Happy Wednesday, Walnut Creek.

There’s a lot unfolding around town right now, from long-term changes downtown to small, easy moments happening this week. We’ve rounded up what’s worth knowing so you can stay in the loop and make plans that fit into your schedule.

In today’s edition:

Let’s get to it.

— Sean Casey

A major change is on the horizon for Broadway Plaza, and it’s one that will likely reshape how people experience downtown in the years ahead. The former Neiman Marcus space is slated to become an RH Gallery, a large-scale showroom known for blending retail, design, and hospitality under one roof.

What makes this especially interesting for Walnut Creek is that the plans include a restaurant and outdoor wine experience, turning the space into more of a destination than a traditional store. In other cities, RH Galleries are designed as places where people linger, meet friends, and make an afternoon or evening out of the visit.

This project is still in the planning and development phase, with construction expected to begin mid-2026 and an opening projected for early 2028. While it’s not an immediate addition, it’s the kind of long-term investment that signals where downtown Walnut Creek is headed, leaning more into experiential spaces that mix shopping, dining, and time well spent.

📍 Where: Broadway Plaza, former Neiman Marcus location
📅 When: Construction expected mid-2026, opening projected early 2028

More Info

If you’re looking for a social event that feels more friendly than formal, the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce is hosting its January BASH at the Renaissance Bay Club, with food from Morucci’s. These events tend to be more about casual conversations than business cards, making them fun for everyone even if networking isn’t usually your thing. Expect light bites, drinks, and a mix of local professionals catching up after the workday.

📍 Where: Renaissance Bay Club, Walnut Creek
📅 When: Wednesday, Jan 28, 5:30–7:00 PM
💲 Price: Free for members, $20 for non-member guests

Register For The Event

Classic rock fans will feel right at home at this Eagles tribute show, where familiar hits and strong harmonies take center stage. Take It To The Limit brings a full-band performance that leans into nostalgia in the best way, the kind where you realize you know more lyrics than you expected. It’s an easy choice for a midweek night out to get your head nodding and feet tapping.

📍 Where: Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr
📅 When: Wednesday, Jan 28, 7:30 PM
💲 Price: Tickets start around $59

Get Tickets

Comedy night at ØL Beercafe & Bottle Shop is exactly what it sounds like: relaxed, good company, and designed for laughs over drinks. The rotating lineup features local and traveling comedians, and the small setting makes it feel way more personal. It’s a great option if you want something different than dinner but still casual, and fun enough to get you out on a weeknight.

📍 Where: ØL Beercafe & Bottle Shop, 1541 Giammona Dr
📅 When: Thursday, Feb 5, 7:30–8:30 PM
💲 Price: Tips only

Bottle Shop Website

The American Cancer Society Discovery Shop is marking Lunar New Year with a festive in-store celebration featuring themed décor, artwork, and unique finds. It’s a nice excuse to stop by and support a good cause while picking up something a little different than your usual thrift find.

📍 Where: Discovery Shop, 1538 Locust St
📅 When: Through Saturday, Jan 31 (10am - 6pm)
💲 Price: Free

Follow Their Socials

This neighborhood-style block party brings together Beehive Salon and Barebottle Brewing Co. for an afternoon of live music, local vendors, food, and drinks. There’s also a ribbon cutting at 1:00 PM, making it both a celebration and a community milestone. Family-friendly and easygoing, it’s a good one to pop by and support two local businesses.

📍 Where: 1355–1379 S California Blvd
📅 When: Sunday, Feb 1, 12:00–4:00 PM
💲 Price: Free

Event Calendar

💡 Walnut Creek was originally inhabited by the Bay Miwok people.

🥧 Weekly Walnut recipe: Walnut-Lentil Lettuce Wraps. Usually these call for beef or chicken, but we’ve found a marvelous meaty swap using a duo of walnuts and lentils.

🎵 Who we are listening to: Hold On - Sons of the East. An infectious blend of indie-folk and just pure banjo fun. It has a building tempo that will force you to dance.

🎁 Local small business highlight: Bondadoso Coffee & Tea Collective - Spanish for “kind”, it embodies their late sister Lori’s character. Simply stated, a place for people to gather and share great coffee and tea in an environment that is uplifting, welcoming, and kind.

🏈 With the Super Bowl coming to the Bay Area, we found our favorite football Activity Book & Inspirational Stories for the kiddos.

🙏 Positive News: Tiny ‘Pouch-Cam’ Provides Rare Glimpse of Endangered Tree Kangaroo Developing Inside its Mother. Read Article

✨ A small change in perspective can shift an entire day.

As always, we read every reply and truly appreciate hearing from you. If there’s something you’d like to see more of locally, let us know. Thanks for being part of the Walnut Creek Digest community.

Have an event you want to feature or want to advertise your business to our readers in Walnut Creek? Drop us a line here → [email protected]

— Sean Casey | Publisher | Walnut Creek Digest