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
- The Pageant Theatre
- Friday, Dec. 5 through Sunday, Dec. 7
- 4:15 p.m., 7 p.m., 1 p.m. & 3:45 p.m.
- $9
Rose Byrne is getting a ton of buzz, even early Oscar talk, for her part in the movie "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," which drops this Friday. The film is about a mom whose life completely falls apart when her kid gets a mystery illness, her husband vanishes and things get intense with her therapist. A flood at her house forces her to move into a sketchy roadside inn, and things get more stressful from there.
Chico Community Ballet: A Very Chico Nutcracker
- Laxson Auditorium
- Thursday, Dec. 4 through Sunday, Dec. 7
- 7 p.m. & 1 p.m.
- $22-$32
The festive production arrives for the holiday season. This performance incorporates the cherished music from Tchaikovsky's renowned ballet, infused with a regional twist. The Chico Community Ballet stages the show.
- The Barn at Meriam Park
- Saturday, Dec. 6 & Sunday, Dec. 7
- 6 p.m.
- $5-$20
The Butte Film Festival features films from student filmmakers across Northern California, ranging from the Bay Area to the Oregon border. This is the third year of the festival. This year’s festival features five categories of student films: drama, comedy, horror, action/sci-fi, and animation.
MUSIC
- Naked Lounge
- Thursday, Dec. 4
- 6:30 p.m.
- Free
Presented by Chico State’s SOTA Productions, this show features a lineup of local talent, including Facejug and Oblong, and ends with a performance by Furlough Fridays. Between the live sets, DJ Last Waltz will be spinning a unique blend of house music featuring original live vocals.
- Argus Bar & Patio
- Friday, Dec. 5
- 6:30 p.m.
- $12-$15
Chico is hosting a tribute to the late Amy Winehouse. "Amy Unplugged" will feature a six-piece Jazz band and multiple vocalists performing stripped-down arrangements of Winehouse's songs.
- Laxson Auditorium
- Wednesday, Dec. 10
- 7 p.m.
- $65-$86
The Grammy-winning singer Colbie Caillat and the platinum-selling musician Gavin DeGraw are collaborating for a holiday concert series. Prepare for an evening filled with popular acoustic-pop tracks, rich, harmonious melodies and a collaboration to remember.
MOVE + MAKE + EXPLORE
47th Annual Community Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Downtown Chico
- Friday, Dec. 5
- 6 p.m.
- Free
The community is invited to Downtown Chico for the annual Community Tree Lighting. A tradition since 1978, this gathering unites the Chico community to celebrate the holiday season. Bring the family and watch the tree light up the night sky.
- Downtown Chico
- Thursday, Dec. 4 and Thursday, Dec. 11
- 7 p.m.
- $20
Take a spooky stroll around Chico’s scariest locations! This marks the last chance of the season for those looking to attend the Chico Haunted Tours.
The 90-minute trip dives into local legends and ghost stories as it takes people through famous old spots in downtown Chico.
Filmmaker and tour guide Dustin Vaught explores various downtown locations with a bit of horror history.
- Silver Dollar Fairgrounds
- Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7
- 10 a.m.
- Free
The annual Chikoko Bizarre Bazaar aims to maintain Chico's unique character. Attendees can explore one-of-a-kind items fashioned by local artists. It will feature local sellers, distinctive artwork, and food, along with their celebrated "cake walk" game.
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.
