Upcoming Events

May | June | July

May

National Foster Care Month -- May
Peruse a mini-version of the Heart Gallery of Oregon, which will be on display through the end of the month and includes compelling photographs of children available for adoption with the intent to increase the number of foster and adoptive homes.

Animal Friends: Birds -- May 2
2 - 4 p.m.
Pete Bower from K.C.'s Exotic Bird Rescue will bring several specimens for this drop-in program. Children will learn about pets, petcare, and make a craft featuring the pet of the week.

Foster Family Free Day -- May 4
Noon - 5 p.m.
In support of foster families, we're opening our doors free to all members of foster families. Explore our Outdoor Discovery Center and indoor hands-on exhibits on us!

Homeschool Tea @ Two -- May 6
2-3 p.m.
Explore opportunities for Home's Cool Day, an annual event held in the fall. Here's your chance to provide input and meet other homeschool families in the area. RSVP: edu@acgilbert.org.

Different Spokes: People Powered Art for Change Exhibit -- May 6 - 31
A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village is one of 16 locations presenting the work of contemporary artists in an exhibit inspired by the simple pleasure of bicycling. This artwork will be on display through the end of the month. Start your tour at Mary Lou Zeek Gallery to receive a printed map of the exhibit locations or go to www.bikeartsalem for more information. We will be featuring the sculptures of Tabor Porter and Greg Carrigan through the end of the month. There is no admission charge to view the bike art.

Animal Friends: Fish and Amphibians -- May 9
2 - 4 p.m.
Drop-in to learn about pets and pet care. We'll be learning about fish and amphibians, making a mini-aquarium in a water bottle, and other fun stuff. This event is free with regular museum admission.

Mother's Day -- May 11
noon - 5 p.m.
Mothers get in free with one paid child admission.

Animal Friends: Reptiles -- May 16
2 - 4 p.m.
Drop-in to learn about pets and pet care. We'll be learning about reptiles. Meet Coqui Ami, the Village turle, face to face and participate in other fun activities and crafts. This event is free with regular museum admission.

Evening in the Garden Fundraiser -- May 29
7 - 9 p.m.
Support educational programs for A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village while sampling fine wines and desserts at the historic Dye House at Mission Mill. Ticket info: $25 each, available for purchase during May at A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village and local Roth's Fresh Markets.

13th Annual Garden Tour and Plant Sale -- May 30 - 31
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Salem's longest-running garden tour offers a glimpse into the country gardens in the MacLeay area of Southeast Salem. This self-directed tour benefits A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village and includes an abundant plant sale at Mission Mill Museum. Presenting sponsor: Pioneer Trust Bank. Contributing sponsor: Wells Fargo Insurance Services of Oregon. Tickets are available for purchase during at A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village and at local Roth's Fresh Markets: Adults $15, 12 and under $5.

June

10th Anniversary of Village Build -- June 14
4 - 7 p.m.
A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village hosts a picnic and musical performance to commemorate the 10th anniversary of one of the largest volunteer efforts in Salem's history-when 6,500 volunteers built the Outdoor Discovery Center in just 19 days! Did you help with the Village Build in 1998? Please send your stories and memories to info@acgilbert.org or mail to A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village (Attn: Build Memory), 116 Marion St. NE, Salem, OR 97301.

Father's Day -- June 15
Noon - 5 p.m.
Dads free with one paid child admission

Annual Village Awards & State of the Museum Address -- June 18
6 - 7:30 p.m.

Silly Summer Days: Prehistoric Adventure (Dino) Day -- June 20
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Paint a rock, make volcanoes, and play with dinosaurs. Free with admission.

Celebrate Eric Carle's Birthday -- June 25
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Enjoy story time, crafts, and activities. Free with admission.

Silly Summer Days: Hawaii Day -- June 27
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Make hula skirts, leis, and sea creature mobiles. Free with admission.

World Beat Festival in Riverfront Park -- June 28 - 29
Saturday's gate admissions support A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village. Find out more about the festival at www.worldbeatfestival.org.

July

Free Day! We're Open! -- July 4
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
No admission charge.

National Sugar Cookie Day -- July 9
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Bring your favorite doll for a tea party and crafts. Free with admission.

Silly Summer Days: Camping Day -- July 11
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Camp out with pretend 'smores, pine cone art, and more. Free with admission.

Silly Summer Days: Pirate Day -- July 18
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Make eye patches, pirate flags, and a water bottle treasure diorama. Free with admission.

Salem Art Fair in Bush Pasture Park -- July 18 - 20
Stop by our hat making booth in the Children's Court.

Silly Summer Days: Pizza Day -- July 25
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Make pizza dough, chef's hats and paper pizzas. Free with admission.