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Watch 'Game of Thrones' for free this weekend on HBO

Come for "Game of Thrones" and stay for Beyoncé's "Lemonade" as the cable service offers itself up free for a weekend of binge viewing.

Amanda Kooser
Freelance writer Amanda C. Kooser covers gadgets and tech news with a twist for CNET. When not wallowing in weird gear and iPad apps for cats, she can be found tinkering with her 1956 DeSoto.
Amanda Kooser
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Jon Snow may or may not be back for season 6.

HBO/Helen Sloan

In case you've been living in a dungeon under Meereen, you should know that season 6 of HBO's hit swords-and-dragons-and-sex-and-intrigue show "Game of Thrones" debuts April 24. Fans without subscriptions to HBO have been busy borrowing HBO Now passwords and seeking out viewing parties for the premiere. Goods news, though. HBO will make itself free for non-subscribers this weekend from Friday night until Sunday night, according to The Wrap.

The weekend is packed with more than just dudes in armor and angry royalty. Pop star Beyoncé is offering up a special event called "Lemonade." We got a bizarre trailer for "Lemonade," but that's pretty much all we know about the mystery show. At least with HBO's pay-TV premiere of "Jurassic World" on Saturday night, you know to expect a bunch of dinosaurs. Cinemax access is also included in the promotion.

TV watchers looking for a longer trial period can still check into a free month of the HBO Now standalone streaming service, after which it costs $15 per month. People looking to take advantage of the HBO free weekend special will need to check with their cable providers for participation. No doubt HBO is hoping to hook viewers enough to lure them into full-time paid subscriptions. It's a move worthy of Lord Varys' cunning ways.

New glimpses of 'Game of Thrones,' season 6 (pictures)

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This story was originally published on April 20.