Fall and winter highlights

Throughout the Season

Farmers’ Market
Local growers sell their produce and wares year-round at the Chico Certified Farmers’ Market, on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot at Second and Wall streets. 893-FARM.

Silver Dollar Swap Meet
All year-round every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 892-9205.

Winter Migratory Waterfowl Tour
Each year, from October to March, more than 150 species of birds, including bald eagles, mallards, mourning doves, red-tailed hawks and California gulls, migrate to Butte County. By following a self-guided tour provided by local chambers of commerce and wildlife groups, visitors can cover 100 miles of nature-filled preserves. There are also guided one-and-one-half-hour walks on Saturdays at 10 a.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. leaving from the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. 846-5176

Chico Museum
From Nov. 8 through the month of June, the exhibit at the Chico Museum celebrates the beauty and wildlife of Yosemite Park, with “Yosemite Remembered.” Part of the exhibit is a photographic interpretation involving “rephotographing” of historic photos of the park to illustrate the changing landscape, while the other part deals with bears, camping, travel in the park and various Yosemite ephemera. The museum is located on the corner of Second and Salem in Downtown Chico and is open Wed.–Sun. noon-4 p.m. 891-4336

October

For Halloween, many downtown businesses will offer candy and goodies to children and their adult chaperones for the annual Downtown Trick or Treat. Oct. 31 from 2 to 5 p.m. 345-6500. Also for Halloween, there will be a Haunted House and Pumpkin Land at the Gold Nugget Museum, a Halloween Carnival with a costume contest, roller-skating, trick or treat booths and a haunted house at Cal Skate; and Trick or Treating at Chico Mall.

Book Family Farm Harvest Festival, through Nov. 2, at Book Family Farm off Highway 99 just south of Chico. The Harvest Festival is a tradition for many Chico families, who celebrate the harvest with horse-drawn wagon rides, the annual scarecrow competition, pumpkin picking, hay and corn mazes, animal petting, live music and more. 893-3139.

Vienna Choir Boys, Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m. The Paradise Performing Arts Center presents this famous group of 10- to 14-year-olds. 872-8454

Rocky Horror, Oct. 23-Nov. 22. For the second year, Chico Caberet is putting on the popular Rocky Horror Picture Show, live, including a band. Showings are Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, with midnight showings on Oct. 23, Oct. 31, Nov. 1 and Nov. 15. 895-0245.

November

Chico Jazz X-Press, Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m., at the Harlen Adams Theatre. Gregory Gisbert will join in on trumpet, performing works by prominent composer Maria Schneider. 898-6333

29th Annual Almond Bowl Run and Walk.
Nov. 2 at One-Mile Recreation Area. The Chico Running Club organizes this fall tradition for hundreds of Chicoans, who turn out to run (or walk) 3- or 6-mile routes in Bidwell Park. 879-9000 or www.chicorunningclub.org

Chico State Gospel Choir, Nov. 2, 2 p.m. at the Paradise Performing Arts Center, and Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m., at Harlen Adams Theatre. An uplifting concert with audience participation encouraged. 872-8454 and 898-6333.

Nutcracker Moscow Ballet, Nov. 2, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Laxson Auditorium. A highly anticipated event in Chico, the Nutcracker is presented by the 50-strong Moscow Ballet. The story has been altered a bit, as the main characters travel to the world of Peace and Harmony. Local children will also be featured. 898-6333

Mame, Nov. 5-Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m. The new Chico Theatre Company presents Mame, which will run Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 166 Eaton Road Suite F. 892-3282.

Ruthless, Nov. 6-Dec. 6. The Theatre on the Ridge is Paradise puts on this musical comedy in which an 8-year-old strives to win the role of Pippi Longstocking, even if it means murder! 877-5760.

The Misanthrope, Nov. 6-22. The Blue Room Theatre presents an adaptation of a great Moliere comedy in which the protagonist does battle against “the false flatteries of society.” 895-3749.

Prairie Home Companion
Host Garrison Keillor, Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium. The author and storyteller takes to the stage adding quirky humor to his autobiographical outtakes. 898-6333.

Author Jacob Needleman, Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m. Each year, Chico State picks a book in common. This year, it’s The American Soul, and its author will speak on the spiritual meaning behind what brought the founding fathers to this country. 898-6333.

