SPONSORED BY:
There’s a lot happening around Walnut Creek this week 👀
We’ve got new construction finally underway at The Orchards, a longtime Walnut Creek bar searching for a new home after 55 years, another major store closing, and a little throwback for anyone who remembers Gemco. Plus, Oktoberfest is right around the corner, and Walnut Creek Spotlight will be there with a booth full of The Nut, The Creek, and Dub C gear. 🍺🥨
And if you’re looking for something to do this weekend, keep scrolling because we’ve packed this issue with events happening around town.
Grab a coffee (or a beer 🍻) and catch up on what’s happening in Walnut Creek👇
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Sky Zone Trampoline Park is officially under construction at The Orchards in Walnut Creek!
After months of signage teasing its arrival, construction is now underway inside the large space at 2810 Ygnacio Valley Road. The location was originally home to Stein Mart when The Orchards first opened, and the storefront has remained vacant since the retailer closed.
Now, the space is getting new life as Sky Zone, an indoor trampoline and entertainment park featuring attractions like open jumping, obstacle courses, dodgeball, climbing activities, and more. Sky Zone is also a popular destination for birthday parties, group events and families looking for an indoor activity.
An official opening date has not been announced yet, but the Walnut Creek location is expected to open in late 2026 or early 2027. After sitting empty for years, it’s good to finally see construction moving forward in one of The Orchards’ largest spaces.
Walnut Creek Oktoberfest Returns September 25 & 26 🍺🥨
One of Walnut Creek’s biggest fall events is almost here! Walnut Creek Oktoberfest takes over Civic Park East on Friday, September 25 from 5–10 PM and Saturday, September 26 from noon–9 PM.
Expect German beer, local breweries, brats and pretzels, live music, stein-holding and yodeling contests, dozens of local vendors, and plenty of lederhosen. Families can also check out the Kinder Karneval, featuring inflatables, train rides, a petting zoo, mini golf, face painting, and more.
Walnut Creek Spotlight will have a booth at Oktoberfest all weekend! Come say hi and shop our collection of locally inspired hats and T-shirts, including The Nut, The Creek, and Dub C. We’ll have a variety of styles and colors available, plus we may even have a special-edition “The Nut” Oktoberfest shirt made just for the event. If you’ve been wanting to grab some Walnut Creek gear in person, this will be the place to do it!
Admission is free with RSVP. We’ll see you at Civic Park! 🍻🥨
Dan’s Bar Searching for a New Home After 55 Years
Dan’s Bar shared an update with the Walnut Creek community as it faces an uncertain future at its longtime location. The beloved local bar says it is continuing to work through its current legal situation while actively searching for a new location where Dan’s can “rise again—stronger and better than ever.”
After 55 years of drinks, live music, and memories, Dan’s emphasized that the bar is more than just its building—it’s the community, staff, musicians, and generations of customers who have walked through its doors.
For now, Dan’s remains open, and the team is encouraging longtime customers to stop by, grab a drink, and enjoy the original space while they still can. Wherever Dan’s lands next, it sounds like they’re determined to keep the Walnut Creek institution going.
Petco at The Orchards Closing After Nearly 10 Years 🐾
The Petco at The Orchards will close its doors on September 21, almost exactly 10 years after opening in 2016. Located at 2820 Ygnacio Valley Road next to Safeway, the store was one of 13 new Petco locations opened nationwide that year.
Petco will still have a Walnut Creek location at 1301 S. California Boulevard, along with a nearby store at 1150 Concord Avenue in Concord. So far, the reason for the closure—and what might take over the space—has not been confirmed.
Blast from the Past: Were You Around for Gemco? 🛒
I’ve been diving into local history lately, and I stumbled across a name that old-school residents always bring up: Gemco. I wasn’t around when it was open, but apparently, long before it became the Target at N. Main and Ygnacio Valley Road, Gemco was the spot.
