This section focuses on family-friendly events that are sponsored by county departments including the County Library, County Museum, Regional Parks and more.
County Children and Family Services’ 3rd annual backpack giveaway
San Bernardino County Children and Family Services’ 3rd Annual Backpack Giveaway will take place on July 19 in Rancho Cucamonga, July 26 in San Bernardino, and August 2 in Victorville from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The events are open to all families! The first 500 kids aged 5-18 will receive a free backpack and essential school supplies. The events will feature face painting, free food (while supplies last), games, free haircut services, resource vendors and more. Join us for a day of community and celebration as we prepare for the new school year. This is more than just a backpack giveaway – it’s a day full of family fun and support.
Joshua Tree community resource fair
Join us on Wednesday, August 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Joshua Tree Community Resource Fair! Child Support professionals will be available to share information on how to open a case, request modifications, explore debt reduction options, and answer your case-specific questions.
The following community resources are also available to assist:
- HEAP – Assistance with utility bills
- VITA – Tax preparation assistance (by appointment or first come, first served)
- Valley Star Behavioral Health – Mental health-enhanced case management
- Morongo Unified School District – Instructional services, community presentation, registration for students
From Darkness to Light: Illuminating Voices on Addiction and Overdose
The San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health in collaboration with the Garcia Center for the Arts and Arts Connection are proud to announce a poignant and powerful poetry event that will shine a light on the critical issue of substance use disorders and the devastating impact of fentanyl overdoses in the community. This event is part of the ongoing Into Light exhibition, which aims to foster addiction awareness, empathy and action through the arts.
The poetry event will feature local poets and spoken-word artists who will share their heartfelt and thought-provoking works, addressing the personal and communal toll of substance use disorders. Through their words, they will bring to life the struggles, hopes, and resilience of those affected by these issues, offering a platform for voices that are often unheard.
Event details:
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Location: Garcia Center for the Arts, 536 W. 11th St., San Bernardino
The Into Light exhibition, which serves as the backdrop for this event, is a collaborative effort to highlight the stories of individuals whose lives have been lost to addiction and opioid overdose. This project aims to promote healing and understanding within the community.
“We believe that art has the power to heal and to bring people together,” said Dr. Georgina Yoshioka, County Behavioral Health director. “This poetry event is an opportunity for our community to come together, to listen, and to support one another as we confront the challenges posed by substance use disorders and fentanyl overdoses.”
The event is open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend. By participating, attendees will not only experience the transformative power of poetry, but also contribute to a broader conversation about substance use disorders and the urgent need for solutions.
For more information about the poetry event and the Into Light exhibition, please visit www.eventcreate.com/e/illuminatingvoices.
Call for artists: County Museum invites submissions for Hispanic Heritage Month exhibition
In partnership with Inland Empire Latino Art Association (IELAA), theSan Bernardino County Museum (SBCM) is proud to announce a regional call for artists to participate in an upcoming exhibition celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. With the theme Expectations: A Better World Through Art, Music and Respect, the exhibition invites creatives across the Inland Empire and beyond to explore the powerful role that cultural expression plays in envisioning and building a more just and inspired future.
Opening Saturday, Sept. 13, the exhibition will highlight a broad spectrum of artistic voices—from emerging to established artists—who celebrate the vibrancy, resilience and diversity of Hispanic and Latinx communities. Artists are encouraged to submit works in all mediums, including painting, printmaking/graphic design, drawing, mixed media, textile, photography, sculpture, video, and performance that explore how expectations have shaped them as individuals, isolated them, or bring everyone together as a community.
“This year’s theme is a call on what role expectations have in forming who we are and how we view the world,” said Curator of Art and Exhibits Dr. Casey Lee. “Expectations fill us with hope and inspire us to push our limits, but at their darkest, they can make us feel inadequate or make us targets of prejudice and violence. We’re inviting artists to reflect on how culture and community can shape the world we all hope to live in—one grounded in mutual understanding, beauty, and expression.”
Submissions are open through August 1, and selected works will be exhibited from Sept. 13 through Dec. 14 at SBCM.
Eligibility: Artists of all backgrounds and residing in San Bernardino County and surrounding regions.
Artist Submission Requirements:
- Artwork will be accepted at the sole discretion of the exhibit committee. Only accepted artworks will be displayed.
- If the artwork is not accepted, you will receive an email notification before the opening date of the exhibition.
- Artists will deliver and remove artwork from the gallery by appointment during designated museum hours.
- All work must be well-crafted, framed, wired and ready to hang or display.
- All works must be original works by the submitting artist. No artificial intelligence (AI) renderings or creations will be accepted.
