Summer vacation time might be winding down, but the opportunities for fun in Butte County are just beginning. August is that perfect, flexible time of year where you can either try to cram in every last bit of summer excitement or simply start catching up on your rest and relaxation before the school year resumes. Explore or decompress — there are no wrong answers here, and the Butte County area is full of opportunities to do both!
August Highlights: August in Butte County offers a dynamic mix of classic car shows, thrilling races, the timeless county fair, free outdoor movies, and refreshing escapes to cooler mountain recreation spots. Dive into adventure or unwind before fall arrives.
Experience the Shine: Classic Cars in Downtown Oroville
Hit the streets for the Show & Stroll in Downtown Oroville on Friday, August 15, 2025. This free event welcomes all ages to admire vintage cars and motorcycles lining Myers Street. Enjoy live music and special offerings from select participating downtown businesses.
It’s a perfect way to connect with local culture and enjoy a vibrant community gathering.
- What: Vintage car and motorcycle show with live music and local business specials.
- When: Friday, August 15, 2025
- Where: Myers Street, Downtown Oroville
- Cost: Free for all ages
Feel the Speed: Watch the Gold Cup Race of Champions
Racing fans have long flocked to Chico’s Silver Dollar Speedway for sprint car action on the quarter-mile oval, and the competition is at some of its fiercest during the Gold Cup Race of Champions.
Kicking off Wednesday, August 20, 2025, this multi-day racing event also includes a concert, glow party, and other fun events on top of the high-competition racing taking place all week. Get ready for adrenaline-pumping excitement and unforgettable moments.
- What: Multi-day sprint car racing event with concerts and parties.
- When: Kicking off Wednesday, August 20, 2025
- Where: Silver Dollar Speedway, Chico
- Highlights: High-competition racing, concert
Embrace Tradition: Have Fun at the Butte County Fair
What is summer without a trip to the county fair? Gridley hosts the annual Butte County Fair, a four-day, something-for-everyone event from August 21 – 24, 2025.
Affordable entry is a license to fill up a day with activity, from piglet racing, animal exhibits, and livestock judging to a range of rides spanning a spectrum of thrills.
And, of course, no county fair would be complete without a few culinary pleasures: funnel cake, hot dogs, Sno-Cones, and soft pretzels are all ready to help nail that essential late-summer county fair vibe.
It’s an authentic slice of local life for all ages.
- What: Annual county fair with exhibits, rides, and classic fair food
- When: August 21 – 24, 2025
- Where: Gridley
- Activities: Piglet racing, animal exhibits, livestock judging, thrill rides
- Food: Funnel cake, hot dogs, Sno-Cones, soft pretzels
Unwind Under the Stars: Enjoy a Free Movie in the Park
Grab a blanket or low-back chairs and get ready for Movies in the Park, a summer tradition hosted by the Chico Area Recreation and Park District (CARD).
In August, enjoy Wonka at DeGarmo Park on Saturday, August 22, 2025. It’s a perfect, relaxed evening for families and friends to enjoy the outdoors together.
- What: Free outdoor movie screening
- When: Saturday, August 22, 2025
- Where: DeGarmo Park
- Movie: Wonka
- Bring: Blanket or low-back chairs

Seek Cooler Escapes: Recreate in Butte Meadows
In the summertime, heading up Highway 32 to Butte Meadows can yield opportunities for fishing, hiking, and camping without the intense heat that comes so naturally in the valley.
Just outside of Forest Ranch up the Deer Creek Highway, the creek itself offers a multitude of shaded fishing and swimming spots. Overlooking the canyon, the ecological reserve and, closer to Chico, Upper Bidwell Park, the drive itself is a breathtaking one.
With a stop in Butte Meadows, it’s almost a rite of passage to visit The Bambi Inn. It’s pretty much always open, whether for overnight visitors, hungry passers-through, or locals connecting with their community.
Discover a refreshing natural escape perfect for active outdoor enthusiasts or those simply looking to unwind.
- What: Mountain recreation area for fishing, hiking, and camping
- Where: Butte Meadows (accessible via Highway 32)
- Activities: Fishing, hiking, camping, swimming in Deer Creek
- Local Spot: The Bambi Inn (for food, drinks, and lodging)

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly way to spend a leisurely afternoon or if you’ve got exploration in mind, you’ve got plenty of creative options this month.