Ramona 2026: The 103rd Season of California's Official Outdoor Play
Get ready to experience America’s longest-running, continually performed outdoor drama! The Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre proudly presents the 103rd Season of Ramona, returning to the spectacular hills of Hemet on select weekends in April and May 2026.
This is more than a play—it’s a grand-scale pageant, a cultural celebration, and a timeless love story woven into the very fabric of California's history.
A Timeless Story Brought to Life
Based on Helen Hunt Jackson's influential 1884 novel, Ramona is a sweeping tale of forbidden love, resilience, and the birth of modern California.
Set in the tumultuous 1850s, the story follows Ramona, a young woman of mixed Scots-Native American heritage, and Alessandro, a proud and charismatic Native American man, whose love defies the social barriers of the time. Witness their journey as they search for a place to call home amidst the clash of Spanish, Native American, and American pioneer cultures.
The spectacle includes:
- A Cast of Hundreds: An all-volunteer cast and crew of hundreds of dedicated community members bring this epic to life.
- Thrilling Horseback Riding: Experience the excitement of authentic, high-speed equestrian action.
- Vibrant Music and Dance: Enjoy the beauty of traditional Spanish and Native American music and dance, setting the stage for every dramatic moment.
- The Historic Ramona Bowl: The play is staged in the very valley that inspired Helen Hunt Jackson, with the San Jacinto Mountains providing a breathtaking, natural backdrop.
Continuing a Historic New Vision
The 103rd Season builds on the powerful new era established in 2025, continuing under the artistic vision of Native American Director Duane Minard. Minard’s leadership, rooted in decades of experience as a participant (including playing Alessandro), offers an authentic and profound perspective. This season, experience a production that honors the historical romance while bringing even greater cultural sensitivity and a renewed focus on the message of Helen Hunt Jackson’s work: a call for tolerance, justice, and respect for California's original inhabitants.
Enhance Your Experience
Make your visit unforgettable by arriving early to enjoy our expanded amenities:
- Pre-Show Festivities: Enjoy a festive atmosphere with food, music, and cultural dancing starting two hours before the performance.
- The Ramona Bowl Museum: Visit our expanded museum, home to the newly refurbished 1942 Milford Zornes fresco—a true National Treasure!
- Dining: Enjoy diverse food options and concessions, or treat yourself to waitress service and spectacular San Jacinto Valley views from the Ramona Terrace.
- Improved Accessibility: Thanks to our community supporters, the newly resurfaced lower parking lot ensures a smoother and safer arrival experience.
