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
Veteran Voices NOW & The Book of Giants
- MONCA
- Now through Thursday, Nov. 30
- 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday
- Free
Every other year, MONCA dedicates an exhibition to showcasing art created by U.S. military veterans. This year, the museum presents "Veteran Voices NOW." Additionally, visitors can explore "The Book of Giants," an exhibition by artist Paul Glaviano, which promises an immersive journey into the realms of myth and reality.
FILM + THEATER
- The Pageant Theatre
- Friday, Oct. 24 through Sunday, Oct. 26
- 4:45 p.m., 7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.
- $9
This is acclaimed Director Kelly Reichardt's latest Cannes triumph. The film stars Josh O'Connor in an unforgettable performance. It depicts a Massachusetts suburb around 1970, where unemployed family man and amateur art thief J.B. Mooney embarks on his debut heist. Mooney believes his plan is foolproof, having thoroughly cased the museum and assembled his team of accomplices, but things take a turn.
Movies in the Park: The Nightmare Before Christmas
- DeGarmo Park Pavilion
- Friday, Oct. 24
- 5 p.m.
- Free
Bored with his annual routine, Jack Skellington, the beloved pumpkin king of Halloweentown, stumbles upon the vibrant and warm world of Christmastown. This discovery gives him a new purpose: he devises a plan to take over Christmas by kidnapping Santa Claus and assuming his role.
Frankenstein: Film with Live Soundtrack
- Cascade Theatre & Laxson Auditorium
- Saturday, Oct. 25 & Sunday Oct. 26
- 7:30 PM | 2 p.m.
- $30.50-$64.50 | $17-$52
Witness one of cinema's most iconic horror figures, Frankenstein's monster, brought to life by Boris Karloff in this classic 1931 black-and-white film.
The North State Symphony will accompany the screening, performing the score composed in 2002 by Grammy-nominated Michael Shapiro.
NSPR spoke with the Conductor of the Symphony, Scott Seaton, about the unique challenges of conducting a live orchestra for a film without any clear composer guidelines on timing.
MUSIC
- Feather Falls Casino
- Thursday, Oct. 24
- 9 p.m.
- Free
Country powerhouse Ariel Jean and her sisters are bringing you top-tier original country songs, with three-part harmonies and electrifying performances.
They're a must-see band, known for their viral hits and major festival appearances. They've also opened for stars like Tim McGraw and Sam Hunt, consistently turning every show into an unforgettable event.
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Maker Radio | Saturday, Oct. 25 | 8 p.m. | $10
MOVE + MAKE + EXPLORE
- Chico Downtown Plaza
- Saturday, Oct. 25
- 8 a.m.
- Free
Get ready for another wild Pumpkinhead competition! Twenty contestants will battle it out for a $1,000 grand prize, testing their balance with a pumpkin on their head while standing on a milk crate.
This year, they are also introducing the "Nightmare in the Plaza," starting at noon. Enjoy Halloween fun for all ages, including a costume contest and free giveaways.
Chico Marketplace: Costume Contests & Family Crafts
- Chico Marketplace Mall
- Saturday, Oct. 25
- 12 p.m.
- Free
The public is invited to Chico Marketplace Mall for the yearly Doggie Costume Contest, children's costume competitions, and family-friendly craft activities. The Butte Humane Society will assist in judging the Doggie Costume Contest, and awards will be given to the top three costumes. Families are encouraged to participate and shop.
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.
