Cheers to art, wine and music as festival season ramps up
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Apr. 4, 2025) — As the weather warms, local cities are gearing up for a series of lively festivals celebrating art, music, food, and community. From Clayton to Walnut Creek, residents can enjoy an array of events featuring live entertainment, artisan vendors, delicious food, and, of course, plenty of wine and beer. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
CBCA Art & Wine Festival: A Proud Tradition Continues
April 26-27 – Clayton Town Center
For over 30 years, the Clayton Business and Community Association has brought locals the Clayton Art & Wine Festival, an important staple event drawing crowds eager to enjoy fine wine, craft beer, and handcrafted art. This year’s festival will maintain its beloved format, with artisans selling a wide variety of creations, including metalwork, textiles, jewelry, and photography.
Festivalgoers can enjoy expanded seating and tables near the Corral at the end of Main Street, where wine and beer booths will provide a perfect spot to relax. Live music kicks off at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, featuring bands playing hits from the ‘50s and beyond. Families can explore the kid and teen zone, while food trucks and local vendors serve a variety of treats. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
SpringFest Returns to Downtown Concord
Back for its fourth year, Bay Area SpringFest invites the community to celebrate the season in the heart of downtown Concord. Held in the historic Todos Santos Plaza, this free festival offers nonstop live music, an eclectic food court, and over 100 artisan vendors.
Visitors can sip craft beer from local breweries Side Gate and Epidemic Ales, as well as wines from regional vineyards, with proceeds benefiting Sustainable Contra Costa. Music kicks off at 12:30 p.m. with performances by the Blue Devils B Corps followed by The Great Space Coaster, and East Bay Grooveline.
Families can enjoy free balloon animals, hands-on activities, and a chance to win prizes in a special raffle. The first 400 attendees will receive a complimentary SpringFest Goody Bag. The festival runs from noon to 7 p.m., with free admission and parking. For more information, visit www.BayAreaSpringFest.com.
Pleasant Hill Art, Wine & Music Festival Expands Offerings
May 17-18 – Downtown
A long-standing tradition, the Pleasant Hill Art, Wine & Music Festival continues to grow each year. This year’s event features a Fine Wine and Craft Beer tent at the main intersection, overlooking rows of artisan vendors on Crescent Drive. Families can enjoy the Kid Zone in Jack’s Plaza, while the Business Expo and a diverse lineup of food trucks will be located behind Batter N Icing.
New this year, the Pleasant Hill Community Foundation is sponsoring an Agricultural Area, showcasing animal rescues, local pet stores, and agricultural exhibitors.
Live music will play throughout the weekend on multiple stages, with performances by local favorites such as Duo Gadjo, Rusty Giraffe, Sixteen Scandals, and The Floorshakers on Saturday, and Michelle Lambert, Great Space Coaster, Native Elements, and The Sun Kings on Sunday. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. For more details, visit pleasanthillchamber.com.
Walnut Creek Art & Wine Festival Moves to Civic Park
June 7-8 – Civic Park
Now in its 42nd year, the Walnut Creek Art & Wine Festival remains one of the region’s premier summer events. Previously held at Heather Farm Park, this year’s festival will move to Civic Park in the heart of downtown due to ongoing construction at the former location.
Drawing over 40,000 attendees annually, the festival features an impressive array of arts and crafts, wine and beer gardens, festival foods, and continuous live music. Families can enjoy children’s activities, while shoppers browse through a variety of artisan and commercial vendor booths. With free admission, this beloved event promises a fantastic weekend of entertainment and community spirit.
As festival season arrives, these local events offer something for everyone—whether it’s fine wine, live music, handcrafted art, or just a fun day out with family and friends. Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the best of our community.