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 8 through Saturday, May 9
- 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. (Fri); 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Sat)
- Free
The Chico ART Festival creates a space for creators, creative groups and the community to connect and foster creativity.
This two-day fest will highlight local artists and educate the public about the value of art by showcasing places and the people who inhabit them.
FILM + THEATER
- Birdcage Theatre
- Thursday, May 7 through Sunday, May 10
- 7:00 p.m. & 2 p.m.
- $25-$30
Oroville's Birdcage Theatre is staging this somber representation of the Nuremberg trials of 1947, where German officials who served the Nazi Regime were held accountable for crimes against humanity. This play seeks to ask the question: "Can justice prevail when an entire nation is implicated in evil?"
El Rey Prevue: A Fundraiser to Help Save the El Rey
- Chico Women's Club
- Friday, May 8
- 7 p.m.
- $25
The El Rey Prevue is a fundraiser that offers a glimpse into what the El Rey Theatre’s future could look like. The one-night event will showcase the kind of programming the El Rey hopes to bring back to the downtown area.
Featuring music by Black Fong, improv by Okay, Woah! and a special excerpt from the horror-comedy film, The Fuzzies, this Prevue will also include an El Rey–inspired Bonfire story. The legendary Aunt Betty is the host for this evening of variety and fun.
MUSIC
Booked By Mistake + Furlough Fridays
- Woodstock's Pizza
- Friday, May 8
- 9 p.m.
- Free
Two bands are sharing the Woodstock Patio in downtown Chico. Comedy rockers Booked By Mistake and female-fronted Furlough Fridays take the stage for this free, all-ages show. Come out for a slice and stay for the music.
- The Breakbeat
- Friday, May 8
- 9 p.m.
- Tickets available at the door
The Breakbeat, a new downtown live music venue, will host Modern Method's album release. The evening will showcase dynamic sets from local acts Thunder Lump, Sonny Saint James and Suika T.
Chico State Theatre sings Lady Gaga
- Rowland-Taylor Recital Hall
- Saturday, May 9
- 7 p.m.
- $8-$20
It’s time for the little monsters to assemble. Chico State Theater will be paying homage to Grammy and Oscar winner Lady Gaga at the Rowland-Taylor Recital Hall in the Performing Arts Center.
The theater team will take on the iconic pop star’s catalog under the direction of Olivia Cerullo and teacher Matthew Miller.
- Mulberry Music Station
- Sunday, May 10
- 8 p.m.
- $30-$34
Cherokee Social is an Indie Pop duo led by Julian Navarro, with guitarist Alex Creighton. The Denver-based musicians pull influences from many genres, including their Native American roots. They’re playing with special guests and local favorite, Lish Bills.
MOVE + MAKE + EXPLORE
Chico Sports Cards and Pokémon TCG Expo
- DoubleTree by Hilton Chico
- Saturday, May 9
- 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- $5-$10
The Chico Sports Cards & Pokémon TCG Expo is fun for all collectors, traders, families and fans of the hobby community. If you’re looking for Pokémon, Magic, Yu-Gi-Oh! or other trading card games, this event is for you.
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.
