Courtesy Verizon, all Microsoft Xbox 360 gamers in the United States get free access to Xbox Live Gold for 72 hours from March 31 until April 2. Owners of both the original Xbox and the Xbox 360 can use Xbox Live.
Verizon is sponsoring the Free Xbox Live Gold Weekend to promote their high-speed broadband connections.
XBox Gold-level users, who usually pay $49.99 a year, get all those features, plus enhanced gamer feedback, better friends list management, access to more sophisticated online game play and more.
Official Home: XBOX Live Gold | Microsoft Announcement
Xbox Live Gold Weekend Event Schedule
Source: A free weekend of Xbox Live Gold