One of the things that separates Sun Valley from other mountain town resorts is the near non-stop events of all kinds held throughout the year. To help choose which ones to put on your calendar, here’s a rundown of our favorite warm weather, family-friendly events.
Art in the Park
June 10–August 16
The City of Ketchum Arts and Recreation Department offers “Art in the Park” at the Recreation Center (a.k.a. “The Rec”)—everything from tie-dye projects to ceramics and more for children going into 3rd grade and up. It’s a “creative fest of fun!” 208.726.7820; ketchumidaho.org.
Dig into Reading
June 10–August 9
Each summer, the Community Library in Ketchum hosts a “Dig Into Reading” summer reading program. There will be a kick-off party and all kinds of fun activities all summer long, plus some great prizes for kids. 208.726.3493; thecommunitylibrary.org.
Wood River Farmers’ Markets
June 11–October 9
Both Ketchum and Hailey host weekly farmers' markets throughout the summer and early fall. The markets offer local farmers, ranchers and artisans selling fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses and baked goods, jams and honey, BBQ, tacos and trout, jewelry, wood carved products, photography, stained glass, homemade kids and adult clothes and much more. Markets are held on Tuesdays in Ketchum on the streets around Giacobbi Square and on Thursdays in Hailey on Main Street, next to Sturtevant’s. They both run from 2 to 6 pm. wrfarmersmarket.org.
4-H Scrapbooking and Photography Club
All summer long
Beginning in February, this club presents different scrapbooking and photography projects and challenges and continue through the summer with a showing at the 4-H Blaine County Fair in Carey. Ages 5-19 are welcome. 208.788.5585.
Northwest Indian Clay Camp
June 17–August 13
This summer, Boulder Mountain Clayworks will be offering both children’s and teen’s clay camps beginning in mid-June. This summer’s series is themed after the Native Americans of the Northwest—children can work on projects ranging from Indian totems to fish platters, masks and more! 208.788.4484; bouldermtnclay.com.
SVCA Family Days
Every Saturday all summer long
Family days at the Sun Valley Center for the Arts (SVCA) are designed to allow parents and kids the chance to browse the art in the gallery and work on projects together, which are usually inspired by the current gallery exhibition. Many activities require parents to be hands-on assistants to their child, but all ages are welcome.
No registration necessary.
208.726.9491; sunvalleycenter.org.
Sun Valley’s Stars on Ice
July 4–september 2 each Saturday night
Don’t miss “Sun Valley's Stars on Ice” this year, as the Sun Valley summer ice shows take the stage with a dazzling new production each Saturday night. Local skaters perform on the ice alongside world champions, and the themed productions are a joy for all ages! There is no other show like it, anywhere. Be sure to reserve early, as tickets go fast! 208.622.2135; seats.sunvalley.com.
PAWS to Read
Every Saturday all summer long
Young readers can come to the Children's Library at The Community Library in Ketchum to read a story to a special furry friend. Trained therapy dogs will be there every Saturday at 11am with their handlers,
waiting excitedly to hear kids practice
their reading skills. 208.726.3493
thecommunitylibrary.org.
The Sun Valley Summer Symphony
July 28–August 20
Enjoy classical music outdoors in the stunning elegance of the Sun Valley Pavilion with Bald Mountain as a backdrop. Or bring a picnic to the lawn and listen to some of the best classical artists in the world perform completely free of charge.
svsummersymphony.org.
36th Annual Northern Rockies Music Festival
August 2–3
Hop Porter Park in Hailey hosts this popular family-friendly, multiple-genre music festival. Lounge on the lush green lawn of the park, with the Valley’s best playground to entertain the kids, while national and regional musicians of all kinds rock the stage. Bring your own food and drink or pick up what you need from onsite vendors.
northernrockiesfolkfestival.com.
Sun Valley Summer Symphony Summer Music Workshop
August 5–9
The acclaimed musicians of the Sun Valley Summer Symphony orchestra and School of Music teach strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, piano and voice for grades one through high school. Private lessons and ensemble coaching are available and culminate with a performance at the end of the week. 208.578.5464; svsummersymphony.org.
45th Annual Sun Valley Center Arts and Crafts Festival: Kids Craft Area
August 9–11
In the activity area of the annual Arts and Crafts Festival, children have the opportunity to get their hands dirty by trying some of the techniques used by the artists in the festival. Best of all, it’s free, it’s fun and it’s all for kids! Children ages 8-12 welcome. 208.726.9491; sunvalleycenter.org.