Good morning, Chico.

Paradise Chocolate Fest returns Saturday, May 9 at Terry Ashe Park with chocolate samples, live music, art booths and eating contests.

The 21-year event has raised over $440,000 for youth programs including scholarships, sports uniforms and summer camps.

The Thursday Night Market continues this week in downtown Chico with an Outdoor Adventures themed expo featuring vendors that offer outdoor gear, guided experiences and travel opportunities to help you stay active.

Chico’s first Chick-fil-A restaurant, under construction on Forest Ave (between Walmart and Target), is delayed until fall due to weather and permit issues.

This weekend, Chico hosts numerous cultural events.

The free ART Festival runs today and tomorrow at St John’s Episcopal Church, while the El Rey Prevue fundraiser and live music at Woodstock’s Pizza promise local fun Friday night; additional concerts and shows continue through Sunday — inspiring creativity and community connection.

At the Willows Lamb Derby on May 7, Miranda was crowned Little Miss and Alanna was named Princess during the annual pageant.

On May 7, Chico City Plaza hosted a Cinco de Mayo celebration featuring booths and performances that drew a large crowd—photos by Vicki Tomatis capture the festive energy.

Chico State has chosen 'The AI Con: How to Fight Big Tech's Hype and Create the Future We Want' as its 2026-27 Book in Common, with a kick-off event on Tuesday, May 12 from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. in front of the Science Building; the authors will visit on April 7, 2027 for student discussions and a public lecture.

Senior Natalie Gonzalez will graduate from Chico State and has secured a full-time engineering position with Barry-Wehmiller Design Group in Roseville, crediting hands-on coursework, mentorship, and research opportunities for her success — a testament to the university's project-based approach.

Canvas was taken offline as a precaution following a cybersecurity breach at Instructure affecting Chico State and Butte College — campus IT is working to restore online services while advising students to email instructors and stay alert for scam emails.

Max — a new support dog trained by Ridgeside K9 Norcal — joins the Butte County Sheriff’s dispatch center to help staff manage stress and stay active during long shifts; officers say his presence boosts morale on high-stress days.

Caltrans crews will begin weekend work on the VP2 Road Rehabilitation Project Friday to pave, widen, and upgrade Highway 99 from southern Los Molinos to the Tehama/Butte County line.

Traffic control is set through Monday — delays should remain under 15 minutes as the $49.1 million project runs until fall.

An Enloe Health surgeon explained that diets often fail because the body slows metabolism + increases hunger hormones, and patients with a BMI of 35 or higher may consider bariatric surgery to help reset these responses.

Chico was named the best place to retire in California as a growing senior population boosts group travel demand.

Premier World Discovery expects more retirees to plan trips soon as travel interest increases.

Chico Sports Cards & Pokémon TCG Expo

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Chico — Ticket prices vary — Immerse yourself in the exciting worlds of sports cards and Pokémon TCG with fellow enthusiasts in a vibrant community atmosphere.

The Cedar Grove Scamper - 4 Mile Race

8-10 a.m. — Cedar Grove Picnic Area and Meadow — Check website for entry fee — Participate in a scenic 4-mile run featuring both Open and Master's Divisions.

Blü Egyptian at Sierra Nevada Big Room

6:00-9:30 p.m. — Sierra Nevada Big Room — Early access tickets available — Experience the energetic fusion of Rock, Funk, Reggae, Bluegrass, and Electronica from the acclaimed Blü Egyptian.

Music for Mental Health

4-8 p.m. — The Commons Social Empourium — Free entry — Enjoy live music while supporting mental health initiatives in the community.

Big Mo Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Barn at Meriam Park — Cost info not listed — Experience the energetic sounds of Big Mo and his big band in a charming Chico venue.