Happy Wednesday, Walnut Creek!

💡 Did you know: On October 21, 1914, we officially became the 8th city in Contra Costa County?

From horse-drawn days to Broadway Plaza nights, we’ve covered some ground.

In today’s edition:

Let’s get to it.

— Sean Casey

HEAD WEST Marketplace is back in downtown Walnut Creek! This open-air market brings together local artisans, vintage curators, makers, and small brands for a full afternoon of browsing that is masterfully curated.

You’ll find everything from handmade jewelry and art prints to home goods, candles, fashion, and those “this would make a great gift” pieces you didn’t plan on buying. You can wander at your own pace, grab coffee nearby, and bump into neighbors enjoying the same lively and fun atmosphere.

Whether you’re hunting for something specific or just want a reason to get outside, HEAD WEST turns downtown into a walkable showcase of creativity.

📍 Where: North Main Street (Bonanza to Mt. Diablo), Walnut Creek
📅 When: Sunday, March 8th | 11am – 5pm
💲 Price: Free to attend

Event Info

If you still instinctively air-drum when that famous drum fill kicks in, you must come see it live. This tribute concert delivers the biggest Genesis and Phil Collins hits with a full band and stage production that leans into nostalgia in the best way. It’s ideal for a date night, a friends’ night out, or anyone who appreciates a well-produced tribute show.

📍 Where: Lesher Center for the Arts. 1601 Civic Dr
📅 When: Saturday, March 7th | 7:30pm
💲 Price: Ticketed | Prices vary

Ticket Info

Downtown’s dining scene is getting another well-known name. North Italia, the modern Italian restaurant known for handmade pasta, craft cocktails, and shareable plates, is set to open its doors March 25th at Plaza Escuela. With its lively dining room and patio atmosphere, the new location is expected to become a popular spot for dinners and weekend brunch.

📍 Where: North Italia. Plaza Escuela, 1653 Mt Diablo Blvd
📅 When: Wednesday, March 25th | Opening day
💲 Price: Menu pricing (entrée prices typically $18–$35)

Main Website

WCEF continues its mission to fund programs and resources for Walnut Creek public schools. Community donations and event participation directly support students across the district. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give locally, this is one of the most direct impacts you can make.

📍 Where: Online & various community events
📅 When: Ongoing
💲 Price: Donation-based

Learn More

Looking for a family outing that feels like a real event? This theatrical production brings the classic Arthurian legend to life with humor, adventure, and engaging performances designed for all ages. It’s an easy way to introduce kids to live theatre while keeping adults entertained too. Expect colorful costumes, lively storytelling, and a production that moves quickly enough to hold everyone’s attention.

📍 Where: Lesher Center for the Arts. 1601 Civic Dr
📅 When: March 5th – March 8th
💲 Price: Ticketed | Prices vary by performance

Ticket Info

For kids who are building confidence with reading, this is a sweet one. The Walnut Creek Library hosts “Read to a Dog,” where young readers can practice reading aloud to a trained therapy dog. There’s no pressure or classroom setting, just a calm and friendly listener who never interrupts. It’s a simple but powerful way to encourage literacy and make reading feel fun, with a furry companion.

📍 Where: Walnut Creek Library
📅 When: Wednesday, March 4th | 430pm - 530pm
💲 Price: Free to attend

More Info

If you want something a little theatrical that’s clever, funny, and delightfully over-the-top, The 39 Steps is your next stop. This fast-paced stage comedy that is part suspense, part parody, and part physical theatre, follows an ordinary man pulled into a world of spies, intrigue, and mistaken identity. With hilarious characters and enough plot twists to make you grin, it’s one of those shows where the audience is just as much a part of the fun as the cast. Enjoy a night out with our Danville neighbors and have a good laugh!

Where: Village Theatre, 233 Front St, Danville
When: Check showtimes for dates through the weekend/week ahead
Price: $32-$37

Purchase Tickets

🥧 Weekly Walnut recipe: Apple, Fig & Walnut Crisp - crisp apples and decadent, honey-sweet figs bake together with cinnamon and ginger spiced sweetness under a textural crumble topping.

🎵 Who we are listening to: San Francisco Street - Sun Rai. The perfect night time song to cruise around with your windows rolled all the way down.

🙏 Positive News: Researchers Train Bacteria to Consume Tumors from the Inside Out. They are developing a novel tool to treat cancer by engineering hungry bacteria to literally eat tumors from the inside out. Read Article

✨ Nothing is missing in this moment.

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