CARD invites you to gather your friends and family and hop aboard the Polar Express at the Chico Ice Rink on Thursday, December 18th from 6–8 PM. Guests can enjoy a festive and fun Polar Express themed night of ice skating, free hot chocolate, crafts, live music by local musician Aidan Littrell, a photo booth, and exciting rides around the rink on a trackless train.

CARD invites the community to celebrate Thanksgiving in a whole new way at The Gobble Games, taking place Thursday, November 20 from 4–8 PM at the Chico Ice Rink. Families and community members are invited to enjoy a festive afternoon and evening filled with ice skating, turkey-themed relay races, crafts, live music, and the first-ever Turkey Bowl.

CARD announces the return of the Chico Ice Rink to Downtown Chico for the 2025-26 season. The rink opens Friday, November 14 at 3 PM and will operate daily through January 4. Tickets are now on sale at chicorec.gov/ice-rink-tickets.

CARD is bringing back Brunch with Santa this year and for the first time, it's happening over two days instead of one. Families can spend the morning with Santa on Saturday or Sunday, December 6 and 7, at the CARD Community Center.

Beginning November 1, the Downtown City Plaza will temporarily close as crews begin transforming the space into Chico’s coolest holiday tradition. The Chico Ice Rink will officially reopen on Thursday, November 14, 2025, welcoming skaters of all ages for another season of festive fun.

CARD invites the community to celebrate the Halloween season with a spooktacular evening under the stars at Movies in the Park on Friday, October 24th, at DeGarmo Park. This free family event will feature a special outdoor screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas—the beloved film that brings Halloween and Christmas together in one magical tale.

For CARD instructor Mary Jo Brown, movement has always been a way of life. A lifelong dancer and retired special education teacher, Mary Jo has dedicated her second career to helping older adults stay active, strong, and socially connected through her class, Move & Feel Better: Gentle Fitness.

The Chico Ice Rink, a beloved centerpiece of downtown Chico’s holiday festivities, is returning this season and offering unique sponsorship opportunities for local businesses and organizations. Operating seven days a week from November through January, the rink draws thousands of visitors from Butte County and beyond, making it a powerful way to connect with the community.

CARD is proud to announce the launch of its Legacy Landmarks project, a new initiative dedicated to sharing the stories of the people whose passion, service, and vision shaped CARD operated parks, programs, and public spaces.

This October, families are invited to celebrate Halloween in a unique and memorable way at Pumpkin Splash, an annual event hosted by CARD. On Saturday, October 4, from 1–4 PM at the PV Pool, the pool will transform into a one-of-kind floating pumpkin patch, offering families the perfect blend of festive fall fun and refreshing poolside activities.

Grab your blankets, lawn chairs, and loved ones for a fun night under the stars at Movies in the Park! On Friday, September 12, CARD invites the community to Veterans Memorial Park for a free, family-friendly screening of Disney Pixar’s Inside Out 2.

A bold new chapter is about to begin for the Chico community. CARD is thrilled to invite the public to a momentous groundbreaking ceremony for the future Aquatics & Recreation Center — a transformational project that has been decades in the making. Join us Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 11:30 AM at 13365 Garner Lane to celebrate the start of something extraordinary.

CARD is thrilled to bring back one of Chico’s most beloved summer traditions — Movies in the Park! This free family event returns to DeGarmo Park on Friday, August 22, offering a magical night under the stars with food, music, games, and a showing of Wonka on the big screen.

CARD invites the community to beat the heat and celebrate the end of summer at the Nature Center Ice Cream Social, happening Saturday, August 16th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Chico Creek Nature Center in Bidwell Park. This free, family-friendly event offers a sweet blend of outdoor adventure, hands-on learning, and a delicious scoop of Shubert’s Ice Cream.

Get ready for a night of oceanic elegance and enchantment at Midnight Tides: A Night Beneath the Waves, a spectacular gala fundraiser hosted by CARD. Set for Friday, September 26th at 6 PM at the beautiful Lakeside Pavilion, this evening celebrates community spirit and raises funds for the future Aquatics & Recreation Center.

Get ready to ride! CARD, in partnership with Chico Velo, is thrilled to announce the official groundbreaking of the Chico Bike Park — a bold new adventure park designed for riders of all ages and skill levels. Join us for the celebration on Wednesday, July 16 at 9:30 AM at the park’s future home on Humboldt Road, between Forest Avenue and Notre Dame Boulevard.

CARD is proud to announce three exceptional local youth as Grand Marshals of this year’s 4th of July Parade, taking place Friday, July 4th at 9:00 AM sharp in Downtown Chico.

The North Valley Community Foundation has joined with the Chico Area Recreation & Park District to form the CARD Foundation. The new foundation will allow residents and businesses to make tax-deductible donations for specific CARD projects and programs, such as a planned aquatics center.

Celebrate Independence Day in true Chico style at the 2nd Annual 4th of July Parade, hosted by CARD! This free, family-friendly event will take over Downtown Chico on Friday, July 4 starting at 9:00 AM sharp, and promises a morning full of red, white, and blue fun for the entire community.

CARD is excited to announce new efforts to expand senior programming, beginning with the return of a beloved event: Senior Lakeside Lunch. This special gathering will be held on Wednesday, June 18th at 12:00 PM at Lakeside Pavilion, and promises an afternoon of delicious food, friendly faces, and lively fun.

