Turf Tunes
Sunday, July 3: Leadbetter
Sunday, July 10: Blackstrap Bluegrass
Sunday, July 17: Juju Eyeball
3 to 6 pm at John Gray Amphitheater
Free Sunday concert, vendors and activities in the John Gray Amphitheater at SHARC. Event held rain or shine, and kick-off at 3 p.m. with family-themed fun prior to the concert. Bring the family, a blanket or low-profile chair. Picnic baskets are welcome, and food and beverages will be available for purchase. Please, no glass containers and leave pets at home.
4th of July Festival
July 4 @ 11 am – 4 pm
The Village at Sunriver
Celebrate Independence Day in The Village at Sunriver! Children of all ages will enjoy live entertainment, contests, carnival style games, a petting zoo, pony rides, delicious food and more at The Village at Sunriver 4th of July Festival.
Check out police and fire vehicles, climb up a rock wall, and grab a balloon creation on Monday, July 4th, 2022. Some activities are free of charge, and proceeds benefit local charities that serve children. Bring the whole family out for a day full of fun!
Sunriver Area Community Picnic
Wednesday, July 20, 4 pm to dusk at Mary McCallum Park
Sponsored by Sunriver Women’s Club
Bring your own picnic meal and beer or wine if desired
Desserts and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided
Live entertainment by Off the Record
Cost: $5 cover charge for adults; $10 for Family
Reservations required
Pay with a credit card online or at the Picnic with cash or check
Sign up by July 15 online at: picnic@sunriverwomensclub.org
7th Annual Antique & Classic Car Show
July 23 @ 10 am – 2 pm
The Village at Sunriver
Flashback to the past when Village Bar & Grill presents the 7th annual Sunriver Antique & Classic Car Show in the Village at Sunriver on Saturday, August 23rd from 10 am – 2 pm. Enjoy a summer’s day listening to music while wandering through the Village admiring cars from the 1920s and ’30s, hot rods, and the muscle cars of the ’70s and ’80s. Prizes will be awarded in a variety of classes. Cars from 1900-1980 welcome!
The 7th Annual Antique & Classic Car Show is free to attend. If you would like to enter a car in the show, please click to register below. Space is limited, and spots are assigned on a first come, first served basis.
Starry Night Summer Concert Series
Join us in The Village at Sunriver for the Starry Nights Summer Concert Series every Thursday in July and August.
- July 7 – Eric Leadbetter
- July 14 – Michael Quinn and Cherry Wine
- July 21 – The Klassixs Ayreband
- July 28 – Thomas T. and the Blue Chips
- August 4 – Eric Leadbetter
- August 11 – The Klassixs Ayreband
- August 18 – Justusworx
- August 25 – Thomas T. and the Blue Chips
Concerts begin between 6:30 pm and 7 pm next to The Village Bar and Grill.
Sunriver Brewing invites you to attend its 10th anniversary on Saturday, July 2.
July Events at The High Desert Museum
(All events are free with admission to the museum.)
Ice Cream Made at the Ranch
Saturday, July 9, 1 – 3 pm
On hot summer days, who wouldn’t love to help make (and eat) some homemade ice cream?! Head out to the Ranch to see how ice cream was made in 1904 using an authentic cedar tub freezer. Learn about the history of this delicious treat and how many turns it takes to create it! Then try a sample of your own at the Rimrock Café for $2 a scoop.
Exhibit Closing: “Kids Curate: The Power of Process”
Sunday, July 10, 9 am – 5 pm
Don’t miss your last chance to celebrate this year’s “Kids Curate” exhibition! From the hands and hearts of student artists, “Kids Curate: The Power of Process” brings the voices from the halls of Hugh Hartman Elementary School in Redmond to the walls of the Museum. The Kids Curate program, now in its 10th year, uses an interdisciplinary, art-centered approach to develop social-emotional skills, empathy, perspective and more. Months of effort culminate in an interactive, multidimensional and multilingual mural display created by the fourth-grade students.