Farmers’ Fair, Nov. 8 at the Chico Mall, co-sponsored by the Butte County Farm Bureau and featuring agricultural displays and a petting zoo. 343-0706.

Antique Show at the Chico Mall. Runs Nov. 13 and 16 all day at the Mall. 343-0706.

The ARC of Butte County Annual Dinner & Silent Auction, Nov. 8, 7-10 p.m., Park Plaza Pavilion. This is a fund-raiser for the organization that serves people with developmental disabilities. 891-5865 x 202

Open Studios Tour.
Presented by the Chico Arts Center, this event allows guests to tour studios and view the creations of many local artists on Nov. 1 and 2. 895-8726.

48th Annual Work Training Center Turkey Dinner and Raffle. This is a fund-raiser for the WTC, held Nov. 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. 343-7994, ex. 125.

North State Symphony, Nov. 23, 2 p.m., Laxson Auditorium. “An American Celebration” ranges from Appalachian Spring melodies to the sounds of New York in On the Town. 898-6333.

Chico Running Club Turkey Trot, Nov. 27, 9 a.m. Presented by the Chico Running Club and commencing at Horseshoe Lake. 879-9000 www.chicorunningclub.org

Downtown Chico Christmas Preview. Come see the store displays, sample hot cider and mingle with other holiday shoppers. 4-8 p.m. on Nov. 23. 345-6500.

Santa arrives at Chico Mall, Nov. 28. 343-0706.

December

Stop the World, I Want to Get Off , Dec. 3-20, 7:30 p.m. Presented by the Chico Theatre Company. 892-3282.

Eat the Runt, Dec. 4-20. The Blue Room Theatre presents a “genderless comedy” that is actually cast by the audience, who chooses among eight actors who have studied each role. 895-3749.

Wizard of Oz, Dec. 4-20 and Jan. 8-24. Chico Caberet presents Dorothy’s journey into the Land of Oz. 895-0245.

Musicals Best of Broadway, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. at Laxson Auditorium. If you liked last year’s Andrew Lloyd Webber tribute, you’ll love this production with numbers from seven Broadway shows. 898-6333

Christmas Tree Lighting in Downtown Park Plaza. Come watch as Chico flips the switch on the dazzling lights decorating a 100-foot-plus live tree in the park. A great way to kick off Christmas. Dec. 5, from 6-8 p.m. Downtown Park Plaza. 345-6500.

29th Annual Christmas Faire, Dec. 5-7, at the Silver Dollar Fair Grounds. Crafts are highlighted. 345-9652.

Babes in Toyland, Dec. 7, 2 p.m. at Laxson Auditorium. This family-friendly production by American Family Theatre honors Victor Herbert’s 1903 children’s classic. 898-6333.

Mariachi Holiday Celebration Fiesta Navidad, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. at Laxson Auditorium. A concert of Mariachi music and folklorico dancing, Fiesta Navidad telling the traditional story of La Posada, commemorating the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. 898-6333.

Glorious Sounds of the Season, Dec. 12-14, 7:30 p.m. (plus 2 p.m. on Sunday), at the Harlen Adams Theatre. Billed as the highlight of the season, Chico State’s Department of Music presents performers including the 200-voice Choral Union, the Faculty Handbell Ensemble, pianist John Milbauer, David Rothe on the Centennial Pipe Organ, soprano Ying Yeh and several audience sing-alongs. 898-6333.

The Nutcracker, Dec. 12-14, Friday and Saturday at 7:15 p.m. and Sunday at 2:15 p.m. The classic version presented at the Paradise Performing Arts Center 872-8454

Honey Run Covered Bridge Bazaar & Bake Sale, Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Artisans, crafters and bakers will gather for this fund-raiser to support the historic bridge. 343-5667 or 895-0911.

Bidwell Mansion Christmas Story Hour. Dec. 13, 2-3 p.m. Storytelling with a holiday theme for the children. 895-6144

Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 13, 8 a.m.-10:50. The Chico Area Recreation District has invited Santa, and you can join him and his elves for pancakes. The elves will also make crafts with the children. It’s $5; register by calling 895-4711 or www.chicorec.com.

Bidwell Mansion Open House. Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Come see how Chico’s founders celebrated the holidays. 895-6144.

