UC Riverside provides a wide range of cultural programs that are open to local residents. Programming in the visual and performing arts includes the works of both UCR students as well as the University’s permanent collections of established artists. In addition, UCR hosts prominent artists who put on performances and exhibitions open to the general public. Finally, UCR provides venues for local artists and others to display their talents.
Visual Arts
The UCR ARTSblock is composed of the UCR/California Museum of Photography, the Sweeney Art Gallery, and the future Culver Center for the Arts, a media 
lab and presentation facility anticipated to open in 2009. The three institutions reside side by side in the heart of downtown Riverside's historic pedestrian mall.
The ARTSblock represents a collaborative endeavor between the city of Riverside and UCR. Built on dialog and interaction, the ARTSblock will help the continued revitalization of downtown and bring ambitious art exhibits and events to Riverside and Southern California.
To showcase this new collaboration, UCR is in the process of establishing a series of major artistic events that will signal to Riverside and Southern California the excellence and energy of the university's arts and film curriculum, its public galleries, and its cultural programs.
Musical Performances
UCR has been host to a diverse array of musical programs ranging from free outdoor concerts to major international groups, including Cantus, Bobby McFerrin, the Kronos Quartet, The Eroica Trio, the Alexander String Quartet, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
UCR also has a wide range of musical ensembles offering several annual performances that are open to everyone. The ensembles are composed mostly of students but invite community members to participate as well.
Theatre and Dance
The Department of Theatre presents plays and performances throughout the year, and all are open to the public. UCR students do nearly every aspect of production and performance. Performances during the 2007-08 season included Lysistrata, The Conduct of Life, and Big Love, among others.
The Department of Dance hosts “UCR is Dancing,” a free show that is open to the public featuring original choreography by UCR Students. Culture Days: UCR Dances, a three-day festival usually held in March, showcases the works-in-progress of the many student organizations at UCR, as they prepare for their annual cultural shows.
Opportunities for Local Artists
In addition, the performances of University and nationally famous talent, UCR affords locally based artists opportunities to perform on campus. Some examples include:
Nooners: Each Wednesday at noon, a different live band entertains the crowd by the Bell Tower free of charge.
The Coffee House Series: Local singers present their work at the Barn café on campus each week.
Music on the Patio: A weekly campus concert series featuring a variety of musical groups from around Southern California. This seasonal music series provides lively entertainment for Friday’s on-campus lunchtime crowd.
Intercollegiate Athletics
UCR is a National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I campus and is a member of the Big West Conference featuring 17 collegiate sports such as basketball, volleyball and baseball. UCR's Women's Basketball team were the Big West Tournament Champions in 2006 and 2007, and its Men's Baseball and Men's Golf teams were Big West Conference Champs in 2007. Tickets for all UCR athletic events are available to the public.
Recreational Facilities and Programs
While primarily serving as a recreation center for the University community, the UCR Student Recreation Center offers many classes that are open to the larger community including fitness, dance, martial arts, tennis, squash, meditation, self-defense, bagpipe, and first aid/CPR classes. Additionally, the UCR pool, at the Physical Education Building, is open to the public during the summer months.
The Student Recreation Center also offers an Outdoor Excursions Program which provides a variety of programs and services emphasizing safety, skill development, environmental awareness and community. The Outdoor Excursions Program offers a wide array of recreational activities and trips, including rock climbing, kayaking, whale watching boat trips, windsurfing, snorkeling, Yosemite Valley camping and exploring, surfing, and horseback riding. Its outings and rental program are open both to UCR students and community members who are 18 years and over.
UC Riverside Botanic Gardens
In addition to venues for active recreation, UCR offers the Riverside and nearby community residents access to passive recreation opportunities. Located near the base of the Box Springs Mountains on the east side of the University campus, the UC Riverside Botanic Gardens cover over 40 hilly acres and include over four miles of scenic trails.
The Gardens are a living plant museum with more than 3,500 plant species from around the world for visitors and researchers to see and study. It was established primarily for teaching purposes, and the Gardens provide a wide assortment of plant materials for courses at UC Riverside and other local schools.