CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA, (June 23, 2024) — The Pioneer Calendar lists local events, performances and activities for the whole family.

We update the Pioneer Calendar page every week so check back often to find out what’s going on near you.

If you’d like to submit your event to the Pioneer Calendar page, please send email to us at Calendar@pioneerpublishers.com.

In the community

Zucchini Car Races at the Farmers Market. Build your own car and race on a custom-built ramp. Market runs 9 a.m.-1 p.m. June 29, with races beginning at 11 a.m., Diablo Valley Farmers Market, Shadelands Business Park, North Wiget Lane and Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Other upcoming special events at the Saturday market include Kids’ Day on July 20 and the Watermelon Festival on Aug. 17. For more information, see @diablovalleyfarmersmarket, 800-806-FARM or CAFarmersMkts.com.

Beaver Festival. More than 50 nature groups will gather to celebrate urban wildlife, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. June 29, Susana Park, Martinez. For more information, visit https://martinezbeavers.org/beaver-festival-xv.

Blues and Brews Festival. Beer garden, music and food, pre-party 6-9 p.m. July 19, and main event 3-9 p.m. July 20, Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Lane. Sponsored by Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District. For more information, visit www.bluesandbrewsfestival.com.

Clayton Valley High School Class of 1974 Reunion. 6-10 p.m. Aug. 24, Zio Fraedo’s, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. For details, email Lori Fogerson Vella at lorivella1@gmail.com.

An Intimate Gathering with Author Victor Villaseñor. From struggling to read to becoming an author, 5-7 p.m. Sept. 11, Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Dr. Sponsored by Monument Impact. Get tickets at https://event.auctria.com/6dc19b36-b668-45d6-8fc1-993592c26856.

“Stronger Together” Gala. A benefit from Monument Impact, 6-9 p.m. Sept. 12, Concord Hilton, 1970 Diamond Blvd.  Early bird and VIP tickets on sale at https://event.auctria.com/6dc19b36-b668-45d6-8fc1-993592c26856.

Off the Grid. Featuring food trucks and live music, 5-9 p.m. Wednesdays until October, on the lawn by Pleasant Hill City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane. For details, visit www.pleasanthillca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=668.

Farmers Market. Sponsored by the Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays year-round and 4-8 Thursdays June 6-Sept. 26, Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Visit pcfma.org for more information.

Writing Workshop

“Getting Your Short Stories Published.” Class by author Michael J. Barrington, 6-7:30 p.m. Thursdays July 11, 18, 25 and Aug. 1, Black Bear Diner, 700 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek.

$130 for members of the California Writers Club/Mt. Diablo Branch, $150 non-members. Register at https://cwcmtdiablo.org/event/a-4-week-summer-writing-special-how-to-write-a-short-story-get-published-july-11-2024.

Fourth of July

Pleasant Hill. Firecracker 5K Race/Kids 100-yard dash, 7:45-10 a.m., downtown. Parade, 9:30-10:30 a.m., downtown. Party at Pleasant Hill Park with live music, food and fun for the kids, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., 167 Gregory Lane. Fireworks, 8:45 p.m., College Park High School, 201 Viking Dr. For more information, visit https://phjuly4.com.

Concord. Rotary pancake breakfast, 8 a.m., Todos Santos Plaza. Stars & Stripes Kids Fun Run, 8 a.m., followed by Stars & Stripes 5K Run/Walk, 8:15 a.m., Todos Santos Plaza. Parade, 10 a.m., downtown Concord. Festival gates open at 4 p.m. with fireworks at 9 p.m., Mt. Diablo High School, 2450 Grant St. For more information, visit www.concordjuly4th.com.

Clayton. Registration is now open for the 10 a.m. parade, with the theme “Celebrating 60 Years of Community.” Live music and patriotic displays encouraged. Register by 11:59 p.m. June 24 here. For details, visit cityclerk@claytonca.gov or call 925-673-7300.

Community Concerts

Veranda Unplugged. 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays through July 31, Pavilion Fountain Park off Diamond Boulevard in Concord. For bands and more information, visit https://shoptheveranda.com/event/Veranda-Unplugged-2024/2145581844.

Music & Market. Farmers Market begins at 4 p.m. Thursdays, with music at 6:30 p.m. through Sept. 25, Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. June 27: Traveling Wilburys Revue, the best of George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne. July 11: Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings. July 18: Zepparella, all-female Zepplin tribute band. July 25: Dirty Cello with blues, rock and Americana. For the complete schedule, visit www.cityofconcord.org/DocumentCenter/View/11424/Music-and-Market-Postcard-2024.

