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Happy Wednesday, Walnut Creek! 👋
There's plenty happening around town this week! Sur La Table is making its return to Broadway Plaza, Northgate football just made history with an undefeated regular season, and Shadelands Fall Fest is bringing free family fun this Sunday. We're also honoring our veterans today at the Lesher Center, and Walnut Creek on Ice is gearing up for another season of holiday fun!
Plus, our Events Calendar & Business Directory is back, making it easier than ever to discover local events and businesses!
Grab your coffee, and let's get into this week's Spotlight! ☕
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Sur La Table Is Making a Comeback to Downtown Walnut Creek!
A familiar name is returning to downtown Walnut Creek! Sur La Table is set to reopen at Broadway Plaza this winter, nearly five years after closing its original location in 2022!
Longtime locals will probably remember P.F. Chang’s, which occupied the prominent corner storefront at Broadway Plaza for years. More recently, the space served as a temporary home for Davidson & Licht while its N. Main Street jewelry store underwent renovations.
Now, that corner is getting another new tenant!
And here's a fun twist: Sur La Table actually used to have a store just a few storefronts away! The popular kitchenware retailer previously operated at Broadway Plaza before closing in 2022. Now, nearly five years later, it's making a comeback right near its original location!
Known for its premium cookware, kitchen gadgets, bakeware, and cooking essentials, Sur La Table also offers hands-on cooking classes where you can learn everything from making fresh pasta to preparing restaurant-quality meals.
So, when is it opening? The signage says Winter 2026, but we have a pretty good clue! My wife already has a reservation for a cooking class at the new Walnut Creek location in December, so it looks like the store should be opening sometime next month!
📍 Location: 1205 Broadway Plaza (former P.F. Chang’s)
🗓️ Expected Opening: December 2026 (official date TBD)
It's always exciting to see a familiar name return to downtown Walnut Creek, especially one that longtime locals might remember shopping at years ago!
The Creek Belongs to Northgate: Broncos Cap Historic 10–0 Season!
The Northgate Broncos crushed crosstown rival Las Lomas 48–3 on Friday night, completing a perfect 10–0 regular season for the first time since 1994! The Broncos dominated from start to finish, racking up 547 yards of offense while keeping the Knights out of the end zone.
As a 2009 Northgate graduate, this one feels especially sweet! I remember when Las Lomas used to beat us regularly, so seeing the Broncos turn the tables so decisively is pretty incredible!
🏆 Up Next: Northgate hosts Amador Valley this Friday, November 13, at 7 PM in the opening round of the North Coast Section Division II playoffs.
📚 Want to See More Local School News? We'd love to feature more stories from Northgate, Las Lomas, Berean Christian, and other Walnut Creek schools! If you're a student, parent, teacher, or community member with a well-written story worth sharing, feel free to send it our way. I'll do my best to include it in an upcoming newsletter and help shine a spotlight on what's happening at our local schools!
🍂 Shadelands Fall Fest Returns This Sunday!
Looking for something fun to do with the family this weekend? Shadelands Fall Fest is taking over the Shadelands SportsMall this Sunday, November 15, from 11 AM to 2 PM, with an afternoon of free sports, family-friendly activities, food, and entertainment!
Formerly known as Made in the Shade, this community festival gives kids (and adults!) a chance to try eight different sports for free, including soccer, gymnastics, basketball, golf, taekwondo, batting cages, dance, and volleyball.
And there's plenty more beyond the sports! Families can enjoy face painting, ice cream, food trucks, live DJ music, and giveaways. Joybound People & Pets will also be on-site with adoptable animals, and Calicraft Brewing Co. will join the festivities.
Kids will also have the chance to check out a Walnut Creek Police Department cruiser and the bright pink Project Pink Wheels fire engine!
Best of all, admission and parking are completely free! Just keep in mind that a waiver is required to participate in the sports activities.
📍 Where: Shadelands SportsMall, 2640 Shadelands Drive, Walnut Creek
📅 When: Sunday, November 15 | 11 AM–2 PM
🎟️ Admission: FREE!
🇺🇸 Walnut Creek Honors Veterans Today
Walnut Creek comes together today, Wednesday, November 11, at 11 a.m. for its annual Veterans Day ceremony at the Lesher Center for the Arts.
The community gathering will honor the men and women who have served our country, featuring remarks from Mayor Kevin Wilk, a keynote address by U.S. Marine Corps Major Patrick Lieneweg, a presentation of colors, and patriotic music.
It's an opportunity for residents to reflect on the sacrifices made by our veterans and recognize their continued contributions to our community.
📍 Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek
🕚 Today at 11 a.m.
The event is open to everyone. Come show your appreciation for those who have served! 🇺🇸
UPCOMING EVENT
⛸️ Walnut Creek on Ice Returns November 20 for Its 21st Season!
One of Walnut Creek’s favorite holiday traditions is almost back! Walnut Creek on Ice returns to Civic Park on Friday, November 20, kicking off its 21st season of winter fun downtown.
Featuring the Bay Area’s only outdoor ice rink and ice slide, this seasonal attraction offers something for the whole family. Visitors can glide across the ice beneath the holiday lights, race down the 90-foot Frosty’s Summit Ice Slide, or warm up around a private fire pit.
There’s plenty for younger skaters, too, including ice-skating lessons, hockey classes, and special Wednesday morning Littles Skate sessions, complete with a visit from Santa!
Whether it’s a family outing, a holiday date night, or an evening with friends, Walnut Creek on Ice is a great way to celebrate the season without leaving town.
