Issue #069

Discover Walnut Creek’s Charm: Handel’s New Flavors, Percussion at Lesher, Painted Pianos Downtown!

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Walnut Creek! There's a sweet new spot in town—Handel's Homemade Ice Cream is setting up shop at 1273 Locust St. Since 1945, they've been serving up fruit-filled frozen delights, sticking to Alice Handel's original recipes. Mark your calendars for April 25th and get ready to indulge in some of the creamiest, dreamiest ice cream this side of the galaxy. Who's in for a scoop or two?

In today’s Walnut Creek Spotlight:

  • Handel’s Ice Cream Sprinkles Its Magic on Walnut Creek!

  • A Riot of Rhythms: Ken Bergmann’s Percussion Show Hits the Lesher Center

  • Art Meets Music Downtown: Walnut Creek's Painted Pianos Spark Community Joy

- Walnut Creek Spotlight Team

P.S. We have a new referral program. Share the newsletter with two people and get a free birthday shoutout. See the bottom of the email for more details.

WEATHER

Cardona Landscape

Landscaping services in Walnut Creek and the surrounding East Bay. Call Arnold and tell him Walnut Creek Spotlight sent you!

LOCAL NEWS

Handel’s Ice Cream Sprinkles Its Magic on Walnut Creek!

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream Sets Up Shop in Walnut Creek at 1273 Locust St.

Get the scoops ready, Walnut Creek! The local dessert landscape is about to get a lot richer with the opening of Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream at 1273 Locust St. This isn't just any ice cream joint; it’s a trip down memory lane to 1945 when Alice Handel first served up her backyard fruit-filled frozen treats.

Fast forward to today, and Handel’s hasn’t lost a dollop of charm, faithfully churning out batches fresh daily, sticking to Alice's tried-and-true recipes. It’s no wonder taste testers have been known to scream for Handel’s ice cream, some even calling it the cream of the crop on this big blue marble we call home.

Thaw your calendars for Thursday, April 25th, because that's when the Handel’s experience hits Walnut Creek. Swing by 1273 Locust St. and get ready to select from a palette of palate pleasers, all while making a bit of sweet history right in the heart of town. So, who's joining you for this frosty first?

FEATURED EVENT

A Riot of Rhythms: Ken Bergmann’s Percussion Show Hits the Lesher Center

Get ready for a drum-beating, chair-slapping, cymbal-clanging adventure at the Lesher Center for the Arts with Ken Bergmann's "Percussion Discussion" from April 24 to 27, 2024. This isn't just any music show; it’s a whirlwind of global beats and uproarious laughter, perfect for the whole family. Bergmann takes the audience on a wild ride through the sounds of Hollywood, the digital pulses of the modern age, and even a musical battle between Snoopy and the Red Baron. From tapping out rock concerts on a computerized drum to delivering classics like Scott Joplin on a marimba, this show bursts with energy and humor. No sitting quietly in your seats here—Bergmann will have everyone stomping, clapping, and roaring with the excitement of live percussion. Buy Tickets.

CITY NEWS

Art Meets Music Downtown: Walnut Creek's Painted Pianos Spark Community Joy

Walnut Creek's Painted Pianos Project made a colorful splash in the downtown area as it kicked off another season on Earth Day, Sunday. The initiative, organized by the Walnut Creek Downtown Association, engages local artists to transform ordinary pianos into vibrant masterpieces, creating not just art, but a series of interactive musical experiences for the public.

The project, supported by donations and sponsorships from the local business community, aims to enrich the downtown environment by offering unexpected musical encounters that both residents and visitors can enjoy. This creative endeavor fosters community interaction, bolsters downtown engagement, and enhances the walkable areas with visually and acoustically engaging art installations.

EVENTS

Food & Drink

Trivia + Karaoke Night: @ Retro Junkie - Wednesdays at 6 PM

Trivia: @ Mike Hess Brewing - Wednesdays at 6 PM

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

Karaoke Wednesday: @ Bourbon Highway - Wednesdays at 8 PM. Watch Video

Theatre

Best of San Francisco Stand Up Comedy: @ Lesher Center of the Arts - 2/24 - 8/31 on Saturdays. Tickets

"My Dearest Love," an improvised French comedy-of-intrigue by Synergy Theater, runs from April 18 to 28, 2024, at Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, CA. This fully spontaneous performance draws on audience suggestions to weave a tale filled with scandalous letters, deceit, and revenge, questioning whether innocence can overcome guile. Recommended for ages 10 and up, the show lasts about 1 hour and 55 minutes with an intermission. Tickets are available for purchase here.Community

Tai Chi: @ Walnut Creek Library - Mondays at 10:15 AM Learn More

Participants will learn the basic movements of Tai chi which are a series of postures done in sequence, that looks like a slow-motion dance. Participants will learn the basic movements of Tai chi which are a series of postures done in sequence, that looks like a slow motion dance.

