The seventh annual Butte County Museum Weekend is set to enliven the region with a diverse array of cultural and educational experiences on March 16-17, 2024. Held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, the event will feature free admission at 15 museums throughout Chico, Oroville, Gridley, and Durham. This year’s festivities promise something for everyone, ranging from vintage tractors and Victorian clothing to hands-on art activities and scavenger hunts.
Hosted by Explore Butte County, the weekend aims to foster community engagement and highlight the region’s rich history and artistic expression. “We’re proud to partner with our local museums and galleries to bring this event to life again this year,” stated Ashley Baer, marketing director for Explore Butte County. “Our community loves this event because it’s a chance to go back to favorite spots or finally walk through the doors of a place they’ve never been to.”
The weekend promises a mix of static and dynamic exhibits, with each museum offering special activities tailored to enhance the visitor experience. For instance, guests at the Museum of Northern California Art and the Oroville Chinese Temple can participate in origami-making workshops, while the Chico Children’s Museum will provide mini-coloring books and crayons for younger visitors.
At the Feather River Nature Center, attendees will have the opportunity to create salmon lifecycle bracelets, and the C.F. Lott Historic Home will host a scavenger hunt with prizes. The Janet Turner Print Museum invites creative individuals to try their hand at making their own letter-press-inspired prints.
Educational offerings include a talk by local historian Dave Nopel at the Chico History Museum, where he will discuss life in Chico during the 1950s. The Coleman Museum will present three unique sessions covering topics such as Women’s Clothing of the Victorian Era and the Rebuilding of the Honey Run Covered Bridge.
In addition to the diverse activities, the event will feature a Museum Weekend Passport. Available at all participating museum sites, the passport encourages attendees to visit at least five locations. Those who collect signatures from each site will gain access to special offers from local eateries in Chico, including Celestino’s New York Pizza, Mas Amor, and Savor Ice Cream. In Oroville, Provisions and Shake Tea will also feature Museum Weekend specials.
For more information about the Butte County Museum Weekend, visit explorebuttecounty.com/museumweekend. This celebration of art and history is an excellent opportunity for residents and visitors alike to explore the hidden gems of Butte County.
