Get ready for a festive week in Walnut Creek! From Model Bakery's grand opening to authentic Italian fare at Gusto Mio and Santa's arrival at Broadway Plaza, our community is buzzing with exciting new additions and holiday cheer. Here's what you need to know about the latest happenings around town.

- Walnut Creek Spotlight Team

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Join Model Bakery's Grand Opening in Walnut Creek on November 13th

Model Bakery will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new Walnut Creek location on November 13th from 5 PM to 7 PM. Attendees can enjoy light refreshments and a taste of Model Bakery’s renowned baked goods as the community celebrates the opening.

Gusto Mio Brings Italy to Walnut Creek with Fresh Focaccia Pizzas and Sandwiches

Gusto Mio, a new focacceria and pizzeria in Walnut Creek, offers Italian-inspired thick focaccia pizzas, sandwiches, and in-house desserts in a fast-casual setting. Co-owner Antonio Merolla manages the daily operations and prepares authentic dishes using family recipes, creating an atmosphere that transports diners to Italy. Future menu expansions will add more traditional items like salads and lasagna. Read More (link)

Book Your Santa Photo at Broadway Plaza for a Festive Family Experience

Broadway Plaza is inviting families to capture holiday memories with Santa through their annual photo sessions, starting November 14 and running until December 24. Located near the SoulCycle, this experience allows visitors to book their Santa photo appointments in advance, ensuring a reserved time without the long wait. The setup provides a festive backdrop, perfect for holiday keepsakes and family photos. Reservations are strongly encouraged, as the holiday season tends to bring a high demand for these popular sessions. With Santa ready to meet kids and families, this event adds a joyful holiday spirit to the shopping experience at Broadway Plaza. Learn More (link)

EVENTS

Wednesday, November 13th

WEEKLY WEDNESDAY KARAOKE NIGHT | 8:00 pm | Retro Junkie, Walnut Creek | Free | Karaoke, drink specials, and arcade games. 21+ only.

Geeks Who Drink Trivia | Rotator Taproom| Wednesdays at 6:30 PM

Karaoke Wednesday | Bourbon Highway | Wednesdays at 8 PM. Watch Video

Qi Gong Drop-In (Seniors) | Civic Park Community Center | Wednesdays at 12 PM | Slow meditative stretching. No experience is needed.

Mah Jong Drop-In (Seniors) | Civic Park Community Center | Wednesdays at 1 PM

Preschool Storytime | Wednesdays | 10:15 am - 10:45 am | Walnut Creek Library | Free | Enjoy stories and fingerplays for ages 3-5; all ages welcome.

T(ween) Game Night | Wednesdays | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Ygnacio Valley Library, Walnut Creek | Free | Teens and tweens enjoy board games, card games, and Nintendo Switch.

Thursday, November 14th

Urinetown the Musical | 11/14/2024 - 11/16/2024 | Times Vary | Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, CA | Ticketed | Enjoy a lively student performance by The Ballet School’s Teen Production Workshop. (link)

Bingo Drop-In (Seniors) | Civic Park Community Center | Thursdays at 12 PM | 50+ Drop-in activity. Try your luck and have fun!

Toddler Storytime & Play | Thursdays | 10:15 am - 11:00 am | Walnut Creek Library | Free | Songs, stories, and movement for ages 0-3; all ages welcome. Stay for playtime!

Family Storytime | Thursdays | 10:15 am - 11:15 am | Ygnacio Valley Library, Walnut Creek | Free | Storybooks, songs, and flannel boards for ages 3-5; all ages welcome. No registration needed.

Friday, November 15th

Diablo Ballet's The Nutcracker Suite | 11/15/2024 - 11/16/2024 | Times Vary | Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, CA | Ticketed | Enjoy Diablo Ballet’s whimsical holiday classic featuring new dances, costumes, and special post-show events. (link)

Pop-up Plant Sale with Brian and Walker | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Ruth Bancroft Garden Plaza, Walnut Creek, CA | Free | Discover rare succulents and hybrids for sale, grown by curators Brian Kemble and Walker Young.

Native Plant Growers | Fridays | 10:00 am | Civic Park, Walnut Creek | Free | Learn to grow native plants at home or work in the Civic Park garden.

Bridge Drop-in | Fridays | 10:00 am | Civic Park Community Center, Walnut Creek | Free | Drop-in bridge for ages 50+; experience required.

Rock 'n' Roll Fridays | Nov 1 - Dec 13, Fridays | 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Bedford Gallery, Walnut Creek | Pay What You Can | Enjoy iconic rock music while exploring 60s-70s abstract art exhibits.

Saturday, November 16th

Public Art Walking Tour | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Bedford Gallery, Walnut Creek, CA | $5 adults, under 18 free | Enjoy a docent-led tour of downtown’s public art, ending at the library.

Chili Bowl Fundraiser | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Civic Park Community Center, Walnut Creek, CA | $25 | Enjoy chili and take home a handmade ceramic bowl. Proceeds support ceramics scholarships. (link)

Diablo Valley Farmers’ Market | Shadelands | Saturdays at 9 AM | Located in Walnut Creek's Shadelands Business Park, the Diablo Valley Farmers' Market, open Saturdays 9 AM to 1 PM with over 40 vendors, features fresh Brentwood produce, a Kid’s Craft Corner, and is a family favorite, having been voted #1 in America’s Favorite Farmers’ Market contest.

Sunday, November 17th

Farmer’s Market Walnut Creek | Locust St | Sundays at 9 AM | The Walnut Creek Market, open Sundays 9 am-1 pm year-round on Locust Street, offers local produce, supports sustainability, and provides free first-hour parking at Grower’s Square; only certified service animals are allowed.

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LIVE MUSIC & DANCE

Wednesday, November 13th

Wayback Wednesday | Wednesdays | Evening | Dan's Irish Sports Bar | 00s Night with DJ Rich Era

Thursday, November 14th

Pachanga Thursday | 6:00 PM | Retro Junkie, Walnut Creek, CA | Ticketed (link) | Live salsa by Orquestra La Original with DJ Chino spinning salsa, bachata, and more. 21+ only.

Friday, November 15th

Green Today (Green Day Tribute) + Hormones (The Ramones Tribute) | 11/15/2024 | 6:00 PM | Retro Junkie, Walnut Creek, CA | Ticketed (link) | Tribute bands perform live with an after-show DJ party featuring 80s-00s hits. 21+ only.

Saturday, November 16th

Roses N' Guns (Guns N' Roses Tribute) + Mean Streak (Y & T Tribute) | 11/16/2024 | 6:00 PM - 2:00 AM | Retro Junkie, Walnut Creek, CA | Ticketed (link) | Tribute bands perform live, followed by a DJ party with 80s-00s hits. 21+ only.

Saturday Sessions in Walnut Creek | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Mike Hess Brewing | Free | Enjoy live music and art for a perfect Saturday evening in Walnut Creek.

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