The seventh annual Butte County Museum Weekend is set to take place on March 16-17, 2024, offering a diverse array of activities and exhibits across 15 museums in Chico, Oroville, Gridley, and Durham. From vintage tractors to Victorian clothing, this event promises something for everyone, with free admission at all participating locations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
Hosted by Explore Butte County, the event aims to engage the community and encourage both locals and visitors to explore the region’s cultural and historical treasures. “We’re proud to partner with our local museums and galleries to bring this event to life again this year,” said Ashley Baer, marketing director of 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.”
Museums will feature a combination of static and dynamic exhibits, enhancing the educational experience for attendees. The weekend will showcase unique activities at each location. Offerings will include origami-making at the Museum of Northern California Art and the Oroville Chinese Temple, mini-coloring books for young visitors at the Chico Children’s Museum, and the chance to create salmon lifecycle bracelets at the Feather River Nature Center.
Special presentations will also be held throughout the weekend, including a talk by local historian Dave Nopel at the Chico History Museum, focusing on life in Chico during the 1950s. Additionally, the Coleman Museum will offer three unique presentations covering topics such as Women’s Clothing of the Victorian Era and the Rebuilding of the Honey Run Covered Bridge.
To encourage exploration, this year’s event includes a Museum Weekend Passport. Available for pick-up at all participating museums, the passport allows visitors to collect stamps from at least five locations. Those who complete their passport will receive special offers from local eateries, including Celestino’s New York Pizza, Mas Amor, and Savor Ice Cream in Chico, as well as discounts at Provisions and Shake Tea in Oroville.
Butte County Museum Weekend promises to be an engaging experience for families and individuals alike, providing an opportunity to rediscover well-known attractions and uncover hidden gems. For more details about this weekend of culture and discovery, visit explorebuttecounty.com/museumweekend.