From what I’ve heard, you paid a $1.00 membership fee, bought everything from jewelry to tires, and did your grocery shopping at the attached Lucky's. But the wildest part? A drive-up grocery lane where a clerk would load your car in exchange for a numbered token.
Since I missed out on the Gemco era, I want to hear from you! What are your favorite memories of shopping there? Hit reply and tell me your stories—I'd love to share the best ones in a future issue!
FEATURED EVENT
Luna Sea Lounge Celebrates 3 Years 🎂🍸
Luna Sea Lounge is celebrating its 3rd anniversary this Saturday, September 19! Stop by throughout the day for handcrafted cocktails, then stick around as DJ Kimber takes over at 9 PM to keep the celebration going late into the night. 🥂🎶
📍 121 Pringle Ave, Walnut Creek
REAL ESTATE: COMING SOON
We’re adding a dedicated Real Estate section to the Walnut Creek Spotlight newsletter featuring local listings, new properties hitting the market, real estate news, and more.
We’re currently looking for a local real estate agent, team, or brokerage to become the exclusive sponsor of this section and showcase their listings directly to our audience.
Interested in being featured? Email us for sponsorship details and availability.
EVENTS
Wednesday 9/16
Trivia Night + Birria Lokaa | Wednesday, September 16 | Trivia 6:30 PM; Food 5–9 PM | Rotator Taproom, 1415 Pine Street, Walnut Creek | Not listed | Geeks Who Drink hosts Trivia Night while Birria Lokaa serves food from 5–9 PM. Rotator is 21+.
TRIVIA + KARAOKE NIGHT! | Wednesdays | 7:00 PM–1:00 AM | Retro Junkie | Free with RSVP | Kick off with trivia, then grab the mic for karaoke, plus happy hour, tacos, pool, pinball, and retro arcade games. 21+ only.
Qi Gong Drop-in | Wednesdays | 12:30 PM–12:50 PM | Civic Park Community Center – Assembly Hall, 1375 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek | TBD | Senior drop-in featuring slow, meditative stretching. No experience needed. Held weekly on Wednesdays.
Mah Jong Drop-in | Wednesdays | 1:00 PM–4:00 PM | Civic Park Community Center – Social Hall, 1375 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek | TBD | Weekly 50+ drop-in featuring American-style Mah Jong. Experience encouraged. Classes are available for those interested in learning to play.
Thursday 9/17
BINGO & Football Night | Thursday, September 17 | 5:15 PM | Rotator Taproom, 1415 Pine Street, Walnut Creek | Not listed | Watch Lions vs. Bills and play BINGO for prizes throughout the game. Rotator is a 21+ venue.
NOTACLUB Thursdays | Thursday | 7 PM–Late | Stereo 41 | Free, no cover | Hip hop, R&B and reggaeton with DJ Papi Chulo, plus $5 well drinks until 8 PM and social vibes all night.
Bingo Drop-in | Thursdays | 12:00 PM–2:30 PM | Civic Park Community Center – Assembly Hall, 1375 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek | TBD | Weekly 50+ bingo drop-in. Try your luck, have fun, and enjoy an afternoon of bingo with the community.
Friday 9/18
Smuin Contemporary Ballet: French Kiss | September 18–19, 2026 | Times vary | Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek | Buy Tickets | Smuin opens its 26/27 season with Stabat Mater, French Kiss, and a world premiere by My’Kal Stromile.
Bridge and Chess | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM | Civic Park Community Center – Multi-Purpose Room, 1375 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek | Weekly senior drop-in featuring bridge and chess in a casual community setting.
Smashing Pumpkins & Stone Temple Pilots LIVE Tributes + DJ & Taco Pop-Up! | September 18, 2026 | 6:00 PM–2:00 AM | Retro Junkie | Tickets | Live Smashing Pumpkins and Stone Temple Pilots tributes, DJ Rick Lee spinning party jams, plus an on-site taco truck.