Hooked on Books: @ Civic Park Community Center - 1st Tuesday of each month at 12:30 PM Learn More

A different book is discussed each month. 1st Tuesday of the month, 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Qi Gong Drop-In (Seniors): @ Civic Park Community Center - Wednesdays at 12 PM

Slow meditative stretching. No experience is needed. Weekly, Wednesdays from 11:50 - 12:10 PM. Civic Park, Assembly Hall.

Bridge Drop-In (Seniors): @ Civic Park Community Center - Wednesdays at 12:30 PM

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

Bingo Drop-In (Seniors): @ Civic Park Community Center - Thursdays at 12 PM

Native Plant Growers: @ Civic Park Community Center - Fridays at 11 AM

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 between Cole and Lacassie streets, is easily accessible with proximity to BART. It features local produce and goods, supports sustainability, and offers free first-hour parking at Grower’s Square on Sundays. Only certified service animals are allowed. For more information, visit their website here.

Diablo Valley Farmers’ Market @ Shadelands - Saturdays at 9 AM

Located in Walnut Creek's Shadelands Business Park, the Diablo Valley Farmers' Market is a lively community gathering with over 40 vendors. Open Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM, it offers fresh produce from nearby Brentwood and features a Kid’s Craft Corner, making it a popular spot for families. Voted #1 in America’s Favorite Farmers’ Market contest, it's a cherished local destination. For more information, visit their website.

Kids

Peek-A-Book Storytime: @ Ygnacio Valley Library - Tuesdays at 10:15 AM.

Peek-A-Book Storytime is a playful event for ages 0-2 at Ygnacio Valley Library in Walnut Creek, CA, featuring books, songs, and activities to enhance early literacy skills. Held on Tuesdays from 10:15 AM to 11:15 AM. Learn More

Baby Storytime: @ Walnut Creek Library - Tuesdays at 12 PM

The Walnut Creek Library hosts Baby Storytime every Tuesday from April 9 to April 30, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM. Parents and caregivers with babies aged 0-1 are invited to enjoy stories, songs, and interactive activities. No registration is required for this engaging and nurturing experience designed for the youngest attendees. Learn More

Family Storytime: @ Ygnacio Valley Library - Thursdays at 10:15 AM Learn More

Toddler Storytime & Play: @ Walnut Creek Library - Thursdays at 10:15 AM Learn More

Arts & Crafts

Know an event for arts & craft? Email us [email protected]

Hi-Definition Barbershop

LIVE MUSIC & DANCE

Salsa Tuesdays: @ Retro Junkie - Tuesdays at 6 PM. Watch Video

Line Dancing Lessons: @ Bourbon Highway - Tuesday, Thursday - Saturday at 8 PM. Watch Video

Thursday

Retro Junkie

Friday - coming soon

Saturday - coming soon

Become A Walnut Creek Spotlight Sponsor

Are you a brand new or established business looking to become known in our Walnut Creek community? We are looking for locally-owned businesses that would like to become a Walnut Creek Spotlight sponsor! Sponsorships can include:

  • Hero or Section banners

  • Logo

  • Video

  • Print

  • Spotlight Directory

  • & More…

Reach out to us at [email protected]

We Could Use Your Help

We have big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!

One huge way you can help us is to spread the word for us.

Know somebody who lives in the Walnut Creek East Bay and would benefit from being kept in the know?

Please share Walnut Creek Spotlight with them! It’s simple!

👇👇👇

We Want To Spotlight Local Businesses!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Walnut Creek area residents in an upcoming issue of Walnut Creek Spotlight? Apply Here. Not a business owner, but love a local business? Tell us all about it - send us an email at [email protected]

Trivia: Can you name the intersection where this photo was taken? Reply to the email to submit your answer and I will tell you the location.

How Did We Do In This Issue Of Walnut Creek Spotlight?

How did we do on today's issue?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.