Happy Wednesday, Walnut Creek!

💡 Did you know: Walnut Creek’s downtown shopping district is one of the highest-performing retail areas in the country — which is why so many new restaurants quietly test concepts here first.

In today’s edition:

Let’s get to it.

— Sean Casey

Spring cleaning tends to start with good intentions… and then end with a big pile of stuff you’re not sure what to do with! That’s where Junked – Powered By Veterans, a Walnut Creek-based team comes in. They specialize in hauling away everything from old furniture and appliances to full garage or home cleanouts, making the process feel a lot less overwhelming.

What people appreciate most is how straightforward they are. Quick scheduling, fair pricing, and a team that shows up ready to handle the heavy lifting so you don’t have to. It’s an easy way to reset your space for the season without turning it into a full weekend project.

They are offering $50 Off to our readers when you call and schedule a removal service. Mention code WCD50 and the newsletter to take advantage.

Clean space, clear mind, and you’re supporting a local veteran-run business at the same time.

Website: www.junkedbyvets.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 925-222-4375

If you’ve been looking for a reason to get out later today, this one comes with a built-in feel-good angle.

Taste & Toast isn’t just a downtown tasting event, it’s a community fundraiser supporting Walnut Creek public schools through the Walnut Creek Education Foundation. As you make your way through participating spots, you’ll be sampling wine, cocktails, and small bites, with proceeds helping fund local classrooms, teachers, and programs across the district.

What is also great about it is how naturally it blends into a night out. You can treat it like a relaxed evening by popping into places you’ve been meaning to try, knowing the whole experience is tied to something meaningful happening locally.

It’s also the kind of event that brings out a great mix of people: parents, neighbors, and locals who are all a little more connected to the community. Easy to join, easy to enjoy, and easy to feel good about.

📍 Where: Broadway Plaza Fountain - Starting Location
📅 When: Wednesday, March 25th | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
💲 Price: Ticketed | Prices vary

Get Tickets

A classic story, but in a setting that feels a little more intimate than you’d expect.

Diablo Ballet brings Romeo & Juliet to the Lesher Center with a production that leans into both storytelling and technical precision. Even if you’re not a regular ballet-goer, this is one of those performances that’s easy to settle into. Dramatic, visually polished, and a nice change of pace from the usual dinner-and-drinks routine.

Best for a date night or anyone looking to add something a little more romantic for the weekend.

📍 Where: Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr
📅 When: Friday, March 27th & Saturday, March 28th | Times vary
💲 Price: Ticketed | Prices vary

Get Tickets

If you’re in the mood to wander, browse, and maybe pick up something you didn’t plan on buying, this is a good stop.

The Makers Market brings together local artisans, small brands, and handcrafted goods in an outdoor setup. Expect everything from jewelry and home goods to gifts that are made locally and don’t feel mass-produced. It’s an easy add-on to a coffee run or lunch nearby.

📍 Where: Broadway Plaza
📅 When: Saturday, March 28 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💲 Price: Free

Event Details

A little mystery, a little storytelling, and a fun twist on your typical night out.

Diamonds & Detectives is part interactive experience, part themed event — designed for people who enjoy solving clues, following a storyline, and doing something a bit different. It leans social without being overwhelming, which makes it a good option for small groups or even a more creative date night.

If you’ve been wanting something that feels more “activity-based,” this is a solid pick.

📍 Where: Center for Community Arts, 111 N Wiget Ln
📅 When: Saturday, March 28 | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
💲 Price: Ticketed | $60.54

Get Tickets

If you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly way to celebrate Easter, The McLane Team is hosting a Community Easter Egg Hunt filled with classic springtime fun. Expect egg hunts for different age groups, photo opportunities, and a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for kids and parents alike. Events like this tend to move quickly once the hunt begins, so arriving a little early is always a good idea. It’s a simple, festive way to get outside, meet other local families, and enjoy a bit of seasonal tradition together.

📍 Where: Rudgear Park
📅 When: Saturday, March 28th | 11am - 1pm
💲 Price: Free (registration encouraged)

Event Info

A new restaurant opening is always worth noting — especially when it lands right in the downtown rotation.

North Italia officially opens this week, bringing handmade pastas, pizzas, and a menu that will have you drooling. It’s the perfect kind of place that works just as well for a casual weeknight dinner as it does for a weekend evening out.

If you like trying new spots early (before the word fully gets out), this is your window.

📍 Where: 1179 Locust St, Walnut Creek
📅 When: Opening Today, March 25th
💲 Price: Varies by menu

More Info

If you’re looking for something a little different — especially with kids — this one is worth a look.

The Joy of the Symphony is designed to be engaging, giving families a chance to experience live orchestral music without the formality that sometimes comes with it. It’s a nice way to introduce younger audiences to something new, while still being enjoyable for adults.

A good pick for a slower-paced, feel-good outing.

📍 Where: Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr
📅 When: Sunday, March 29 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
💲 Price: Ticketed | Prices vary

Get Tickets

🥧 Weekly Walnut recipe: Maple Walnut Granola – A cozy, lightly sweet granola with rich maple flavor and toasted walnuts. Perfect for slow mornings, sprinkled over yogurt, or eaten straight from the jar.

🎵 Who we are listening to: A Place In The Sun – Jack Johnson & Paula Fuga. “Easy, earthy, and endlessly replayable. The perfect soundtrack for a sunny Walnut Creek afternoon.”

🐰 We found a great Easter Activity Book to fill the kids baskets.

🙏 Positive News: Teens are recycling thousands of old pickleballs—aiming to break a Guinness World Record while keeping them out of landfills. A small idea with a surprisingly big impact. Read Article

✨ You don’t have to do everything today. Doing one thing with care is often enough.

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