Chico, California, is a special little place. 

This unique city is located in the northern Sacramento Valley, approximately 90 miles north of our great state’s capital. Chico is home to a vibrant community and is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Founded in 1860 by John Bidwell, the “City of Trees,” as Chico is known, is a staple of Northern Californian culture and hosts many community events that promote cultural enrichment and community pride. 

One of these events is the Thursday Night Market.

Organized by the Downtown Chico Business Association (DCBA), the Thursday Night Market transforms downtown Chico into a bustling, vibrant marketplace every Thursday evening. 

Running from late April through mid-September, the market takes place every Thursday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Broadway Street between 2nd and 4th Streets, including adjacent side streets and the City Plaza. 

The market features dozens of vendors offering farm-fresh produce, handmade crafts, and a variety of food trucks serving diverse cuisines. 

Beyond this, the Thursday Night Market also has live entertainment, and activities for children, and the many local businesses around downtown are open during the market. 

The Thursday Night Market fosters a unique sense of community. It brings people together in a shared space and offers opportunities for social interactions that help build stronger community bonds.

 For many, the Thursday Night Market has become a place to hang out with friends and enjoy a variety of different activities together.

The market also has a significant economic impact within Chico, providing a platform for local farmers, artisans, and small businesses to sell their products directly to consumers. 

This keeps money within the community, helps support small businesses, and gives extra exposure to vendors who see the farmers market as an opportunity to grow their customer base.

Well-organized events such as the Thursday Night Market are what makes Chico different.

 It’s more than just a place to buy goods; it’s a place to connect with your community, socialize with friends, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of our amazing town. 

Chico is a town with a strong historical heritage, with several landmarks and museums, but it’s events like the Thursday Night Market that make our little town special. It’s getting to listen to live music at the plaza, eating a shrimp taco from Los Betos, and thrifting a cool jersey from a local vendor. These are the things that make Chico truly unique.

So whether you’re enjoying the live music, savoring the delicious food, or discovering unique local vendors and their handmade crafts, the Thursday Night Market is truly a special place to be. 

Come out and see why the Thursday Night Market is truly a Chico gem, every Thursday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM downtown.