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
- Chico Theatre Company
- Now through Sunday, Dec. 21
- 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays
- $28-$30
“Elf” is a classic family musical about an orphan who climbs into Santa’s sleigh and gets raised as an elf at the North Pole. Eventually, his size and lack of toy-making ability cause him to try to find his real family. Along the way, he finds and shares the true meaning of Christmas.
- Blue Room Theatre
- Now through Saturday, Dec. 20
- 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; & 2 p.m. Sunday
- $15 - $18
This raucous comedy is about four couples who trade gifts and ideas about what Christmas is truly about. “The Regifters” is funny, insightful and filled with holiday cheer!
- Birdcage Theatre
- Friday, Dec. 12 through Sunday, Dec. 14
- 5 p.m. & 2 p.m.
- $5-$10
Charles Dickson’s classic tale, “A Christmas Carol” written in the style of Dr. Seuss. It’s a story of cheer, redemption and glee, to teach Mr. Scrooge what a Christmas can be!
MUSIC
Open Turntables with DJ Linda Love
- Winchester Goose
- Thursday, Dec. 11
- 8 p.m.-12 a.m.
- Free
This is the last Open Turntables, which has been taking place on the second Thursday of every month. It’s a chance for vinyl enthusiasts to share cocktails and their musical tastes, like a show and tell for grown-ups.
Linda Higgins (aka Linda Love), the host of Open Turntables, says that sharing music is an opportunity to connect with the community.
- Butte Black Box Theatre
- Saturday, Dec. 13
- 2 p.m.
- $5-$15
The Butte College Jazz Ensemble is bringing Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s legendary reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite to Chico. It’s a blend of swing, sophistication and holiday cheer.
- Lost on Main
- Saturday, Dec. 13
- 8 p.m.
- $15-$18
Red Dirt Ruckus is a blue grass band that adds rock and a taste of reggae to their sound. Psychedelic folk band Ryder Thieves is opening the show. Warning: both bands will get you dancing.
MOVE + MAKE + EXPLORE
Friends United in Rescue Fashion Show and Holiday Bazaar
- 1940 Mulberry St., Chico
- Saturday, Dec. 13
- 6 p.m.
- Free
Friends United in Rescue (FUR) is hosting a Fashion Show Extravaganza and Holiday Bazaar. There will be a lively fashion showcase with comedy by Dana Moore, and a holiday bazaar filled with unique Christmas gifts from local vendors and a bake sale. Every dollar raised helps rescue cats and kittens in need.
- Pioneer History Museum, Oroville
- Saturday, Dec. 13
- 12-4 p.m.
- Free
Pioneer Christmas is an event at the Pioneer Museum in Oroville, which will be open and free to explore. You can get your photo with Santa, listen to The Old Time Fiddlers play music, and try your hand at making old-timey crafts. On top of all this cozy fun, the gift shop is having a holiday sale for those history buffs on your holiday shopping list.
- The Barn at Meriam Park
- Sunday, Dec. 14
- 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Free
Lunar Market Chico will be hosting a very special market featuring the youngest entrepreneurs in our community. All vendors are under 18 and still in grade school. They’ll be showcasing over 20 little business owners, artists, makers and vendors.
- Stoble Coffee
- Sunday, Dec. 14
- 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
- $50
Stoble Coffee is hosting a gift wrap painting event. You’ll get helpful tips on techniques and the materials to make your own custom gift wrap. Artists of all ages and abilities are invited. Everyone receives a voucher for a beverage with the price of admission.
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.
