Free Museum Weekend is back across the Sacramento region this Saturday and Sunday, marking the start of the area’s annual celebration of local history, art, and hands-on learning, now in its 28th consecutive year.The popular tradition sold out within days. More than 30,000 tickets were offered first-come, first-served through Sacramento Area Museums (SAM), a network of about 20 museums that promotes access and awareness across the region. Advance registration was required, and all tickets have now been claimed.For those who registered in time, the weekend includes free regular admission at 20 participating museums.Attendees can also take advantage of free SacRT transit. SAM said participants can ride free from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on either March 7 or March 8 by showing a Free Museum Weekend flyer to a bus driver or light rail operator.Even if you missed out on tickets, there are still ways to explore for free year-round—some in places that may surprise you. The California State Capitol Museum and Capitol Park, for example, is open five days a week and offers the public a look at the past and present of how laws are made in California.Other always-free museums and learning experiences listed for the public include California State Library; Don & June Salvatori California Pharmacy Museum; Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park; Locke Boarding House Museum; Museum of Medical History; Roseville Utility Exploration Center; Sacramento Historic City Cemetery; and Verge Center for the Arts.For full details, participating locations, and museum-specific information, visit here.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

Free Museum Weekend is back across the Sacramento region this Saturday and Sunday, marking the start of the area’s annual celebration of local history, art, and hands-on learning, now in its 28th consecutive year.

The popular tradition sold out within days.

More than 30,000 tickets were offered first-come, first-served through Sacramento Area Museums (SAM), a network of about 20 museums that promotes access and awareness across the region. Advance registration was required, and all tickets have now been claimed.

For those who registered in time, the weekend includes free regular admission at 20 participating museums.

Attendees can also take advantage of free SacRT transit. SAM said participants can ride free from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on either March 7 or March 8 by showing a Free Museum Weekend flyer to a bus driver or light rail operator.

Even if you missed out on tickets, there are still ways to explore for free year-round—some in places that may surprise you.

The California State Capitol Museum and Capitol Park, for example, is open five days a week and offers the public a look at the past and present of how laws are made in California.

Other always-free museums and learning experiences listed for the public include California State Library; Don & June Salvatori California Pharmacy Museum; Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park; Locke Boarding House Museum; Museum of Medical History; Roseville Utility Exploration Center; Sacramento Historic City Cemetery; and Verge Center for the Arts.

For full details, participating locations, and museum-specific information, visit here.

See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel