CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA, (Sept. 18, 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

Pleasant Hill Community Service Day. Help “Build a Better Pleasant Hill” with a variety of service projects on Sept. 24. Meet 7:30-9 a.m. at Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Lane, for free breakfast. Register at www.pleasanthillca.org/volunteer.

An Evening with Project Censored. The Mount Diablo Peace and Justice Center hosts Nolan Higdon and Mickey Huff discussing their book, “Let’s Agree to Disagree,” 7 p.m. Sept. 29, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. Register at http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07ejddyt5u5ca86593&llr=tnm84jcab.

Oktoberfest. Sponsored by the Clayton Business & Community Association (CBCA), 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Oct. 1 and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 2 on Clayton’s Main Street. Plus, a carnival 5-10 p.m. Sept. 30, noon-10 p.m. Oct. 1 and noon-8 p.m. Oct. 2. For details, visit https://claytoncbca.org/cbca-events/clayton-oktoberfest.

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. VIP pre-sale tickets available until Sept. 25. Go to www.festivalopera.org/masquerade-ball.

Farmers Market. Sponsored by the Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays year-round and 4-8 p.m. Thursdays through Sept. 29, 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. Sept. 21: Danilo Paiz Trio. Sept. 28: Rene’s Latin Band. For details, visit https://shoptheveranda.com/event/The-Veranda-Unplugged/2145560938.

Music & Market. Music along with the Farmers Market, 6:30-8 p.m. Thursdays through Sept. 29, Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Sept. 22: Midnight Sun. Sept. 29: House of Floyd. For music details, visit cityofconcord.org/downtownevents.

The Arts

“Always … Patsy Cline.” A heart-warming and toe-tapping show from Center Rep, through Sept. 25, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Call 925-943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

“Steel Magnolias.” This heartwarming yet bittersweet play is part of Pittsburg Theatre Company’s Black Box Series, through Sept. 25, Steeltown Coffee & Tea, 695 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. For tickets, call 925-439-PLAY or visit www.ptcca.org/tickets.

“Wait Until Dark.” Lots of thrills and chills by Plotline Theater Company, sponsored by Onstage Repertory Theater, through Oct. 2, Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St., Martinez. For tickets, go to www.campbelltheater.com.

“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.