Get Ready for Museum Week!

From art galleries to kid-friendly and handson to unique gems, museums are a great way to learn more about the history, values, and community of Butte County. And there’s no better way to experience the abundance of museums across the county than during the annual Explore Butte County Museum Weekend, taking place February 25-26, 2023.

Since 2020, the Explore Butte County Museum Weekend has been the go-to event for museums in Chico, Oroville, Paradise, and Gridley. Always the last full weekend of February, the two-day event features free admission to all participating museums and exclusive special offerings that you can experience only during Museum Weekend.

Chico Museums

Get the weekend started in Chico, which always has a variety of museums participating.

Starting in Downtown Chico, the Chico History Museum showcases and celebrates the distinct heritage of Chico through both permanent displays and rotating exhibits. This is a great museum to learn more about Chico’s influence on the region and beyond. Enjoy talks from a local historian during Museum Weekend to learn more about the region.

Just across the street at Chico State, the Janet Turner Print Museum is the only of its kind north of Sacramento and houses a permanent collection of nearly 4,000 fine art prints. The displayed prints rotate regularly, so there’s always something new to see.

With just a short walk to Main Street, you’ll find the Chico Children’s Museum, a perfect spot for the youngest members of the group enjoying Museum Weekend. With a miniature artistic replica of Chico, hands-on play exhibits, a sensory sensitive space, and more, there’s plenty to explore for the eightand-under crowd.

Up the street on the Esplanade, the Gateway Science Museum, a Chico State organization, is another kid-friendly space focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Kids (and adults) can enjoy hands-on science activities and exhibitions.

Just a few blocks away, the Museum of Northern California Arts (monca) showcases the unique perspective and work of Northern California artists. Located in the historic Veterans Memorial Hall, monca features two permanent collections as well as regular themed exhibits throughout the year.

And of course, a drive to north Chico to visit the Chico Air Museum is a must during Museum Weekend. Kids and kids-at-heart love the variety of full-sized aircraft, both in and out of the WWII-era hangar, as well as other displays and hands-on artifacts.

Oroville Museums

With more museums per capita than Sacramento, Oroville is a museum must-visit anytime of year, but Museum Weekend is a great time to explore these hidden gems.

The unique Bolt’s Antique Tool Museum houses the only known museum of its kind in the world, with a display of over 13,000 hand tools. Bursting at the walls with displays and history, you can explore tools across eight different categories. And during Museum Weekend, enjoy “Beekeeping Tools Across the Word,” from Sara Carmody, and learn about past and modern tools of a beekeeper (and even enjoy a honey tasting).

At the nearby Oroville Chinese Temple, dive into the history of the Chinese community in Butte County and Northern California, starting during California's Gold Rush and into the early 20th century. Explore a variety of displays or even just take in the beauty of the temple, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and also as a California Landmark.

For a deeper exploration of the life of the early California pioneers, the Pioneer History Museum is a great spot to visit. Housed in an oversized replica of a 49er’s cabin, the museum showcases a diverse collection of artifacts from early California settlers.

Another museum dedicated to California’s earliest settlers, the C.F. Lott Home is dedicated to the lives of the Lott family, the love story of Cornelia Lott and Jesse Sank, and the general lifestyle of well-to-do families living in the West during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Enjoy guided tours from docents dressed in period garb during Museum Weekend.

Along the Feather River, the Feather River Nature Center features the Bath House Museum and a native plant park. Enjoy nature education programming, exhibits about local wildlife, and more—including scenic views of the river.

Discover More

These are just some of the museums that you can visit during the 4th annual Museum Weekend.

For more information on the event, all of this year’s participating museums, and their special Museum Weekend activities, please visit www.explorebuttecounty.com/museumweekend

Check out all of the great things we have to look forward to this spring! Please note that dates and times are subject to change. Please call ahead to confirm events.

Recurring Events:

Nature ABCs

2 sessions every Friday from 9 to 10am and 10:30 to 11:30am.

Nature ABC's is a time for families of children ages 0–5 to gather and enjoy an hour of fun free activities with our instructor. Join us Fridays from January 13th through May 19th for an animal visit, story time, singing and dancing, an art project, and a nature walk in our beautiful park. This program is offered free of charge through funding from First 5 Butte County. This program runs on a drop-in basis and families should arrive on time to guarantee their space. This is not a drop off program and all children must be accompanied by an adult who can help them as needed. We hope to see you there! Instructor: Ellen Flasch. Chico Creek Nature Center, Living Animal Museum.

