Spring and summer highlights

Throughout the season

Farmers’ Market
Local growers put on weekly produce sales on Saturdays year-round from 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the parking lot at Second and Wall streets. 893-FARM.

Thursday Night Market
This popular street market is sponsored by the Downtown Chico Business Association and includes free entertainment along with the produce and other goods for sale. It runs from 6 to 9 p.m. through Sept. 28.

Concerts in the Park
Chico’s Children’s Park downtown fills with music on select summer evenings. On Fridays, the host is the DCBA (345-6500), with everything from oldies to jazz to world music. And on Tuesday nights, the Music Revolution (321-8843 or votedna@shocking.com) focuses on rock, jam-band, punk and reggae for the young at heart.

Chico Force Basketball
The International Basketball League is in town, and the Chico team will begin league play on April 7. Home games will be at the Marsh Junior High and Chico High campuses. 895-9193; www.iblhoopsonline.com/teamChico.html

Chico Rooks Soccer
The Rooks compete in the 14-team National Premier Soccer League and host home games at Chico State’s University Soccer Stadium on some Saturdays and Sundays April through July. The team also runs summer youth soccer camps. 343-7665.

Chico Outlaws Baseball
Chico’s professional baseball team looks to put runs on the board and bottoms in the bleachers at its home field, Nettleton Stadium. The season starts June 2 and continues until the end of August. Visit www.ChicoOutlawsbaseball.com to buy tickets. 345-3210.

Silver Dollar Speedway
Races are held most Friday nights, and summer events include the Golden State Challenge Series. 891-6535.

Chico Museum
Come visit the Chico Museum for the “Walk in the Woods,” running from April to the end of the year. Enjoy the forestry, Chico-area trees and special presentations. 891-4336.

Chico Air Museum
Located at the Chico Municipal Airport, the museum features both an outdoor display area and indoor facility. Open Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 345-6468

Chico Community Observatory
Chico Community Observatory is open to the public Thursday through Sunday from sunset to three hours after sunset. The observatory is located in Upper Bidwell Park near the Horseshoe Lake parking lot. 343-5635. www.chicoobservatory.com

April

Only Kidding
Through May 27. Get the men and bring the beer for this hilarious and poignant all-male play about the plight of the comedian. Strong-language advisory. Tickets are $15 in advance. Dinner and theater tickets are also available. Chico Cabaret, 895-0245.

She Loves Me
Through May 6, Thurs.-Sat. at 7:30 p.m. Two feuding clerks in a European parfumerie during the 㤦s secretly find solace in their anonymous romantic pen pals, little knowing they are writing to each other. Reserve tickets at www.chicotheatercompany.com.

Wildflower Century Bike Race
April 30. This is an annual trek through scenic Butte County, in the Wildflower 100, 65 and Childflower 20. Plus, 30-mile and 60-mile Flatflower routes. National publications have named it one of the top 10 rides. 343-8356. www.chicovelo.org.

May

Spring Musical
42nd Street. May 3-6, 7:30 p.m., May 7, 2 p.m. Laxson Auditorium. Tickets available at Chico State’s University Box Office, 898-6333.

Bright Ideas
May 4-21. In the competitive world of coloring books and building blocks, some parents will kill to get their kids into the best school in town. Literally. Macbeth meets Macparenting in this deliciously dark comedy. Contact the Blue Room Theatre. Tickets: 589-1278.

Agnes of God
May 5-6, 12-14, 19-21. The Birdcage in Oroville presents Agnes of God. Information: 533-BIRD.

2006 Chico Bodybuilding and Figure Contest
May 6. BMU Auditorium on the CSU Chico campus. Pre-judging begins at 11 a.m. Admission is $8. Finals begin at 6 p.m. Admission is $12. All seats are general admission, and the doors open at 5:30 p.m. for the finals. For contest and ticket information call Neff Haskell at 342-3493.

23rd Annual St. John’s Garden Tour
May 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. View four or five lovely gardens and enjoy a delicious lunch 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Plant boutique opens at 10:30 for ticket holders. 894-1971.

Endangered Species Faire
May 6 from 10-4 in Bidwell Park’s Cedar Grove. Hosted by the Butte Environmental Council, the oldest environmental fair in Northern California is in its 27th year. It will feature interactive booths created by schools, nonprofits and government agencies. Animals, music, clowns, puppets, crafts, clothing, food and more will be on hand. The theme is “Hidden Waters in Danger?” 891-6424.

Chico Artisans’ Faire
May 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Chico Municipal Center parking lot. More than 50 craft vendors sell their wares amid live music and a parade. The 35th annual event. 345-9652.

