Celebrate one of nature’s most fascinating and musical insects, the cicada, at Chicharra Fest on July 17 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Quinta Mazatlán.

Known locally as chicharras, cicadas emerge from the ground to fill the air with their signature sound, becoming the loudest insect in the world thanks to drum-like organs in their bodies called timbals. Quinta Mazatlán will honor their noisy symphony with an engaging, family-friendly evening of discovery, art and music.

Guests of all ages will enjoy a variety of interactive activities throughout the evening. Children can create their own chicharra kazoos to mimic the sound of cicadas, participate in hands-on art at the easel station, and learn about the science of cicada communication at an interactive sound display. The walking trail at Quinta Mazatlán will feature oversized, six-foot-tall storybook pages from the children’s book Cicada Symphony by Lisa Kobman. This illustrated story follows the life of 17-year cicadas through rhyming verses and fun facts, making science approachable and fun for young readers.

As guests walk the trail, they will also enjoy live music performed by talented string musicians from the RGV Jazz Collective, providing a beautiful background to the natural setting. Local food and beverage vendors will be on-site with a variety of refreshments to enjoy throughout the evening.

Parking for the event will be located at 1400 Wichita Ave. A complimentary charter bus will shuttle guests to and from Quinta Mazatlán beginning at 6 p.m., with return trips running until 9 p.m. for added convenience.

Tickets are $5 per person, with children age 2 and under admitted free of charge. Tickets may be purchased in advance at quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com.