Happy Wednesday, Walnut Creek.

💡 Did you know between 1950 and 1970, the population quadrupled twice, making it one of the fastest-growing communities in California during that period?

So if Walnut Creek ever feels busy, just remember … growth has kind of been our thing.

We also know yesterday was quite the storm and hoping everyone came out of it healthy and unharmed. Incase you need, you can sign up for WCAlert by texting "WCALERT" to 888-777 or visit the Community Warning System at www.CWSAlerts.com.

In today’s edition:

Let’s get to it.

— Sean Casey

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or someone who just likes to say “I ran today,” Barry’s Walnut Creek and the Walnut Creek Run Club are teaming up for a community-friendly social run this week. This isn’t a race — it’s a chance to meet neighbors, get a little cardio in, and feel like you accomplished something on a Thursday evening.

Barry’s brings its high-energy, supportive vibe, and pairing it with the Run Club’s welcoming group means you’ll be moving at whatever pace feels good while chatting with locals who also enjoy fresh air + shared strides. It’s made for everyone so whether you’re a casual jogger or just curious to see what a social run actually looks like — it is just sneakers, smiles, and zero pressure.

Afterward, plenty of nearby spots downtown are open for post-run fuel (coffee, cocktails, or something warm), making this a perfect combination of fun and getting a little work out in.

📍 Where: Meet at the Broadway Plaza Fountain. Look for the Barry's Banner.
📅 When: Thu, Feb 19 | 5:30–7:30 PM
💲 Price: Free

Event Info

For fans of Broadway, comedy, and musical flair, Ana Gasteyer is stopping by the Lesher Center for the Arts with a live performance that’s part concert, comedy, storytelling, and cabaret. Perhaps best known for her incomparable work on Saturday Night Live, her dynamic voice and charming stage presence will make this show absolutely memorable.

📍 Where: Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr
📅 When: Sat, Feb 21 | Check showtimes
💲 Price: Ticketed event; varies

Purchase Tickets

There’s a new way to sweat in Walnut Creek. HOTWORX has officially opened in the Rossmoor Shopping Center, bringing its signature infrared sauna workout concept to town. The studio combines short, guided workouts inside heated infrared rooms with everything from yoga and Pilates to HIIT sessions. The idea? Maximize efficiency, minimize time. For anyone who likes their workouts HOT, this is a new option worth checking out. It’s membership-based, and tours are available if you’re curious before committing.

📍 Where: Rossmoor Shopping Center, 1940 Tice Valley Blvd.
📅 When: Now Open!
💲 Price: Memberships

Website

Winter calls for rituals that actually make you feel amazing—and Pique’s Sun Goddess Matcha is mine. It delivers clean, focused energy with zero jitters, supports glowing skin and gentle detox, and feels deeply grounding on cold mornings. Smooth, ceremonial-grade, and crave-worthy, it’s the easiest way to start winter days clear, energized, and glowing from the inside out

Get Up To 20% Off

If you’re looking for something cultural and a little different from the usual weeknight event, this one stands out. Renowned African master percussionist, performer, author, and inspirational speaker Onye Onyemaechi brings the rhythms and spirit of West African village life to Walnut Creek. Expect live drumming, traditional dances, songs, and storytelling that celebrate community, resilience, and joy. It’s interactive, energetic, and designed for all ages, making it just as engaging for adults as it is for kids.

📍 Where: Walnut Creek Library
📅 When: Thursday, Feb 19th | 430pm - 530pm
💲 Price: Free

More Info

If your ideal Saturday includes stretching first and sipping second, this one’s for you. Rotator Taproom is hosting Yoga & Beer with instructor Christy Brown. Expect a unique flow designed for all levels, followed by a well-earned beverage in a relaxed setting. Bring your mat for a great work out, and plan to stay after class to enjoy the taproom vibe.

📍 Where: Rotator Taproom, 1415 Pine St
📅 When: Saturday | 10:00 AM
💲 Price: $20

Reserve Your Spot

Every so often, if something nearby feels too good not to share, we’ll step slightly outside to our neighbors and highlight the fun!

If you’ve lived in the East Bay long enough, you know crab feed season is basically a sport. Throughout February and March, community groups across Contra Costa County, from Concord to Martinez and beyond, are hosting classic crab feeds featuring fresh Dungeness crab, pasta, bread, and the kind of lively, communal tables that make it easy to meet new people. Most of these events double as fundraisers for local schools, nonprofits, or service clubs, so you’re eating well and supporting something meaningful at the same time.

📍 Where: Various Contra Costa venues
📅 When: Feb–Mar (multiple dates)
💲 Price: Varies per host

Crab Feed Calendar

🥧 Weekly Walnut recipe: Walnut Stuffed Atayef - Fluffy Middle Eastern pancakes stuffed with a spiced walnut mixture, fried until golden, and drizzled with fragrant orange-blossom syrup.

🎵 Who we are listening to: Flipturn - Sad Disco. The song features a driving rhythm, characteristic of the band's "indie-rock magic," blending sparkling guitar lines with synth elements.

🎁 Local small business highlight: Half-Baked Obsessions - where desserts meet obsession.

🙏 Positive News: Monks Arrival After 15 Weeks of Walking Fills DC Streets With Peace and Compassion. Read Article

✨ Kindness costs nothing, but it can change everything.

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