Looking for things to do in Chico that go beyond the usual Saturday night? On Sept. 19, Laxson Auditorium is turning one night into two experiences: a retro prom-inspired party outside followed by an unpredictable night of live storytelling, music and plenty of surprises inside.
Bonfire Storytelling: Big Night Out Part III—Dance! Dance! Dance! takes over Laxson Auditorium Saturday, Sept. 19, at 7:30 p.m. But this is one night you’ll want to arrive early.
Start With a Retro Prom Party on the Patio
Beginning at 6 p.m., Party on the Patio kicks off the evening outside Laxson Auditorium with music, local food trucks, drinks and dancing.
This time, we’re going retro prom.
Pull out the ruffles, sequins, shoulder pads, skinny ties, powder-blue suits or whatever makes you feel ready to hit the dance floor. Retro prom attire isn’t required, but if you’ve been waiting for an excuse to give your old formalwear another night out, this is it.
Local personalities Tim Buc Moore and Vianna Boring will help get the party started. Tim is a longtime Chico radio personality and host on 106.7 Z-Rock, while Vianna brings a deep background in music and the arts to the patio.
Bring a black shirt to screenprint a souvenir with Pedal Press for the perfect memento of the night.
And make sure the learn to dance for the FLASH MOB that will take place at the end of the show.
Come hungry, grab something from a local food truck, get a drink and hit the dance floor before heading inside.
Then the Stories Begin
At 7:30 p.m., Bonfire takes the party into Laxson Auditorium for its third multigenerational story slam.
Hosted by Bonnie Pipkin and Denver Nash, Dance! Dance! Dance! invites audience members to put their names in the hat for the chance to take the Laxson stage and tell a five-minute true story inspired by dance.
Slow dances. Dance-offs. Dance disasters. The song you still remember. The moves you wish everyone else would forget.
You never quite know where the night will go.
There will be judges, cash prizes and a live house band led by Heather Leveroni, with plenty of surprises along the way. You can put your name in the hat or simply sit back and watch it all unfold.
Your Saturday Night Plans Are Made
If you’re searching for a date night in Chico, a night out with friends or simply a Chico event that’s genuinely different, make this one a Big Night Out.
Start with a retro prom party under the Chico evening sky. Dance. Eat. Drink. Then head into Laxson for a show where the people sitting beside you might just end up onstage.
Party on the Patio: 6 p.m.
Bonfire Storytelling: Big Night Out Part III—Dance! Dance! Dance!: 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 19
Laxson Auditorium at Chico State