Why do we watch movies? Why do we read books? Why do we see plays, listen to music, draw, dance and sing?

The answer can be summed up in a Rupert Holmes song … “Escape.” It’s the same reason we take vacations and turn our phones on “do not disturb.”

Not every creator intends to offer a picturesque version of alternate reality, but rather, to provide a unique look at the world, circumstances or situations.

As someone who can’t take lavish vacations to the Hamptons, I’m grateful for any artist’s work that helps me detach from everyday life. Part of life is learning to deal with the unideal by finding your own ideal in a creative work — a pretty picture, soothing song or funny play.

Many people plan vacations and never take them. Sometimes because planning a vacation is like a second job (don’t get me started on organizing a Disney trip). It’s hard to take time away from life because we keep living it. That being said, I bet you’ve never hesitated to put on a new song from your favorite artist the second it came out … or immediately clicked “Check Out” on tickets for a show that comes to town.

We all need escapes, no matter how long or short, real or fake. Luckily, Butler County offers many “staycation” opportunities — activities right in your backyard and professional grade performances from friends and neighbors. If you need to escape this weekend, look below for some options.

We’re off to the races … because Zelienople’s Horse Trading Days are back. This community event lasts from Thursday until Saturday on the borough’s main drag and includes activities for all ages, including pony rides, a petting zoo, food, drinks and wagon rides. For more information, visit www.horsetradingdays.com.

Butler’s Moon Markets starts at 5 p.m. Friday, with Foodie Friday close behind at 5:30 p.m. at 205 N. Main St. Taste local cuisine from the food trucks and shop the goods of local artisans to kick off your weekend. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.

Shakespeare in the Park has returned. Bring a folding chair to Hobnob Theatre Company’s production of “The Merry Wives of Windsor” this weekend and next weekend in Preston Park, 415 S. Eberhart Road in Butler Township. This is a comedy you won’t want to miss. Shows run at 6:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, with tickets being $10 on hobnobtheatre.com.

Performances of a new local history play, “The Roeblings of Saxonburg,” are this weekend at the Freeport Theatre Festival, 2492 White Cloud Road in Leechburg. Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the rest of this month. For tickets, visit freeporttheatrefestival.org.

Play disc golf in the dark at Alameda Park, 184 Alameda Park Road in Butler Township, starting at 8:45 p.m. Friday. The course will be set up near the Purple Park, and you must bring your own glow discs to participate. Admission is $12. Register at bcpr.recdesk.com.

Support Jean B. Purvis Community Health Center, 103 Bonnie Drive in Summit Township, by attending its Food Truck Fundraiser event at 11 a.m. Saturday. This is your chance to try local and diverse cuisine, support artisans, buy treats at the bake sale, give to the food drive and support healthcare for the uninsured or underinsured. For more information, visit butlerhealthclinic.org.

The free Taste of the Symphony concert series is every Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. this summer in Butler’s Diamond Park, thanks to the Butler County Symphony Orchestra. This week’s performance is by the cast of Hobnob Theatre Company’s “The Merry Wives of Windsor.” For more information, visit experiencebutler.com.

Freedom Farms’ Wildflower Festival is from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the fields of 434 Overbrook Road in Middlesex Township. First day admission is $20, but all other days are $10. The event takes place next weekend as well. Picking a bouquet of wildflowers is included with your admission, which also gives you access to children’s activities, a wagon ride, sunflower maze, and food and drink vendors. For more information, visit freedomfarmspa.com/wildflowerfestival.

Join the Karns City Area School District community at 7 p.m. on Sunday at Diehl Stadium, 1446 Kittanning Pike in Karns City, for the “I Believe” event. Denny Martin will talk about the miracles that have taken place in the recovery journey of his son, Mason Martin, who was a quarterback for Karns City Area Jr./Sr. High School’s football team when he was injured and collapsed on the field Sept. 1, 2023, suffering a brain bleed and collapsed lung. Gates to the event open at 5:30 p.m. There will be prayer and community for Mason's continued healing.

If you are interested in your event being featured in Miller Minutes, please email information to news@butlereagle.com.

Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.