CARD invites families to kick off Father’s Day weekend at Chapman Park with a brand-new celebration: the Father’s Day Weekend BBQ, happening Saturday, June 14th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

CARD is excited to offer over 100 unique summer camps this season—and there’s still time to sign up! With options for kids of all ages and interests, these camps are designed to create lifelong summer memories filled with adventure, creativity, and community. CARD is encouraging families to register soon and help fill every spot.

Time is running out to be part of one of Chico’s most exciting community traditions! The 2nd Annual 4th of July Parade is just around the corner, and the final day to sign up to participate is Friday, June 20. CARD is calling on businesses, organizations, and individuals of all kinds to come together and show off what makes Chico such a vibrant and diverse place to live.

CARD is preparing for summer with an exciting kickoff event and a full lineup of aquatics programming for all ages! The fun begins with our Dive-In Movie Night on Saturday, June 7, at Pleasant Valley Pool (PV Pool) featuring the high-flying adventure film Twisters!

Get ready for a tail-wagging good time at the annual K-9 Classic, happening Saturday, May 17, from 10 AM to 1 PM at DeGarmo Park. Hosted by CARD, this free event celebrates the special bond between dogs and their humans with a fun-filled day of activities, entertainment, and community spirit.

Grab a date, bring a friend, and grab your outdoor chair and join the Chico Area Recreation & Park District (CARD) for the debut of Movies in the Plaza—a new outdoor movie night designed with adults in mind. The event will take place on Friday, May 9, from 7–10 PM at City Plaza in Downtown Chico.

At the heart of CARD’s vibrant art and fantasy programs is Julian Lacombe, a passionate and imaginative instructor whose journey into teaching has been anything but ordinary. Since joining CARD in 2022, Julian has been inspiring students of all ages to explore their creativity through art and storytelling.

CARD is proud to announce a special community celebration honoring Chico’s iconic women’s fastpitch softball team, the Chico Peppers. On Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 2:00 PM, CARD will host the official dedication of Chico Peppers Field at Hooker Oak Park.

Treat the special moms in your life to an afternoon of elegance and relaxation at CARD’s Mother’s Day Tea Party on Sunday, May 4th, from 2–4 PM at the beautiful Creekside Rose Garden. Surrounded by over 200 vibrant roses in peak bloom and the peaceful sounds of the creek, this charming event offers a delightful way to celebrate and show appreciation for moms, grandmothers, and mother figures.

CARD is excited to announce that at a special meeting on April 3, 2025, the Board of Directors awarded the construction contract for the new state-of-the-art aquatic and recreation center to Slater & Son This milestone marks a significant step forward in bringing a much-anticipated community asset to Chico.

The Chico Creek Nature Center is thrilled to introduce its newest animal ambassador—Edgar, a stunning common raven! At just 1.5 years old, Edgar is already captivating visitors with his intelligence and striking presence.

The season of renewal is here, and with it comes the return of a beloved Chico tradition! Join CARD for the 62nd annual Spring Jamboree on Saturday, April 12th, from 10 AM to 1 PM at Caper Acres. This free community event offers a morning filled with festive activities, family fun, and a special visit from the Easter Bunny.

The Chico Area Recreation & Park District (CARD) is excited to offer a new flexible payment plan for summer camps, making it easier than ever for families to secure their child’s spot in a fun-filled summer of adventure, learning, and recreation.

Get ready to dance the night away at CARD’s Seas the Night Inclusive Prom, a free and memorable evening designed for teens and young adults with physical and intellectual differences. This special event will take place on Saturday, April 19th, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the CARD Community Center.

Get ready to celebrate Independence Day in true Chico fashion! CARD invites individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to be a part of the parade and showcase what makes our community so vibrant!

CARD is thrilled to share new developments in the planning process for the highly anticipated Henshaw Park. This 12.5-acre park, slated for development in 2025-2026, represents a significant investment in the community's recreation and outdoor spaces.

For Heidi Callister, dance fitness isn’t just about working out—it’s about finding joy, confidence, and community. Since joining CARD in January as a SHiNE Dance Fitness instructor, Heidi has been bringing her passion for movement to a growing group of enthusiastic participants.

Get ready to watch the sky fill with color as Chico’s beloved Kite Day returns on Sunday, March 23rd, from 12–3 PM at Community Park. This annual tradition invites families, friends, and kite enthusiasts of all ages to come together for a free, fun-filled day of soaring excitement, music, and community celebration. Plus, get your 2025 commemorative Kite Day button!

CARD is thrilled to announce that the construction bidding process for the highly anticipated CARD Aquatic & Recreation Facility is now open. This state-of-the-art facility is poised to transform aquatics and recreation in Chico, offering an unparalleled experience for residents and visitors alike.

Get ready, Chico! The most anticipated day of the year for summer fun is almost here—CARD’s summer camp registration officially opens on Tuesday, April 1st at 8:00 AM.

On Friday, January 31st at 4:00 PM, a special tribute will be held at Veterans Memorial Park to honor Claudine Rae Rushton and other local Rosie the Riveter veterans.

CARD is excited to announce the opening of lifeguard certification classes for the 2025 aquatics season. This is an exciting opportunity for anyone with a passion for swimming and outdoor activities to gain the skills and training necessary to make a lasting impact on our community.

CARD is thrilled to host a special groundbreaking ceremony to honor the significant contributions of the Chico Noon Rotary Club and The Arc of Butte County to the Rotary Centennial Neighborhood Park.