Category: Event Round-Up

Local Events In August

There’s nothing like summer in the Bay Area! Here are some fun events taking place near us in Walnut Creek, and further out for your enjoyment:

East Bay

Saint Mary’s College and the Alumni Association invite you to campus for an afternoon of wine and beer tasting, delicious appetizers, and fun! Proceeds from ticket sales and the silent auction support student scholarships at Saint Mary’s.

North Bay

Attendees of all ages are welcome to this free community event located at Drakes Beach. There are different sculpture competition categories, including Children (14 and under), Families, and Adults. Prizes will be awarded in each category and in a People’s Choice category. Bring a picnic and spend the day!

South Bay

Well-known for showcasing high-quality art, Palo Alto’s Festival of the Arts celebrates its 40th anniversary. Explore this beautiful venue and delight all senses with the festival’s diverse elements including sidewalk piano virtuosos, Italian Street Painting, hands-on kids’ art activities, delicious food selections, and alcoholic beverage varieties.

San Francisco

San Francisco’s oldest music festival is back! The final two shows feature Patti Smith with Bob Mould on Aug. 13th and The Big Picnic starring The Flaming Lips (with a Neon Indian DJ Set from Alan Palomo) on Aug. 20th. Don’t miss out on the 86th season of free music for all!

Huge names like Kendrick Lamar, Foo Fighters, Odesza, Lana Del Ray, The 1975, Megan Thee Stallion, Zedd, Janelle Monáe, and Maggie Rogers headline this annual three-day music festival in Golden Gate Park. It is the 15th anniversary of the festival and tickets are still available at this time.

School is back in session, but it is still summer so get out an enjoy it with some of these fun events.

Around The Bay This Weekend

I’m taking a week off from my normal Inspiration Saturday posts to share some local events around the Bay. The first four events happen THIS WEEKEND, so they are good for last-minute planning. One of the Walnut Creek events you can plan ahead for. Enjoy!

Peninsula

The 50th Annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival takes place this weekend after a two-year COVID hiatus. There will be food, drink, entertainment, and more!

San Francisco

World Arts West presents Dance in the Park, a free event at The Presidio from 12-5 p.m. today. You can bring a picnic and sit in the grass to enjoy dances from all over the world, including Egypt, China, and Mexico.

Marin

Bikes, beers, and bands? Sounds great! Biketoberfest in TBD connects all three, offering 35 bike exhibitors, 15 breweries, and much more. This event takes place today from 12-5 p.m. Buy tickets here!

East Bay

If you are around Walnut Creek, the city is hosting Oktoberfest tomorrow from 12-7 pm. I will be in attendance at Civic Park, soaking up the lederhosen & dirndls with a stein of beer in hand!

Also, Walnut Creek’s 3rd annual Trunk-or-Treat event takes place on Friday the 28th from 3-6 p.m. in Civic Park! Families can bring kids to trick or treat through vendor trunks, and take in some exciting booths along the way. Learn more.

Event Round-Up: Mar. 14, 2020

Spring has nearly sprung around Walnut Creek, and though I’m so excited for the Open Space to bloom, I am hoping we have a good amount of rain in March! This can be a great time of year to go exploring – here are some fun events to check out for the next few weeks in and around Walnut Creek.

The Real Irish Comedy Fest at the Lesher Center – Mar. 15 (Walnut Creek)

Join comedians and performers at the Lesher Center for a gut-busting Irish-themed comedy show before the official St. Patty’s Day celebrations take shape. Tickets as low as $25.

St. Patrick’s Day Bands and Corned Beef at Norm’s Place – Mar. 17 (Danville)

Live bands. Green beer. Guinness. And hundreds of pounds of corned beef and cabbage! It may not smell great, but that’s going to be a darn good, tasty time at Norm’s Place in Danville! More info here.

Belgian Beer Tasting at Bierhause – Mar. 18 (Walnut Creek)

Bierhaus’ first tasting was a sold-out success! Join them on Mar. 18 to learn about the world of Belgian beer. A $20 tasting fee gets you a free drink and huge discounts. The event takes place from 6-7:30 p.m.

Sports Basement BrewFest at the Presidio – Mar. 28 (San Francisco)

Speaking of beer, you don’t want to miss this huge brewery blow-out at the Sports Basement in the Presidio. You can’t beat the locale, and you get to try beers from a ton of great craft breweries! Get more info here.

Easter at the Garden – Apr. 12 (Walnut Creek)

Bring the kids to the Ruth Bancroft Gardens for Easter activities! This will include an easter egg scavenger hunt and other festivities! Tickets are only $8-10 right now.


Event Round-Up: Feb. 8, 2020

Well, winter skiing is winding down. The Super Bowl is over. The holidays have passed. What in the world is there to do in the Bay Area over the next month? Luckily for us, there’s ALWAYS something fun going on!

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Chinese New Year Parade – San Francisco (Feb. 8)

Yes, this is TODAY! But get out there and enjoy a beautiful day in the city and watch the awesome Chinese New Year parade to honor the beginning of the Year of the Rat! Details.