- All works submitted should be of a recent date. Works previously exhibited at SBCM will not be accepted.
- Artwork must be removed and collected no later than one week after the exhibition has ended, or as designated.
- By submitting artwork to this exhibition online, you permit SBCM and IELAA to use the images of your artwork for marketing, publication and advertising purposes.
Please review our entry form for full submission guidelines.
As the event approaches, we will provide more information regarding a community celebration and artist reception that will be held on Sept. 13 to kick off the exhibition’s opening.
The San Bernardino County Museum is located at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child ages 6 to 12). Children five and under and members are admitted free. Parking is free and the museum is accessible to people with disabilities. For more information, visit museum.sbcounty.gov or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
About Inland Empire Latino Art Association of San Bernardino: Established in 1985, the Inland Empire Latino Art Association of San Bernardino’s objective is to unite individual artists to reach some common goals: peer support in resolving art related problems, exhibiting artwork to enhance image, and most important of all, to provide a positive role model for all young people of the Inland Empire and beyond. For more information, visit their page on Facebook or contact IELLA Chairman, Rudy Ramirez at trampramirez@yahoo.com.
About San Bernardino County Museum: San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional, cultural, and natural history and the Museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.
Young visitors can earn a free meal by participating in County Museum’s summer passport program
The San Bernardino County Museum (SBCM) invites families to make the most of their summer with its all-new ‘Chill with Us’ summer passport program — an exciting initiative designed to encourage young learners to explore, engage and earn rewards all summer long.
“Summer at the museum is all about discovery, creativity and family,” said Curator of Education Eliana Zacarias. “The summer passport program is a fun way to reward young visitors for showing up, participating and making memories that last.”
From now through August, young museum visitors are invited to join Blizzard the Polar Bear as he travels through the museum for a chill summer adventure! Visitors who attend and participate in five (5) museum programs or events will receive a free meal voucher for Old Spaghetti Factory in Redlands, simply by collecting stamps in their summer passport. Passports are now available and can be picked up at SBCM’s admission desk.
Participating programs and events include:
Engage in STEAM Lab art activities
Get creative in our indoor and outdoor STEAM Lab spaces with hands-on art activities for all ages. Our lab offers multisensory arts experiences that emphasize self-expression and experimentation with science-inspired crafts, kids and kids at heart can take home their own mini masterpieces.
Learn more at Cart Talk Saturdays
Join us every Saturday in July for cart talks where our education team and volunteers will be highlighting our fascinating artifacts, specimens and hands-on demos throughout the museum. Get up close and personal with your local natural and cultural history — please ask all the questions you’ve been wondering about!
Attend a summer event
Visit the museum for unforgettable summer nights under the stars―or under lights of friendly competition! The museum will extend their hours for the Through the Decades Trivia Night on Friday, July 18 at 6:30 p.m. and Cosmic Nights is set to end the summer festivities on Saturday, August 30 from 7 – 10 p.m. Whether you’re a cosmic explorer or a trivia champ, there is something for everyone at the museum.
Enjoy family picnic lunches or play lawn games in the courtyard
Relax in our shaded outdoor courtyard with your own picnic lunch and enjoy the museum’s tranquil desert gardens, a historic train, and mining exhibits. Picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Families also can play corn hole, get creative with chalk and engage in other super-sized lawn games.
Support a frozen treat vendor
What’s summer without a little something cool and refreshing? Keep an eye out for pop-up frozen treat vendors on select weekends!
Each time a child attends a qualifying event or program, they can visit the front desk to get a stamp in their passport. Once five (5) stamps are collected, participants will receive a free Wally the Trolley meal voucher redeemable at Old Spaghetti Factory.
The program is designed to promote informal learning during the summer months while also supporting local businesses and building museum connections with young families across the region. Come chill with us — and make this summer one to remember! Families are encouraged to share their summer adventures on social media using #ChillatSBCM.
The San Bernardino County Museum is located at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child ages 6 to 12). Children five and under and members are admitted free. Parking is free and the museum is accessible to people with disabilities.
The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional, cultural and natural history and the Museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.
County Library invites the community to join Tales of Enchantment through summer reading
The San Bernardino County Library is proud to present this year’s Summer Reading Program, A Tale of Enchantment, an annual countywide initiative designed to inspire readers of all ages to continue developing their literacy skills in a fun and engaging way.
This program supports both the Countywide Vision’s literacy campaign, Vision2Read, and the county’s Opportunity campaign, which highlight efforts to improve quality of life through education, literacy and access to enriching experiences.
Participants are encouraged to log their reading and enjoy family-friendly performances hosted across the county’s 32 branch libraries. From live storytelling to interactive shows, the program brings communities together while promoting a lifelong love of reading.
