Explore Butte County This Fall

 

The lazy, hazy pace of summer in Butte County turns into autumn energy as Chico State students return, the temperature drops, and a myriad of fall events keep the region buzzing through October and November. From farm-to-table restaurants to you-pick family farm tours to blood-pumping outdoor activities; Butte County is happening this fall.

 

Farm To Fork

Sierra Oro Farm Trail is hosting its inaugural farm to fork dinner on October 15 at TJ Farms. Discover the flavors of our region as you enjoy a carefully curated menu that highlights the freshness and quality of our local harvest. From farm-fresh salads to succulent main courses, each dish will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

First held in 1888, Paradise’s Johnny Appleseed Days is the oldest harvest festival in the state! The 2023 fall festival, being held Saturday, October 7th and Sunday, October 8th, will celebrate their orchard heritage with apple pie and ice cream and anticipates a crowd of 5,000 over two days.

 

Halloween

Celebrate the season Pumpkin Picking at one of Butte County’s favorite pumpkin patches! See a complete list, dates and times here.

From kid-friendly to adults only, there’s a Halloween celebration for everyone in Butte County. Discover the right one for you in 2023.

Treat Street is a safe and fun adventure for children 12 and under. It’s simple: wear a costume, bring a parent and get ready to stroll Downtown Chico — Halloween style. Activities, entertainment and informational booths located in City Plaza.

Come celebrate the season with AutumnFest at Patrick Ranch! Enjoy different activities three weekends in October, including hay rides, a pumpkin patch, pony cart rides, children’s activities, Glenwood Farm House tours, a gift shop, and more!

 

Oktoberfest

Come decked out in your best German flair and celebrate Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 21 at Chic-O-Berfest 2023, an all-ages event celebrating the German tradition with festive music, beer, Oktoberfest games and food. Unique musical acts will perform party favorites, traditional Oompah music, and interactive Oktoberfest dances as well as comedy acts. Also enjoy brats, pretzels, brews, vendors, a Kid’s Zone, Oktoberfest games, and an adult playground of fun!

For all you lederhosen-clad and dirndl-sporting beer lovers, let’s Oktoberfest once again with steins raised high! The 2023 Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest Extravaganza spans two weekends culminating with a festive night in Festival Field for a German-inspired, Sierra Nevada Brewery celebration of craft beer, bountiful food, live music, and more. Dress your best and brush up on your Chicken Dance skills. Get all the details here.

 

Culture

The Museum of Northern California Art (monca) will be hosting again Stonewall Chico’s Annual Coming Out for Art (COFA) Show from October 11 to October 22, with the opening reception on Saturday, October 14th. Those Interested in volunteering should sign up here.

Mandala by Lobsang opens  at monca October 13. Losang Samten is an American Tibetan scholar, sand mandala artist, former Buddhist monk, and spiritual director of the Tibetan Buddhist Center of Philadelphia is coming to Chico again for his final visit. He is one of only an estimated 30 people worldwide qualified to teach the traditional art of Tibetan sandpainting.

Also coming up at monca is After Service: Veteran Art exhibition featuring original artwork created by U.S. military veterans, October 26 – December 17. For more information visit monca.org or contact Patricia Macias at pkmacias@comcast.net.

 

Local Wine & Spirits Tasting

 Sample the amazing bounty of Butte County every weekend in October with the Butte County Wine and Spirits Pass! Butte County Wineries and Distilleries Pass is a month-long harvest celebration. Set your own pace and enjoy the special offers and experiences Butte County award winning wineries and distilleries have to offer. (This is an Exchange of Paradise sponsored event helping youth and veterans programs plus the National Exchange Club Foundation).

On Friday, October 13, take an evening stroll through Downtown Chico for the Chico Art and Wine Walk. There, you’ll visit a number of signature receptions for the kick off to the month-long Art Walk, where downtown businesses host a local artist. Signature events will feature wine, beer, and cider tastings, a complimentary tasting glass, live music and the opportunity to meet your favorite artist! It is a fantastic opportunity to become acquainted with downtown culture, local art, and local artists. For all the details, visit Downtown Chico’s event page.

 

Get Outdoors

Experience a wonderful way for family and friends to gather and enjoy live music performed by talented bands at Oroville Fall Concerts in the Park  at the scenic Riverbend Park, Sunday afternoons, October 1  — October 29, with local vendors from 2:30 p.m. — 5:30 p.m. and live music from 3:30 p.m. — 5:30 p.m..

Take a Downtown Oroville Historic Walking Tour and step back in time and discover Oroville’s rich and racy history on the first Saturday of every month.  Downtown Oroville Historic Walking Tours are free to the public, but we encourage you to tip your guide if you are able. The tour changes monthly to cover different aspects of the city.

The Chico Concours d’Elegance, scheduled this year at the scenic Butte Creek Country Club on Saturday, Oct. 21, is Butte County’s premier annual car show. The Chico Concours features a full day of music, friendship, entertainment, and beautiful automobiles. With growing community support each year—and now the introduction of classic motorcycles—the Concours d’Elegance, started with niche appeal, has grown into a full-fledged tradition.

 

Happening at Forebay

Salmon Tour Down the Feather River is back. The life cycle of the Chinook “King” Salmon brings schools of fish to Oroville to spawn every fall. Kayak right alongside them on a salmon tour with the Forebay Aquatic Center!

Catch the sunset and watch the full moon rise over the Forebay with Full Moon Paddles! Join the Forebay Aquatic Center for a moonlight paddle Saturday, October 28 from approximately 6:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m. The night of the event, expect to meet 30 minutes before sunset and spend a total of 2 hours. Bring a light, bug repellent, and a sense of wonder!

 

Butte County News

The Hotel Diamond has a new eatery and bar. The local partnership of Amanda Crammer and Jeff Dudum crescendos with The Grill at Hotel Diamond, a new restaurant and lounge that already is adding a bit more magic to Downtown Chico.

 

ABOUT BUTTE COUNTY

Butte County is a place of natural beauty with countless opportunities for recreation in both rural and urban environments.  The County is committed to protecting and enhancing agriculture as the backbone of the local economy and contributes to the open-spaces that make Butte County a beautiful place to live and work.

Rising from the Sacramento River, its western boundary, to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, its eastern perimeter, Butte County’s elevation spans from 90 to 7,800 feet above sea level making the County geographically diverse.  The County encompasses 1,636 square miles of land with a population of 220,000 residents. The majority of Butte County residents live in one of the five incorporated towns or cities: Biggs, Chico, Gridley, Oroville or Paradise.

Note to editors: Photos of many of the businesses mentioned are available at Explore Butte County. If you need something else, let us know and we will do our best to get it for you.