CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA, (Oct. 16, 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

Off the Grid. Enjoy the final two weeks of the food truck season, 5-9 p.m. Oct. 19 and 26 at the lake by Pleasant Hill’s City Hall. Visit https://offthegrid.com/events for more information.

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.

Trunk or Treat and Car Show. Sponsored by Concord Auto Service and C3 Bay Area Car Club, 5-8 p.m. Oct. 30, 2849 Willow Pass Road. Prizes for best costumes. Car show setup begins at 3 p.m. For information, call 925-689-4428.

Diablo Women’s Chorale Grand Sale. Includes new items such as leather bags and designer jewelry as well as gently used women’s clothes and accessories, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 5, 10 Mount Eden Place, Clayton. For details, visit diablowomenschorale.org.

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

Holiday Events

“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.

Pleasant Hill’s 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.

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.

Community Concerts

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

The Arts

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

“Spontaneous Hitchcock.” Improv based on audience suggestions from Synergy Theater, Oct. 20-30, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. For tickets, call 925-943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

“Rumpelstiltskin.” Family-friendly musical from East Bay Children’s Theatre, Oct. 23, Village Theatre, 233 Front St., Danville. Children can dress in costumes and get a photo with cast members. For tickets, go to www.ebctonline.org.

“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.

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” The Contra Costa Musical Theatre show includes audience participation, Nov. 4-20, El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. 2nd St., Antioch. For tickets, call 925-757-9500 or go to www.elcampaniltheatre.com.