The wait is over—Walnut Creek on Ice is officially open for the season! Grab your friends, lace up those skates, and glide into a day of winter wonderland fun! Don’t miss out on the brand-new Frosty’s Summit ice slide, festive shopping at Shadelands Ranch Holiday Faire, and the chance to see "The Nutcracker" live. Pinky's Pizza has turned 13, and there’s even a dazzling light show at Ruth Bancroft Garden to light up your night!

- Walnut Creek Spotlight Team

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Walnut Creek Ice Rink Opens Today!

The wait is over—Walnut Creek on Ice is officially open for the season! Head to Civic Park today, November 27th, at 11 AM PST, and join the community in kicking off the winter festivities.

This year, visitors can enjoy a brand-new feature: Frosty’s Summit, an exciting ice slide perfect for adding extra fun to your outing. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or stepping onto the ice for the first time, there’s something for everyone.

Make sure to grab your tickets online to secure your spot on the ice and enjoy a day filled with winter magic! (link)

Local Favorite Pinky’s Pizza Marks 13 Years of Delicious Memories

Pinky’s Pizza & Pub at 2085 N Broadway, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, celebrates 13 years of serving the community with great food, engaging events, and exceptional hospitality. The restaurant thanks its loyal patrons with special anniversary promotions and festivities, highlighting its commitment to quality and local connection.

Holiday Cheer Awaits at Shadelands Ranch Holiday Faire

The Shadelands Ranch Holiday Faire is back, offering festive fun and shopping from November 30 through December 15. Visitors can enjoy browsing unique, handcrafted gifts from over 40 talented crafters who fill the historic ranch house with seasonal treasures. The faire is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, and admission is completely free, making it the perfect outing for friends and family.

This year also marks the return of the popular Shadelands Ranch Holiday Teas. Guests can indulge in cozy lunches with two seatings each day, as well as exclusive Champagne Teas on December 7 and 14. Reservations are recommended for this delightful holiday tradition, where warm drinks and delicious bites create a memorable seasonal experience.

Get ready to check off your holiday shopping list and savor the magic of the season at this beloved annual event!

Sipeos to Open Cafe & Bar in Walnut Creek on November 30

Sipeos, a brand dedicated to promoting balanced living through non-alcoholic beverages, is set to open its new Cafe & Bar in Walnut Creek on November 30. The venue reflects the company’s mission to blend wellness with celebration, creating a space where everyone—whether they drink alcohol or not—can enjoy flavorful and healthier options.

The founders of Sipeos launched the brand to address a common social challenge: the limited options available for those who choose not to drink alcohol. Traditional social events often revolve around alcoholic beverages, leaving non-drinkers with choices that are either uninspired, like plain water, or overly sugary mocktails. This often results in feelings of exclusion despite the inclusive intentions of hosts or friends.

Recognizing this gap, Sipeos has joined a growing movement within the beverage industry, which is increasingly focused on crafting non-alcoholic alternatives such as beers, wines, spirit substitutes, and mixers. The founders envision a future where non-alcoholic beverages are as commonplace and celebrated at social gatherings as their alcoholic counterparts.

The name "Sipeos" draws inspiration from Eos, the Greek goddess of dawn, symbolizing a new beginning for healthier, great-tasting non-alcoholic drinks. The Walnut Creek Cafe & Bar marks an exciting milestone in the brand’s journey, providing a welcoming environment for all to sip and celebrate.

FEATURED EVENTS

Contra Costa Ballet Celebrates 35 Years of “The Nutcracker” at Lesher Center

The Contra Costa Ballet invites audiences to experience its beloved rendition of The Nutcracker as the company marks its 35th anniversary of this cherished holiday tradition. Running from November 29 to December 1, 2024, this enchanting performance takes place at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, California.

Designed to delight audiences of all ages, the one-hour production follows Clara’s magical journey as her nutcracker prince leads her through battles with giant mice, lively toy soldiers, and into the enchanting Candy Kingdom. The show features a vibrant array of costumes, whimsical sets, and captivating performances by a talented cast of young dancers alongside professional guest artists.

Perfect for families and newcomers to ballet, this festive production offers a polished introduction to a holiday classic without an intermission, allowing viewers to immerse themselves fully in the magic.

Tickets are available now, with performances held at the Lesher Center for the Arts, located at 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek. Tickets (link)

Garden of D’Lights: A Spectacular Holiday Experience at Ruth Bancroft Garden

The Garden of D’Lights at the Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek, running from November 22, 2024, to January 11, 2025, offers a magical blend of illuminated art and natural beauty. This family-friendly event supports the garden's preservation by featuring dazzling lights, lasers, and a self-paced tour. Tickets range from $12 to $29, with membership discounts and free entry for children under 4. Get Tickets (link)

EVENTS

Wednesday, November 27th

7th Annual Stranger Thanksgiving Eve Bash | 6 PM – 2 AM | Retro Junkie, Walnut Creek, CA | Free before 10 PM w/ RSVP, $10 after | Dance to DJ Darkerdaze’s party hits with lights, lasers, and a disco ball! 21+ only.

The Spazmatics Annual Thanksgiving Eve Show | 9:30 PM | Dan's Bar | High-energy live performance to kick off Thanksgiving celebrations!

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

Pre-Thanksgiving Day Party | 8 PM | Bourbon Highway | DJ Monica upstairs, karaoke with CC Amato downstairs—country, dance, and fun all night!

Thursday, November 28th

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃

Friday, November 29th

Garden of D’Lights | 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Ruth Bancroft Garden, 1552 Bancroft Rd., Walnut Creek, CA 94598 | Ticketed (link) | Experience a dazzling winter wonderland with lights, art installations, and lasers in a 3.5-acre botanical oasis.

Guys and Dolls JR. | 11/29/ - 12/01/ | Times Vary | Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, CA | $20+ | Youth performers bring Broadway's iconic musical comedy to life!

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.

Rock 'n' Roll Fridays | 11/01 -12/13, 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 30th

Laurie Roldan Sings Carpenter Christmas Favorites | Times Vary | Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, CA | $30+ | Celebrate the holidays with timeless Carpenters Christmas classics performed by Laurie Roldan and special guests!

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, December 1st

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

Friday, November 29th

The Inflatables Live Rock Covers | 9:30 PM | Dan's Bar | Enjoy a night of energetic rock cover hits!

A Dustland Fairytale + Wake the Neighbors Live | 6 PM – 2 AM | Retro Junkie, Walnut Creek, CA | Tickets vary | The Killers tribute and 90s-00s rock covers, plus DJ after-party. 21+ only.

Line Dancing & Lessons with Dancing Cole & CC Amato | 8 PM | Bourbon Highway | Fun line dancing lessons paired with great music and energy!

Saturday, November 30th

George Michael Reborn + Retrospekt 80s Live | 6 PM – 2 AM | Retro Junkie, Walnut Creek, CA | Tickets vary | George Michael tribute and 80s New Wave hits, plus DJ after-party. 21+ only.

Aqua Nett 80s Hair Metal Night | 9:30 PM | Dan's Bar | Relive the 80s with Aqua Nett's electrifying hair metal and rock!

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.

Line Dancing & Lessons with Johnny & CC Amato | 8 PM | Bourbon Highway | Wrap up your week with upbeat line dancing fun!

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