Inside Moreno Valley’s Adult Flashlight Egg Scramble
Egg hunts are traditionally associated with children, baskets, and daylight—but the City of Moreno Valley, Calif., has proven that play has no age limit. Produced by Moreno Valley’s Parks & Community Services Department, the Adult Flashlight Egg Scramble has become a signature spring event, selling out every year and drawing 1,000 adults eager to relive childhood fun with a competitive, after-dark twist.
What sets this event apart is its ability to blend nostalgia with high-energy and thorough, thoughtful planning. Participants arrive ready to laugh, compete, and reconnect with a simpler type of joy—one plastic egg at a time.
Conceived by Director Jeremy Bubnick, the event balances whimsy and professionalism, offering a memorable experience while maintaining safety, accessibility, and crowd control.
“Our department is all about improving lives by creating memories and providing opportunities where people can connect and have fun,” says Claudia Torres, Division Manager, Special Events and Facilities. “This event brings people from all backgrounds together to rediscover the kid inside while enjoying a night they are sure to remember.”
What began as a creative idea has evolved into one of Moreno Valley’s most anticipated annual events and a model that another agency can adapt for its own community.
A Festive Lead-Up
The experience begins well before the scramble itself. Gates open at 6:00 p.m., and people begin arriving soon after, nearly two hours before the scheduled 8:00 p.m. start time, allowing the department to create a full evening party.
This intentional lead-up transforms a 90-second scramble into a multi-hour experience that feels festive, social, and worth the price of admission.
An interactive DJ sets the tone, playing upbeat music and engaging participants through games and crowd interaction. Food trucks are on-site, encouraging early arrival, socializing, and dining. As daylight fades and energy steadily builds, participants can be observed dancing to the music and discussing strategy and laughing with friends and family members.
