This is a weekend that asks you to slow down.

Not because the calendar says so. Because there are people who never got the chance to.

I took Liz to Greensleeves Steakhouse for her birthday this week. The original Joe Greensleeves opened on Orange Street in 1982 and became Redlands' oldest fine-dining institution before an electrical fire closed it for good in 2016.

New owners stepped in, saved the building, did a full renovation, and reopened as Greensleeves Steakhouse in 2017. The place has since earned a Michelin Star. Last time I walked through that door was well over 20 years ago, and I have to say, gorgeous does not cover it.

It reminded me of something I say all the time and do not practice enough.

The best parts of Redlands are the ones you have to look for.

This town rewards attention. The stories in this edition are proof. A local guy ships his citrus to England and comes home with eight medals.

A new comedy school takes root on Tennessee Street. A Pink Floyd tribute band rolls into the university chapel with lasers and inflatables.

None of it asks anything of you except to show up.

This weekend, that feels right.

Carlos Samaniego

🎭 ARTS & CULTURE

Building a Comedy Scene in the Groves: Improv School Redlands

You don't usually associate Redlands with a bustling comedy scene, but Nik Nieblas is trying to change that. Tucked away at 415 Tennessee St. is Improv School Redlands, a creative sanctuary that grew out of the 75-year-old Redlands Footlighters Theatre. Nik, a seasoned improviser who took over the school in 2023, is building something special here. It's not just about getting laughs; it's about building confidence, learning to be vulnerable, and creating a community.

This Saturday, May 23rd, they're hosting their Saturday Night Improv Shows. It's a full night of variety featuring local comedy teams like "Insert Name Here!" and "Queue the Chaos."

If you've never been to an improv show, it's raw, unpredictable, and completely unique every time. It's the kind of grassroots arts movement this town needs.

Check out their classes and shows →

🍊 LOCAL BUSINESS

Redlands Marmalade Takes the World Stage

We all know Redlands is built on citrus. But John P. Beall of Old California Botanicals just reminded the rest of the world. Beall traveled to Cumbria, England, for the 2026 Artisan World Marmalade Awardse, one of the biggest competitions of its kind on the planet. He didn't just show up; he brought home eight medals.

His Redlands Navel Orange marmalade took silver, while his Eureka Lemon and Minneola Tangelo batches grabbed bronze. He even got a nod from the High Sheriff of Cumbria. It's easy to take the orange groves for granted when you drive past them every day.

It takes a guy like Beall to box them up, ship them across the Atlantic, and prove that the best citrus in the world still grows right here in our backyard.

Read the full story →

🌳 AROUND THE GROVES

🎨 Elementary Art Show Returns

For the first time since the pandemic, the Redlands Unified School District-wide art show is back. Hundreds of kids got to see their work juried and displayed, proving that the arts are alive and well in our schools.

🎼 Redlands Orchestra Closes Season

The Redlands Community Orchestra is wrapping up their season with a free Aaron Copland concert this Sunday at the Clock Auditorium. A perfect, no-cost way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

🚒 27th Annual Firefighters Car Show

This Sunday, State Street gets taken over by classic rides for the annual Redlands Professional Firefighters Car Show. It runs from 6 AM to 6 PM and benefits local charities.

🎯 YOUR REDLANDS WEEKEND

THU 5/21 6:30 PM	Trivia Thursdays at Hangar 24 Hangar 24 Craft Brewing | 1710 Sessums Dr, Redlands | Free Geeks Who Drink trivia night at one of the best patios in the IE. Grab a pint, grab a team, and see who actually knows their stuff. A great low-key Thursday night option. See all Hangar 24 events →
FRI 5/22 6:00 PM	Good Trouble Bike Night Good Trouble Supply Co. | 922 New York St, Redlands | Free Every 4th Friday, the crew at Good Trouble takes over New York Street with bikes, food trucks, vendors, slow races, a helmet toss, and live music. It's one of those only-in-Redlands nights that you stumble into and end up staying three hours. Follow Good Trouble on Instagram →
FRI 5/22 7:00 PM	I Love Someone Rare Benefit Concert University of Redlands Memorial Chapel | 101 Chapel St, Redlands | $35–$100 Redlands family Mason Harrell and Rossella Leonardi are hosting a benefit concert for their 8-year-old daughter Eleanor, who has Kleefstra syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. The headliners are the Kalama Brothers — Ryan and Kai, who grew up right here in Redlands, sang in choir at Redlands High, and went on to perform with Disney's Moana on tour. Eleanor will also perform alongside her second-grade class. It's a real Redlands story. Bring tissues. Get tickets at givebutter.com/loveconcert →
SAT 5/23 10:00 AM	Redlands Festival of the Arts Smiley Park | 125 W Vine St, Redlands | Free A full weekend of creativity right in the heart of downtown. Local artists, a youth art expo, a chalk art competition, and a wine and beer garden featuring Ritual Brewing. It's the perfect excuse to wander through Smiley Park. Get the details →
SAT 5/23 6:00 PM	Saturday Night Improv Shows Improv School Redlands | 415 Tennessee St. Ste M, Redlands | $15 Get ready to laugh. Nik Nieblas and his crew are putting on a full night of unscripted comedy. It starts at 6 PM with "Insert Name Here!" and rolls through the evening with different teams. Grab a ticket and support local comedy. Grab your tickets →
SAT 5/23 7:30 PM	Continuous Signal: A Pink Floyd Affair Glenn Wallichs Theater | 380 N University St, Redlands | Tickets vary This isn't just a cover band. This is an 8-piece powerhouse bringing towering inflatables, lasers, and multimedia visuals to the university. If you're a Pink Floyd fan, this is a full sensory experience you don't want to miss. Secure your seat →
SUN 5/24 6:00 AM	Redlands Professional Firefighters Car Show Downtown Redlands | State Street, Redlands | Free The 27th annual car show takes over downtown. Hundreds of classic cars lining State Street, food, and family fun, all put on by our local firefighters to support their benevolent fund. Get there early to beat the heat. See the classics →

🍊 LIVE MUSIC EVENTS

Your ears deserve a good weekend too. Here's what's playing in and around Redlands.

Saturday, May 23

Hangar 24 Craft Brewing — Country Band (6:30 PM)
Live country music on the patio with mountain views and food trucks.
📍 1710 Sessums Dr, Redlands 🕐 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Ritual Brewing Co. — Splattervoidsect Metal Showcase (7:00 PM)
A heavy night of local metal at one of the best breweries in town.
📍 1315 W. Colton Ave, Redlands 🕐 7:00 PM

Tartan of Redlands — Live Music (7:00 PM)
Classic steakhouse vibes with upbeat live entertainment.
📍 24 E. Redlands Blvd, Redlands 🕐 7:00 PM

Sunday, May 24

Hangar 24 Craft Brewing — Country Band (12:00 PM)
A Sunday afternoon session to close out the weekend right.
📍 1710 Sessums Dr, Redlands 🕐 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Note: The Three Stags Irish Pub always has a great weekend lineup. Check their Instagram (@thethreestags.irishpub) for this week's performer.

GRATITUDE & COMMUNITY

Before you close this out, one more thing. Monday is Memorial Day.

If you have someone you are remembering this weekend, I hope you get a moment of quiet to do that right. And if you are looking for a way to be present in this community while you do it, this weekend is full of those opportunities.

The car show on State Street Sunday morning.

The Festival of the Arts in Smiley Park. The improv show on Tennessee Street Saturday night. Redlands does not do loud patriotism. It does something quieter and more durable.

It shows up. It takes care of its own. It keeps building things worth coming home to. That is what this town has always been. See you around the groves.