Sunday Sessions on the River – Antioch (Feb. 9)

Music, food, drinks, and a waterfront view? Count me in. Go check out Smith’s Landing Seafood Grill for what is sure to be a magical, delicious afternoon. More information here.

Oscar-Nominated Short Films – Walnut Creek (Feb. 15)

Are you a movie buff? You can check out this year’s Oscar-nominated short films at the Walnut Creek Library on Feb. 15th. Showtimes are at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., and tickets aren’t crazy expensive!

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Champagne & Roses Valentine’s Day Sail – San Francisco (Feb. 15)

Want to go all out to impress your partner this Valentine’s Day (okay, so technically the day after…)? I think this event headline says it all. Get more information and tickets here.

CCAR Crustacean Sensation Celebration – Pleasant Hill (Feb. 21)a

I’m a sucker for a good crab feed, and this is the 21st annual version of the Contra Costa Association of Realtors’ Crustacean Sensation Celebration! Join us! More info here.

Event Round-Up: Jan. 11th, 2020

It’s the first event round-up of 2020! Here’s to a year full of wine walks, beer fests, art galleries, and more. I love finding fun, local events each month, and I hope you take advantage of a few of these ideas! So, for this month…

Mesmerica 360 – Oakland (Jan. 12)

If you can squeeze it in tomorrow, this “visual musical journey” looks really cool! It is good for all ages and is supposed to elicit a relaxing experience for the viewers and listeners. Check it out!

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“Letters to 87” – Walnut Creek (Jan. 16)

It’s not every day that 49ers legends convene in Walnut Creek. They will be on this day, as a panel led by Steve Young will chat at the Lesher Center. Ticket revenue goes to charity! More info here.

Comfort Food Week – Concord (Jan. 17-26)

The name says it all! And who doesn’t love breaking those New Year Resolution diets with some good ol’ fashioned comfort food? More information can be found here.

Sound of Music Sing-A-Long – Berkeley (Jan. 17)

Head over to Freight & Salvage in Berkeley for a sing-a-long and costume contest of the classic film, Sound of Music! It’s 18+ and only $20. This looks like so much fun!

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2020 Bay Area Brew Fest – San Francisco (Jan. 25)

I swear, there’s a brew fest every month now! And I’m not complaining! This one takes place in San Francisco and tickets are going for as low as $45. That’s a good deal for beer, food, music, and more!

Event Round-Up: Dec. 14

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We may not get snow in Walnut Creek, but it’s still a winter wonderland as far as I’m concerned. ‘Tis the season for holiday festivities, whether it be Christmas, Hannukah, or something else entirely! Enjoy some of these local events over the next month!

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1. Night Bloom SF – thru Jan. 5, 2020

The gorgeous Conservatory of Flowers does an awesome holiday-themed night bloom each winter and you must go see it! Lights and sounds will glorify the conservatory! More details here.

2. GLOW: Festival of Lights – thru Jan. 26, 2020 (San Francisco)

Kids 3 and under get into this fun, festive show on Pier 15 for free! The normal price of the ticket for adults is $30, but you’ll be treated to a brilliant display of lights during the holiday season.

3. Annual Winter Delight Night – Weds., 12/18 (Lafayette)

Take the family to the Lafayette Library for a winter-themed storytime and dance party, before winding down with crafts, hot chocolate and cookies. It’s a perfect holiday expedition!

4. Grand Menorah Lighting – Sun., 12/22 (Walnut Creek)

For those who celebrate Hannukah or for those who just want to see a cool holiday spectacle – venture down to Broadway Plaza from 4-6 p.m. for a free lighting ceremony of a grand menorah!

5. Big Fat Year End Kiss Off Comedy Show – Sat., 12/28 (Walnut Creek)

Head on down to the Lesher Center to see a comedy show that looks back at the major news stories of 2019 using stand-up comedy, improvisation, and loosely-written sketches! More information here.

Event Round-Up: Nov. 16, 2019

Looking for some fun activities between your family time around Thanksgiving? I’ve got you covered. Here are five local events you can do over the next month or so!

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Walnut Creek on Ice! (thru Jan. 20, 2020)

If you haven’t taken advantage of Walnut Creek’s little ice rink in previous winters, now is your chance! Visit their website for more info on prices, hours, etc.

Leonids Meteor Shower (night of Nov. 17) – Anywhere!

This is a regular event, but still well-worth staying up late to watch! If it’s a clear night, you can wrap up in a blanket in the backyard and see a dazzling display of shooting meteors. One of nature’s best performances.

Exploratorium After Dark (Nov. 21) – San Francisco

This week’s Exploratorium After Dark is called “Nonsense Machines,” which sounds just so San Francisco. This is a super fun adult nighttime outing in the City. Tickets are about $20!

Jack London Square Christmas Tree Lighting (Nov. 22) – Oakland

Always wanted to witness a huge public Christmas tree get lit up? Now’s your chance! Go down to Jack London Square and bring the kids for this free event on a Friday night. The event begins at 5 p.m.

