A single event that spans one or more consecutive days.
2026 Art in the West July 18, 2026 – October 2, 2026 Art in the West is an annual juried exhibition and silent auction featuring traditional and contemporary art that celebrates the landscapes, wildlife, people, cultures and history of the High Desert—a region that stretches from the eastern slope of the Cascades and the Sierra (more…)
Explore the wonder of the dark! Join us outside at the High Desert Museum to celebrate sundown, the transition between day and night when nocturnal wildlife stirs. Learn how a dark night sky free from artificial light pollution is critical for wildlife. This family-friendly event will include galaxy exploration, bat detection, insect discoveries, owl encounters, (more…)
Discover a century of salesmanship, when artists and cartographers alike crafted an image of the West that depicted both fact and fiction. Experience the exhibition before it closes. Free with Museum admission (more…)
Happy Father’s Day! Free admission for all dads and those who serve as dads! The Museum will also be open to the general public. (more…)
Full steam ahead! See the 1904 Lazinka Sawmill in action and how lumber was processed on-the-go at the turn of the century. FREE with Museum admission (more…)
Explore the many perspectives of fire through the eyes of third and fourth grade students from La Pine Elementary. Experience the exhibition before it closes. Free with Museum admission (more…)
The 6th Annual Lost in Place Nature Writing Intensive Join The Writing Ranch and the High Desert Museum on a unique weekend nature writing intensive at the Lodge at Summer Lake. Daily generative workshops will be led by Oregon Poet Laureate Ellen Waterston, author of five poetry and four nonfiction titles, and will be complemented (more…)
The Museum will close at 3:00 pm so our staff can prepare for the Schnitzer Prize of the West Reception. We’ll see you on May 18 at 9:00 am! (more…)
Join us as we celebrate the closing of the 2026 Art in the West exhibition! Mingle with participating artists, watch live demonstrations, and enjoy delicious food and libations. The exhibit and auction close at 7:00 pm. Auction winners who are present can take home their pieces starting at 8:00 pm. 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (more…)
Save the Date! The Waterston Desert Writing Prize Ceremony returns September 17! Hear from the winner and the 2026 keynote speaker, enjoy a reception with light appetizers, and stay for a book signing following the program. The Waterston Desert Writing Prize (the Prize) was established in 2014, inspired by author and poet Ellen Waterston’s love (more…)