PRESENTED BY:
Happy Wednesday, Walnut Creek! 👋
November is here, and downtown Walnut Creek is keeping things exciting with new restaurants, fresh storefronts, and the return of a favorite holiday tradition!
🌮 Salt & Lime has officially soft-opened on N. Main Street, and we stopped by to try it out! From sizzling chicken fajitas to a creamy dip that reminded us of the legendary El Charro, this new Mexican restaurant is already making a great first impression.
🍦🧋 Bacio di Latte and Chagee Modern Teahouse are making progress downtown! We peeked inside both spaces and have some updates on what to expect and where each will be located.
💎 Rowan has opened at Broadway Plaza, bringing a new jewelry and ear-piercing studio to the shopping center.
⛸️ And finally, Walnut Creek on Ice returns November 20! Get ready for another season of skating, ice sliding, and holiday fun at Civic Park!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
🌮 Salt & Lime Has Officially Soft-Opened in Walnut Creek! 🍹
Another exciting addition to downtown Walnut Creek! Salt & Lime officially soft-opened last week, taking over the former Oyama Sushi space at 1521 N. Main Street, right next to Modern China.
We stopped by to check it out, and the food did not disappoint! I ordered the chicken fajitas, served with fresh peppers, guacamole, and tortillas. My wife went with the chicken flautas, which she said were very good!
Chicken flautas
We also tried the salsa flight, which comes with chips and your choice of three dips. We went with guacamole, fresh pico de gallo, and the Azul dip. Now, longtime locals might remember the famous blue cheese dip from El Charro. Well, the Azul dip reminded us a lot of it, except it was even creamier! Definitely worth trying if you miss that El Charro classic.
The food also has a local connection! Chelsea Ozuna, a Diablo Valley College (DVC) culinary alum, leads the kitchen and has traveled and cooked around the world. She's bringing that experience back to Walnut Creek with a menu featuring fresh, made-to-order Mexican dishes, scratch-made sauces and salsas, and rotating specials. Pretty cool to see a local culinary graduate leading the kitchen at one of downtown's newest restaurants!
Chelsea Ozuna & Joey Trautner
Salt & Lime is still in its soft-opening phase as the team gets everything dialed in ahead of its official grand opening. No reservations are needed, so swing by, grab some food, and support this new addition to downtown Walnut Creek!
🍦🧋 Bacio di Latte & Chagee Modern Teahouse: A Peek at What's Coming to Downtown Walnut Creek!
Downtown Walnut Creek is getting a little sweeter! Bacio di Latte, the popular Italian gelato shop, has new signage on its doors announcing an opening in Winter 2026!
We recently walked by and took a peek inside, where we spotted some fresh tile along the back wall, which we're guessing will be the future gelato serving counter. Things are slowly coming together!
We originally thought Bacio di Latte would take over the entire former Vineyard Vines location, with an entrance along N. Main Street. Turns out that side of the building will be home to Chagee Modern Teahouse, while Bacio di Latte will be right next to the entrances to Rooftop and Telefèric Barcelona.
Of course, we couldn't resist peeking inside the future Chagee space, too. From what we could see, they still have quite a bit of work ahead of them. No interior walls were framed out, and the walls didn't appear to have any drywall installed yet.
No official opening dates just yet, but with gelato and modern tea drinks on the way, this little corner of downtown is about to get a whole lot more interesting! 🍦🧋
Rowan Celebrates Grand Opening at Broadway Plaza! 🎉
Broadway Plaza has a new addition! Rowan, a jewelry and ear-piercing studio, has officially opened its doors in Walnut Creek.
We walked by last Sunday, and it looked like they were celebrating their grand opening, complete with pink, red, and purple balloons decorating the storefront!
Unlike traditional piercing shops, Rowan specializes in ear piercings performed by licensed nurses, focusing on safety, comfort, and a welcoming experience for all ages. They also offer a variety of stylish earrings, including hypoallergenic options for sensitive ears.
