Looking for something to do around Chico?
Welcome to Listen Up — NSPR’s curated list of arts, culture, and community happenings in the Chico area. From gallery shows to concerts, talks, and local gatherings, we’re highlighting what’s happening around town each week and how you can be part of it.
Email events@mynspr.org to reach out to us. We’d love to hear from you!
FILM + THEATER
- Black Box Theater at Butte College
- Friday, April 4 through Sunday, April 6
- 7 p.m. | 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. | 2 p.m.
- $20 general admission | $10 students
"The Trail to Oregon" follows a hapless pioneer family as they hit the road on a quest that leads them to face unpredictable challenges, from deadly dysentery to stampeding buffalo. The show will be put on by Butte College's drama program. The audience participates by naming the family members and influencing the direction of the play, guaranteeing no performance is the same.
- Laxson Auditorium at Chico State
- Friday, April 4
- 7:30 p.m.
- $24
The Banff Mountain Film Festival is an international film competition and an annual presentation of short films and documentaries about mountain culture, sports and the environment. The festival is returning to Chico this year with a night of films that will showcase stories of remote journeys, groundbreaking expeditions and cutting-edge adventures told through the eyes of photographers, filmmakers, and explorers worldwide. Attendees are invited to arrive early for a Party on the Patio each night starting at 6 p.m. with live music, local sponsors and food trucks onsite.
MUSIC
- Argus Bar & Patio
- Thursday, April 3
- 7:30 p.m.
- $10
Chico’s beloved band Solar Estates returns to the stage Thursday. They’re taking a break from recording their latest project to play a spring evening show at Argus. Also on the bill, Redding’s Zach Zeller of Belda Beast, is joining them to play a solo set.
- Senator Theatre
- Thursday, April 3
- 8 p.m.
- $35.95
Looking for a blast from the past? Relive the 1980s glam-rock era with Hairball. Celebrating 25 years of rocking out to audience favorites like Motley Crue, Van Halen, KISS and Queen. It's more than just a concert – it's a full-blown rock and roll spectacle.
- The Commons
- Saturday, April 5
- 7:00 p.m.
- Free
Lo-Fi Lowdown will bring their rock and jam-grass fusion to Chico. The band mixes bluegrass influences with a driving rock sound, drawing inspiration from artists ranging from Billy Strings to AC/DC. The show is free and open to all ages.
MOVE + MAKE + EXPLORE
The Music Connection Swap Meet
- The Music Connection
- Saturday, April 5
- 10 a.m.
- Free
This swap meet presents an opportunity for those looking to sell their used music instruments, or buy used equipment. It's first-come, first-serve with set up starting at 9 a.m.
Your Local Marketplace - Saturday Market
- 1405 Park Ave.
- Saturday, April 5
- 12 p.m.
- Free
A new market is coming to Chico this Saturday. During the final hours of the Chico Certified Farmers Market another market will open for business. The new market will offer residents a chance to buy artisan, handcrafted items like jewelry, ceramics and clothing from local designers. They can also purchase fresh produce or meals from food trucks.
Want to know more about the market? We recently interviewed Sammey Zangrilli about why she's launching it.
“My hope is that this will give that small business owner an outlet for their dream, hope, and hard work,“- Sammey Zangrilli, creator of Your Local Marketplace
Have a great weekend!
Got an event? A hot tip? A brilliant idea? Email us at events@mynspr.org.
Listen Up also brings the area’s best events to your radio — listen to NSPR Thursdays during All Things Considered.
