Riverside County Carnival Returns May, 2025: What To Know

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — The Riverside County Carnival is returning to Lake Elsinore the last week of the month, featuring rides, live musical entertainment, wrestling competitions, and other family-oriented fare.

"This event was created by the community, for the community," founder Alex Kowalkoski said. "We're proud to offer something fun and affordable, especially in an economic climate where family outings are becoming more difficult."

The carnival will run May 23-26 and May 30-June 1 at the Lake Elsinore Outlets Mall, 17600 Collier Ave., just off of Interstate 15.

Access on Friday, May 23, and Friday, May 30, will be available beginning at 4 p.m., while the other days, the gates open at 1 p.m., closing between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Along with Ferris wheels, visitors can anticipate water dunking contests, full-contact entertainment wrestling, themed musical shows—80s, 90s, and contemporary—a "patriotic night" on Memorial Day, honoring veterans, "Mardi Gras Night," celebrating like its Bourbon Street, and "Halfway to Halloween," complete with costume contests and trick-or-treating with a springtime twist, according to organizers.
There will be a wide variety of vendors selling food and other goods.

Kowalkoski said that an estimated 15,000 people visited the carnival last year.

Tickets range from $9.10 to $15 per attendee, depending on age and whether the buyer purchases online or at the gate.

More information is available at www.riversidecountycarnival.com.