Happy Tuesday, Walnut Creek!
💡 Did you know: Walnut Creek was originally called “Nuts Creek” before the city officially adopted the name Walnut Creek in 1862.
In today’s edition:
A bike rodeo for kids
Flowers + boutique shopping
A downtown art walk
A cozy tea workshop
Jazz night at the Lesher
The county fair is back
Let’s get to it.
— Sean Casey
🚲 City of Walnut Creek Bike Rodeo: Pedal Palooza
A fun, family-friendly event rolls into Walnut Creek this week with the return of Pedal Palooza, the city’s annual Bike Rodeo focused on bike safety, confidence, and getting kids excited about riding. Families can expect obstacle courses, safety stations, games, and hands-on activities designed to help young riders practice skills in a relaxed setting. Local police officers and community partners will also be onsite helping with helmet fittings, bike checks, and safety tips.
It’s one of those events that feels equal parts educational and genuinely fun, especially for younger kids who love any excuse to ride around with friends. A great way to kick off warmer-weather weekends while getting outside and moving a little.
📍 Where: Heather Farm Park. 301 N San Carlos Dr
📅 When: Saturday, May 9th | 10am – 1pm
💲 Price: Free
🌸 Once Upon a Street: Beauty & Bouquets
Broadway Plaza
Downtown Walnut Creek’s spring series continues with Beauty & Bouquets, bringing flowers, seasonal décor, and interactive experiences to Broadway Plaza. The event leans into everything people tend to enjoy this time of year: fresh blooms, warm weather, strolling downtown, and finding small moments worth stopping for. It’s an easy outing whether you’re shopping, grabbing coffee, or simply looking for a reason to spend a little more time outside this weekend.
📍 Where: Broadway Plaza. 1275 Broadway Plaza
📅 When: Saturday, May 16th | 11am - 2pm
💲 Price: Free
🎨 Public Art Walking Tour
A good reminder that some of Walnut Creek’s best art is sitting out in plain sight. Bedford Gallery’s Public Art Walking Tour guides visitors through downtown while highlighting sculptures, murals, and installations that many people pass every day without fully noticing. It’s part history, part art appreciation, and part excuse to spend an hour wandering downtown at a slower pace.
📍 Where: Bedford Gallery / Downtown Walnut Creek
📅 When: Saturday, May 16th | 10am - 11am
💲 Price: Free / Registration encouraged
🍵 A May Tea Workshop on Oatstraw and the Art of Receiving
A slower-paced evening centered around tea, reflection, and taking a breath from the usual routine. This workshop explores oatstraw tea, herbal traditions, and themes of rest and receiving through guided conversation and hands-on tea preparation. It’s equal parts calming and thoughtful, making it a good fit for anyone looking to unplug for a couple hours and settle into something a little more intentional than the average night out.
📍 Where: Rooted Coffee Co. Downtown Walnut Creek
📅 When: Friday, May 15th | 6pm – 7:30pm
💲 Price: $28.52
🎺 Wycliffe Gordon Quintet
Lesher Center
Jazz trombonist Wycliffe Gordon brings his quintet to the Lesher for a night of high-energy jazz rooted in New Orleans tradition. Known for blending humor, storytelling, and standout musicianship into his performances, Gordon’s shows tend to feel lively and approachable even for people who wouldn’t normally call themselves jazz fans. A strong pick for anyone looking for a more polished night out that still feels relaxed and entertaining.
📍 Where: Lesher Center for the Arts. 1601 Civic Dr
📅 When: Sunday, May 17th | 3pm - 5pm
💲 Price: Ticketed | Prices vary
🌉 Hello Neighbor: Contra Costa County Fair Returns to Antioch
One of Contra Costa County’s biggest annual events rolls back into Antioch this week with the return of the Contra Costa County Fair. Expect the classic mix of carnival rides, fair food, live music, livestock shows, games, and the kind of nostalgic energy that somehow makes funnel cake feel completely reasonable again. It’s an easy option for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking for a bigger weekend outing beyond Walnut Creek.
Come hungry, wear comfortable shoes, and prepare to leave smelling vaguely like kettle corn.
📍 Where: Contra Costa Event Park. 1201 W 10th St, Antioch
📅 When: Thursday, May 14th – Sunday, May 17th
💲 Price: Admission varies | Tickets available online
Other fun notes…
🥧 Weekly Walnut recipe: Homemade Nut Butter — creamy, simple, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Perfect on toast, apple slices, or eaten straight from the spoon if we’re being honest.
🎵 Who we are listening to: Andrea Bocelli — Solamente Una Vez. “This was my parents’ special song, even though they didn’t understand Spanish—they heard the emotion and knew it was a beautiful love song. I get tears now when I hear it.”
🙏 Positive news around the globe: A historic Kentucky Derby win — Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Derby in a comeback victory that’s getting a lot of people emotional. Read Article
✨ You’re allowed to appreciate where you are while still hoping for more.
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.
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