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!
ART
- St. John’s Episcopal Church
- Friday, May 9 & Saturday, May 10
- 4 p.m. & 10 a.m.
- Free
The Chico ART Festival connects artists, organizations, and the public in a serene setting to celebrate the local arts community and Chico as an arts destination. This two-day festival aims to showcase artists, educate about art's value, and host a lively event.
FILM + THEATER
- Pageant Theatre
- Friday, May 9 through Sunday, May 11
- 5:15 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
- $8.50
This film is based on the true story about eight individuals who secretly constructed an apartment in 2003 Rhode Island’s Providence Place Mall. They maintained the apartment for four years, documenting their experiences. The documentary now serves as an act of rebellion against gentrification, and is considered a groundbreaking piece of public and private art.
MUSIC
Lorna Such EP Release Party + Lish Bills
- Argus Bar + Patio
- Friday, May 9
- 7 p.m.
- $10
Lorna Such is releasing a new EP. It’s called “Bloom” and features six new songs that fuse different genres, including jazz and pop. The project also features other local musicians she’s met over the years. She will be performing her new work with Lish Bills as an opener.
Los Lobos & Los Lonely Boys The Brotherhood Tour
- Gold Country Casino Resort
- Friday, May 9
- 7 p.m.
- $65-$105
Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys, two iconic bands, are joining forces for a co-headlining tour called “The Brotherhood Tour,” promising an unforgettable experience.
North State Symphony Shostakovich Fifth
- Laxson Auditorium at Chico State
- Saturday, May 10 & Sunday, May 11
- 7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.
- $17-$49
The North State Symphony presents Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony in Chico. In 1938, amidst a precarious global climate, Shostakovich composed his audacious and courageous Fifth Symphony, driven by a profound yearning for security. North State Symphony, Leah Carl, is showcased in Cecil Forsyth's rarely heard viola concerto.
MOVE + MAKE + EXPLORE
- Shasta District Fair & Event Center
- Saturday, May 10
- 3 p.m.
- $15
Experience the 12th Redding Fire Festival’s 2025 Premier Show, REALM OF ROBOTS! Enjoy cirque performances, fire dancing and pyrotechnics. It’ll be a fusion of fantasy and technology featuring innovative performances.
- Dorothy F. Johnson Center
- Sunday, May 11
- 10 a.m.
- $15-$30
Chico Ecstatic Dance Collective offers ecstatic dancing in Chico every second Sunday. This month, they return to their original location at the Dorothy Johnson Center. Ecstatic Dance is a guided, freeform movement experience facilitated by a professional DJ within a safe space.
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.
