 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula. For more information and tickets, call 877-711-2946.

Take in a baseball game this summer with the Lake Elsinore Storm. There are different fun promotions coming up, from Fireworks Friday to Super Splash Day on July 22, when the ballpark turns into a giant water fight. Check the Storm’s website for information on game days and tickets. 500 Diamond Drive, Lake Elsinore.