Looking for something to do around Chico?
Welcome to your online reference for 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
- 1078 Gallery
- Now through Sunday, Oct. 18
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Friday through Sunday)
- Free
The annual (Mock) Cat Show has returned, showcasing artwork focused entirely on cats across all mediums and styles. All submissions were accepted, and cats from all walks of life are on display.
Proceeds from entry fees directly support the Chico Cat Coalition in rescuing and caring for abandoned felines.
Personal to Political: Celebrating the African American Artists of Paulson Fontaine Press
- Janet Turner Museum
- Now through Sunday, Oct. 17
- 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Tuesday through Thursday)
- Free
The Janet Turner Museum at Chico State is highlighting the pioneering work of Berkeley’s Paulson Fontaine Press with the show “Personal to Political.” It celebrates the press’ dedication to championing African American artists.
Director of galleries and curator, Dr. Rachel Skokowski, says the exhibit showcases African American artists reshaping contemporary art. The work celebrates the Black experience and spans everything from personal family histories to political work. The exhibit is on display until October 17th.
FILM + THEATER
- Lost on Main
- Thursday, Sept. 24 through Saturday, Sept. 26
- 8 p.m.
- $35
Get ready for a kooky, wonderful experience as a SpongeBob-inspired variety show kicks off a three day residency at Lost on Main. There will be pole dancing, lyra, drag and burlesque at the Bikini Bottom Bash. Created by Constellation Aerial Theater, the show brings your favorite cartoon to life for a night of hilarity, movement and bubbles.
Wild & Scenic Film Festival 2026: Mobilize Film Night
- Paradise Performing Arts Center
- Thursday, Sept. 24 through Saturday, Sept. 26
- 6 p.m.
- $30-$35
The touring Wild and Scenic Film Festival, presented by the Friends of Butte Creek, kicks off this weekend. The “Flock of Films” showcase at the Pageant Theatre has sold out of pre-sale tickets for tonight, but there will be some available at the door. Tickets are still available for Saturday’s Mobilize Film Night at the Paradise Arts Center.
You can also join the Wild and Scenic guided field trips of the Butte Creek Watershed on Friday and Saturday. It’s a great chance to learn about our local ecosystems and how you can help protect them.
'I'm Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire'
- Theatre on the Ridge
- Now through Sunday, Sept. 27
- 7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.
- $18
Theatre on the Ridge is staging this dark comedy about a troubled 14-year-old, Shelby Hinkley, who kidnaps Tobey Maguire at the height of his career to force him to marry her.
She decides to kidnap the star after struggling with a tumultuous home life and tragic school life, but later realizes her plan isn't going as expected. The play speaks to themes of celebrity obsession and parasocial relationships.
MUSIC
- Laxson Auditorium
- Friday, Sept. 25
- 7:30 p.m.
- $50-$70
Icon Mavis Staples is ready to bring the house down. She's bringing her seven-decade blend of gospel, soul and rock to Chico State. The Grammy Award winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee will showcase the powerful voice listeners have grown to love.
- The P-Court Patio
- Friday, Sept. 25
- 7 p.m.
- Donations encouraged
Vocalist and songwriter Lorna Such takes the stage with an ensemble to play original works alongside her renditions of fan-favorite covers. Based out of Chico, Lorna brings her signature blend of soul, funk and jazz to the stage.
- The P-Court Patio
- Saturday, Sept. 26
- 7 p.m.
- Donations encouraged
Based in Nashville, Tennessee, American folk artist Rooster Blackspur brings her award-winning music to the Chico stage. Register for this Listen Up House Concert to enjoy her blend of American soul in person.
- Naked Lounge
- Friday, Sept. 25
- 7 p.m.
- $10
Prepare for a night of strange electronica: the latest installment of Noise at Naked is happening tomorrow night. The show will host an array of sound artists, from electronic tweakers to experimental composers and avant-garde audio wizards. The lineup includes Fence Beer, Negative Feedback, Daniel Kibbee and Fera, among others.
- Beer Lobo
- Saturday, Sept. 26
- 8 p.m.
- $5
Prepare for Chico musician, Cat Depot, to showcase his guitar riffs and ambient loops. Enjoy a beer while he plays some calm sounds over your weekend.
MOVE + MAKE + EXPLORE
- Redding Civic Auditorium
- Thursday, Sept. 24 through Saturday, Sept. 26
- 4 p.m. Thursday through 5 p.m. Saturday
- $20-$225
Fly Fest is an event where the fly-fishing community comes together to connect and learn about this great sport. There will be demonstrations, educational seminars and a consumer trade show with all the latest gear and clothing. You can also meet guides, plan your next outing or just grow your fly-fishing community.
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.
