The seventh annual Butte County Museum Weekend is set to engage visitors with an array of activities across the region. Taking place on October 7 and 8, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event will feature free admission to 15 museums in Chico, Oroville, Gridley, and Durham. Organized by Explore Butte County, this festival promises to cater to a wide range of interests, from art lovers to history enthusiasts.
According to Ashley Baer, marketing director of Explore Butte County, the event draws significant local interest. “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,” she explained. The weekend is not only a celebration of local culture but also an opportunity for visitors to uncover some of Butte County’s hidden gems.
Engaging Activities Across Multiple Venues
This year’s Museum Weekend includes a variety of exhibits and hands-on activities. Participating venues will offer unique experiences, ensuring that each location has something special to offer. For example, both the Museum of Northern California Art and the Oroville Chinese Temple will host origami-making sessions. The Chico Children’s Museum will provide mini-coloring books and crayons for its younger guests, while the Feather River Nature Center will allow visitors to create salmon lifecycle bracelets. Additionally, attendees at the C.F. Lott Historic Home can participate in a scavenger hunt for prizes.
Educational opportunities abound as well. The Chico History Museum will feature a talk by local historian Dave Nopel, focusing on life in Chico during the 1950s. Meanwhile, the Coleman Museum will host several presentations covering topics such as Women’s Clothing of the Victorian Era and The Rebuilding of the Honey Run Covered Bridge.
Special Offers and Community Involvement
A new addition this year is the Museum Weekend Passport, available at all participating sites. Museum-goers who visit at least five locations and have their passports stamped will receive exclusive offers from local eateries. Notable participants include Celestino’s New York Pizza, Mas Amor, and Savor Ice Cream in Chico, as well as Provisions and Shake Tea in Oroville.
Baer emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “We’re proud to partner with our local museums and galleries to bring this event to life again this year.” The weekend not only aims to provide entertainment and education but also fosters a sense of community and support for local businesses and cultural institutions.
For more information about the Butte County Museum Weekend, including a full list of participating museums, visit explorebuttecounty.com/museumweekend.
