This section focuses on family-friendly events that are sponsored by county departments including the County Library, County Museum, Regional Parks and more.
Free community clean-up event for Lucerne Valley residents
San Bernardino County Code Enforcement and Solid Waste Management Divisions will be providing bulky trash collection containers for the FREE disposal of accumulated trash, e-waste, tires, and on-site confidential document shredding for unincorporated residents only. No business materials will be accepted. Free disposal services will end at noon or when the equipment is full.
- This program is limited to residents of the unincorporated county area.
- We cannot accept commercial or industrial waste from businesses. Please remember to safely secure and properly cover your loads prior to traveling to the event.
- If you are bringing waste tires, please limit your load to a maximum of nine tires. (State Law prohibits hauling of more than nine tires, unless an exemption is granted. Please call us for more information). Tires on rims WILL be accepted.
Please Note: You are required to unload your own waste materials.
If you have oversized, loose, or hard-to-handle loads, you may be turned away to dispose of your waste materials at your own expense.
We will accept household trash, bulky items green waste and vehicle tires, (we do not accept concrete).
The Urban Conservation Corps will be present to accept electronics such as TV’s, computer monitors, VCRs, stereos, cell phones and more.
We cannot accept hazardous waste. This includes motor oil and oil filters, antifreeze, gasoline, drain cleaner, pesticides, fertilizers, fluorescent lights, wood preservatives, pool and hobby supplies, auto/furniture polish, paint thinners, paint products, medications or similar products.
For current information, locations and times for the disposal of household hazardous waste, please call the Household Hazardous Waste Program at 800-645-9228.
WHEN: Saturday, August 2, 2025
8 a.m.–noon (or earlier if equipment fills up)
WHERE: Lucerne Valley Market & Hardware – 32946 CA-18, Lucerne Valley
If you have questions regarding this event, please call Land Use Services Staff Analyst De Leon Luna at 909-383-2133.
Museum Foundation launches an exciting new SBCMF Kids Club for young explorers
San Bernardino County Museum Foundation (SBCMF) is proud to announce the launch of its brand-new SBCMF Kids Club, an engaging membership program designed to inspire curiosity and creativity in children ages 0 to 14. For just $50 per child annually, members of the SBCMF Kids Club will enjoy a variety of exclusive benefits that blend fun, learning and community connection.
SBCMF Kids Club members will receive:
- A free SBCMF Kids Club T-shirt, sponsored by 1LoveIE, to wear proudly during visits and events.
- 50% off museum admission for the child and one accompanying adult all year long — perfect for repeat visits! Or become a SBCMF museum member for unlimited visits.
- A free scoop of ice cream from local partner Lappert’s Ice Cream of downtown Redlands.
- Quarterly access to Exploration Station: A STEAM Lab for Kids, where hands-on activities spark discovery in science, technology, engineering, art and math.
- An invitation to our annual after-hours pizza party, a special evening filled with hands-on science fun and exciting presentations from SBCM curators at this members-only evening event.
- Score cool perks and surprises from our awesome community partners throughout the year.
“SBCMF Kids Club is more than just a membership—it’s an invitation to explore, create and build lasting memories at the museum,” said SBCMF Executive Director Brandon Mulder. “We wanted to offer families an affordable way to deepen their connection with the museum and make learning feel like an adventure.”
Victor Valley Museum’s Second Saturdays soar with “Flying High Kite Creations”
Families are invited to let their creativity take flight at Victor Valley Museum’s (VVM) upcoming Second Saturdays program, “Flying High: Kite Creations,” happening on Saturday, Aug. 16 at 11 a.m.
Part of the museum’s popular monthly Second Saturdays series was designed to ignite imagination and spark hands-on learning. This fun-filled program invites visitors of all ages to build and decorate their own custom kites while exploring the science behind flight, wind and aerodynamics. Museum staff will guide guests through the process, blending art, engineering and play.
“This event brings together creativity and STEM in a way that kids and families can truly enjoy,” said Curator of Visitor Engagement Tiffany Talavera. “It’s the perfect opportunity to connect, craft and learn something new.”
Materials for the kite making workshop will be included in regular museum admission. Don’t forget that frozen treats will be available for purchase too! Family fun guaranteed! Visitors can enjoy on-site themed art projects every month at VVM from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Themes change monthly, so visit the website at museum.sbcounty.gov events for details.
Victor Valley Museum is located at 11873 Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 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 museum 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.
Victor Valley 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.
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), the San 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.
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.
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
Additional County Update News – July 24, 2025
- Public Health takes the wheel with mobile care units
- Veterans Affairs partners with Probation and Superior Court to expand services to justice-involved residents
- WIC QR code makes it easier to shop at farmers’ markets
- Public Service Employees gain experience, support the San Bernardino County Public Defender
- San Bernardino County Regional Parks receives a 2025 NACo Award for their 60th anniversary campaign
- Foster youth find community and hope at 16th Annual Sports Faire
- Checkups, immunizations available for High Desert children at convenient mobile clinic
- Victor Valley Museum announces a new exhibition; Here Comes the Sun: Solar Science and Spirituality
- The Office of the Public Guardian: Safeguarding vulnerable residents
- San Bernardino County destinations: San Gorgonio Mountain
- Call for submissions: Share your favorite San Bernardino County destinations
- San Bernardino County history: Fort Irwin
- Things to do in San Bernardino County
- Pet of the Week: Hero