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Walnut Creek Holiday Stroll (Dec. 6)

Stroll down the streets of Walnut Creek and take advantage of open houses, sips and savors, caroling, live music, an ugly sweater contest, and more! It kicks off at Water Light Public Plaza at 5 p.m.

Event Round-Up: Oct. 12, 2019

It’s almost spooky season, folks! As we approach a heavy holiday season, I wanted to put together a few fun events around the area that anyone can enjoy! If you go to any of these, please reach out and let me know how you liked them – you might even see me there!

Bedford Gallery: “Off Menu” (thru Dec. 15)

The newest Bedford Gallery exhibit is live, and it’s a doozy. This one is called “Off Menu,” and is all food-related contemporary art. Check out works from artists as famous as Salvador Dali. More info here.

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2019 Oktoberfest: Civic Park (Oct. 19)

Join your friends and neighbors at Civic Park for the 2019 celebration of Oktoberfest! This free, family-friendly event will feature a ton of craft brews and wines, and kicks off from 11-6 on Oct. 19. Check it out!

Fall Festival: Le Jardin Salon in Pleasant Hill (Oct. 20)

Le Jardin Salon is hosting a treasure hunt! They will be offering unusual gifts for the holiday season like decor, furniture, collectibles, and jewelry. There will be vendors and collectors aplenty! Get more here.

Moonlight Comedy: Stand Up Under the Stars in Oakland (Oct. 23)

Take in some live stand up comedy on the outdoor patio of The Uptown in Oakland. Doors open at 7 and shows begin at 7:30 – make sure to dress warm – it could get chilly! More information here.

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Trick or Treat in Downtown Walnut Creek (Oct. 25)

Kids are invited to trick-or-treat through downtown at participating businesses. Meet at City Hall Plaza in your best costumes to start the fun from 2-5 p.m., then stay for the after-party! Details here.

Event Round-Up: Sept. 7

Well, for most people, school is officially back in session. The events around town may die down until closer to the holidays, but there is still plenty to do! Check out my latest event round-up for local things to do over the next month.

Bedford Gallery: thru Sept. 15 (Walnut Creek)

Susan Lee-Chun_Photo Credit
From BedfordGallery.org

We’ve talked about this before, but the Bedford Gallery at the Lesher Center for the Arts always has really awesome exhibits for cheap. Right now, it’s the contemporary inflatable art exhibit, called Blow Up! Check it out!

Full Moon Sail: Sept. 13 (San Francisco)

Well, this looks awesome! The original event sold out, but you can pick up tickets for Thurs., Sept. 12 to go on a full moon sail in the Bay on a schooner! Tickets are $69 and there is a cash bar on board! More info.

Second Saturday: Sept. 14 (Oakland)

Head to Jack London Square for an awesome street festival that will have live music, more than 50 vendors, and all sorts of fun and games! Oh, did I mention it’s completely free? Here is the link.

Comedy Day: Sept. 15 (San Francisco)

Go to the aptly-named Robin Williams Meadow in Golden Gate Park for five hours of the best local comedy in the Bay Area – all for free! What better way to enjoy a weekend than laughing your head off in the city? See here!

Walnut Festival: Sept. 19-22 (Walnut Creek)

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From:http://www.thewalnutfestival.org/walnut-festival—2019.html

It’s that time of year again! The biggest, can’t-miss event for everyone in Walnut Creek. The 83rd annual Walnut Festival will take place later this month. Get more info here!

Capitola Art & Wine Festival  – Sept 14th & 15th

Enjoy over 160 fine artists while sipping exceptional wines from 22 Santa Cruz Mountain wineries. 

Capitola Beach Festival – Sept 28th  

Capitola’s 2nd Annual Beach Festival – something for everyone, including a 3-Miler Fun Run hosted by Wharf to Wharf, a Horseshoe Tournament, Lighted Nautical Parade, Fishing Derby, Sand Sculpture Contest, Chalk Art Event, Concert at Esplanade Park, Rowboat Races, and more! 

Event Round-Up: Aug. 10

We’re going to go a slightly different direction here today, as I usually pull from a larger list of events and compile them for you. Instead, I’d like to focus on the Broadway Plaza Concert Series which has started this month. First, a few thoughts on the series itself:

Since they re-did the mall and have moved these concerts into the event plaza by Macy’s, I don’t really enjoy these shows as much as I used to. It is too crowded and it is fenced off, so people can still walk through.

I really liked the casual area that was once next to Stanford’s and behind the parking structure. It never felt too crowded there. I was thinking it might be better to move it to the top of the parking structure by Macy’s in the future.

With all that said, this is a good opportunity to get downtown on a warm summer night and enjoy some music with family and friends. Even if the layout isn’t as good as it used to be, the music is still there! So, here is the schedule for this summer – go check it out and let me know how you like it!

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(We’ve already had two of the shows go by, but there are still three more! You can bring blankets or chairs to the venue. Music always starts at 7 p.m.)

Aug. 15: The Cheeseballs

Aug. 22: The Unauthorized Rolling Stones

Aug. 29: Queen Nation