CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (November 17, 2024) – The Pioneer Calendar lists local events, performances and activities for the whole family.

We update the Pioneer calendar page every week. So check back regularly to find out what’s going on near you.

If you would like to submit your event to the Pioneer calendar page, please email us at [email protected].

Concord Turkey Trot. A 5K run/walk fundraiser for Leaves and Fishes of Contra Costa, check-in at 6:30 a.m., race at 8 a.m., Nov. 28, Newhall Park, 1351 Newhall Parkway, Concord. The course includes lawns, park paths and city streets. Participants with strollers or pets must enter the start area at the back. All participants receive a t-shirt and a medal. Rain or shine. Sponsored by Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union. Registration is $40 in advance or $50 on race day unless sold out. Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Concord/ConcordTurkeyTrot5k. For more information, call 925-771-5602.

“Guitars Not Guns” benefit concert. With host (and Pioneer columnist) Dave Hughes and music by Jim Phelps and Danny Cronan, Miss Reese & Her Pieces, the Breedloves & Friends and the Inflatables, 6pm-midnight (doors open at 5pm), November 30, Vinnies Bar & Grill, 2045 Mt. Diablo St., Concord. Plus a raffle, silent auction and barbecue. Donations help purchase guitars, gig bags and accessories for children learning guitar. For more information, visit http://guitarsnotguns.blogspot.com.

“Concord Past and Present” book signing. Joel Harris’ new book features historical images and stories of important places in Concord as well as current images, December 7, 1-4 p.m., Berkshire Books, 3480 Clayton Road, Concord.

Concord Farmers Market. Sponsored by the Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association, Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. For more information, visit pcfma.org.

Women’s Marines Association. The Bay Area Chapter meets every third Saturday at 11:30 a.m., usually at Harry’s Hofbrau, 14900 E. 14th St, San Leandro. For more information, visit https://wmaca3.org or contact Janet Johnson at 925-890-4583.

Artful Giving Collection. Handcrafted ceramic, wood and glass pieces, original jewelry, holiday decorations, textiles and other unique gifts from Bay Area artists, Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Dec. 28, Valley Art Gallery, 1661 Botelho Dr., Suite 110 , Walnut Creek. Plus holiday trunk shows featuring woodwork by Michael J. Rizza on December 5th and 7th and ceramics by Gordon Ward on December 12th and 14th. For more information, visit www.valleyartgallery.org or call 925-935-4311.

Holiday walk with a little sip. Visit downtown Concord restaurants and establishments for treats and drinks, December 6, 4:00-8:30 p.m., Todos Santos Plaza. Takes place in conjunction with Tree Lighting and Mayor’s Sing-Along. Purchase $20 tickets on Eventbrite or at the Concord Visitor Center and Hop Grenade on the day of the event. For more information, email [email protected] or call 925-685-1182.

Tree lighting and mayoral sing-along. December 6, 5:30-8 p.m., Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. For more information, email [email protected] or call 925-671-2489.

Arts and crafts sale. Students will showcase more than 1,000 original works of art and crafts on Dec. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Lifelong Education Building, 1 Santa Barbara Road, Pleasant Hill. (Follow signs to the back of campus.) The La Guerita Food Truck is available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sponsored by the Mt. Diablo Adult Education Lifelong Education Program. For more information, call 925-937-1530.

Great holiday boutiques. Gift items from more than 100 vendors, plus the return of Olaf, the lovable star of “Frozen,” December 7-8. Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Dr. December 8, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Concord Hilton, 1970 Diamond Blvd. Free admission. Donate food to the Monument Crisis Center and get a free raffle ticket. Free holiday activity for children, presented by Renewal by Andersen. The first 250 families each day will receive a free Christmas gift bag. Register in advance to receive a free $2 holiday cash and a free raffle ticket to redeem at the boutiques. For more information, visit www.superholidayboutique.com.

Christmas gifts and crafts fair. About 70 local artists and makers, from jewelry to knitwear to custom mugs and more, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle. Free admission. For more information, call 925-671-3017.

Merry Makers Marketplace. Seasonal Experience Celebrating Arts and Culture, December 7, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Todos Santos Plaza, Downtown Concord. For more information, email [email protected] or call 707-653-0265.

Holidays at The Grove. Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Dec. 7, 5 p.m., The Grove Park, downtown Clayton. Santa Claus will light the Christmas tree and then take photos with the children. Sponsored by the Clayton Business & Community Association.

Sensory-friendly Santa Claus. In conjunction with Autism Speaks, December 8, 9-10:30 a.m., Grand Court at Sunvalley Shopping Center, 1 Sun Valley Mall, Concord. Free admission; Photo packages available for purchase. For more information, call 925-825-0400.

National Cookie Day. Cookies and cocoa with Santa and friends, plus a meet-and-greet with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves, storytelling and crafts, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Dec. 8, Fountain Pavilion Park at The Veranda, 2001-2003 Diamond Blvd. , unity. Free admission. For more information, call 925-265-6755.

The Clayton Library is located at 6125 Clayton Road. For more information about these events, call 925-673-0659 or visit ccclib.org/events.

Homework help. For elementary school students, Wednesdays 3:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. There is also support for sixth and seventh graders. To make an appointment, either call or stop by the library. Drop-ins are welcome on a space available basis.

Lapsit Storytime. For children aged 0 to 3, Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Children must be looked after by a caregiver.

Storytelling for toddlers/preschoolers. For children aged 2 to 5, Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Children must be looked after by a caregiver. Stay and then play with the toys available.

“Christmas at the Biltmore.” A poignant and hopeful start to the holiday season, March 29-30. November at 7 p.m. and December 1 at 6 p.m., Black Diamond Middle School Theater, 4730 Sterling Hill Dr., Antioch. For tickets, visit https://brentwoodteentheater.com.

Improvisation partner in crime. A sequel production of two crime fighters relying on audience suggestions, 2:30 p.m., Dec. 1, Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St., Martinez. For tickets, call 925-350-9770 or go to www.campbelltheater.com.

“Nutcracker.” From Black Diamond Ballet, June 6-8 December and 14th-15th December, El Campanil Theater, 602 E 2nd St., Antioch. Sensory-friendly performance on December 7th. For tickets, visit www.blackdiamondballet.org or call 925-757-9500.