On June 12 with the release of Update 2.3: Empyreal Assault, RIFT will be free to play;
News Announcement: http://www.riftgame.com/en/news/article ... o_play.php
FAQ: http://www.riftgame.com/en/promo/freetoplay.php

The new Ascended Elements website's construction is well underway and we have added a lot of new features for you to enjoy. Once construction has been completed and the testing has been completed, we will migrate all the members to the new website. Elder Scrolls Online will be the communities main online game.

From the ESO website:

This is in response to the almost daily (or more) questions people seem to be asking about Beta testing.

1. Alpha testing has been going on for sometime.

2. There has been a closed friends and family Beta test.

3. There have been small, highly selective Beta tests for reviewers and select sites.

4. There is a stand at PAX East 2013, March 22-24 (Boston, USA) during which attendees will be able to have a hands-on session at the game. Note: There will be some online events too.

No beta keys will be given out at Pax.

Formal Beta sessions and "progress" will be announced at the end of March.

Find out more about the ESO beta at the Beta FAQ here.