Happy Wednesday, Walnut Creek.

💡 Did you know that WC has more open space per resident than many Bay Area cities?

If there was any doubt about how seriously Walnut Creek takes game day, Sunday answered it. Wings disappeared, dips were not spared, and at least one charcuterie board tried to qualify as a main course.

Now that the Super Bowl is officially behind us, it might be time to swap the leftovers for something slightly more balanced. Maybe a long walk on the trail, a stop at the farmers market, or just calling it “carb recovery” and moving on.

In today’s edition:

Let’s get to it.

— Sean Casey

If Valentine’s plans feel predictable this year, Lindsay Wildlife Experience has a much better idea. Their 21+ Wild@Night: Kiss & Tail event brings animals, music, drinks, and just enough energy to make it feel like a real night out without needing a dinner reservation three weeks in advance.

Guests can explore the wildlife center after hours, meet animal ambassadors up close, and enjoy beer and wine while mingling. There’s even a silent disco, which means you can dance enthusiastically while pretending you’re not. It’s equal parts date night, friend outing, and “we should do something different” plan.

This is a great option if you want something memorable but easy, especially since it’s right here in Walnut Creek.

📍 Where: Lindsay Wildlife Experience, 1931 First Ave
📅 When: Friday, Feb 13th | 6:00–9:00 PM
💲 Price: $25–$45 depending on ticket type

Get Tickets

Midweek plans just got more interesting. Telefèric Barcelona is hosting Flamenco & Tapas Night, pairing live flamenco performances with their signature tapas menu. It’s lively, festive, and feels like a quick trip to Spain without leaving downtown. Great for date night, girls’ night, or anyone who wants their Wednesday to have a little extra spice.

📍 Where: 1500 Mt Diablo Blvd
📅 When: Wed, Feb 11th | 6:00 PM
💲 Price: Menu pricing

Book a Table

Downtown is about to get a little sweeter. Läderach, the premium Swiss chocolatier known for handcrafted chocolate slabs, pralines, and beautifully packaged gift boxes, is opening soon at Broadway Plaza in the former ECCO space. The brand is especially popular for its fresh chocolate bark broken straight from large slabs behind the counter. While an official opening date hasn’t been announced, buildout plans are underway. If you’re already thinking ahead to gifts, hosting season, or simply treating yourself, this will be one to watch.

📍 Where: 138 Broadway Plaza
📅 When: All February
💲 Price: Retail Pricing

Website

If you’ve ever wanted a signature scent but had no idea how to begin, Nordstrom’s multi-day fragrance event lets you explore layering and customization in-store. It’s a unique, pop-in experience that pairs nicely with a Broadway Plaza stroll. Think of it as a sensory reset between errands.

📍 Where: Nordstrom, Broadway Plaza
📅 When: February 11th - 15th
💲 Price: Free

Event Details

Get a little rhythm in your mid-February plans with Sounds of the Americas: A Mariachi Valentine. The Diablo Symphony teams up with Oscar Garibay and the UC Davis Mariachi Ensemble for a vibrant concert blending mariachi favorites like America and Huapango with symphonic works and Latin-American dances. It’s perfect for a Sunday afternoon that will be festive and heart-warming with music that’s lively, colorful, and lots of fun for locals looking to mix culture.

📍 Where: Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr
📅 When: Sunday, Feb 15th | 2pm – 4:15pm
💲 Price: Adult $45 | Youth $15 | Children 12 & under free (ticket required)

Purchase Tickets

Reservations recommended.

🍣 Omakase of Love at Sasa Izakaya
Special Valentine’s omakase sushi experience.

🍽️ A Perfect Valentine’s Night at La Fontaine
Three-course prix-fixe romantic dinner.

🎵 Valentine’s Dinner at 1515 Restaurant & Lounge
Special Valentine’s menu with live music. Dinner service.

🌶️ Torsap Thai Kitchen Prix Fixe Dinner
Four-course Valentine’s prix-fixe Thai dinner.

🍝 Love Is on the Menu at Massimo Ristorante
Romantic Italian Valentine’s dinner offerings.

🍸 Valentine’s Night at Stereo41
Signature cocktails and special dishes from the middle east.

🇫🇷 French bistro flair La Sen Bistro
Elegant plating, rich flavors, and a relaxed yet elevated atmosphere.

🌹 Greek Mediterranean with fresh flavors at Elia
For couples who love bold, mezze, seafood, and rich wines.

🍷 Va de Vi Bistro Valentine’s Reservations
Small plates, wine flights, and a lively yet intimate vibe.

🇮🇹 Benvenuti Ristorante feels like a European dinner date
Traditional Italian Valentine’s dinner setting.

🥧 Weekly Walnut recipe: Cranberry Walnut Bread. Embrace the sweet aroma of autumn in the form of a cranberry walnut bread with orange.

🎵 Who we are listening to: Alabama Shakes - Don't Wanna Fight. A gritty, emotional blend of Southern soul, blues-rock, and roots music.

🎁 Local small business highlight: Ace Hardware Round Up For Education - through Feb 28th, funds raised support essential programs in Walnut Creek public schools - including art, music, science labs, libraries, middle and high school electives, and student wellness.

🙏 Positive News: 13-year-old Ditches Lifejacket and Makes ‘Superhuman’ Swim to Save Family Swept out to Sea. Read Article

✨ Progress, not perfection.

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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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