Evening tours of Christmas at Bidwell Mansion. This chance to step back in time and see “John” and “Annie” in period dress will be offered Dec. 17, 18, 19 and 20. Call 895-6144 for reservations; tickets are $5.

January

Gypsy , Jan. 7-31, 7:30 p.m. Presented by the Chico Theatre Company. 892-3282.

The annual Snow Goose Festival, Jan. 23-25, at the Chico Masonic Family Center. Birdwatching and waterfowl tours take place, along with educational events. Call 891-5556.

Peking Acrobats, Jan. 20, 7:30 p.m., at Laxson Auditorium. This group includes acrobats, jugglers, cyclists and tumblers—even 12 people on one bicycle. 898-6333.

Hawaiian Guitar Festival, Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m. at Laxson Auditorium. Slack key is king at this event featuring Cyril Pahinui and Dennis Kamakahi. 898-6333.

February

International Guitar Festival. Feb. 1 at the Paradise Performing Arts Center and Feb. 2 at Laxson Auditorium. Both shows start at 7:30 p.m. The sixth annual guitar festival, a benefit for KCHO/ KPFR radio, features the ever-popular guitar poet and impresario Brian Gore, along with Brazilian guitar player Paulo Bellinati and American guitar composer Andrew York. Features solo performances as well as collaborations. 898-6333

5th Janet Turner National Print Competition Exhibition, Feb. 2-29, at Janet Turner Print Museum Gallery, the University Art Gallery, the 1078 Gallery and the Chico Art Center. Selections from contemporary printmakers are displayed around town. 898-6333.

7th International Guitar Festival, Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m. at Laxson Auditorium and Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m., at Paradise Performing Arts Center. Promising to be the best one yet, this acoustic guitar festival features bluegrass superstar Dan Crary leading the “Men of Steel,” along with Canada’s Don Ross, Italy’s Beppe Gambetta and Scotland‘s Tony McManus. 898-6333.

6 Women with Brain Death, or, Expiring Minds Want to Know, Feb. 12-March 20. This Chico Caberet play takes a satirical approach at exploring the mind of the modern American woman. 895-0245.

Big, the Musical, Feb. 11-March 6. Presented by the Chico Theatre Company. 892-3282.

Singin’ in the Rain, Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium. The stage version of the hit musical retains the original choreography. 898-6333.

An Evening with Judy Collins, Feb. 14, 7:30 at Laxson Auditorium. See her from “Both Sides Now” as Collins puts on a Valentine’s Day concert. 898-6333.

22nd Annual Durham Almond Blossom Run, Feb. 14, 9 a.m. Includes 5K and 10K races and 5K walk, leaving from Durham High School. 895-8484.

The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland: Ballet, Feb. 20-22, 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. in Laxson Auditorium. 898-6333.

Butte County Sheriff Search & Rescue Antique Show & Sale, Feb. 20-22, Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 876-1090.

Elegant Vienna—North State Symphony, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m. at Laxson Auditorium. The Hafmer symphony evokes the perfection of Mozart. 898-6333.

March

Proof , March 3-6, 7:30 p.m. at Laxson Auditorium. This drama put on by Chico State’s Department of Theatre Arts was major Broadway hit and winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for Best Play. It is “the fascinating, funny story of Catherine, a young woman who may have inherited her father’s brilliance—and, perhaps, his mental instability.” 898-6333.

Celebration of Song, March 4, 7:30 p.m. at Rowland-Taylor Recital Hall at Chico State. This is Chamber Music, featuring faculty pianist John Milbauer welcoming Juilliard classmates mezzo-soprano Stephanie Houtzeel and baritone Randall Scarlata. 898-6333.

Harley-Davidson Show, March 6, at the Chico Mall. Harleys will be on display and contests held. 343-0696.

Bidwell Classic Run, March 6, 8 a.m. Hosted by the Chico Running Club. 879-9000. www.chicorunningclub.org.

Camelot , March 17-April 10. Presented by Chico Theatre Company. 892-3282.

Arlo Guthrie: Songs and Stories, March 12, 7:30 p.m. at Laxson Auditorium. Guthrie is with his eclectic folk styles and stories. 898-6333.

Annual Antique Bottle & Collectables Show, March 13-14, Fri. noon-7 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Silver Dollar Fair Grounds. 342-3131.

Home Garden & Antique Show, March 13-14 at the Silver Dollar Fair Grounds. 891-6181.