Family events in Kittitas County, WA

Summer story times designed for children ages 5 to 9. Kids can listen to read aloud stories suited to their age and enjoy a relaxed time focused on books.

NCW Libraries brings its Bookmobile to Foothills Community Center, making it easy to check out books, get a library card, enroll in e-services, and receive tech support from friendly staff. The Bookmobile is ADA accessible and equipped with a wheelchair lift. Continued community participation helps keep this location on the route.

A seasonal cruise-in at Miner's Drive-In Restaurant in Yakima brings together longtime regulars and newcomers for a welcoming car community gathering. All types of vehicles are invited, including show cars, projects, and daily drivers, and the atmosphere is friendly for families and spectators. Participants can park with friends or a club, enjoy food from the restaurant, and share their rides with others. The spirit of the event includes supporting local businesses and celebrating every kind of build, from freshly finished to still-in-progress. Bring a camera, share photos of what you are working on, and enjoy a relaxed setting where car culture and classic drive-in fare come together.

The Holy Family Summer Craft Faire is taking place. Vendors are advised to be cautious of scams, as vendor spots are arranged only through Monique Stine, and payments for those spaces are not accepted online.

Hoops for Hearts is an outdoor 3-on-3 basketball tournament that brings the community together to raise awareness for pediatric congenital heart disease. This family-friendly event honors Heart Warriors Odin Schneider and Jameson Shaw. Teams across all ages and skill levels are invited to compete, cheer, volunteer, sponsor, or simply enjoy a day of basketball in Ellensburg. Registration is currently open, and inquiries can be sent to ellensburg3on3@gmail.com.

Visit Thorp Mill for a Community Gathering with free admission. Plan to drop in during the open hours to explore the site and take part in the day’s activities.

Stop by for a Museum Day event with free admission. Learn about the USS Rio Grande Historical Search and Rescue truck, enjoy a Touch-a-Truck experience, and meet volunteers from the South Cle Elum Fire Department.

Spend a summer Sunday at the Yakima Valley Museum exploring exhibits and enjoying time with family and friends. The museum welcomes visitors every Sunday throughout the season for a relaxed visit.

Session 2 of the Summer Strings camp, part of the ICCA Chamber Music Festival, welcomes students entering grades 6 through 12 to study with professional musicians and educators from across the country, including artists from the Nashville Symphony Orchestra. Directed by Hoi Ting Davidson and Jenaesha Browder, this week-long experience takes place in a scenic setting and features small ensemble coaching, a deep focus on fundamentals and classical repertoire, private lessons, and faculty-led masterclasses that lead to a final concert at the end of the week. Middle and high school string players with at least two years of experience are encouraged to participate, including violin, viola, cello, and string bass. To help with chamber placement, applicants are asked to submit a one to two minute video featuring a scale of their choice and a short solo or piece they have been working on. Submissions may be sent by email. When recording, ensure the entire body and instrument are visible in the frame. An overnight option is available. Faculty includes Hoi Ting Davidson and Andrew Dunlap on violin, Anthony Parce on viola, and Jenaesha Browder on cello, with string bass faculty to be announced.

A free sports camp at Franklin Park welcomes children ages 5 to 11 for active fun and learning. Participants receive snacks and a complimentary T-shirt. Registration is open and will close once capacity is reached, and families can register online.

High school performers can dive into a focused Musical Theater Workshop at Make Music Ellensburg, part of a three-week series that also includes options for younger students and adults. This teen session supports grades 9 to 12 and centers on building confidence, expanding skills in singing, acting, and movement, and preparing for auditions with practical techniques. Participants work toward a showcase at the end of the workshop. Tuition is $230.

Magician Louie Foxx brings a one-man side show of magic and comedy to the UKCSC Centennial Center, offering an interactive experience designed for audiences of all ages. The performance blends laughter, eye-catching illusions, and family-friendly participation from start to finish. Louie has earned praise from Howie Mandel, Jim Dever of Evening Magazine, and the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Presented by the Carpenter Memorial Library and Roslyn Library, this program is made possible with support from the Friends of the Cle Elum Library, the Rotary Club of Upper Kittitas County, and the Upper Kittitas county senior center.

This summer storytime features lively read-alouds, playful songs, gentle movement, and a hands-on craft or coloring project at each session. Designed for children ages 1 to 11 with their grown-ups, it nurtures imagination and early literacy while providing a fun shared experience. Registration is not required. To make it accessible for more families, sessions are offered on multiple dates and times throughout the season.

WVAC’s flagship star party welcomes the entire community, from first-time stargazers to advanced amateurs, at Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery. No registration is required. Every attendee is greeted by a WVAC member to explain how the evening works and to help newcomers get oriented. Bring a telescope for tips on setup and use, or come without one and explore the night sky through members’ instruments. Look for red lanterns beneath member telescopes and feel free to ask, “Whatchya Looking at?” Each telescope will be pointed at something different, and questions are encouraged, from big-picture astronomy to advice on what gear to buy. Experienced observers can connect with fellow astronomers from the community. Park in the hatchery’s lot just outside the gate and do not drive past the gate unless prior permission has been given, for example if you need to set up a telescope. The observing area sits just beyond the main building, about 50 yards from the parking lot. Walk past the gates along the main roadway until you see the red illuminated sign board. Arriving on time helps with introductions, and attendees may stay as long as they like. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated and support the Friends of the Hatchery in installing a Sky Quality Meter to track changes in light pollution. Please avoid white light during the program. Red-lensed lights are allowed, and white light is reserved for emergencies. Dress for the weather and possible wind, and consider insect repellent. Restrooms in the main building will be available when USFWS staff are on site. The star party may be canceled due to inclement weather, with updates posted on the WVAC events calendar.