📍 Where: Civic Park, 1365 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
📅 When: November 20, 2026 – January 18, 2027
🎟️ Tickets & Details: WalnutCreekOnIce.com
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🥙 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 11/11
Performing Arts Studio’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Jr. - Performing Arts Studio’s Pre-Teen Company presents a sweet theatrical adventure at Lesher Center for the Arts.
Veterans Day Ceremony - Honor local veterans with speakers, music, and a presentation of colors at Lesher Center for the Arts.
Qi Gong Drop-in - Enjoy slow, meditative stretching in a senior drop-in session at Civic Park Community Center.
Mah Jong Drop-in - Play American-style Mah Jong with experienced players at Civic Park Community Center.
Pride Mixer - Mix and mingle with theatergoers and LGBTQIA+ community members before the show at Lesher Center for the Arts.
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors - Catch a fast-paced, hilarious take on Bram Stoker’s classic at Lesher Center for the Arts.
Music Bingo - Play music bingo and stay for karaoke at Bourbon Highway Country Bar & Kitchen.
KARAOKE NIGHT! - Take the mic for an evening of karaoke at Retro Junkie.
Thursday 11/12
Bingo Drop-in - Try your luck during this 50+ social activity at Civic Park Community Center.
Thirsty Thursday - Enjoy food and drink specials, craft cocktails, and good vibes at 1515 Restaurant & Lounge.
DESPECHO! A sing-along party of Latin love songs! - Sing along to Latin love songs at Retro Junkie.
Thirsty Thursday Game Night in WC - Test your knowledge with Family Feud-style trivia or Singo at Mike Hess Brewing Walnut Creek.
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors - Catch a fast-paced, hilarious take on Bram Stoker’s classic at Lesher Center for the Arts.
Trivia & Line Dancing Thursdays - Put your knowledge and footwork to the test at Bourbon Highway Country Bar & Kitchen.
Drag Bingo - Play family-friendly bingo for free at Barebottle Brewing Company - Walnut Creek.
Sol Thursdays - Sip craft cocktails and enjoy R&B, Latin, and Caribbean music at LITA.
Friday 11/13
Diablo Ballet's The Nutcracker Suite - Experience a magical two-act holiday ballet production at Lesher Center for the Arts.
Bridge and Chess - Join fellow senior drop-in players for bridge and chess at Civic Park Community Center.
BLOODFLOWERS (The Cure Tribute) + HYAENA (Siouxsie & The Banshees Tribute) LIVE @ Retro Junkie! - Hear tribute performances celebrating The Cure and Siouxsie & The Banshees at Retro Junkie.
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors - Catch a fast-paced, hilarious take on Bram Stoker’s classic at Lesher Center for the Arts.
Live Country Music Fridays - Line Dancing & Karaoke - Enjoy live country music, line dancing, a DJ, and karaoke at Bourbon Highway Country Bar & Kitchen.
Family Open Mic - Share poetry, storytelling, comedy, and other creative expression at Rooted Coffee Co.
Devika + THC: Rhythm & Rooh - Hear singer-songwriter Devika perform with THC at Lesher Center for the Arts.
DJ Solrok - Dance to throwbacks, hip-hop, house, Latin, and club hits at 1515 Restaurant & Lounge.
NIGHT OWL w/ DJ C LEE Spinning 80s, 90s & Y2k Party Jams! - Hit the dance floor for late-night throwback party jams at Retro Junkie.
Saturday 11/14
Community Clean-Up - Help remove litter from local public spaces with The Cleanup Crew at Rudgear Park.
Chili Bowl Fundraiser - Enjoy chili and take home a handcrafted bowl while supporting ceramic student scholarships at Civic Park Community Center.
Live Music in Walnut Creek – CT2 - Catch CT2 performing live at Mike Hess Brewing Walnut Creek.
DVC POP at Up The Creek Records - Hear Diablo Valley College musicians perform original songs and favorites at Up The Creek Records.
CORDUROY (Pearl Jam Experience) + NEVERMIND (Nirvana Tribute)... LIVE @ Retro Junkie - Enjoy Pearl Jam and Nirvana tribute sets at Retro Junkie.
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors - Catch a fast-paced, hilarious take on Bram Stoker’s classic at Lesher Center for the Arts.
Live Country Music Saturdays - Line Dancing & Karaoke - Enjoy live music, dance lessons, line dancing, and karaoke at Bourbon Highway Country Bar & Kitchen.
Diablo Ballet's The Nutcracker Suite - Experience a magical two-act holiday ballet production 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 throwback party jams at Retro Junkie.
Sunday 11/15
Walnut Creek “Sunday Funday”! - Spend your Sunday at Mike Hess Brewing Walnut Creek.
Brunch Party - Enjoy brunch with a DJ soundtrack at Stereo41.
Shadelands FallFest - Enjoy free family activities, live music, food trucks, craft beer, and community exhibits at Walnut Creek Spotlight.
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors - Catch a fast-paced, hilarious take on Bram Stoker’s classic at Lesher Center for the Arts.
The Improvised Courtroom of Judge Moody: An Improvised Comedy in the Style of a Television Courtroom Show - See audience-inspired cases and outrageous rulings unfold at Lesher Center for the Arts.
Monday 11/16
Pinochle Drop-in - Play this classic trick-taking card game at Civic Park Community Center.
Tuesday 11/17
Phoenix Holiday Boutique - Shop goods from local artisans while enjoying holiday music, raffles, and appetizers in Downtown Walnut Creek.
SALSA TUESDAYS @ Retro Junkie! ($10 admission paid at the door) - Dance salsa at Retro Junkie.
Trivia Night at Gibsons Irish Pub - Test your knowledge in a lively pub setting at Gibson's.
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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