Events

Throughout the year, the Rice Museum hosts a range of events and programs.

Visitor talking to experts at tabling event.
Kids playing in bounce castle.

Upcoming Events

FROM STONE TO STORY OPENING RECEPTION
SAT, OCT 24TH
2-4PM

Celebrate Art, Minerals, and Discovery!

Join us for the opening reception of From Stone to Story: The Art & Collection of Fred Wilda—a new rotating exhibition celebrating the work and lifelong collection of acclaimed mineral artist, collector, and lapidary Fred Wilda.

  • Explore Remarkable Minerals — Discover a selection of matched rough and polished rocks and minerals from Fred Wilda’s collection of more than 400 specimens.

  • Celebrate an Artist’s Journey — Learn how Fred’s lifelong love of art and the natural world inspired his extraordinary mineral artwork.

  • See Something New Each Visit — The exhibition will rotate every six months, bringing fresh selections and new discoveries to the gallery.

Come admire, explore, and be inspired by the natural beauty found beneath our feet!

Please sign up in advance: Reserve your spot here

Included with general admission. Free for Rice Museum members.

ROCK OR TREAT
SAT, OCT 31ST
10AM-2PM

Bring the whole family to the Rice Museum for Rock or Treat—a spook-tacular day of Halloween fun, hands-on activities, and mineral discoveries!

  • Trick-or-Treat for Rocks — Visit stations throughout the museum and collect rocky treasures instead of candy.

  • Costume Contest — Come dressed in your Halloween best for a chance to win prizes.

  • Pumpkin & Face Painting — Add some creative color to your Halloween celebration.

  • Stone Skull Display — Discover a haunting collection of skulls carved from stone, showcasing the artistry and natural beauty of minerals.

  • Geode Cracking — Break open a geode and reveal the crystal surprise inside.

Come dressed up, collect some rocks, and explore the spooky side of the mineral world—your Halloween adventure awaits!

Included with general admission. Free for Rice Museum members.

DIAMONDS & DIORITE: A MINECRAFT™ DAY
SUN, NOV 15
12-4PM

Step into the world of Minecraft™—and beyond! At this interactive event, kids and families can experience geology in real life through hands-on fun with rocks and minerals straight from the game’s universe.

  • Touch: Explore real specimens that match the ores and blocks you know from Minecraft™—handle, compare, and discover what they’re made of.

  • Learn: Dive into an exhibit that connects the game’s virtual landscapes to real-world geology.

  • Play: Hunt for clues in a scavenger hunt, crack open geodes, and build your own creations.

  • Watch: A Minecraft Movie at 12pm. Limited seating, must RSVP in advance through website.

  • Shop: Find Minecraft™-inspired gifts and souvenirs to continue the adventure at home.

Included with general admission. Free for Rice Museum 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

  • Tues, Aug 25th - Party at BearKat Brewing

  • Thurs, Aug 27th - Blood Drive with the Red Cross

  • Thurs, Aug 27th - Star Party with Rose City Astronomers

  • Sat, Sep 12th - Storytime: Can a Rock Grow?

  • Sat, Sep 19th – Garage Sale

  • Sat, Sep 26th – Worldwide Day of Play

  • Sat, Oct 24th - From Stone to Story Opening Reception

  • Sat, Oct 31st – Halloween Rock or Treat

  • Sun, Nov 15th – Diamonds & Diorite: A Minecraft Day

  • Sat, Dec 5th – Nifty Fifties Holiday Celebration

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