County Fair

The sights, sounds and flavors of summer will return to the Fairgrounds when the Lane County Fair opens July 22 and runs through July 26. The annual event offers something for visitors of all ages, including carnival rides, games, food vendors, livestock exhibits, agricultural displays, live entertainment and nightly concerts.

One of the highlights of this year’s fair is a five-night concert series featuring a variety of musical styles, including country, hip-hop, rock and reggae. The diverse lineup is designed to appeal to audiences throughout the week.

Fairgoers can also explore exhibit halls showcasing local arts, crafts, photography, gardening and agricultural achievements, while children and families can enjoy interactive activities and visits with farm animals.

Daily admission is $10 for adults ages 13 to 64. Admission for seniors ages 65 and older, military personnel, first responders and youth ages 6 to 12 is $7, while children age 5 and younger are admitted free. Admission tickets are sold until one hour before the fair closes each day. No new admissions will be allowed during the final hour of operation.

Summer Buzz

Families looking for an educational summer outing can explore the fascinating world of insects during the Museum of Natural and Cultural History’s Family Fun in the Sun: Bees and Bugs program.

Held in the museum’s native plant courtyard, the hands-on program invites children and adults to discover the important role that bees, butterflies, beetles and other insects play in the natural world through interactive activities, crafts and experiments.

Participants will have the chance to jump, slither, flap and skitter through a variety of activities designed to spark curiosity about science, nature and culture. Visitors can learn where insects live, how they move, what they eat and why they are essential to healthy ecosystems.

As part of the experience, guests are also encouraged to explore the museum’s Buzz About Bees exhibit, which offers an up-close look at one of nature’s most important pollinators.

The program is offered every Friday and Saturday through July 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History. General admission is $7, which includes access to the activities and museum exhibits.

Check out this year’s summer series, at 1680 E 15th Avenue in Eugene.