Exhibit Closing: “Vanishing Night: Conserving Dark Skies in the High Desert”
Sunday, July 10, 9 am – 5 pm
It’s your last chance to bask in the glow of “Vanishing Night!” The High Desert boasts some of the darkest night skies in the United States. But increasing light pollution emanating from urban centers threatens the health of species that depend on the dark. “Vanishing Night: Conserving Dark Skies in the High Desert” illuminates the critical role of dark skies for High Desert animals and our own cultural heritage. Join us to explore how we can protect the dark and reduce light pollution in our growing communities.
Ranch Sawmill Demonstration
Saturday, July 16, 11 am – 3 pm
Full steam ahead! See the 1904 Lazinka Sawmill in action and discover how critical steam-powered sawmills were to families in the High Desert.
Exhibit Opening: “Art in the West”
Saturday, July 23, 9 am – 5 pm
This annual, juried art exhibition attracts well-known artists from around the country. Proceeds of the silent auction help support the Museum’s educational programs.
On-going exhibitions
“Imagine a World”
through September 25, 2022
This exhibition considers the ambitions, intentions and outcomes (sometimes disastrous) of intentional communities in the High Desert and Western United States over the past half century. It highlights contemporary artists as well, sharing their visions of alternative worlds and futures. “Imagine a World” invites each of us to reflect on how we are.
“Lair: Light and the Art of Stephen Hendee”
through November 27, 2022
“Lair” is an immersive exhibition created for the High Desert Museum by artist Stephen Hendee. Hendee’s sculptures explore the spaces in which we live, both physically and virtually. Inspired by natural sciences, architecture, science fiction and digital culture, he uses color, light and space to create simulations of virtual worlds that transport the viewer to a place that is both familiar yet unexpected, whimsical yet unsettling.
Daily Schedule
(All daily talks are free with Museum admission with the exception of Raptors of the Desert Sky.)
Natural History Walk
10 am
Join a naturalist for a short walk on Museum grounds to learn about the diverse habitats that support an abundance of plants and animals in the region.
Horses on the Range
10:30 am
There are an estimated 95,000 free-roaming horses throughout the West. Where did they come from, how are they managed and what impact do they have on High Desert ecosystems?
Otter Encounter
12:30 pm
Explore the role this charismatic animal plays in riparian ecosystems of the High Desert. Where are they found? What do they eat? How are they an indicator of a healthy river community?
High Desert Fish Tales
1:30 pm
Healthy populations of fish have sustained economies and ecosystems in the High Desert for thousands of years. Discover the surprising diversity of native fish, their importance to our communities and why we must work together to restore them to the landscape. At Cheney Pond gathering area, weather permitting.
Wolves in the High Desert
2 pm
At one time the entire High Desert was habitat for the gray wolf. Exterminated in the 1900s, the apex predator is now staging a comeback. Learn about the biology of wolves, their role in natural ecosystems and the challenges communities are working to overcome as they return home.
Desert Dwellers
3 pm
We share the High Desert with an amazing diversity of wildlife. Explore the adaptations that enable our wild neighbors to thrive while learning about their conservation from our animal ambassadors!
Bird of Prey Encounter
4 pm
Meet a raptor in the Museum’s care. Learn about the unique natural history of different species, their role in the environment and what you can do to ensure their future on the landscape.
1904 Miller Ranch and Sawmill
10:30 am – 4 pm
Meet Central Oregonians of the past as they welcome you into interactive history. Explore how a family lived and supported itself in the High Desert. Help with the chores and play games!
High Desert Ranger Station
10 am — 3 pm
Explore the role of the U.S. Forest Service in managing your National Forest System at this historic ranger station, from which a district forest ranger cared for the land and served the people for decades.
Raptors of the Desert Sky
11:30 am
Be awed by the beauty and power of free-flying raptors during our outdoor program. Learn all about birds of prey as they soar overhead.
A 15-minute walk from the Admissions Desk. The trail to the flight area may be difficult for strollers and wheelchairs. Weather permitting.
Members, children and seniors $5
Nonmembers $7 plus admission
Ages 2 and younger are FREE
Tickets must be purchased from Admissions by 11:00 am. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/raptors-of-the-desert-sky