CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA, (Nov. 12, 2023) — 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

Unity Walk. Stand against hatred, discrimination and prejudice during a 1.5-mile loop, 10 a.m. Nov. 18, starting at Pleasant Hill City Hall, 100, Gregory Lane. Part of United Against Hate week, sponsored by the city’s Diversity Commission. For more information, email diversity@pleasanthillca.org.

Women Marines Association. The Bay Area chapter for women Marines, past and present, meets at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 18 and every third Saturday of the month, usually at Harry’s Hofbrau in San Leandro. For more information, visit https://wmaca3.org or call/text Clayton resident Janet Johnson at 925-890-4583.

Turkey Trot. A 5K run/walk benefiting Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa, 8 a.m. Nov. 23, Newhall Park, 1351 Newhall Parkway, Concord. Sponsored by Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union. Kids run by Liberty Gymnastics, 9:15 a.m. Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Concord/ConcordTurkeyTrot5k.

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

For Your Health

Grief during the Holidays. One-hour Zoom workshops sponsored by Hope Hospice, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Nov. 16 and 2-3 p.m. Dec. 14. Register at 925-829-8770 or www.hopehospice.com/services/grief/grief-support-inquiry.

For the Holidays

Concord Tree Lighting and Mayor’s Sing-along. Visit from Santa, plus fun projects for kids with the Concord Art Association, 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 1, Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. For details, visit www.visitconcordca.com/events/concords-annual-tree-lighting-mayors-sing-along.

Super Holiday Boutique. One-of-a-kind holiday gifts and stocking stuffers, plus canned food collection benefiting Monument Crisis Center. Two days, two locations: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 2, Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Dr. And, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 3, Hilton, 1970 Diamond Blvd., Concord. Free admission and parking. For details, visit www.SuperHolidayBoutique.com.

Santa at Buchanan Field. Kids can get their photos taken with Santa, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 2, Plaza Hotel, 45 John Glenn Dr., Concord. Monetary donations accepted for Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. Sponsored by Contra Costa County Public Works. For more information, visit www.contracosta.ca.gov/9944/Santas-Jolly-Landing-at-Buchanan-Field.

Light Up the Night. Includes music, dancing, crafts, train rides, Christmas tree lighting, visits with Santa and hot chocolate, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 2, Crescent Drive in downtown Pleasant Hill. For more information, visit www.pleasanthillca.org/888/Festivals-Events.

Clayton Tree Lighting. Carols at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2, tree lighting at 6:30 p.m., plus a visit from Santa, The Grove park, downtown Clayton. For details or to volunteer, visit https://claytoncbca.org/events/holidays-in-the-grove.

Hospice Trees of Lights. 5 p.m. Dec. 5, John Muir Medical Center Parking Lot, East Street and Almond Avenue, Concord. For more information, contact Jyoti at 925-887-5678 or jyotig@hospiceeastbay.org.

Christmas Homes Tour. Sponsored by the Clayton Historical Society, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 10, beginning at the Clayton Historical Society Museum, 6101 Main St. Tickets $35 in advance; $40 day of tour. For more information, call 925-567-6079 or email museum@claytonhistory.org.

Wreaths Across America. Purchase a wreath for $17 in support of VFW Post 1525’s memory garden. Volunteers also needed to lay wreaths, 10 a.m. Dec. 16, 2011 Arnold Industrial Way, Concord. For details, visit https://vfwpost1525.org.

At the Clayton Library

The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. For more information on any of these events, call 925-673-0659 or ccclib.org/events.

Homework Help. For grades K-5 in all subjects and in select subjects for those in grades 6-9, 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays. Call to make a 30-minute appointment. Drop-ins accommodated on space-available basis.

“Jack and the Beanstalk.” The Fratello Marionettes present the classic tale for ages 4 and up, 2-2:45 p.m. Nov. 15. Sponsored by Clayton Community Library Foundation.

Lapsit Storytime. Children ages 0-3 can explore the joys of movement, books and songs while building early literacy skills you can practice at home, 11-11:15 a.m. Thursdays.

Toddler/Preschool Storytime. Children ages 3-5 can explore the joys of movement, books and songs while building early literacy skills you can practice at home, 11:30 a.m.-noon Thursdays.

Clayton Memory Café. Adults can participate in cognitive activities designed to perk up memory, 10-11:30 a.m. Nov. 18. Attendees must be accompanied by a caregiver or loved one if assistance or supervision is required. This program has been made possible by the Clayton Community Library Foundation.

The arts

“Medal of Honor Rag.” Part of the Black Box Series from Pittsburg Theatre Company, through Nov. 23, Steeltown Coffee and Tea, 695 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. Tickets at www.ptcca.org.

“Improv for Good.” 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18, Martinez Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St. For more information, go to www.campbelltheater.com.

“The Christmas Ballet.” Smuin’s holiday extravaganza, Nov. 18-19, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Call 925-943-7469 or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

“The Nutcracker.” From Contra Costa Ballet, Nov. 24-26, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Call 925-943-7469 or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

“Laurie Sings a Song for You Christmas.” Featuring the music of Karen Carpenter plus Andy Williams, 7:15 p.m. Nov. 30 and 2:15 and 7:15 p.m. Dec. 1, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Call 925-943-7469 or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

“Once Upon a Christmas.” With the Ballet School, Dec. 1-2, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Call 925-943-7469 or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

“A Christmas Carol.” Center Rep’s traditional story of Scrooge and Tiny Tim, Dec. 7-21, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Call 925-943-7469 or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

“Frozen Jr.” From Pittsburg Theatre Company, 7 p.m. Dec. 8 and 2 and 4:30 p.m. Dec. 9, California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. Tickets at www.pittsburgcommunitytheatre.org.

“Nutcracker.” From Black Diamond Ballet, Dec. 8-10 and Dec. 15-17, El Campanil Theatre, 602 E. 2nd St., Antioch. For tickets, call 925-757-9500 or visit www.blackdiamondballet.org.

“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show.” From Pittsburg Theatre Company, 8 p.m. Dec. 9 and 2 p.m. Dec. 10, California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. Also, 8 p.m. Dec. 15 and 2:30 and 7 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Martinez Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St. Tickets at www.pittsburgcommunitytheatre.org.

“Life in Clayton 1850-1870.” 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays for the rest of the year, 6101 Main St., Clayton. Visit claytonhistory.org.