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Happy Wednesday, Walnut Creek! 👋🎃
Halloween is just around the corner, but the costumes aren't the only thing making headlines around town this week!
🍻 A longtime neighborhood favorite has closed its doors, while another popular sports bar has officially opened downtown. 🐟 We're also seeing signs of progress at the former Walnut Creek Yacht Club, and 🍗 Raising Cane's is looking closer than ever to opening!
Plus, a local car wash is getting a fresh start, an award-winning Mediterranean restaurant you might be overlooking, and plenty of Halloween parties, live music, and local events to fill your weekend calendar. 👻
Whether you're here for the latest openings, local news, or just looking for something fun to do, we've got you covered.
Grab your coffee, get comfortable, and let's get into what's happening around Walnut Creek ☕👇
And one more exciting update: our Events Calendar & Business Directory is back! 🎉 You can now explore local happenings and discover businesses around town all in one place. https://go.walnutcreekspotlight.com/
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
🍻 Hops & Scotch Permanently Closes in Walnut Creek
Hops & Scotch, located at 7001 Sunne Lane in Walnut Creek, has officially closed. Known for its craft beer, whiskey selection, and relaxed atmosphere, the neighborhood gathering spot posted a heartfelt message thanking customers for the good times shared over the years. Some Instagram commenters speculated that the establishment's no-children policy may have limited its customer base, while others pointed to increased competition from the nearby Headlands Brewing Company. However, no one has announced an official reason for the closure.
🐟 Oceania Fish Bar: Construction Could Be Starting Soon!
If you’ve walked down Locust Street recently, you might have noticed that the old Walnut Creek Yacht Club signage has been removed from the building at the corner of Locust and Bonanza! Could this mean construction is getting underway?
The former Yacht Club will become Oceania Fish Bar, a new seafood-focused restaurant from the Ghaben family, local restaurateurs behind Lita, Batch & Brine, and Broderick Roadhouse.
Plans call for a major transformation, including a modern design, expanded outdoor seating, and an indoor-outdoor dining experience.
The restaurant was previously expected to open sometime in 2027, but with the signage now removed, we may finally be seeing the first signs of progress. Stay tuned for updates!
🍗 Raising Cane’s Getting Closer to Opening in Walnut Creek!
Raising Cane’s is making progress at the former Wendy’s location in Walnut Creek! We drove past the other day and noticed that all the exterior Raising Cane’s signage appears to be installed, giving the building a nearly finished look.
While an official opening date hasn't been announced, judging by the progress, the popular chicken finger chain could open by the end of 2026 or early 2027.
Who's excited to finally have Raising Cane’s in Walnut Creek? 🍗
🎱 Masses Sports Bar & Grill Is Now Open Downtown! 🍻
After years at 2721 N. Main Street, Masses has officially relocated to 1411 Locust Street! I stopped by for lunch with my dad and tried the nachos while he enjoyed a tri-tip sandwich. We also took advantage of their current deal: order two meals and get a free hour of pool! The new location features tons of TVs, NFL Sunday Ticket, four pool tables, electronic darts, and a full bar. They're also open until 1:30 AM on weekends!
🚗 Walnut Creek Car Wash Gets a New Name, Ownership & Lower Prices!
The former Walnut Creek Car Wash at 2965 N. Main Street is now Li’l Bear Car Wash! 🐻🚗
The longtime car wash is under new ownership, bringing a fresh name and new, lower prices for customers.
Meanwhile, Li’l Bear Car Wash on Ygnacio Valley Road is temporarily closed while crews upgrade the equipment. They’re hoping to reopen by the end of November, just in time for the holiday season!
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🥙 Manakish: Award-Winning Mediterranean Food & Catering in Walnut Creek!
If you haven't tried Manakish in Walnut Creek, you're missing out! This local favorite serves up delicious Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, from freshly baked flatbreads and flavorful wraps to savory grilled meats.
Located on the corner of N. Main Street, just before The Habit and Sprouts, you've probably driven past Manakish countless times without stopping. Well, consider this your sign to finally stop in and enjoy a delicious meal!
Beyond their restaurant, Manakish has built an impressive reputation for catering everything from corporate events and medical staff gatherings to weddings and large celebrations. Their dedication to serving crowds of all sizes earned them the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce's Best Caterer award! They've also been featured in Forbes, adding another impressive accomplishment to their story.
Whether you're grabbing lunch, enjoying dinner with family, or planning your next big event, Manakish is definitely worth checking out!
