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!
FIREWORKS
Northern California has a lot of festivities to celebrate July Fourth. In downtown Chico, there is a Fourth of July Parade organized by CARD early in the day, with Riverbend Park in Oroville offering evening festivities and a fireworks display.
Lake Almanor also hosts a fireworks show. The fireworks are launched from a barge at the end of the peninsula, so the best views are from either a boat or the west shore, although you can also see them from the east shore.
In Mount Shasta, fireworks are scheduled to be launched from the north shore of the Lake Siskiyou Meadow Area on Saturday evening. Also, the Redding Fourth of July Freedom Festival, held at the Civic Auditorium grounds, features one of the largest fireworks displays in the state. The show involves the launch of over 1,700 shells and includes a synchronized soundtrack broadcast on 97.3 FM.
- Chico City Plaza
- Saturday, July 4
- 9 a.m.
- Free
- Riverbend Park
- Saturday, July 4
- 5 p.m. Festival, 9:30 p.m. Fireworks
- Free
Fourth of July Fireworks over Lake Almanor
- Lake Almanor
- Saturday, July 4
- 9 p.m.
- Free
Mt. Shasta Community Fireworks
- Lake Siskiyou
- Saturday, July 4
- 9:45 p.m.
- Free
Redding Fourth of July Freedom Festival
- Redding Civic Auditorium
- Saturday, July 4
- 5 p.m. Festival, 10 p.m. Fireworks
- Free
FILM + THEATER
- Chico Theater Company
- Thursday, July 2 & Friday, July 3
- 6 p.m. & 8 p.m.
- $55-$65
Step into the shadows at the Serial Killer Speakeasy, a night of theatrical intrigue led by expert storytellers and mixologists. This chilling immersive experience and hauntingly visceral production chronicles the lives of four infamous serial killers. You'll watch the dark histories of Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer unfold on stage while sipping themed cocktails.
Magalia Movies Under The Stars: The Sandlot
- Magalia Community Park
- Friday, July 3
- 8 p.m.
- Free
Magalia Community Park is hosting an outdoor movie night this weekend. Attendees are encouraged to bring comfortable clothing, lawn chairs, and blankets to watch the film in comfort under the stars. This week’s featured movie is "The Sandlot."
MUSIC
- Allies Pub
- Friday, July 3
- 6 p.m.
- Free
Local favorite James Brobeck, who plays both lap steel guitar and harmonica, focuses his songwriting on social and political issues relevant to the North State. Attendees are invited to enjoy his distinctive sound while celebrating the Fourth of July.
- Paradise Performing Arts Center
- Saturday, July 4
- 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
- Free
Gear up for strings and percussion, because Paradise Symphony Orchestra is back for its annual Fourth of July concert. Designed to honor those in the armed services, veterans and first responders, the program will feature traditional Fourth of July favorites and debut a new composition titled "1776 American Overture," written by conductor Lloyd Roby and local composer Jeff Janke.
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.