Feather Fiesta Days
May 6-May 13. It’s a series of events—from a parade to a chili cook-off—remembering Gold Rush times. For more info call Oroville Chamber of Commerce at 538-2542 or Freda Flint at 534-7690.

Pioneer Days Parade
May 6, 10 a.m.-noon. A downtown procession and competition of floats celebrating Chico’s array of backgrounds, beliefs and people. Pick up applications at the Chico Chamber of Commerce, Pullins Cyclery or Diamond W Western Wear. Return applications to the Chamber. For information contact Richard Elsom at 891-8294.

Chico Family Fun Day
May 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The fifth annual event at East 20th Street Community Park, with performance art, activities, live entertainment, food, raffle prizes, dancers, magicians and more. Admission is free. 898-5527, www.chicofamilyfunday.com.

Paradise Chocolate Fest
May11-13. The Boys & Girls Club of the North Valley host this three-day chocolate extravaganza, featuring Chocolate Candy Land, ice cream sundaes, a cake walk, pie eating, craft and food booths, children’s games, music and more. 872-3662 0r 899-0335.

North State Symphony
May 14, 2 p.m. The final performance of the school-year—the Choral Symphony. Laxson Auditorium. Tickets available at Chico State’s University Box Office, 898-6333.

Don’t Dress for Dinner
May 18-June 10. Theatre on the Ridge, 877-5760.

Red Suspenders Day Celebration
May 20. Takes place for the 43rd year in Gridley’s Daddow and Rotary Parks with a pancake breakfast, entertainment, crafts, bed races, pony rides and a petting zoo as part of this year’s theme of “Treasures of Gridley.” 846-3142.

Taste of Tehama Microbrew Festival
May 20. 3-7 p.m. The Tehama Farm Bureau and Tuscan Brewery present the Second Annual Taste of Tehama Microbrew Festival at the Tehama County Fairgrounds in Red Bluff. In addition to a sumptuous sampling of the suds, the event features wine, food and live music. Tickets are $25, with the proceeds going to benefit youth activities and scholarships. 527-7882.

Silver Dollar Fair
May 24-29. Chico’s annual community fair at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds features exhibits, livestock, the rodeo, a carnival midway, auto races and concert talent. 895-4666.

Jukebox Saturday Night
May 27. Paradise Performing Arts Center, 777 Nunneley Rd. Tickets range from $15 for adults to $7 for children/students. Info: 872-8454.

June

Fresh Ink
June 1-10. Don’t touch that script; you might smear the ink! Four plays written and rehearsed in one week presented by the Blue Room Theatre. 895-3749.

Cheaper by the Dozen
June 2-24, Thurs.-Sat. at 7:30 p.m. Matinee on June 18 at 2 p.m. A pioneer in industrial efficiency, Father applies his methods to his family of 12. The results are embarrassing, funny and effective! Chico Theater Company. Reserve tickets at www.chicotheatercompany.com. 894-3282.

Honey Run Covered Bridge Pancake Breakfast
June 4, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. A fun, historic event. 891-1838.

Centerville 49er Day Faire
June 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The 38th Annual Old School House & Museum Benefit celebrates the 1890s with a mountain men’s camp, gold panning, spin yard, a tour of California’s oldest working powerhouse and much, much more. 13548 Centerville Road, Chico. 898-9667.

Sixth Annual Wine Tasting Extravaganza
June 4 from 2-5 p.m. The ARC of Butte County presents a variety of vintages from leading California wineries and a sampling of savory delights from the top local chefs at this food and wine pairing held at the Park Tower Pavilion. For tickets and details call 891-5865.

Forever Plaid
June 8-July 15. One of the most popular and successful musicals in recent memory, this deliciously goofy revue centers on four young, eager male singers killed in a car crash in the 1950s on the way to their first big concert, and now miraculously revived for the posthumous chance to fulfill their dreams and perform the show that never was. Chico Cabaret, 895-0245.

Micro Brew Fest 2006
June 10. The 11th annual Micro Brew Fest, with plenty of tasting opportunities, will be held at Manzanita Place (the Chico Elks Lodge). Tickets available at the Home Brew Shop, Diamond W Western Wear, Sierra Nevada Brewery and The Black Crow. For dates call 342-3768.

Cruisin’ Paradise
June 10. It’s back to the 1950s for a weekend of rock ’n’ roll, car shows and barbecue held in the parking area of the Senior Center and the Performing Arts Center on Nunneley Road. Contact the Paradise Chamber for more info 877-9356.

Threshing Bee and Antique Equipment Show
June 10-11. This annual event is hosted by Chico Museum at Patrick Ranch’s 28 acres on The Midway. See antique farm equipment, enjoy food and see living history as a threshing bee is re-enacted before an expected 3,000 people.