Whether you're looking to get your child's ears pierced, add another piercing to your collection, or shop for some new earrings, Rowan is worth checking out!
📍 Located at Broadway Plaza, next to Bonobos and Läderach Swiss Chocolate.
UPCOMING EVENT
⛸️ Walnut Creek on Ice Returns November 20 for Its 21st Season!
It's almost time to lace up those skates! Walnut Creek on Ice is returning to Civic Park on Friday, November 20, kicking off its 21st season of holiday fun in downtown Walnut Creek!
The beloved holiday tradition features the Bay Area's only outdoor ice rink and ice slide, including the 90-foot Frosty's Summit Ice Slide! Visitors can also enjoy private fire pits, ice-skating lessons, hockey classes, and special Wednesday morning Littles Skate sessions for younger kids, including a visit from Santa.
Whether you're planning a family outing, date night, or just looking to get into the holiday spirit, this is one of Walnut Creek's favorite winter traditions!
📍 Civic Park: 1365 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
📅 November 20, 2026 – January 18, 2027
🎟️ Tickets, hours, and reservations: WalnutCreekOnIce.com
PRESENTED BY
🥙 Manakish: Award-Winning Mediterranean Food & Catering in Walnut Creek!
If you haven't tried Manakish in Walnut Creek, this is your sign! Located on N. Main Street, just before The Habit and Sprouts, this local favorite serves delicious Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, from fresh flatbreads and wraps to flavorful grilled meats.
Manakish is also known for its exceptional catering, earning the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce's Best Caterer award and even a feature in Forbes!
Whether you're stopping in for lunch or planning an event, Manakish is worth checking out!
EVENTS
Wednesday 11/4
Qi Gong Drop-in - Enjoy 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.
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors - See a fast-paced, gothic comedy featuring five actors playing nearly 20 characters at Lesher Center for the Arts.
Music Bingo - Play music bingo followed by open karaoke at Bourbon Highway Country Bar & Kitchen.
KARAOKE NIGHT! - Take the stage for an evening of karaoke at Retro Junkie.
Thursday 11/5
Bingo Drop-in - Try your luck in this 50+ drop-in activity at Civic Park Community Center.
Cocktails & Conversation with Bedford curators, Emilee Enders & Erica Schulz - Join Bedford curators Emilee Enders and Erica Schulz for conversation at Bedford Gallery.
Singo in the Creek! - Play a music-themed bingo game at Mike Hess Brewing Walnut Creek.
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors - See a fast-paced, gothic comedy featuring five actors playing nearly 20 characters at Lesher Center for the Arts.
Trivia & Line Dancing Thursdays - Test your knowledge before hitting the dance floor at Bourbon Highway Country Bar & Kitchen.
ØL Beer Cafe Comedy Night - Catch local and traveling comedians at ØL Beercafe & Bottleshop.
QUICK FIX THURSDAYS (R&B, Throwbacks & More!) - Dance to R&B, throwbacks, and more at Retro Junkie; this event continues into Friday.
The Improvised Courtroom of Judge Moody: An Improvised Comedy in the Style of a Television Courtroom Show - Watch audience-inspired courtroom chaos unfold live at Lesher Center for the Arts.
Friday 11/6
Bridge and Chess - Join a senior drop-in for casual games in the Multipurpose Room at Civic Park Community Center.
Folk Music Jam Session - Bring an instrument or your voice to play favorite folk tunes at Civic Park Community Center.
Cocktails & Conversation with Bedford curators, Emilee Enders & Erica Schulz - Join Bedford curators Emilee Enders and Erica Schulz for conversation at Bedford Gallery.
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors - See a fast-paced, gothic comedy featuring five actors playing nearly 20 characters at Lesher Center for the Arts.
Live Country Music Fridays - Line Dancing & Karaoke - Enjoy live music, line dancing, DJ sets, and karaoke at Bourbon Highway Country Bar & Kitchen.
AMOR PROHIBIDO: Selena Tribute + THE ROYAL HEARTBEATS: Latin American Hits... LIVE @ Retro Junkie! - Hear a Selena tribute and Latin American hits performed live at Retro Junkie.
