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 Theater Company
- Thursday through Sunday until May 17
- 7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.
- $30-$32
Chico Theater Company’s Once Upon a Mattress is a classic Broadway musical and a retelling of "The Princess and the Pea." It follows the determined Princess Winnifred as she attempts various hurdles and boundaries to marry Prince Dauntless and end Queen Aggravain's marriage ban.
MUSIC
- Paradise Brew Werks
- Thursday, April 30
- 6 p.m.
- Free
Dive into Thursday Night Blues at Paradise Brew Werks—now every week on Thursdays with the resident Skyway Blues Band.
- Sierra Nevada Big Room
- Friday, May 1
- 6 p.m.
- $22-$38
Vocalist and songwriter Lorna Such takes the stage with an eight-piece ensemble, debuting new original works alongside her renditions of fan-favorite covers. She promises an experience unlike anything she’s done before.
Sacramento’s quartet LabRats, known for their unique blend of jazz fusion and hip hop, will open the show.
Frank Zappa Tribute Night with The Stinkfoot Orchestra
- Lost On Main
- Saturday, May 2
- 8 p.m.
- $30-$34
The Stink Foot Orchestra is a 14-piece band featuring percussion, a six-piece horn section, backup vocals and more. They pay precise tribute to the late Frank Zappa's genius, hilarious and poignant music.
Expect to hear songs like Peaches en Regalia, I am the Slime, Montana, San Bernardino and so many other epic tunes. The group is fronted by one of the greats from Zappa’s original band in the 1970s, Napoleon Murphy Brock.
The Sun Followers at the Rose Garden Party
- Creekside Rose Garden
- Saturday, May 2
- 2 p.m.
- Full (As of 4/30 event is sold out)
Married duo the Sun Followers will bring their harmonies to the CARD's Rose Garden Party. Bring the family or friends to the Creekside Rose Garden for a delightful day. The event features a variety of activities, including yard games, crafts and flower crown making.
- Chico Children's Park
- Saturday, May 2
- 6:30 p.m.
- Free
Live on the Lawn kicks off this week in downtown Chico. Join the kick-off for this free spring concert series at the Children’s Park. Grab a blanket, bring the family and come listen to Lindsay and the Cheeks. There will be vendors, face painting and even a scavenger hunt to win a free holographic sticker.
MOVE + MAKE + EXPLORE
- Patrick Ranch Museum
- Sunday, May 3
- 12 p.m.
- Free
The Spring Fae Festival is back for the third year! This year, they are moving to the Patrick Ranch Museum and are bringing you double the activities, more vendors and extra food options. Chico’s biggest Fantasy Festival will feature vendors selling handmade goods, delicious food, live fae performances and fun activities for the entire family.
2026 Water-wise & Habitat Friendly Garden Tour
- 15 Local gardens
- Saturday, May 2
- 9 a.m-12 p.m. & 1-4 p.m.
- $10, Kids under 12 are free
Register to visit 15 different gardens in Chico, Paradise and Durham that are sure to inspire you! This includes four child-friendly gardens that have activities and scavenger hunts with prizes. Check out as many gardens as you like, get some ideas for your own garden and learn how to support pollinators with the flowers they like best - California natives!
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.
