Fox Performing Arts Center History
A revered landmark in Southern California’s Inland Empire, the Fox Performing Arts Center is a 1,600-seat state-of-the-art venue that’s steeped in history. Built in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, the venue opened in 1929 as a cinema and vaudeville theater known as the Riverside Fox Theater. After many decades, it underwent an extensive renovation and reopened as the Fox Performing Arts Center in 2010.
Fox Performing Arts Center Performers
Judy Garland and Bing Crosby were two of the many stars who came to the original Fox Riverside Theater during its early years. The Fox also made history as the site of the first public screening of Gone With the Wind in 1939 with star Vivien Leigh in attendance. In 2010, Sheryl Crow performed a two-night stand to inaugurate the venue’s new life as the Fox Performing Arts Center. In more recent years, Elvis Costello, Switchfoot, Rob Thomas and Dream Theater have stopped by, along with the casts for touring productions of Broadway’s biggest hits.
Planning Your Visit to Fox Performing Arts Center
The Fox Performing Arts Center is steps from some of Riverside’s best places for eating and drinking. Casual favorites include Simple Simon’s Bakery & Bistro and Tio’s Tacos. For a destination that’s as grandly historic as the Fox, the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa offers award-winning dining experiences in the hotel’s spectacular Spanish Colonial setting: Duane’s Prime Steaks & Seafood and Bella Trattoria Italian Restaurant both have loyal followings, and the Mission Inn Restaurant’s outdoor courtyard is one of the most beautiful of its kind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the parking options at Fox Performing Arts Center?
While the venue has no dedicated parking areas, it’s close to many lots as well as metered parking that is free after 6 p.m. and on weekends. The closest parking structure is at Fairmount Blvd. and 6th Street.
Does Fox Performing Arts Center serve food?
Yes. Along with alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, snacks are available at bars throughout the venue.
What are the seating options at Fox Performing Arts Center?
Events in the main music hall are typically general admission or standing room only. Premium options for select events include elevated viewing areas and reserved box spots with seating.
What are the Fox Performing Arts Center safety & security guidelines?
Along with the Fox’s existing security protocols, note that visitors are expected to adhere to the venue’s clear-bag policy and guidelines for social distancing and mandatory face coverings. See here for the latest safety guidelines.
| Fox Performing Arts Center At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| Venue Name | Fox Performing Arts Center |
| Location | Riverside, CA |
| Address | 3801 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501 |
| Phone # | (718) 954-9933 |
| Capacity | 1,646 |
| Opened | 2010 (Reopened) |
| Operator | City of Riverside |
| Website | https://venue.riversidepac.com/ |
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