CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA, (Nov. 6, 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

Handling the Holidays Grief Workshops. Sponsored by Hope Hospice over Zoom, 2-3:30 p.m. Nov. 8 and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dec. 7. Call 925-829-8770 to reserve a spot.

Webinar on Book Banning. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley and of West Contra Costa County, the Contra Costa County Library and CCTV, 4 p.m. Nov. 17. Register at https://ccclib.org. The program will be recorded and posted later on YouTube.

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.

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

Hospice Tree Lightings. Honor loved ones and help fund Hospice care for those in need. 5:30 p.m. Nov. 9, Gregory Lane near Cleaveland Road, Pleasant Hill. 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.

“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.

Light up the Night. Activities, crafts, music, performances, Holiday Express electric train and lighting of the holiday tree. 5-8 p.m. Nov. 16, downtown Pleasant Hill. More details will be posted at www.pleasanthillca.org in the coming weeks.

“The Christmas Ballet.” The Smuin Ballet features classical ballet and contemporary dance numbers, Nov. 19-20, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. For tickets, call 925-943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.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.

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.

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.

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.

The arts

“Dracula.” The count travels to England in the Drama Factory production, Nov. 11-12, Nick Rodriguez Theatre, 213. F St., Antioch. Go to http://www.dramafactory.org for tickets.

“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.

“Clue.” Center REP presents the murder mystery, through Nov. 20, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. For tickets, call 925-943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

“Addams Family.” Pittsburg Theatre Company presents the Broadway musical, through Nov. 20, California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. For tickets, go to www.ptcca.org/tickets or call 925-439-PLAY.

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” The Contra Costa Musical Theatre show includes audience participation, through Nov. 20, El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. 2nd St., Antioch. For tickets, call 925-757-9500 or go to www.elcampaniltheatre.com.