5 Days to Go! The Festival for Democracy is Almost HERE!

What have we been up to? A lot, actually!

We’ve been working tirelessly behind the scenes to make a festival in the City Plaza a reality. Thanks to your unwavering support, it is officially happening!

From the bottom of our hearts at Indivisible Chico: Thank you. This event is a massive, crowdfunded effort where individuals and local groups have truly stepped up.

The Reality of the "Public Square" 

The sad reality is for Chico citizens to exercise our First Amendment rights in the heart of our city, it has already cost over $5,000.00. Every cent was donated by neighbors who want to speak and be heard as a group. We’ve been working diligently for over a month, often having to stay quieter than we liked while waiting for final city approvals to clear.

We have been in daily contact with the City to secure permits and coordinate with partners like the Chico Peace Alliance, the Re-Sisters, and the Veterans Action Group to ensure a safe, peaceful, and accessible Day of Action—one of over 3,000 events happening worldwide!

The Game Plan: A Music Festival for Democracy

We are commemorating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by celebrating the very freedoms that make this our home. Stand up and be counted here if you plan to attend with us!

Why a music festival?

1. The First Amendment should be proudly celebrated.  Freedom of speech is important & is under threat in our nation. 

2. Music and art unite us. They have brought people together since the beginning of time, and our colorful country is no exception.

3. Together, We the People keep kings at bay. We’ve kept  kings away for nearly 250 years—we aren't breaking that streak now.

The Details

• When: Saturday, March 28th | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

• Where: Chico City Plaza

• Volunteers Needed: The more, the merrier! Sign up to help here!

What to Expect: 

Beyond the music, we are hosting a true "Public Square" featuring:

• Artivism Tables: Supplies for all ages to make their voices heard.

• Information Hubs: Connect with local non-profits and advocacy groups, and maybe even political candidates*.

• Food & Local Shops: Support our local economy with food trucks and vendors.

• Raffle Alert: We’re raffling off a stunning Orient & Flume vase! (Kindly donated for the cause!)

The Live Music Lineup: 

Three incredible local bands are volunteering their time to power the Plaza: 

• California Moonshine 

• Electric Spaghetti Machine 

• Debajito

Wait, why the asterisk (*) on political candidates?

The No Kings Alliance has a clear national rule: To avoid the appearance of electioneering, anyone actively campaigning is not permitted to speak on stage this round.

However, it’s still a free country! We have invited every CA District 1 candidate we could reach to set up a booth, mingle with the crowd, and answer your questions. We want our elected representatives to know exactly who they represent.

Get Involved

We need volunteers! There are requirements for hard road closures, sanitation, and safety that we will need your help with. If you have time to spare as a safety monitor, or would like to donate garbage cans to the cause, or pick up trash when the event is over, we will need the community’s help to get it all done. Drop us an email or sign up to help here!

Prepare for a Peaceful, Fun Music Festival!

To make sure everyone has a safe and powerful experience at City Plaza this Saturday, here’s a quick guide on what to bring and what to expect:

• Bring a friend! Democracy is better with neighbors

• Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be on your feet in the Plaza and there’s a march or two in our area that you could participate in on the way there. Please do so safely and comfortably.

• Stay Hydrated: While we have food trucks and local shops nearby, bring a reusable water bottle. We’ll have a designated water refill station at the Volunteer Hub.

• Bring Your Signs: This is a celebration of the First Amendment! Hand-held signs, banners, and "Artivism" are highly encouraged. (Please avoid wooden or metal stakes for safety in the crowd).

• Masks are Welcome: To keep our diverse community healthy, masks are encouraged—especially in high-density areas near the stage.

• Bring Cash/Digital Pay: Don't miss out on those Orient & Flume raffle tickets or the delicious local food truck offerings!

• Sun & Rain Prep: Check the forecast! It will likely be warm. Bring your sunscreen. The festival is Rain or Shine.

• Ride Your Bike: Parking will be tight and traffic will be weird with the street closures on Broadway and 4th. We recommend a family bike ride or public transit.

• Furry Friends: If you bring a dog, please keep them on a short leash and be mindful that the music and crowds can be loud for sensitive ears.

A Quick Note on Safety & Conduct

This is a PEACEFUL, CIVIL engagement event. Our volunteer monitors in the bright vests will be roaming the Plaza to assist with crowd flow and safety. If you see something that needs attention, please flag one of them down.

We are here to celebrate our rights and our community. Let’s keep the energy high and the vibes respectful!

A City-Wide Movement

The festival is the destination, but the movement starts early! Our partners at the Re-Sisters and Chico Peace Alliance are holding marches from various locations along the Esplanade, all converging near the "Our Hands" sculpture by City Chambers before heading to the Plaza.

Not in Chico? No Kings Day of Action events are popping up from Redding to Sacramento, and Gridley to Red Bluff. We have friends everywhere.

See you in the Plaza—let’s make history!

In solidarity,

The Indivisible Chico Team