Concerts in The Grove. 6-8:30 p.m. every other Saturday through Aug. 31, sponsored by the city of Clayton, downtown Clayton. July 6: Strange Brew. July 20: Nick Rossi & the Swing Six +1. Aug. 3: Pride & Joy. Aug. 17: Club 90. Aug. 31: East Bay Mudd. For more information, visit https://claytonca.gov/fc/Events/concerts-in-the-grove-2024.pdf.

Sunset by the Lake Summer Concert Series. Every other Sunday through Sept. 1, plus food trucks. July 7: The Big Jangle and Family Fun Zone. July 21: Dirty Cello. For more information, go to www.pleasanthillca.org/summerconcerts.

Clubs

Women Marines Association. The Bay Area chapter meets 11:30 a.m. every third Saturday, usually at Harry’s Hofbrau, 14900 E. 14th St, San Leandro. For more information, visit https://wmaca3.org or contact Janet Johnson at 925-890-4583.

Concord Library

The Concord Library is at 2900 Salvio St. For more information, call 925-646-5455 or visit cclib.org. The theme of the summer reading program is “Read, Renew, Repeat,” offering a wealth of activities for all ages.

Recycling Storytime. Explore ways to help the environment by reducing, reusing and recycling with Monument First 5, 10:30 a.m. June 25.

Recycle Rangers: Reuse Revolution. Seed saving, planting in reusable containers, windsocks and bird watching binoculars with Growing Healthy Kids, 11 a.m. June 26.

Lunch with “Elemental.” Free lunch and a movie for children under 18, noon June 26.

Lunch at the Library. Free lunch for children under 18, noon June 27.

Nature Art Nature weaving, mud painting, flower bracelets, nature mobile and seed mosaics with Growing Healthy Kids, 1 p.m. June 27.

Clayton Library

The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. For more information on any of these events, call 925-673-0659 or visit ccclib.org/events.

Summer Reading Program. Focusing on conservation, animals and getting invested in protecting the ecosystems, through Aug. 3. For all ages. Every completed entry is eligible for a free book and a chance to win prizes.

Camp Clayton. Children can join us for STEAM-focused events, drop-in programs and take-home activities, 2-3 p.m. June 26. No registration required. Sponsored by the Clayton Community Library Foundation.

Chair Yoga & Meditation. Low-impact chair yoga for adults, followed by guided meditation, 10:15-11:15 a.m. June 27. Sponsored by the Clayton Community Library Foundation.

Lapsit Storytime. For children aged 0-3, 11-11:15 a.m. Thursdays. Children must attend with caregiver.

Toddler/Preschool Storytime. For children ages 2-5, 11:30 a.m.-noon Thursdays. Children must attend with caregiver. Stay and play toys available afterward.

The Arts

“Ekphrasis 2024.” An exhibition of fine art that inspires literary works, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday through June 28, Art Gallery at the Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way. Sponsored by the Lamorinda Arts Alliance, Lamorinda Arts Council and California Writers Club/Mt. Diablo Branch. For more information, call 925-254-2184 or visit http://ccclib.org.

“Spider’s Web.” The Orinda Starlight Village Players present the Agatha Christie mystery through June 29, Orinda Community Center Park. For tickets, call 925-528-9225 or email info@orsvp.org.

Pacific Chamber Orchestra. Featuring “Phantom of the Opera” star Franc D’Ambrosio, coloratura soprano Elizabeth Hunter Ashley and a 50-voice choir, 7:30 p.m. June 29, Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Dr., Lafayette. For more information, go to https://pacificchamberorchestra.org.

“Tribute to Tina.” An art exhibit in memory of Tina Turner, through July 12, JOR Fine Art Gallery, 1026 Oak St. No 102, Clayton. For more information, visit jorfineartgallery.com.

“La Voix Humaine” and “Dido & Aeneas.” A double bill of short operas from Festival Opera, 7:30 p.m. July 12 and 2 p.m. July 14, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Early bird tickets on sale now with code FOFRIEND. For tickets, visit www.festivalopera.org/la-voix-dido.

“Splendid Surroundings.” Ten artists featuring the open spaces of Mount Diablo and the surrounding foothills, through Aug. 11, Shadelands Ranch Museum, 2660 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Walnut Creek. Part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the first acquisition of open space in Walnut Creek. For more information, call 925-935-4311 or visit valleyartgallery.org.

Headliner Series. Includes a Fireside Chat with Rita Moreno Sept. 18, Mandy Patinkin in Concert Feb. 20, 2025, and the Dance Theatre of Harlem March 14-15, 2025, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. For the full schedule and ticket info, visit www.lesherartscenter.org.