Bourbon Highway Friday Night | Friday | 6:30 PM–Late | Bourbon Highway Country Kitchen | Price not listed | Live music downstairs at 6:30, then 21+ nightlife with line dancing, DJs, and karaoke starting at 8:30 PM.
Dark Wave | September 18 | Dan’s Bar, Walnut Creek | Price not listed | A tribute to New Wave and Goth featuring live performances of dark alternative classics.
TMC with Mikko Jervoso and Kevito Y Los Bravos | Friday, September 18th | 6:00–9:00 PM | Up The Creek Records, 2042 Mt Diablo Blvd | +/- $15 Sliding Scale Donation | All-ages show featuring TMC’s indie pop, Mikko Jervoso’s emotive alternative rock, and Kevito Y Los Bravos’ shoegaze-infused indie experimentation.
Saturday 9/19
Lions of Fire with Darling I'm Dying and Jaded Justice | Saturday, September 19th | 6:00–9:00 PM | Up The Creek Records, 2042 Mt Diablo Blvd | +/- $15 Sliding Scale Donation | All-ages Bay Area show featuring cinematic technical metal, post-hardcore/emo, and punk rock from Lions of Fire, Darling I'm Dying, and Jaded Justice.
Best of San Francisco Stand-Up Comedy | September 19, 2026 | 8:15–9:30 PM | Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek | Tickets | Bay Area’s hottest up-and-coming comedians take the stage for 75 minutes of stand-up from producers of a long-running San Francisco comedy show.
Bourbon Highway Saturday | Saturday | 4:00–8:30 PM | Bourbon Highway Country Kitchen $6 Happy Hour | All-ages country fun with line dancing, swing dancing, live music by Dustin Heer, dinner and drink specials, followed by 21+ nightlife.
THE PINKY RING PARTY (Bruno Mars Tribute) + LEVITATING (Dua Lipa Tribute) | September 19, 2026 | 6:00 PM–2:00 AM | Retro Junkie | Tickets | Bruno Mars and Dua Lipa tribute bands perform live, followed by DJ C Lee spinning 80s–00s party jams, plus tacos on site.
Diablo Valley Farmers' Market at Shadelands (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) - Visit Walnut Creek’s favorite farmers’ market with over 40 vendors!
Careless Whisper | September 19 | Dan’s Bar, Walnut Creek | Price not listed | Live tribute performance celebrating iconic pop and new wave favorites with an energetic full-band show.
Community Yoga | Saturday, September 19 | 10 AM | Rotator Taproom, 1415 Pine Street, Walnut Creek | $20 | Start Saturday with an energizing yoga session led by Christy Brown. Admission includes one hour of yoga and your first beverage.
Sunday 9/20
Disney's Moana Movie Sing-Along | September 20, 2026 | 12:00 PM & 3:30 PM | Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek | Tickets | Sing along to Moana on the big screen with on-screen lyrics, interactive moments, and special guest hostess Polynesian Princess Kalena.
Walnut Creek Farmers' Market (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) - Shop local produce and artisanal goods every Sunday on Locust Street!
Yoga and Vinyl | Sunday, September 20th | 1:00 PM | Up The Creek Records, 2042 Mt Diablo Blvd, Walnut Creek | Not listed | All-ages yoga pop-up with @screamingyoga. No experience necessary. Bring your own mat. Limited to 15 spots, first come, first served.
Monday 9/21
Pinochle Drop-in | Mondays | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM | Civic Park Community Center – Multi-Purpose Room, 1375 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek | TBD | Weekly 50+ drop-in for players to enjoy Pinochle, a classic trick-taking card game focused on melding combinations and scoring points.
Thank you for reading Walnut Creek Spotlight today! If you enjoyed it, please share it with someone who might appreciate it too.
I love hearing from you! If there's anything you'd like to see more or less of, please reply to this email and let me know.
How did we do on today's issue?
Was this email shared with you? Sign up here
Want to advertise to over 7,500 locals? Reply to this email.