Educators’ Night Out 2025


  •  09.18.25
     6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Back-to-school night, but for adults! Central Oregon teachers, school administrators, paraeducators, teacher aides, content specialists and all educators are invited to network with community organizations to support and enhance their upcoming school year. Join in demonstrations and get take-home resources.  6:00 pm to 8:00 pm | light refreshments provided FREE for public, private and homeschool (more…)

Exhibition Opening: Soil Alive!


  •  10.18.25
     9:00 am - 5:00 pm

October 18, 2025 – March 29, 2026  From dry and sandy to slimy and wet, many types of soils exist in the High Desert. But all healthy soils have one important thing in common: they form the foundation of the West’s ecosystems. Opening October 18, 2025, dive underground to explore the hidden world of soil. (more…)

Annual Member Meeting


  •  11.13.25
     9:00 am - 10:00 am

From otters to kids programs, learn about all the Museum’s great work in 2025 — and what’s ahead! — in our Annual Member Meeting. Start your day with Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D., for light refreshments and sharing about the Museum’s recent accomplishments and upcoming plans. At the E.L. Wiegand Birds of Prey Pavilion. 9:00 (more…)

Fractal Fluency: Using the Science of Nature’s Beauty to Reduce Stress


  •  10.03.25
     6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

The past 50 years have seen a remarkable revolution in the way scientists study nature’s scenery. At the heart of this revolution lies the discovery of intricate patterns called fractals. The growing impact of these natural patterns raises a crucial question – can nature’s beauty trigger a dramatic reduction in stress and mental fatigue? Join (more…)

Exhibition Opening: The 20-Dollar Art Show


  •  10.04.25
     9:00 am - 5:00 pm

October 4, 2025 – October 20, 2025 Bend’s biggest little art show is back! The Museum is once again honored to host the year’s 20-Dollar Art Show, presented by Bright Place Gallery. Featuring over 10,000 pieces of original art by established and emerging local artists, this year’s show promises to be the biggest yet. Made possible (more…)

Natural History Pub: The Recipe for Healthy Soil


  •  11.03.25
     7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

A healthy garden begins with healthy soil. But what’s the recipe for good soil? A mix of plants, animals, fungi, moisture and an understanding of your soil’s individual history are necessary to support a productive garden. Join Garrett L. Duyck, Basin Resource Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, to learn about soil management in (more…)

The 20-Dollar Art Show Extravaganza


  •  10.17.25
     5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
  •  10.18.25
     9:00 am - 12:00 pm
  •  10.19.25
     9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Bend’s biggest little art show is back! Join us for The 20-Dollar Art Show Extravaganza, a weekend celebrating Bend’s biggest little art show! Featuring over 10,000 pieces of original art by establish and emerging local artists, this year’s show presented by Bright Place Gallery promises to be the biggest yet. As always, each mini masterpiece (more…)

Natural History Pub: Life in the Forest Canopy


  •  10.06.25
     7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Have you ever considered what lives at the top of the forest? Hear from Dr. Hannah Prather, Visiting Assistant Professor and Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Biology at Reed College, who has spent years climbing, exploring and protecting the forest canopy. 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, doors open 5:30 pm FREE, RSVP required. Tickets (more…)