Butte County Library

Kids’ Crafternoon

2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 3 to 5:30pm at Durham.

We will present a craft for school age kids. Younger children are welcome, as are their parents and caregivers.

After School Kids’ Club

Tuesdays 2 to 5pm at Biggs, Tuesdays 3 to 4:30 at Oroville, Wednesdays 3 to 5pm at Gridley.

Looking for a great way to spend an afternoon? Join your friends for awesome games, LEGOs, and more! Each week is a different activity!

Movies at the Library

Thursdays 3:00-6:00pm at Chico; 2nd & 4th Saturdays 2:00-4:00pm at Gridley; 2nd & 4th Saturdays 1:30-3:30pm at Oroville

Watch a free movie at the library! All ages welcome. Movie selections are posted in the building.

Library Playtime

02/23 10:00am - 12:00pm at Chico; 2/24 10:00-11:00am at Gridley; SureStart! Playtime 02/15 10:00am-12:00pm in Oroville.

Lego Day

2/17 3:00-4:00pm in Durham; Saturdays 10:00am-3:30pm in Oroville; Saturdays 2:00pm in Paradise.

Come build and play with a ton of LEGO! Use your imagination—the sky's the limit! Parental supervision is required for children under 12 years.

STORYTIMES:

Stories, Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplay for all kids ages 0-7

Babies Love Books (0-18 mos.): Thursdays 10:15am at Oroville; Tuesdays 10:00am at Paradise; Fridays 11:00 am at Chico.

Toddler Story Time (ages 1 to 3): Thursdays 10:00am at Chico

Preschool Story Time (ages 3 to 5): Tuesdays 10 & 11:00am at Chico; Saturdays 11:30am at Paradise

Family Storytime (all ages): Wednesdays 11:00am at Oroville; Thursdays 11:00am at Durham; Fridays 10:00am at Gridley; Saturdays 10:30am at Biggs.

Japanese Storytime (all ages): February 4th 1:30pm at Chico

Library Playtime

02/23 10:00am - 12:00pm at Chico; 2/24 10:00-11:00am at Gridley; SureStart!

Playtime 01/18, 02/15 10:00am-12:00pm in Oroville.

Friday, February 3rd through Sunday, February 5th

Chico Community Ballet Presents Sleeping Beauty

Where: Laxson Auditorium, 400 W. 1st St., Chico

The Chico Community Ballet invites the whole family to the magical fairy tale ballet The Sleeping Beauty. From young to old, many generations have waited for the moment of true love, when Sleeping Beauty opens her eyes, awakened by a kiss from her prince. Full of curses, fairies, and fantasy, and danced to Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score, this very entertaining ballet is a perfect treat for celebrating the month of love with the whole family.

Time: Friday 7:30 to 9:30 pm, Saturday matinée 1 to 3pm, Saturday evening 6 to 8pm, Sunday matinée 1 to 3pm

Cost: $17-$30; tickets can be purchased online at www.csuchicoboxoffice.com

Tuesday, February 7th through Saturday, February 11th

Valentine’s Card Making

Where: All branches of the Butte County Library (Oroville, Biggs, Durham, Chico, Paradise, and Gridley)

Come visit your library for materials and cards to send to your loved ones this Valentine's Day. Feel free to bring your own cards, too!

Time: All day

Cost: Free

Friday, February 10th

The Royal Princess Ball

Where: Canyon Oaks Country Club, 999 Yosemite Dr., Chico

Bonjour! We invite you to take a seat as the princesses proudly welcome you to Be Our Guest! Princess Belle and her friends invite you to join them for a magical dining experience. This enchanting evening is complete with musical performances, interactive activities and celebrations, character meet-and-greets, and a delicious Italian buffet. Children under the age of 2 do not require a ticket and must sit on the lap of a parent attending the event, or safely in their car seat.

Time: 5 to 6:30pm

Cost: $50; purchase tickets online at www. eventbrite.com/e/the-royal-princess-balltickets-469212957587

Saturday, February 11th

The Historic State Theatre Presents: E.T., the Extra-Terrestrial

Where: The State Theatre, 1489 Myers St., Oroville

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a 1982 American science fiction film produced and directed by Steven Spielberg. It tells the story of Elliott, a boy who befriends an extraterrestrial, dubbed E.T., who is left behind on Earth.

