The seventh annual Butte County Museum Weekend is set to take place on October 21-22, 2023, offering a diverse array of activities and exhibits across 15 museums in Chico, Oroville, Gridley, and Durham. Hosted by Explore Butte County, this two-day event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, providing free admission at all participating locations.
The event aims to cater to a wide range of interests, showcasing everything from the art of printmaking to vintage tractors and Victorian clothing. Attendees can engage with art as activism, participate in origami sessions, and search for hidden treasures during scavenger hunts.
Ashley Baer, marketing director for Explore Butte County, expressed enthusiasm for the community’s support. “We’re proud to partner with our local museums and galleries to bring this event to life again this year,” she stated. “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. It is also a great time for visitors to discover some of Butte County’s best-kept secrets and see the art and history that make our region special.”
Activities and Exhibits for All Ages
This year’s event features a mix of static and dynamic exhibits, with each museum presenting unique offerings. For families, the Chico Children’s Museum will provide mini-coloring books and crayons for young visitors. The Feather River Nature Center invites guests to create salmon lifecycle bracelets, while the C.F. Lott Historic Home will host a scavenger hunt where participants can win prizes.
Art enthusiasts can explore hands-on activities at the Museum of Northern California Art and the Oroville Chinese Temple, both of which will offer origami-making sessions. The Janet Turner Print Museum will allow visitors to create their own letter-press-inspired prints, fostering creativity among attendees.
For those interested in educational experiences, the Chico History Museum will feature a talk by local historian Dave Nopel focusing on Chico in the 1950s. The Coleman Museum is set to host three special presentations, including topics such as Women’s Clothing of the Victorian Era and The Rebuilding of the Honey Run Covered Bridge.
Incentives for Museum-Goers
This year, a special Museum Weekend Passport will be available at all participating museums. Visitors who collect signatures from at least five locations will unlock exclusive offers at several local eateries in Chico, including Celestino’s New York Pizza, Mas Amor, and Savor Ice Cream. Additionally, Provisions and Shake Tea in Oroville will also feature Museum Weekend specials.
For further details about the activities and participating museums, interested individuals can visit explorebuttecounty.com/museumweekend. This event promises to be an enriching experience for residents and visitors alike, celebrating the cultural and historical tapestry of Butte County.
