North State Living
Spend four days at the beginning of every May to ride rides, see all the livestock submissions, along with a whole host of exhibits and entertainment options!
This event happens in the beginning of the year, usually in January. The Downtown Chico Business Association says that, “Butte County exemplifies how seemingly contrasting characteristics come together perfectly. From the rural to the urban, farm to city, and valley to mountains. Butte County comes together to create a truly special experience for visitors and locals alike.”
This festival tends to happen in the middle of Autumn and has everything from a parade to lawn mower and bed races along with a Miss Corning Pageant and the Missing Olive Contest.
This event happens during the beginning of December on a Sunday each year. According to the Downtown Chico Business Association, “Since 1978, Christmas Preview has been a Downtown Chico tradition drawing folks together in the heart of our community to officially kick off the holiday season. Where downtown merchants debut their holiday offerings, decorations, and provide delicious refreshments and entertainment.”
The Red Bluff Round-Up happens in the spring and is the largest 2-day rodeo in the country with over 600 contestants that compete for over $250,000 in prize money. Several performances happen along with a concert!
This 5k walk/run in the middle of Lower Bidwell Park happens every year on Thanksgiving. The run supports the Jesus Center by providing food and services to those in need in Chico.
This event happens in Chico, CA during a Sunday at the end of September each year. You’ll get to taste the finest bites, sips, and sounds of Chico!
This event happens in Redding, CA during a Sunday in the summer each year. You’ll join other attendees and experience local food, wines, and craft beers. There will be three stages with a line-up of bands playing music!
Outdoor Activities
- Bike and Hike Bidwell Park in Chico, CA
- Hike Feather Falls in Oroville, CA
- See the Lake Shasta Caverns in Lakehead, CA
- Buy fresh produce at Farmer’s Market in Chico, CA or Redding, CA
- Walk the streets of Downtown Chico during Thursday Night Market
- Float down the Sacramento River in Chico, CA
- Take a dinner cruise on Shasta Lake in Lakehead, CA
- Listen to a local band
- Play at Lake Oroville Recreation Area in Oroville, CA
- Play at Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area between Vina and Corning, CA
- Play at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in Whiskeytown, CA
- Play at Black Butte Lake Recreation Area, located southeast of Corning
- Play at Shasta State Historic Park in Shasta, CA
- Visit Turtle Bay Exploration Parkand Sundial Bridge in Redding, CA
Indoor Activities
- Tour Bidwell Mansion in Chico, CA
- Learn a bit of history at the Stansbury Home in Chico, CA
- Attend a local Theater Production
- See a performance at Chico State in Chico, CA
- See a performance at the Cascade Theatre in Redding, CA
- Taste and tour at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in Chico, CA
- Wine taste at New Clairvaux Vineyard in Vina, CA
- Visit Old City Hall Arts Center in Redding, CA
- Visit the Schreder Planetarium in Redding, CA
- Check out Gateway Science Museum in Chico, CA
- Check out the National Yo-Yo Museum in Chico, CA
- Check out Tehama County Museum in Tehama, CA
- Check out the Red Bluff Round-Up Museum in Red Bluff, CA
- Check out Gaumer’s Jewelry, Museum, and Lapidary in Red Bluff, CA
Chico Area Favorites
- The Banshee
- Big Tuna Sushi Bistro
- Bidwell Perk
- Broadway Heights
- Burgers & Brew
- Burger Hut
- Celestino’s Live From New York Pizza
- Crush
- La Hacienda
- La Comida
- Smokin’ Mo’s Barbecue
- Sierra Nevada Brewery
- Shubert’s Ice Cream & Candy Co.
- 5thStreet Steakhouse
- T. Bar & Fusion Cafe
- Tres Hombres
- Upper Crust Bakery & Eatery