The Pioneer’s Fall 2022 calendar of events and activities, Nov. 20 update
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA, (Nov. 20, 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
Turkey Trot. A 5K run/walk benefiting Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa, 8 a.m. Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving), Newhall Park, 1351 Newhall Parkway, Concord. To sign up, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Concord/ConcordTurkeyTrot5k.
Handling the Holidays Grief Workshop. Sponsored by Hope Hospice over Zoom, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dec. 7. Call 925-829-8770 to reserve a spot.
Party for the Planet. A benefit concert for Sustainable Contra Costa featuring the Jim Ocean’s Band “FrankenClime” project, new date: 7 p.m. Jan 14, Creekside Commons, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. Includes a “trashy” fashion show and the Green Meanies dance troupe. Get tickets at https://PartyForThePlanet22.eventbrite.com.
Farmers Market. Sponsored by the Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays, Todos Santos Plaza, Concord. pcfma.org.
’Tis the Season
Holiday Collection for Artful Giving and Holiday Trunk Show. Holiday collection includes ceramic, wood and glass pieces, designer jewelry, holiday decorations and mini-paintings through Dec 31. Plus ceramics by Cheryl Wolff through Nov. 26. Valley Art Gallery, 661 Botelho Dr., Suite 110, Walnut Creek. For details, visit www.valleyartgallery.org.
Laurie Sings a Song for Christmas. A cabaret concert inspired by the music of Karen Carpenter, featuring Laurie Rolda, Dec. 1-2, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. For tickets, call 925-943-7469 or visit www.lesherartscenter.org.
Concord Tree Lighting/Mayor’s Sing-Along. Includes live entertainment, real reindeer, pictures with Santa and shopping at Santa’s Village, 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 2, Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord.
Super Holiday Boutiques. One-of-a-kind holiday gifts and stocking stuffers, plus free Santa photos and kids’ snowman craft activity, benefiting the Food Bank of Contra Costa. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 3, Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Dr. Also, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 4, Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road, Free admission and parking. For details, visit www.superholidayboutique.com.
Clayton Tree Lighting. With performances by the Clayton Valley Charter High School band and Mt. Diablo Elementary second graders, plus Santa and Mrs. Claus leading the countdown, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3, downtown Clayton. Clayton Community Church will serve hot apple cider and doughnut holes at the conclusion of the event, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos.
Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus and Christmas Carol Sing-Along. Performed by the United Methodist church choir and orchestra – and the audience, 7 p.m. Dec. 3, United Methodist Church, 1645 West St., Concord. Those interested in singing in the choir can stop by at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays. For details, call 925-685-5260.
Concord Hospice Tree Lighting. Honor loved ones and help fund Hospice care for those in need, 5 p.m. Dec. 6, John Muir Medical Center parking lot, East Street and Almond Avenue, Concord. For more information, visit www.hospiceeastbay.org/tol.
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.
“Nutcracker.” From Black Diamond Ballet, Dec. 10-18, El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. 2nd St., Antioch. Get tickets at www.blackdiamondballet.org or call 925-757-9500.
Bev Britton
Bev Britton graduated with a degree in journalism from the University of North Dakota and moved to the Bay Area with her soon-to-be husband Jim in 1986. She was features editor at the Contra Costa Times in Walnut Creek before becoming managing editor of the Contra Costa Sun in Lafayette in 1995. She retired from newsrooms in 2001, but an ad for the Clayton Pioneer drew her back in. The family moved to Lake Wildwood in the Gold Country a few years ago - but working at the Pioneer keeps her in touch with her old neighborhoods in Concord and Clayton.