Time: 1:30 to 3:30pm

Cost: See orovillestatetheatre.com for ticket prices and event information

Saturday, February 25th

Year of the Rabbit 143rd Annual Bok Kai Parade

Where: Downtown Marysville

Join the Marysville community for the annual Bok Kai parade and festival to celebrate the brand-new year of the rabbit! Vendors, food trucks, and, of course, the parade, which includes the 175-foot-long dragon Hong Wan Lung, are just some of the reasons to check it out!

Time: Parade begins at 11 am at D Street in downtown Marysville

Cost: Free delight your group and make it a memorable experience! This painting is a sweet hedgehog with a flower.

You and the kids will love what you create, and how much fun you have doing it. No experience needed. Come early and grab some snacks! Ages 6 and up.

Time: 12 to 2pm

Cost: $36 per person; supplies are included. Purchase tickets at paintnite.com

Sunday, March 19th

Chico Kite Day

Where: Community Park, 1900 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy, Chico

This is a classic CARD event that your family won’t want to miss!! The field at Community Park will be a sight to see with kites of all shapes and sizes flying to celebrate the return of spring. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy an afternoon out in the fresh air. All kite fliers will receive a souvenir compliments of Bird in Hand.

Time: 12 to 4pm Cost: Free

Friday, March 24th and Saturday, March 25th

Banff Mountain Film Festival

Where: Laxson Auditorium, 400 W. 1st St., Chico

The ever-popular Banff Mountain Film Festival returns to Chico with two evenings of films that offer up stories of remote journeys, groundbreaking expeditions, and cutting-edge adventures told through the eyes of photographers, filmmakers, and explorers from around the globe. As in years past, each evening will feature a different film selection both nights—the programs will be announced in March at chicoperformances. com.

Time: 7:30 to 9:30pm

Cost: Visit the Chico State Box Office website for ticket information

Saturday, April 1st

Wildflower and Nature Festival

Where: Riverbend Park, Oroville

This family event offers fun for all ages! Walk through beautiful Riverbend Park while shopping handmade products from local businesses. The Wildflower & Nature Festival shines a spotlight on natural resources and handmade products in Butte County. The event offers activities and entertainment for all ages such as children’s crafts, river kayak tours, live music, food trucks, and more!

Time: 10am to 4pm

Cost: Free

Saturday, April 8th

CARD’s Spring Jamboree

Where: Caper Acres, 500 South Park Dr., Chico

The Bunny is coming to town! Spring Jamboree is a free family event featuring crafts, bounce houses, face painting, games, music, and one-of-a-kind selfies with the Easter Bunny! There will be three times for Easter egg hunts and are organized by age:

10am- Ages 0 to 3 (2 hunts)

11am- Ages 4 to 5

11:45am- Ages 6 to 8

Everyone in their line at the start time will get to hunt for eggs!

Time: 10am

Cost: Free

Friday, April 28th

Kid’s Night: Up in the Air

Where: Schreder Planetarium, 1644 Magnolia Ave., Redding

Join the Schreder Planetarium for an evening of film and fun! They’ll be showing a double feature, which includes Take Flight, a story of Orville and Wilbur Wright, and Zula Patrol: Under the Weather. Tickets are sold in advance until 3pm the day of the show.

Time: 6 to 8pm

Cost: $10; purchase tickets online at www. shastacoe.org/programs-services/schrederplanetarium

Sunday, April 30th

Chico Velo presents The Wildflower

Saturday, March 11th

Family Paint Party

Where: Logan’s Roadhouse, 1900 E. 20th St., Chico

Grab the kids and unleash your inner artist at the Original Paint Nite! You’ll all go from a blank canvas to a masterpiece of your own, with plenty of laughs along the way. You'll be guided by a talented and entertaining artist, who will lead you through step-by-step process and entertain and

Where: Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, Chico Join Chico Velo for another year of the Wildflower! With 6 thoughtfully planned routes to choose from, there’s a reason why so many people attend this annual celebration of spring. As always, the Childflower 12, the only route with a designated start time that also comes with an escort, will be an easy, flat out-and-back from the fairgrounds to Durham Elementary School. It’s a great ride for the whole family! Register online www.wildflowercentury.org