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Downtown Chico

Downtown Chico is the city's shopping, dining and cultural center, with the City Plaza at its heart. The Downtown Chico Business Association publishes an eleven-block Historic Walking Tour that starts at 5th and Main Streets. The plaza hosts concerts, art shows, festivals and the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Checked October 29, 2026 on the operator’s own pages.

In Chico

Eleven blocksWalking tour
About an hourTour time
2006Plaza renovated
Dedicated 1911Municipal Building
Downtown Chico

Key Facts

  • The City Plaza has a performance area, a water feature, landscaping and a veteran's memorial.[2]
  • A large Blue Atlas Cedar at the center of the plaza is used for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting.[2]
  • The City Plaza was part of the plan laid out by John Bidwell in the 1860s.[5]
  • The plaza's old elm trees were removed when the park was renovated in 2006.[5]
  • The Plaza hosts free concerts on Friday evenings during the summer.[5]
  • The Historic Walking Tour is an eleven-block walk that could be completed in about an hour, with four optional detours.[5]
  • The Old Chico Municipal Building on the tour was dedicated in 1911 and built at a cost of $55,000.[5]
  • Theaters and event venues listed downtown include the El Rey Theater, Laxson Auditorium, Pageant Theatre and The Senator Theater.[6]
  • B-Line, Butte County's regional transit system, serves the Transportation Hub at 2nd and Salem streets.[4]
  • ARTober FEST runs October 1-31, 2026, with times varying per event.[1]
  • Treat Street is on Friday, October 30, 2026, 2:00PM-6:00PM.[1]
  • Christmas Preview is on Sunday, November 22, 2026, 4:00-8:00 p.m.[3]

Areas Inside Downtown Chico

  • City Plaza

    At the heart of Downtown Chico, the City Plaza holds year round events, festivals, concerts and art shows.[2]

  • Children's Park

    Children's Park is listed with the City Plaza as a downtown park with a kids playground.[3]

  • Old Chico Municipal Building

    Renovated in 2008-9, it now houses the Chico Chamber of Commerce and offices of the Chico Heritage Association and Butte County Historical Society.[5]

Plan Your Visit

WhatAs the operator states it
Run byDowntown Chico Business Association (City Plaza reservations: City of Chico Park Division)
Drive from ChicoIn Chico
ParkingSmart meters take credit cards in the downtown core, smart lots have pay stations, coin meters remain in less trafficked areas, and unmetered areas on the outskirts offer free parking.[4]
AccessibilityAccessible sidewalks, crosswalks and parking are available, and accessible parking spaces and public transportation are available at no charge.[4]
ReservationsTo reserve the City Plaza, contact the City of Chico Park Division at (530) 896-7800 or 965 Fir Street.[7]
PhoneDowntown Chico Business Association (530) 345-6500[1]
Official pageDowntown Chico Business Association (City Plaza reservations: City of Chico Park Division)

Not confirmedThe official pages we read do not publish hours, fees, dogs, restrooms for this place.

Map of Downtown Chico

The pin is approximate, placed from the address or place name. © OpenStreetMap contributors. Directions

What We Could Not Verify

These items were not on an official page we could open on October 29, 2026, or two official pages disagree. Check with the operator before you rely on them.

  • Not confirmedThursday Night Market (not stated on the DCBA pages read)
  • Not confirmedParking rates
  • Not confirmedCity Plaza street address

More in Chico

All of ChicoBidwell ParkChico State CampusGateway Science MuseumBidwell-Sacramento River State ParkChico History MuseumLaxson AuditoriumSilver Dollar FairgroundsAll Places

Coming Up in Chico

32 events are on our calendar for Chico from today on. 2 are listed as free by the organizer. This list rebuilds itself every day at midnight, Pacific time.

October 2026

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the Historic Walking Tour start?

The tour begins at the corner of 5th and Main Streets.[5]

Is parking free downtown?

The core uses smart meters and smart lots; unmetered areas on the outskirts offer free parking.[4]

How do I reserve the City Plaza?

Contact the City of Chico Park Division at (530) 896-7800 or in person at 965 Fir Street for an application.[7]

Sources

  1. Downtown Chico, CA | Official Downtown Chico Website, Downtown Chico Business Association. Read October 29, 2026.
  2. City Plaza, Downtown Chico Business Association. Read October 29, 2026.
  3. City Plaza and Parks, Downtown Chico Business Association. Read October 29, 2026.
  4. Getting To & Around Downtown Chico, Downtown Chico Business Association. Read October 29, 2026.
  5. Historic Walking Tour, Downtown Chico Business Association. Read October 29, 2026.
  6. Theaters & Event Venues in Downtown Chico, Downtown Chico Business Association. Read October 29, 2026.
  7. Park Reservation & Donation, City of Chico. Read October 29, 2026.

Cite this page: “Downtown Chico.” It’s Chico, checked October 29, 2026. https://itschico.com/chico/downtown-chico/