A vibrant, expressive life begins with arts, culture and heritage. Butte County offers not only its natural beauty but opportunities to experience world-class cultural experiences in small intimate settings. Explore our area against a rich cultural backdrop.

Music

Local performances are supplemented by regular visits from nationally-touring musicians.

CSU, Chico (Performing Arts, University Events)
Community Band, Oroville 
Paradise Symphony, Paradise
Various local bands, throughout county

Dance

CSU, Chico (Performing Arts)
Creative Arts Center, Oroville 

Theater

In addition to the diverse theatrical productions staged by CSU, Chico, which range from traditional musicals to contemporary plays, there are several long-standing theater companies in Chico, Oroville, and Paradise, each producing several plays per year.

CSU, Chico (Performing Arts, University Events)
Blue Room Theater, Chico
Chico Theater Company
Theater on the Ridge, Paradise
Historic State Theater, Oroville
Birdcage Theater, Oroville

Galleries/Museums

Butte County has a rich historical heritage and an active art community as well. There are well over 20 galleries, museums and historical homes in the county. Among the most notable are the world-renowned glass studio of Orient & Flume; an authentic Chinese Temple listed on the Historic Register; and the National Yo-Yo Museum. Numerous murals grace the walls of Oroville and Chico buildings, and the Chico Art Center hosts an annual Open Studios tour.

Orient & Flume Glass, Chico
Chinese Temple, Oroville
Bidwell Mansion, Chico
C.F. Lott Home, Oroville
Butte County Historical Society Museum
Butte County Pioneer Museum
Cherokee Museum
Chico Creek Nature Center
Chico Museum
Gateway Science Museum-CSU, Chico
Gold Nugget Museum
Gold Trader Flat & Yuba-Feather Historical Museum
Janet Turner Print Museum
Museum of Anthropology
National Yo Yo Museum
Bolt's Antique Tool Museum
Feather River Nature Center 
Stansbury Home
Chico Air Museum
Colman Museum/Centerville School House 
Patrick Ranch Museum

Public Libraries

Butte County Library
(Branches in Biggs, Chico, Durham, Gridley, Oroville, Paradise)