Fall and winter highlights

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
With interesting exhibits that change every few months, 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. 30 from 2 to 5 p.m. 345-6500. Also for Halloween on Oct. 31, 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 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Book Family Farm Harvest Festival, through Nov. 1, 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.

Rocky Horror, Oct. 14-Nov. 20. For the third 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. 29 and Oct. 30. 895-0245.

Quilters, Oct.. 27-30, 7 p.m. and Oct. 31, 2 p.m. at Harlen Adams Theatre. Presented by Chico State’s School of the Arts, this is a humorousTony-nominated musical aboutAmerican pioneer women. 898-6333.

November

Chico Jazz X-Press with Strings Attached, Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m., at the Harlen Adams Theatre. Famed conductor, pianist, and arranger Vinnie Falcone will join in by adding stings as he recreates “charts” from his days with Frank Sinatra, Paul Anka, Connie Francis and Andy Williams. 898-6333.

30th Annual Almond Bowl Run and Walk. Nov. 7 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.

Cinderella Moscow Ballet, Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m. at Laxson Auditorium. Chico Performances and Regent Communications presents the story of Cinderella with a slightly different take. Performed by a Russian troupe, renowned for their classic style and grace. 898-6333.

The Underpants, Nov. 4-21. The Blue Room Theatre is presenting a play about sex, politics and sexism. The play displays writer Steve Martin’s sophisticated literal style in an entertaining romp. 895-3749.

The Man Who Came to Dinner, Nov. 11-Dec. 4.. A classic comedy tells the uproarious story of Sheridan Whiteside, presented at Theatre on the Ridge in Paradise. 877-5760.

Crimes of the Heart , Nov. 9-Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m. at Wismer Theatre. School of the Arts presents a comedy about a foursome juggling town scandals, closeted skeletons, old flames and new loves. 893-6333.

Beneath the Moon, Beyond the Stars, Nov. 5-21. The Birdcage Theatre presents a new drama by Buck Busfield. 533-2473.

Angelique Kidjo, Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m. at Laxson Auditorium. Kidjo has crossed musical boundaries by blending tribal and pop rhythms of West Africa with funk, salsa and jazz. 898-6333.

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

Farmers’ Fair, Nov. 6 at the Chico Mall, co-sponsored by the Butte County Farm Bureau and featuring agricultural displays and a petting zoo. 343-0706.

Festival of Giving, Nov. 20, 6-9 p.m., at the Chico Mall. 343-0706

The ARC of Butte County Annual Dinner & Silent Auction, Nov. 6, 7 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. 6-7, and Nov. 13-14. 895-8726.

Annual Work Training Center Turkey Dinner and Raffle. This is the 50th year for the event fund-raiser for WTC, held Nov. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. 343-7994, ex. 125.

North State Symphony, Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m., Laxson Auditorium. The Titan, a tour-de-force of emotions, melodies, and spectacular sound. 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. 21. 345-6500.

Santa arrives at Chico Mall, Nov. 26. 343-0706.

December

A Christmas Story, Dec. 1-18. Presented by the Chico Theater Company. 892-3282.

The Dresser, Dec. 2-19. The Blue Room Theatre presents one of the most acclaimed dramas of modern theater. 895-3749.

Around the World Dec. 3-4 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 5, 2 p.m at Harlen Adams Theatre. Presented by the School of Arts, this is the Ninth Annual Chico Dance Theatre’s Showcase featuring a variety of dance styles. 898-6333

Cheerio! Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. at Laxson Auditorium. A Chico State Band performance. 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. 3, from 6-8 p.m. Downtown Park Plaza. 345-6500.

30th Annual Christmas Faire, Dec. 3-5, at the Silver Dollar Fair Grounds. Crafts are highlighted. 345-9652.

Glorious Sounds of the Season Dec. 10-11, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 12, 2 p.m. at the Harlen Adams Theatre. Billed as the highlight of the season, Chico State’s Department of Music production includes the 200-voice Choral Union, the Faculty Handbell Ensemble, pianist John Milbauer, David Rothe on the Centennial Pipe Organ, soprano Ying Yeh and audience sing-alongs. 898-6333.

