CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA, (Oct. 2, 2022) — 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

“Page to Stage: Public Speaking Skills Every Writer Needs.” The Mt. Diablo Branch of the California Writers Club presents Betsy Graziani Fasbinder, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Oct. 8, Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Register at https://cwcmtdiablo.org/meetings-and-workshops.

Addressing Racism Reading/Discussion Group. Hosted by the Mount Diablo Peace and Justice Center, 7 p.m. Oct. 11, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. Register at www.tinyurl.com/peacecenterreadinggroup.

Eco Fest. Part of Walnut Creek’s Sustainability Week, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 22, Civic Park, 1375 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Ticket sales support ongoing local climate change action. For details, visit 350BayArea.org.

Festival Opera’s Masquerade Ball. Wear elaborate masks and hats, or dress as your favorite opera character. Includes multi-course meal, cocktails, live/silent auctions, entertainment and dancing, 6 p.m. Oct. 22, Lafayette Park Hotel, 3287 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. For tickets, visit www.festivalopera.org/masquerade-ball.

Farmers Market. Sponsored by the Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays, Todos Santos Plaza, Concord. pcfma.org.

Election 2022

Voter Forum on State Propositions/Clayton City Council: Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley, American Association of University Women and the Clayton Community Library Foundation, 7 p.m. Oct. 10, Hoyer Hall, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road. For more information, visit https://my.lwv.org/california/diablo-valley.

For Your Health

“End-of-Life Legal and Financial Issues.” Sponsored by Hope Hospice, 10 a.m. Oct. 13. Free, via Zoom. Register at Hopehospice.com/family. Call 925-829-8770 for more information.

Community Concerts

Veranda Unplugged Series. 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 26, Pavilion Fountain Park, 2001 Diamond Blvd., Concord. Oct 5: Namorados Da Lua. Oct. 12: Ariel Marin Quarter. Oct. 19: Kolohe. Oct. 26: Big Blue Soul Quartet. For details, visit https://shoptheveranda.com/event/The-Veranda-Unplugged/2145560938.

The Arts

“Focal Points”/Michael Rizza exhibit. A new juried art collection plus a sculpture show, through Nov. 12, Valley Art Gallery, 661 Botelho Dr., Suite 110, Walnut Creek. For details, visit www.valleyartgallery.org.

“Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits.” New takes on popular songs from Clayton Theatre Company, Oct. 14-29, Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. For more information, visit www.claytontheatrecompany.com.

Eden Espinosa. The “Wicked” star live on stage, Oct. 16, Orinda Theatre, 4 Orinda Theatre Square. For tickets, go to www.orindamovies.com.

“The Nutcracker Suite.” Extended full-length production by Diablo Ballet, Nov. 11-12, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Virtual streaming Nov. 18-27. Early-bird pricing for both options through Oct. 19. Call 925-943-SHOW or visit www.lesherartscenter.org or www.diabloballet.org.

Diablo Women’s Chorale “Bells and Noels.” Ring in the holidays, Dec. 10-11, Walnut Creek United Methodist Church, 1543 Sunnyvale Ave. For tickets, visit diablowomenschorale.org.