“The Summer Reading Program is a beloved tradition that helps families stay connected, curious and inspired throughout the summer,” said County Librarian Melanie Orosco. “It’s more than just books—it’s about building literacy skills, imagination and community.”
The San Bernardino County Library system is dedicated to providing equal access to information, technology, and services that support the educational growth of residents across the region.
To join the Summer Reading Program or learn more, visit library.sbcounty.gov or call 909-387-2220.
Come “Chill with Us This Summer” at the San Bernardino County Museum
This summer, beat the heat and make cool memories at the San Bernardino County Museum with engaging activities, sweet frozen treats and fun for the whole family. Whether you’re a family on summer break, a curious explorer, or simply looking for a breezy weekend escape, the museum has something for everyone to enjoy.
From engaging educational experiences to refreshing frozen treats, visitors can enjoy a lineup of activities designed to entertain, inspire and yes — keep you cool.
Highlights include:
- Hands-on STEAM lab art activities
Get creative in our indoor and outdoor science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) lab spaces with hands-on art activities for all ages. Our lab offers multisensory arts experiences that emphasize self-expression and experimentation with science-inspired crafts, kids and kids at heart can take home their own mini masterpieces. - Cart talk Saturdays
Join us every Saturday in July for cart talks where our education team and volunteers will be highlighting our fascinating artifacts, specimens, and hands-on demos throughout the museum. Get up close and personal with your local natural and cultural history — please ask all the questions you’ve been wondering about! - Bring your picnic lunches and play lawn games
Relax in our shaded outdoor courtyard with your own picnic lunch and enjoy the museum’s tranquil desert gardens, a historic train, and mining exhibits. Picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Families will also have the opportunity to play corn hole and other super-sized lawn games. - Frozen treats & cool surprises
What’s summer without a little something cool and refreshing? Keep an eye out for pop-up frozen treat vendors on select weekends!
Come chill with us — and make this summer one to remember!
The San Bernardino County Museum is located at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child ages 6 to 12). Children five and under are admitted free. Museum members receive a 50% admission discount. Parking is free and the museum is accessible to people with disabilities.
The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional, cultural and natural history and the Museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.
Groove, Grunge, and Game Night: Through the Decades trivia coming to County Museum
Get ready to test your knowledge, relive the hits, and celebrate pop culture through the ages! San Bernardino County Museum (SBCM) in partnership with Pour House Triva-California invites the community to a high-energy Through the Decades Trivia Night on Friday, July 18 at 6:30 p.m., celebrating the iconic trends, tunes and milestones of the 1960s through the 2000s.
Guests are encouraged to bring their A-game—and maybe their bell bottoms, neon leg warmers or flannel shirts for an evening of friendly competition and nostalgic fun. From Woodstock to Walkman’s, disco balls to dial-up internet, each trivia round will spotlight a different decade, challenging players with questions about music, movies, TV, fashion, historical events and more.
“This isn’t your typical trivia night,” said Curator of Education Eliana Zacarias. “We’re combining pop culture with a night at the museum—giving guests a chance to play, learn and connect with history in a really engaging way.”
The event is open to all ages. Teams can include up to eight people, or individuals can be matched with others upon arrival. Prizes will be awarded for high scores and best decade-themed outfits. Light refreshments will be available, and museum exhibits will be open with extended hours for exploration throughout the evening.
Don’t miss this blast from the past—it’s time to show what you know through the decades!
The San Bernardino County Museum is located at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child ages 6 to 12). Children five and under are admitted free. Museum members receive a 50% admission discount. Parking is free and the museum is accessible to people with disabilities. For more information, visit museum.sbcounty.gov or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional, cultural and natural history and the Museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.
Additional County Update News – July 10, 2025
- Stay safe from the heat!
- Wildfires won’t wait. Will you? Sign up for TENS.
- First 5 San Bernardino, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital promote accident prevention with summer safety demos
- Glen Helen Parkway Bridge and Road Improvement Project breaks ground
- New resource room opens in Loma Linda to assist Child Support customers
- From classroom to career: Preschool Services Department’s cohort program builds the next generation of educators
- Tower 19: Welcome your newest San Bernardino County firefighters
- From darkness to light: Illuminating voices on addiction and overdose
- San Bernardino County destinations: Carriage Trail
- Call for submissions: Share your favorite San Bernardino County destinations
- San Bernardino County history: Kaiser Steel
- Tell us why you love San Bernardino County for a chance to win a Regional Parks annual pass
- Things to do in San Bernardino County
- Pet of the Week: Finn