Shakespeare in the Park
June 21-July 2. The Mummy’s Melody opens the 18th season in Bidwell Park’s Cedar Grove. Call Ensemble Theatre of Chico at 891-1382.

44th Annual Industrial Barbecue
June 22. A special event highlighting a local area of business, with food and information booths. 891-5556.

Native American Pow Wow
June 24-25. Chico Pow Wow 2005 Sober Nations will be held at 20th Street Dr. Martin Luther King Park. Members of different tribes will attend, with dancing and drumming competitions, plus crafts, a health fair, a Circle of Healing and Indian fry bread. Admission and parking are free. 898-8516.

Chico Rancho Days Parade of Lights
June 24 at 8:30 p.m. Downtown lights parade.

July

Fourth of July celebration
The 41st annual celebration at One-Mile Recreation Area in Bidwell Park. 343-6055.

Racing and Fireworks
July 4. Racing starts at 6 p.m. at Silver Dollar Speedway, with fireworks to follow.

Fireworks over Lake Oroville
July 4. The name says it all. 538-2542.

Shakespeare in the Park
July 12-22. Shakespeare’s The Tempest, presented in Bidwell Park’s Cedar Grove. Call Ensemble Theatre of Chico at 891-1382.

A Night at the Sands
July 14-Aug. 12. Thurs.-Sat. at 7:30 p.m. Matinees on July 30 and August 8 at 2 p.m. Travel back to the early 㥄s and enjoy an evening filled with some of the best music ever written and performed. Chico Theater Company. Reserve tickets at www.chicotheatercompany.com. 894-3282.

A Slice of Chico
July 15 is when sidewalk-sale shopping meets free watermelon courtesy of downtown merchants. Downtown Chico. 345-6500.

Best of Broadway
July 21-Aug. 20. What else needs to be said? Chico Cabaret, 895-0245.

Shakespeare in the Park
July 26-Aug. 5 The Jungle Book caps off the company’s 18th season in Bidwell Park’s Cedar Grove. Call Ensemble Theatre of Chico at 891-1382.

August

Butte County Fair
Aug. 23-27 at the Butte County Fairgrounds in Gridley, brings a good-time country fair with a rodeo, booths, carnival, entertainment, destruction derby, Butte County Queen pageant, livestock and agriculture-themed events. 846-3626.

September

Twain Miners Fair and Old West Celebration
Sept. 2-3 in the Feather River Canyon on Highway 70 at Twain, Calif. This trip back to the Gold Rush era includes music, crafts, mining activities and more. History displays range from the gunslingers to the Native Americans. 283-2130.

53rd Annual Gold Cup Race of Champions
Sept. 6-9. The traveling World of Outlaws will race for a $50,000 first prize. www.johnpadjenmotorsports.com/silver_dollar/. 891-6535.

A Taste of Chico
Sept. 10, is the annual opportunity to sample the fare-food, microbrews and wines-offered by a variety of Chico’s restaurants and businesses. 345-6500.

Diamond W National Bull Riding Championship
Sept. 15-16 Diamond W Western Wear presents the annual National Bull Riding Championship Finals at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds. 891-1650.

Durham Harvest Festival
Sept. 17. Local produce is the focal point of this event at Durham Community Park, which also includes a car show, steam engines and crafts. 891-4821 ext. 106.

Pastels on the Plaza
Sept. 9, brightens up the Downtown City Plaza for charity, courtesy of the Parent Education Network. 893-0391.

Salmon Festival
Sept. 23, at the Feather River Fish Hatchery and Nature Center. A multicultural event. 538-2542.

October

Blithe Spirit
Oct. 6-28. Thurs.-Sat. at 7:30 p.m. Matinee on Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. An outrageously funny farce written by Noel Coward. While doing research for a book, Charles conjures up the spirit of his first wife, which does not sit well with his second wife. Chico Theater Company. Reserve tickets at www.chicotheatercompany.com. 894-3282.

Book Family Farm Harvest Festival
Through Oct. 31. The Harvest Festival at Book Family Farm, just off Highway 99 about 10 minutes south of Chico, is an annual tradition for many families. You can pick your own pumpkins, enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride, got lost in a hay or corn maze, see farm animals, listen to live music and check out the scarecrow competition. 893-3193.

Halloween
Treat Street, the annual downtown Trick or Treat, is from 2-5 p.m. on Oct. 31. Many downtown businesses offer goodies to the kids and their adult chaperones. 345-6500. Other Oct. 31 activities include Cal Skate’s Halloween Carnival (343-1601) and trick-or-treating at the Chico Mall.