CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA, (March 5, 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

Human Sex Trafficking Seminar. Sponsored by the Concord Chamber of Commerce and Visit Concord, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. March 9, Hilton Concord, 1970 Diamond Blvd. Purchase tickets at www.concordchamber.com/events.

Texas Hold ’Em Fundraiser. To benefit Youth Homes Inc. of Concord, 5 p.m. March 10, Back Forty Texas BBQ, 100 Coggins Dr., Pleasant Hill, Get tickets at https://youthhomes.org/poker-tournament-2023?mc_cid=3753041cdd&mc_eid=4105bb88ff.

California Writers Club/Mt. Diablo Branch. Workshop on point of view in writing, with AM Lark, March 11, Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Register at https://cwcmtdiablo.org/meetings-and-workshops/#register-for-the-workshop.

Contra Costa Con 5 returns to Concord on Mar. 12 at the Hilton Concord Hotel celebrating the 40^th Anniversary of Return of the Jedi and all things Star Wars. Toys, apparel, collectibles new and vintage, art, anime, comics, LEGO, games and much more are at the family-friendly show hosted by Bay Area Festivals. Featured guests include actors C. Andrew Nelson (Darth Vader), Margo Apostolos (Ewok Tokkat), Kevin Thompson (Ewok Chubbray), Alan Fernandes (Tusken Raider) and voice actor Mark Dodson (Salacious Crumb in Return of the Jedi, Ewoks: The Battle for Endor, Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens), ILM magicians Kirk Thatcher, David Carson, Selwyn Eddy III, Randy Ottenberg and David Tanaka. Star Wars cosplay groups. A free Star Wars Cosplay Costume Contest for attendees awards cash prizes. Free admission for kids 9 and under. Free parking. Advance tickets with a free $2 Toy Buck available now at www.ContraCostaCon.com. Ticket sales at the door Mar. 12 begin at 9:45 a.m.

“From Self-Care to Healing: Lessons from Women of Color Activists.” With professor Pat Zavella, 1 p.m. March 13 via Zoom. Part of the Equity Speaker Series from the Diablo Valley College Social Justice Department. Register at https://www.dvc.edu/academics/social-justice/events.html#event=75950094;instance=20230313130000?popup=1.

“Mighty Times: The Children’s March” Screening. The film highlights young civil rights activists at the 1963 march in Birmingham, Ala., 7 p.m. March 16, Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. Register at andrew@ourpeacecenter.org.

Spring Brews Festival. More than 40 craft breweries, plus live music and food, noon-4 p.m. March 25, Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Get tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/12th-annual-spring-brews-festival-tickets-504059414277?fbclid=IwAR3zU4MNeHGkO9OiMWg0_Jm7mSeBAT5u4fam81SIF9wLK_vrXK20xz9BAzI.

Contra Costa Fair. Online entries close April 14. Ticket sales begin April 24. The fair will be May 18-21 in Antioch. For details visit www.contracostafair.com.

Community Events in Clayton: The Clayton Business & Community Association is sponsoring the following events downtown: Arts & Wine Festival, April 29-30; BBQ & Brews Festival, Aug. 26-27; Oktoberfest, Sept. 30-Oct. 1. For details, visit https://claytoncbca.org.

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

Camp Clayton: Discovery Zone. Children can check out the STEM Discovery Zone, including minerals to explore, 2-3 p.m. March 8.

Storytimes. Lapsit storytime for littlest ones 11-11:20 a.m. Thursdays; toddler/preschool storytime 11:30 a.m.-noon Thursdays, with a stay and play event immediately after.

Computer/Tech Assistance. 10 a.m.-noon Fridays. Adults can get one-on-one tech help. Bring your own device or work with a volunteer on one of the library computers. Sign up in person or call during operating hours to book a 30-minute appointment. Drop-ins accommodated as available.

Diamond Painted House Plants. Use tiny plastic gems to make pictures, for adults and teens, 2-3 p.m. March 11. Supplies provided; registration required.

Python Ron’s Reptile Kingdom. A hands-on learning experience for children on the world of reptiles, spiders and insects, 2-3 p.m. March 15.

The arts

“California Remembered.” Featuring oils and pastels of California’s golden hills by Maralyn Miller, through March 18. Valley Art Gallery, 1661 Botelho Dr., Suite 110, Walnut Creek. For details, visit www.valleyartgallery.org.

“The Mousetrap.” Clayton Theatre Company performs the classic Agatha Christie mystery, March 17-April 1, Endeavor Hall 6008 Center St., Clayton. Visit claytontheatrecompany.com or call 925-334-0880 for tickets.

Diablo Ballet 29th Anniversary Gala. Featuring “Confetti,” “Paquita” and “Elevator Operator,” followed by a celebration in The Garden, March 31. For ballet tickets, call 925-943-SHOW (7469) or visit www.lesherartscenter.org or www.diabloballet.org. For gala tickets, visit https://diabloballet.org/anniversary-gala.