Taylor Gryft & the Hovvlers with Of Time and Couldn't Deal at Up The Creek - Catch a Bay Area bluesgaze trio alongside Of Time and Couldn't Deal at Up The Creek Records.
NIGHT OWL w/ DJ C LEE Spinning 80s, 90s & Y2k Party Jams! - Hit the dance floor for late-night party jams at Retro Junkie.
Saturday 11/7
Pilates + Brunch with JETSET & Sipeos - Take a mat Pilates class followed by Mediterranean brunch at Sipeos Café & Bar.
Skyylark Performance - Enjoy an all-ages outdoor patio performance at Mike Hess Brewing Walnut Creek.
Cocktails & Conversation with Bedford curators, Emilee Enders & Erica Schulz - Join Bedford curators Emilee Enders and Erica Schulz for conversation at Bedford Gallery.
YACHT ROCKERS- Sail away to the best of 70s & 80s soft rock/pop... LIVE at Retro Junkie! - Sail through live 1970s and 1980s soft rock and pop favorites at Retro Junkie.
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors - See a fast-paced, gothic comedy featuring five actors playing nearly 20 characters at Lesher Center for the Arts.
Live Country Music Saturdays - Line Dancing & Karaoke - Enjoy live music, dancing lessons, DJ sets, and karaoke at Bourbon Highway Country Bar & Kitchen.
California Symphony: FROM TCHAIKOVSKY TO COPLAND – Classical Contemporaries - Hear works by Copland, Barber, and Arensky, featuring a clarinet concerto, at Lesher Center for the Arts.
Performing Arts Studio’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Jr. - See Performing Arts Studio’s Pre-Teen Company bring a sweet musical adventure to life at Lesher Center for the Arts.
NIGHT OWL w/ DJ C LEE Spinning 80s, 90s & Y2k Party Jams! - Hit the dance floor for late-night party jams at Retro Junkie.
Sunday 11/8
Brunch Party - Enjoy Sunday brunch with a DJ soundtrack at Stereo41.
Cocktails & Conversation with Bedford curators, Emilee Enders & Erica Schulz - Join Bedford curators Emilee Enders and Erica Schulz for conversation at Bedford Gallery.
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors - See a fast-paced, gothic comedy featuring five actors playing nearly 20 characters at Lesher Center for the Arts.
California Symphony: FROM TCHAIKOVSKY TO COPLAND – Classical Contemporaries - Hear works by Copland, Barber, and Arensky, featuring a clarinet concerto, at Lesher Center for the Arts.
Performing Arts Studio’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Jr. - See Performing Arts Studio’s Pre-Teen Company bring a sweet musical adventure to life at Lesher Center for the Arts.
Monday 11/9
Cocktails & Conversation with Bedford curators, Emilee Enders & Erica Schulz - Join Bedford curators Emilee Enders and Erica Schulz for conversation at Bedford Gallery.
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors - See a fast-paced, gothic comedy featuring five actors playing nearly 20 characters at Lesher Center for the Arts.
Performing Arts Studio’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Jr. - See Performing Arts Studio’s Pre-Teen Company bring a sweet musical adventure to life at Lesher Center for the Arts.
Tuesday 11/10
Cocktails & Conversation with Bedford curators, Emilee Enders & Erica Schulz - Join Bedford curators Emilee Enders and Erica Schulz for conversation at Bedford Gallery.
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors - See a fast-paced, gothic comedy featuring five actors playing nearly 20 characters at Lesher Center for the Arts.
Performing Arts Studio’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Jr. - See Performing Arts Studio’s Pre-Teen Company bring a sweet musical adventure to life at Lesher Center for the Arts.
SALSA TUESDAYS @ Retro Junkie! ($10 admission paid at the door) - Dance salsa at Retro Junkie.
Trivia Night at Gibsons Irish Pub - Gather your team for pub trivia at Gibson's.
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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!
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.
- Joseph Trautner
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