Events
Throughout the year, the Rice Museum hosts a range of events and programs.
Upcoming Events
A Day at the Beach
Sat, March 7th
10am-2pm
Spend a winter day in beach mode! Join us for a celebration of sand, sea, and science at the Rice Museum. Learn from experts, get creative, and explore the natural wonders that connect land and ocean.
Meet members of the International Sand Collectors Society (ISCS) and discover sands from around the world through interactive science activities and demonstrations.
Create your own sand art and build mini sandcastles inside—no waves to wash them away!
Explore our fascinating fossil crab exhibit, showcasing remnants of the PNW’s ancient shores.
Bring your curiosity and love of the beach for a fun, family-friendly day at the museum!
Free for members. Included with general admission for nonmembers.
Sip & Stone
Sat, March 14th
6-9PM
Raise a glass in celebration of Oregon’s vibrant wine country while immersed in the sparkling beauty of the Museum. This special fundraising evening brings together flavors of the vineyard, the science of the soil, and the brilliance of the Earth’s treasures.
Local Wineries
Taste wines from some of Oregon’s finest producers, including Eagle’s Nest Reserve Vineyard & Winery, Elk Cove Vineyards, and Lemelson Vineyards. Guests will receive a punch card to enjoy tastings responsibly at each winery station.
Food Pairings
Savor delicious charcuterie options designed to complement the evening’s wines.
Featured Talks with Scott Burns
Renowned geologist Scott Burns will give two engaging talks at 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM, exploring the fascinating connections between geology, soils, and wine.
Support the Museum
All proceeds from the evening directly support the Rice Museum’s educational programs, collections, exhibits and more. Help us inspire curiosity about Earth Sciences for generations to come!
Tickets: $100 per person (21 and over)
Garage Sale
Sun, Mar 22nd
10am-3pm
Members-only early access: 10–11 AM
Open to all: 11 AM–3 PM
Rockhounds, collectors, and makers—don’t miss this one! The Rice Museum’s annual Garage Sale is packed with geological treasures ready for new homes.
Shop tables full of lapidary rough, minerals, and rocks—perfect for cutting, polishing, or adding to your collection.
Unearth unique specimens and hidden gems donated by local collectors and friends of the museum.
Enjoy a fun, community atmosphere while supporting the museum’s mission to inspire curiosity about Earth’s natural wonders.
Come early for the best selection—and don’t forget, museum members get first pick!
Free for members. $5 Garage Sale Only Admission. General admission for Museum and Garage Sale.
The Great Thunderegg Hunt
Sat, Apr 4th
10am-3pm
Participate in our EGG HUNT and take home a THUNDEREGG or a MYSTERY MINERAL!
In addition to the hunt, we'll have uncut AND polished thundereggs for sale, thunderegg cutting, geode cracking, and more! This way you can still cut open a thunderegg even if you don't find one in the hunt. : )
How it works:
There will be 5 egg hunts, each lasting 30 minutes. You choose your timeslot when purchasing tickets.
You can keep up to THREE plastic eggs, which then are redeemed for PRIZES (one per egg). Some will get thundereggs, others mystery minerals! Participants won't know what they have won until they have redeemed their eggs.
There is also ONE golden egg per round. Whoever finds the golden egg gets a special prize.
A ticket reserves a spot in ONE timeslot, spend the rest of the day at the museum enjoying other activities and exploring the museum and grounds.
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