CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA, (Nov. 3, 2024) — 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

50th Anniversary of the Clayton Historical Society. Dick Ellis, former president and one of the original founders, will give a short talk about the organization, plus wine and snacks, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 7, Hoyer Hall, 6125 Clayton Road. Free admission. For more information about the group, visit claytonhistory.org.

“Evening of Promise.” Dinner, plus silent and live auctions to benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Contra Costa County, 6 p.m. Nov. 9, San Ramon Marriott, 2600 Bishop Dr. Keynote speaker will be Derek Clark, the “Rapping Dad.” Dan Ashley of ABC7 news will receive the Light of Hope. For tickets, visit http://bit.ly/3LgbM6s.

Concord Museum Preview. See the progress being made at the new museum, 1-4 p.m. Nov. 17, 1928 Clayton Road. Free admission. For information, email info@concordhistorical.org or call 925-827-3380.

Peace & Justice Awards Dinner. Sponsored by the Mt. Diablo Peace & Justice Center, 5-9 p.m. Nov. 23, Creekside Commons Main Hall, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. For details, call 925-933-7850 or email info@ourpeacecenter.org.

Concord Turkey Trot. A 5K Run/Walk fundraiser for Leaves and Fishes of Contra Costa, check-in at 6:30 a.m. with race at 8 a.m. Nov. 28, Newhall Park, 1351 Newhall Parkway, Concord. Course includes grass fields, park pathways and city streets. Those participating with strollers or pets must enter at back of the start area. All participants receive a T-shirt and medal. Rain or shine. Sponsored by Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union. Registration is $40 in advance or $50 on race day, if not sold out. Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Concord/ConcordTurkeyTrot5k. For more information, call 925-771-5602.

Concord Farmers Market. Sponsored by the Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays, Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Visit pcfma.org for more information.

Clubs

California Writers Club/Mt. Diablo Branch. Michelle Glogovac, author of “How to Get on Podcasts,” will be the featured speaker at the Nov. 9 meeting. 10:30 a.m. check-in, program at 11 a.m., plus lunch, Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Guests welcome. Register for the meeting online at https://cwcmtdiablo.org/meetings-and-workshops.

Women Marines Association. The Bay Area chapter meets 11:30 a.m. every third Saturday, usually at Harry’s Hofbrau, 14900 E. 14th St, San Leandro. For more information, visit https://wmaca3.org or contact Janet Johnson at 925-890-4583.

For the Holidays

Concord High School Community Holiday Fair. Local vendors, food and fun, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 9, 4200 Concord Blvd., Concord. Free admission. For details, email hackettn@mdusd.org.

Costume Skate. Kick off the holiday season, 5-9 p.m. Nov. 9, The Veranda, 2001-2003 Diamond Blvd., Concord. For more information, call 925-265-6755.

Holiday Craft Fair. Unique items, collectibles and gifts, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 16-17, Elks Lodge, 200 Marina Blvd., Pittsburg. For details, visit www.elks1474.org/craft.

Santa Paws. Bring your pet for a photo with Santa, 7-8:30 p.m. Nov. 17 and 24, Grand Court at Sunvalley Shopping Center, 1 Sun Valley Mall, Concord. For more information, call 925-825-0400.

Concord Historical Society Holiday Market. Local artists and crafters, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov 23-24, Concord Historical Society Event Center, 1928 Clayton Road. Free admission. For more information, email info@concordhistorical.org or call 925-827-3380.

Light Up the Night. Family event to launch the holiday season, including music, dancing, crafts, train rides, Christmas tree lighting, visits with Santa and hot chocolate, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 23, Crescent Drive in downtown Pleasant Hill. For more information, call 925-671-5229 or email ggillette@pleasanthillca.org.

Holiday Stroll With A Little Sip. Visit downtown Concord restaurants and establishments for treats and drinks, 4-8:30 p.m. Dec. 6, Todos Santos Plaza. Held in conjunction with Tree Lighting and Mayor’s Sing-Along. Purchase $20 tickets at Eventbrite or at the Concord Visitor Center and Hop Grenade on the day of the event. For details, email programs@visitconcordca.com or call 925-685-1182.

