Tomás Rivera Conference 2026

Initiated in 1988, UC Riverside's annual Tomás Rivera Conference honors the enduring legacy of Tomás Rivera, activist, educator, writer, and the first Chicano chancellor of the UC system.

The 2026 conference will take place on Thursday, October 15, at the UCR University Theatre.

DOORS OPEN: 4:30 p.m.

START TIME: 5 - 8 p.m.

Our program this year will celebrate films that honor the enduring legacy of stories and resilience in the Chicanx community. Legendary playwright-director Luis Valdez (writer and director of Zoot Suit, La Bamba, and subject of the documentary American Pachuco: The Legend Luis Valdez) joins playwright-novelist Severo Pérez, director of ...y no se lo tragó la tierra (...and the Earth Did Not Swallow Him), based on Tomás Rivera's seminal novel, for a screening and conversation on Chicano storytelling and cinema.

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Please click the "I'm Interested" button above to let us know you're coming!

PARKING:

Free parking will be available in Lot 6 Blue when you pre-register your vehicle by following these steps:

Step 1: Click on this link.Step 2: Enter your license plate number. Step 3: If the plate is non-California, select the appropriate state for the plate.Step 4: Click "Park." Your permit is now reserved!If you have trouble reserving your permit through OffStreet, you may request assistance with using OffStreeet at the Lot 1 kiosk. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early if you require assistance. Please note that the Campus Drive West kiosk by Lot 1 does not sell parking permits.

For any other questions about event parking, please email [email protected] between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, and allow up to one business day to receive a response.

More information about visitor parking.