Events
Throughout the year, the Rice Museum hosts a range of events and programs.
Upcoming Events
THE GOLD RUSH
SAT, MAY 9TH
10AM-2PM
Celebrate the spirit of gold prospecting with live demonstrations, expert insights, and hands-on fun for all ages!
Meet members of the Portland Gold Prospectors Club
Explore the Prospector’s Treasure Trove, filled with fascinating tools, minerals, and stories
Enjoy presentations from authors and speakers Tom Bohmker, Garret Romaine, and Mark Ferns
Discover techniques, history, and tales from Northwest mining adventures
Unearth adventure, history, and gold fever at this can’t-miss community event at the Rice Museum.
Free for members. General admission pricing for non-members.
VOLCANO DAY
SAT, MAY 16TH
10AM-2PM
Get ready to feel the heat during this explosive celebration of Earth’s fiery forces!
Watch Trashcano eruptions at 12pm and 2pm and learn how volcanoes form and explode
Touch real volcanic rocks from around the Pacific Northwest
Create your own volcano masterpiece in a hands-on craft activity
Enjoy live volcano presentations led by museum educators
Experience the Mt. St. Helens immersive display and travel back to the day it blew
Ignite your curiosity and celebrate the power of volcanoes at the Rice Museum’s Volcano Day!
Free for members. General admission pricing for non-members.
2026 Full Event Calendar
Sun, Jan 18th – Intern Celebration and Geosciences Career Day
Sat, Jan 24th – Mystery Mineral Day
Sat, Mar 7th – A Day at the Beach
Sat, Mar 14th – Sip & Stone
Sun, Mar 22nd – Garage Sale
Sat, Apr 4th – The Great Thunderegg Hunt
Sat, May 9th – The Gold Rush
Sat, May 16th – Volcano Day
Sun, Jun 21st – Space Day
Sun, Jul 12th – Mystery Mineral Day
Sat, Aug 22nd – Summer Bash
Sat, Sep 19th – Garage Sale
Sat, Sep 26th – Worldwide Day of Play (Tentative)
Sat, Oct 31st – Halloween Rock or Treat
Sun, Nov 15th – Diamonds & Diorite: A Minecraft Day
Sat, Dec 5th – Nifty Fifties Holiday Celebration