Tree Lighting and Mayor’s Sing-Along. 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 6, Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. For more information, email cityinfo@cityofconcord.org or call 925-671-2489.

Holiday Gift and Craft Fair. About 70 vendors, from jewelry to knitted goods to custom cups and more, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 7, Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle. Free admission. For more information, email concordsc@cityofconcord.org or call 925-671-3017.

Merry Makers Marketplace. Seasonal experience celebrating art and culture, noon-5 p.m. Dec. 7, Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. For details, email admin@thebombshellgroupinc.com or call 707-653-0265.

Holidays in The Grove. Annual tree lighting ceremony, 5 p.m. Dec. 7, The Grove park, downtown Clayton. Santa will light the Christmas tree and take photos with the kids afterward. Sponsored by the Clayton Business & Community Association.

Sensory Friendly Santa. In conjunction with Autism Speaks, 9-10:30 a.m. Dec. 8, Grand Court at Sunvalley Shopping Center, 1 Sun Valley Mall, Concord. Free admission; photo packages available for purchase. For more information, call 925-825-0400.

National Cookie Day. Cookies and Cocoa with Santa and his friends, plus a meet and greet with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves, storytime and crafting, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 8, Fountain Pavilion Park at The Veranda, 2001-2003 Diamond Blvd., Concord. Free admission. For more information, call 925-265-6755.

Clayton Library

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

3D Printing Adventure. Children can discover the exciting world of 3D printing, 2-3 p.m. Nov. 6. Bring your parents or guardians along for an eye-opening experience. Funded by the Clayton Community Library Foundation.

Homework Help. For elementary school students, 3:45-5:45 p.m. Wednesdays. Some assistance also available for sixth and seven graders. To make an appointment, either call or stop by the library. Drop-ins welcome on a space available basis.

Lapsit Storytime. For children aged 0-3, 11-11:15 a.m. Thursdays. Children must attend with caregiver.

Toddler/Preschool Storytime. For children ages 2-5, 11:30 a.m.-noon Thursdays. Children must attend with caregiver. Stay and play toys available afterward.

Insiders. Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can build confidence while navigating the library and accessing library services and resources, 1-2 p.m. Nov. 12 and every second and fourth Tuesday, Hoyer Hall.

Camp Clayton: Arts and Crafts. Seasonal arts and craft projects for children, 2-3 p.m. Nov. 13. Sponsored by the Clayton Community Library Foundation.

The Arts

“Arsenic and Old Lace.” Produced by Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble, Nov. 8-17, Edna Hill Theatre, 120 Birch St., Brentwood. For tickets, visit www.ghostlightte.org.

“Fall Colors.” Valley Art Gallery celebrates its 75th anniversary with a show with a range of sizes, subjects and media, through Nov. 9, 1661 Botelho Dr., Suite 110, Walnut Creek. For more information, visit www.valleyartgallery.org or call 925-935-4311.

“The Nutcracker Suite.” Diablo Ballet presents a newly expanded, full-length production of Julia Adam’s smash holiday hit, Nov. 15-16, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Get tickets at 925-943-7469 or www.lesherartscenter.org.

“Clue.” Onstage Theatre presents the classic who-done it, through Nov. 17, Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St., Martinez. For tickets, go to www.campbelltheater.com.

“Muses & Musings of an Impresario.” Baritone Zachary Gordin and pianist Daniel Lockert perform works of Schumann, Mahler, Reynaldo Hahn, Jake Heggie and more, 4 p.m. Nov. 17, Piedmont Center for the Arts, 801 Magnolia Ave. Part of Festival Opera’s Recital Series. For more information, visit festivalopera.org.

“Dragon Lady.” Center Rep presents the solo cabaret musical about Sara Porkalob’s Filipino-American gangster family, through Nov. 24, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. For tickets, call 925-943-7469 or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.