UPCOMING EVENT
🍂 Fall Festival Coming to Shadelands SportsMall! 🎉
Looking for some free family fun? The All-Community Fall Festival (formerly Made in the Shade) is happening Sunday, November 15, from 11 AM to 2 PM at Shadelands SportsMall in Walnut Creek!
Enjoy FREE sports activities for all ages, including soccer, gymnastics, basketball, golf, taekwondo, batting cages, dance, and volleyball. There will also be food trucks, ice cream, Calicraft Brewing Co., live DJ music, activities for kids, and appearances by Joybound People & Pets, the Walnut Creek Police Department, and the Project Pink Wheels fire engine.
📍 2640 Shadelands Drive, Walnut Creek
🚗 Free parking available! Bring the whole family for an afternoon of community fun!
EVENTS
Wednesday 10/28
Annual Cocktail Night - Enjoy Harry Potter-themed cocktails and mixology creations at Benvenuti Ristorante from Wednesday 10/28 through Thursday 10/29.
Qi Gong Drop-in - Practice slow, meditative stretching at Civic Park Community Center.
Mah Jong Drop-in - Play American-style Mah Jong with experienced players at Civic Park Community Center.
Music Bingo - Play music-themed bingo followed by open karaoke at Bourbon Highway Country Bar & Kitchen.
THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS... Movie Night @ Retro Junkie! - Catch a Halloween-season movie night at Retro Junkie.
Thursday 10/29
Bingo Drop-in - Try your luck during this 50+ drop-in activity at Civic Park Community Center.
Walnut Creek Chamber's 100th Anniversary Celebration - Celebrate the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce’s 100-year milestone at Calicraft Brewing Company.
DESPECHO Halloween Edition! A sing-along party of Latin love songs! - Sing along to Latin love songs with a Halloween twist at Retro Junkie.
Thirsty Thursday Game Night in WC - Test your knowledge during Family Feud-style trivia or Singo at Mike Hess Brewing Walnut Creek.
Warren Miller's Days Off - Watch the latest Warren Miller ski film celebrating off-the-clock mountain adventures at Lesher Center for the Arts.
Friday 10/30
Bridge and Chess - Enjoy a senior drop-in session for card games and chess at Civic Park Community Center.
CARTILAGE with Burning Down and iinarcs at Up The Creek Records - Catch a Bay Area death-grind, NecroFolk, and experimental music lineup at Up The Creek Records.
RETROWEEN w/ OZZY, Black Sabbath & KISS Tributes + Costume Contest & More! - Enjoy tribute performances, a costume contest, and Halloween festivities at Retro Junkie.
Live Country Music Fridays - Line Dancing & Karaoke - Dance, hear live country music, and stay for karaoke at Bourbon Highway Country Bar & Kitchen.
Sing-Along Night: Halloween Edition - Belt out spooky classics and Halloween favorites at Rotator Taproom.
Dead Man's Cell Phone - See Sarah Ruhl’s play at Lesher Center for the Arts from Friday 10/30 through Sunday 11/1.
Couples Costume Contest - Compete for a cash prize and dance to Bay Area DJs at Stereo41.
Halloween Party with DJ Chris Slater - Dance to club hits amid black lights, glow attire, and drink specials at 1515 Restaurant & Lounge.
Saturday 10/31
Community Yoga - Join an all-levels costume-friendly yoga class followed by a beverage at Rotator Taproom.
Halloween Night in WC – LIVE Music + Adjusted Hours - Enjoy live music from Hazy Operation during an early Halloween gathering at Mike Hess Brewing Walnut Creek.
Halloween Trivia Night - Put your spooky-season knowledge to the test over beer and wine at Rotator Taproom.
Live Country Music Saturdays - Line Dancing & Karaoke - Enjoy line dancing, live music, swing lessons, DJs, and karaoke at Bourbon Highway Country Bar & Kitchen.
Halloween Party - Sing along with dueling pianos, sip festive drinks, and enter a costume contest at Gibson's.
Halloween Night at the Blue Door Lounge - Dance to Halloween favorites, enter the costume contest, and enjoy drink specials at 1515 Restaurant & Lounge.
Sunday 11/1
Live Music featuring Dos Four - Enjoy an afternoon performance with food and drinks at 1515 Restaurant & Lounge.
Dia de Muertos' Leyendas del Mariachi - Experience a Día de Muertos-inspired mariachi concert at Lesher Center for the Arts.
Thank you for reading Walnut Creek Spotlight today! If you enjoyed it, please share it with someone who might appreciate it too.
Our Events Calendar & Business Directory is Back! 🎉 Looking for things to do around town or want to discover local businesses? Check out our updated Events Calendar & Business Directory to stay connected with everything happening in Walnut Creek!
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