The Nutcracker, Dec. 9-11, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 11-12, 2 p.m. at Laxon Auditorium. An enchanting ballet bringing the holiday season alive. 898-6333.

Bidwell Mansion Christmas Story Hour. Dec. 12, 2-4 p.m. Storytelling with a holiday theme for the children. 895-6144

Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 11, 8 a.m.-11 a.m. 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.

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. 15, 16, 17 and 22. Call 895-6144 for reservations; tickets are $5.

January

Of Mice and Men, Jan. 14-30. The Birdcage Theatre presents this drama by John Steinbeck. 533-2473.

Wintertime, Jan. 13-30. The Blue Room Theatre presents a comedy of broken chairs and mending hearts that brings to light imperfections and virtues that make love worthwhile. 895-3749.

Cinderella, Jan. 5-29. Presented by the Chico Theatre Company. 894- 3282.

Sixth-annual Snow Goose Festival, Jan. 28-30, at the Chico Masonic Family Center. Birdwatching and waterfowl tours take place, along with educational events. Call 891-5556 or visit www.sacrivertrust.org.

Peking Acrobats, Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m., at Laxson Auditorium. This group includes acrobats, jugglers, cyclists and tumblers—even 12 people on one bicycle. 898-6333.

Juilliard String Quartet, Jan. 27, 7:30 p.m. at Laxson Auditorium. Internationally renowned and admired for performances characterized by a clarity of structure, a beauty of sound, a purity of note and an extraordinary unanimity of purpose. 898-6333.

February

International Guitar Festival. Feb. 18 at the Paradise Performing Arts Center and Feb. 19 at Laxson Auditorium. Both shows start at 7:30 p.m. The sixth annual guitar festival, a benefit for KCHO/ KPFR radio, features Men of Steel. Performances by bluegrass superstar Dan Crary, Canada’s Don Ross, Italy’s Beppe Gambetta and Scotland’s Tony McManus. 898-6333

Nickel and Dimed, Feb. 4-21. A Blue Room production of a journalist who goes undercover to explore American life at minimum wage and discovers that working as a waitress, chambermaid and Wal-Mart clerk is heartbreaking, hilarious and life-affirming. 895-3749.

The Boyfriend, Feb. 18-March 12. Presented by the Chico Theater Company. 892-3282.

Private Lives, Feb. 25- March 13. A comedy by Noel Coward. Presented by the Birdcage Theatre. 533-2473.

Italia Romantico, Feb. 10, 6 p.m. at Bell Memorial Union. A valentine celebration of the tastes, culture and sounds of Italy in America. A romantic evening of food, wine and music. 898-6333.

23nd Annual Durham Almond Blossom Run, Feb. 21, 9 a.m. Includes 5K and 10K races and 5K walk, leaving from Durham High School. 895-8484.

Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem, Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m. in Laxson Auditorium. Gorgeous four-part harmony, hot fiddle and affinity for good-time music has rocketed Rani Arbo and Daisey Mayhem to bluegrass fame. 898-6333.

Nanci Griffith, Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. at Laxson Auditorium. A talented performer whose songs have earned her an international following. She has played at Carnegie Hall, The London Palladium and the Strawberry Music Festival. 898-6333.

March

Something Wicked This Way Comes, March 2-5, 7:30 p.m. and March 6 at 2 p.m. at Laxson Auditorium. Adapted from Ray Bradbury’s famous science fiction novel, this production promises to have the audience on the edge of their seat. 898-6333.

Twelfth Night, March 1, 7:30 p.m. at Laxon Auditiorium. A Shakespearean classic with a contemporary take featuring shipwrecks, duels, love, jealousy, disguises, suspicion and ultimate reconciliation. 898-6333.

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

Richard III, March10-27. Presented by the Blue Room Theatre. Shakespeare’s evil portrayal of the ruthless younger brother of the newly crowned King Edward who will stop at nothing to claim the throne for himself. 895-3749.

North State Symphony: Fire, Passion, & Delight, March 6, 2 p.m. at Laxson Auditorium. A romantic performance combined with Tomasi’s trumpet concerto. 898-6333.

Annual Antique Bottle & Collectibles Show, March 11-12, 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 19-20 at the Silver Dollar Fair Grounds. 540-5664.