If you're planning a visit to Golden Village Palms RV Resort, we have a little secret for you; one of California's most beloved and enduring cultural traditions is practically in our backyard. The Ramona Pageant has been drawing audiences to the hills of Hemet for over a century, and if you've never experienced it, this might just be the reason to plan your next stay with us.
Whether you're rolling in with your RV for a weekend getaway or settling into one of our cozy resort cottages during performance season, the Ramona Pageant makes for an unforgettable evening out. And the best part? The Ramona Bowl Amphitheater is less than 5 miles from our front gate. You'll be in your seat in about 10 minutes.
A Little Background on the Ramona Pageant
The Ramona Pageant, most locals still call it the Ramona Outdoor Play, has been performed annually in Hemet since 1923. Based on Helen Hunt Jackson's influential 1884 novel, the play was originally scripted and directed by Garnet Holme, who personally selected the natural outdoor setting where it's still performed today. In 1993, the California state legislature made it official, designating Ramona as California's Official State Outdoor Play.
That's over 100 years of history staged in the same valley, under the same open skies, with the San Jacinto Mountains rising behind the performers as a natural backdrop that no theater can replicate.
The Story of Ramona
At its heart, Ramona is a love story set against the turbulent backdrop of 1850s California. It follows Ramona, a young woman of mixed Scots and Native American heritage, and Alessandro, a proud Native American man, as their relationship defies the social divisions of their time. Together they navigate a world shaped by clashing Spanish, Native American, and American pioneer cultures — searching for belonging, dignity, and a place to call home.
It's the kind of story that resonates differently when you're sitting outside under a wide-open sky in the very region where that history unfolded.
The Setting Is Unlike Anything Else
The Ramona Bowl is a natural amphitheater nestled into the foothills above Hemet, with real hillside terrain serving as both backdrop and stage. Trails and clearings carved into the hillside back in the 1920s and 30s are still used in the production today, with actors and horses moving across the landscape in full view of the audience. In 1988, the lower portion of the valley was built up to bring the main stage action closer to the seating area, but the grandeur of the natural setting has never changed.
When a scene plays out across that hillside with the mountains behind it, you'll understand why people keep coming back generation after generation.
2026 Season Dates
The Ramona Pageant returns for its 103rd season with performances on:
- April 18 and 19
- April 25 and 26
- May 2 and 3
Shows run on Friday and Saturday evenings on those three weekends. Tickets tend to sell out quickly, especially for opening weekend, so we recommend booking as early as possible on the official website here.
The Ramona Bowl Has a Lot Going On
The Ramona Bowl is expanding its calendar beyond this spring's pageant, and there are a couple of extra reasons to make the short drive from Golden Village Palms.
The Ramona Market is a free, family-friendly outdoor gathering on Saturday, May 30th, from 2 to 7 PM. Local artisans, handmade crafts, food trucks, and live music from local performers are all set against that beautiful hillside backdrop. No ticket required. It's a great afternoon option if you're staying with us later in May after the pageant performances have wrapped.
The Bowl is also bringing back its Concerts Under the Stars series for 2026, with lineups and dates to be announced at ramonabowl.com. Either way, there's plenty happening just 5 miles from your site or cottage this spring.
Plan the Perfect Weekend Getaway
Here's what we love about this combination: you get a world-class outdoor theater experience in the evening and a full resort experience the rest of the time. Golden Village Palms RV Resort is the ideal home base for a Ramona Pageant weekend. Our guests have full access to three heated pools, hot tubs, pickleball courts, fitness facilities, live entertainment, and all the amenities that make this one of Southern California's most celebrated RV destinations.
And this isn't just for RV owners. Our resort Vacation Cottages are a fantastic option for those who want a comfortable, fully furnished retreat during performance weekends. If you've been on the fence about attending the pageant, booking a cottage stay around one of the show dates is a great way to make a full experience out of it — dinner at the resort, an evening at the Bowl, and a relaxing morning back at the palms.
Book your stay now at Golden Village Palms RV Resort.
Tips for Your Evening at the Bowl
- Grab your tickets early at ramonabowl.com before performances sell out.
- The pre-show kicks off about two hours before curtain with food, music, and cultural dancing — arrive early to soak it all in.
- Evenings in the Hemet hills can cool down fast. Bring a light jacket or a blanket.
- A small seat cushion makes the experience much more comfortable if you plan to arrive early and stay through intermission.
Something Worth Coming Back For
The Ramona Pageant is one of those rare experiences that once-attendees tend to return to year after year. It's a living piece of California history, performed under the stars in a setting that simply can't be manufactured. And with Golden Village Palms RV Resort just a short drive away, you have everything you need for a perfect weekend, a comfortable place to stay, a resort full of activities, and one of the most memorable evenings Southern California has to offer.
We'd love to help you plan your stay around the 2026 season. Give us a call or book online, and we'll make sure your home base is ready when the curtain goes up.
