From galleries and art programs to musical programs and theaters, Walnut Creek’s arts and culture scene is a mixture of both performance and fine art. With city-sponsored music and art programs combined with community theaters and a library with cultural programming, Walnut Creek has many opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy art and culture in the city. Celebrating local artists and residents, these opportunities are abundant. You won’t have to travel to Oakland or San Francisco to get your fill of art, but there are even more opportunities in those nearby, large cities if you want to experience more.
Jazz at the Walnut Creek Marriott
2355 North Main St., Walnut Creek, CA 94596
(925 934-2000
Website: www.wcghotels.com/walnut-creek-hotel/FridayNightJazz/
The Walnut Creek Marriott‘s Atrio Lounge is home to some of the best jazz performances in the Bay Area. With performances every Friday, from January through June, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a show. You can arrive for an early happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. to start your weekend with fun times and a unique performance that takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Whether you’re lover of jazz or looking for a unique way to celebrate the start of your weekend, the Marriott's Friday Jazz performances are worth attending.
Valley Art Gallery
1661 Botelho Drive, Suite 110, Palm Court, Walnut Creek, California 94596
(925) 935-4311
Website: www.valleyartgallery.org
Open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, the Valley Art Gallery works to bring high-quality art to the community from local artists as it has been doing for more than 60 years. A non-profit organization run by dedicated volunteers, the gallery showcases the work of over 150 artists, most of which is available for rental or purchase with prices from $150 to $3,500. The gallery features an eclectic selection of ceramics, jewelry and fine crafts, while also hosting receptions with the artists, so the community can meet them.
Contra Costa Musical Theatre
1136 Saranap Avenue, Ste D, Walnut Creek CA 94598
925 210-0268
Website: www.ccmt.org
Founded in 1961, the Contra Costa Musical Theatre is a non-profit, community organization that produces Broadway musicals. Working to foster the appreciation of and involvement in musical theater in the community, the theater presents full-scale shows in the Hofmann Theater with its 800 seats. Honored by with Shellie Awards and with the Bay Area Theatre Critic Circle Awards, its shows are high-quality spectacles worth seeing.
Civic Arts Education
Civic Park Campus – Civic Park, N. Broadway and Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
(925) 943-5846
Shadelands Campus – 111 N. Wiget Lane & Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
(925) 943-5846
Website: www.walnut-creek.org/cae/
The Civic Arts Education program is run by the City of Walnut Creek and has been the center of the region’s artistic learning for more than 40 years. Striving to support the exploration of new visions and creative thought in residents of all ages, the Civic Arts Education educates more than 16,000 adults, teens and children in high-quality classes on two campuses.