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
BARNFire: Bonfire Storytelling Third Anniversary
- Location TBA
- Friday, June 12 through Sunday, June 14
- Various scheduled times
- $18
Bonfire Storytelling is celebrating its three year anniversary this weekend with a BARNFire storytelling marathon. More than 50 storytellers will take the stage at this three-day festival. Each day will feature different storytellers and musical interlude.
Biking and carpooling are encouraged as the event is on private property. The location will be released to ticket-holders before the event.
4 Painters, a Printmaker, and a Potter
- Dystert Gallery at Paradise Art Center
- Saturday, June 13
- 4 p.m.
- Free
Paradise Art Center is hosting an opening reception for the show 4 Painters, a Printmaker, and a Potter. The six local artists are Liz Mateson, Scott Parsons, Max Redpath Kennedy, Mark Hoover, Mickey Rich and Janet Weidel.
Refreshments will be served at the reception, and the art will remain on display until July 11th.
FILM + THEATER
- Chico Theater Company
- Thursday, June 11 through Sunday, Jun 28
- 7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.
- $25-$28
Neil Simon's comedy “Rumors” is being staged by the Chico Theatre company. The play follows the events of a lavish dinner party, including a gun shot to the ear and plenty of lies, miscommunications and confusion that lead to chaos and hilarity.
There are show times Thursday through Sunday every week until June 28th.
- Bidwell Park Cedar Grove Meadow
- Thursday, June 4 through Sunday, June 14
- 7 p.m.
- $25-$150
Shakespeare in the Park returns to Cedar Grove Meadow in Bidwell Park with a reimagining of William Shakespeare’s "The Tempest."
Legacy Stage presents a production that blends humor and humanity, inviting audiences to witness the rise of power, the strength of reconciliation and the desire for revenge.
MUSIC
Forest Ave + Sux + Judy & The Jerks + Deathro
- Naked Lounge
- Thursday, June 11
- 7 p.m.
- $10
Get ready for a night of high-energy punk music. This all ages show at Naked Lounge features Chico’s Forest Ave, Seattle’s Sux, Mississippi’s Judy & The Jerks and Japan’s Deathro, which is traveling over the ocean to play in Chico.
- Lost on Main
- Friday, June 12
- 8 p.m.
- $23-$28
Messer Chups is bringing their iconic surf rock to the Chico stage. The band from Saint Petersburg, Russia, was formed in 1998 by composer and guitarist Oleg Fomchenkov. Their cinematic style blends vintage melodies from the ’50s and ’60s and has earned them a passionate global fan base.
Jonathan Richman & Tommy Larkins
- The Pageant
- Monday, June 15 through Wednesday, June 17
- 7 p.m.
- $20
Chico legend Jonathan Richman, once the frontman for the Modern Lovers, is joined by Tommy Larkins on drums for a three-night residency at the Pageant Theatre. Come groove along with the dynamic songwriter as he provides you with what he does best.
- Listen Up House Concerts
- Friday, June 12
- 7 p.m.
- Donation suggested
Minor Gold, the Australian-Canadian duo of Tracy McNeil and Dan Parsons, are known for their sunny-folk and 70s-style harmonies. The pair are bringing their heartfelt songs and free-spirited rhythms to Listen Up House Concerts in Chico.
MOVE + MAKE + EXPLORE
NorCal Roller Derby Girls vs. Sacramento Flood Water
- Cal Skate Chico
- Saturday, June 13
- 7 p.m.
- $10-$15
It's time to watch Chico's local team take on the Sacramento Flood Water team at their home game this weekend. Bring the family to this local bout for some rowdy fun and entertainment.
- The Barn at Meriam Park
- Sunday, June 14
- 11 a.m.
- $20
Pride Month is here, and the Barn in Meriam Park is hosting its first ever Drag Brunch. The one and only Whoretexx will host a live drag show, bringing you an afternoon of dancing, creative self-expression and PRIDE.
There will also be a free-to-enter pop-up Lunar Market, featuring local vendors from the LGBTQ+ community.
Stonewall Chico works to unite the LGBTQ+ community and allies in celebration and support. Here are other Pride Month events taking place.
- Redding City Hall Sculpture Park
- Sunday, June 14
- 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
- $50
This year's annual Taste of Redding festival features food from 15 local restaurants, beer and wine from dozens of regional brewers and wineries, and three stages with a great line up of local bands. The family friendly event is put on by the Rotary Club of Redding West, which supports local community improvement projects.
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.
