CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA, (Oct. 27, 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

Mineral and Gem Show. Sponsored by the Costa Mineral & Gem Society, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 2 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 3, Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road. Purchase tickets at www.ccmgsclub.com/show.

50th Anniversary of the Clayton Historical Society. Dick Ellis, former president and one of the original founders, will give a short talk about the organization, plus wine and snacks, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 7, Hoyer Hall, 6125 Clayton Road. Free admission. For more information about the group, visit claytonhistory.org.

“Evening of Promise.” Dinner, plus silent and live auctions to benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Contra Costa County, 6 p.m. Nov. 9, San Ramon Marriott, 2600 Bishop Dr. Keynote speaker will be Derek Clark, the “Rapping Dad.” Dan Ashley of ABC7 news will receive the Light of Hope. For tickets, visit http://bit.ly/3LgbM6s.

Peace & Justice Awards Dinner. Sponsored by the Mt. Diablo Peace & Justice Center, 5-9 p.m. Nov. 23, Creekside Commons Main Hall, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. For details, call 925-933-7850 or email info@ourpeacecenter.org.

Concord Farmers Market. Sponsored by the Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays, Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Visit pcfma.org for more information.

For the Military

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.

Day of the Dead

“Día de los Muertos.” Bring a framed 5 by 7 photo to honor your deceased loved one, plus Aztec and folkloric dancers, face painting, costume contest for kids and adults, vendors, crafts and food, 1-7 p.m. Nov 2, Oakmont Memorial Park, 2099 Reliez Valley Road, Lafayette. For more information, call 925-935-3311.

For the Holidays

Holiday Craft Fair. Unique items, collectibles and gifts, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 16-17, Elks Lodge, 200 Marina Blvd., Pittsburg. For details, visit www.elks1474.org/craft.

Light Up the Night. Family event to launch the holiday season, including music, dancing, crafts, train rides, Christmas tree lighting, visits with Santa and hot chocolate, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 23, Crescent Drive in downtown Pleasant Hill. For more information, call 925-671-5229 or email ggillette@pleasanthillca.org.

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.

Homework Help. For elementary school students, 3:45-5:45 p.m. Wednesdays. Some assistance also available for sixth and seven graders. To make an appointment, either call or stop by the library. Drop-ins welcome on a space available basis.

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

East Bay Gallery Tour. Visit 13 galleries, including new options in Benicia, in October. Get your postcard stamped at all the galleries and enter for a chance to win $300. Find a gallery map here.

“Fall Colors.” Valley Art Gallery celebrates its 75th anniversary with a show with a range of sizes, subjects and media, through Nov. 9, 1661 Botelho Dr., Suite 110, Walnut Creek. For more information, visit www.valleyartgallery.org or call 925-935-4311.

“Dragon Lady.” Center Rep presents the solo cabaret musical about Sara Porkalob’s Filipino-American gangster family, through Nov. 24, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. For tickets, call 925-943-7469 or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

“Clue.” Onstage Theatre presents the classic who-done it, Nov. 1-17, Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St., Martinez. For tickets, go to www.campbelltheater.com.

“The Nutcracker Suite.” Diablo Ballet presents a newly expanded, full-length production of Julia Adam’s smash holiday hit, Nov. 15-16, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Get tickets at 925-943-7469 or www.lesherartscenter.org.

“Muses & Musings of an Impresario.” Baritone Zachary Gordin and pianist Daniel Lockert perform works of Schumann, Mahler, Reynaldo Hahn, Jake Heggie and more, 4 p.m. Nov. 17, Piedmont Center for the Arts, 801 Magnolia Ave. Part of Festival Opera’s Recital Series. For more information, visit festivalopera.org.