Get ready to groove on Cypress Street, eat delicious bites on a restaurant tour, catch a one-of-a-kind opera and caberet show, dance the night away, discover a kaleidoscope of color on a mural crawl, plus so much more during Walnut Creek’s Arts Around August—a month-long citywide celebration of the performing, visual, and culinary arts. 

Now in its second year, Arts Around August celebrates art and community with dozens of events at different venues all over the downtown. Performances and tours are produced by local arts companies and organizations, here are a few highlights.

Walnut Creek Downtown's popular First Wednesday street party returns August 3 from 5:30-9:00pm with live music, beer, wine, food, and artisan vendors. The family-friendly, free event happens on Cypress between Broadway and Locust streets. 

Wednesdays in August also brings Moveable Feasts, a gourmet tour of some of Walnut Creek’s best restaurants—Teleferic Barcelona, LITA, Havana, Bounty Hunter, World Famous Hot Boys, WC Yacht Club, and Torsap Thai to name a few—plus a public art tour in between tasting spots with a Bedford Gallery docent.

On Thursday nights, Broadway Plaza comes alive with the summer sounds of Petty Theft, The Sun Kings, Evolution, and Best Intentions. Put on your dancing shows and get ready to make some high energy moves.

Combining the best of bohemian, speakeasy, and fashion week vibes, Festival Opera performs at Broadway Plaza on August 26. Grab a drink and watch a one-of-a-kind performance of opera and cabaret classics.   

Bedford Gallery swings opens its doors with free admission on August 5 to a new exhibit “Cultural Currency.” Bedford is also hosting free public art walking tours. Family Day at the Lesher Center is August 21. Bring your crew for outdoor fun in Rudney Plaza and indoor performances of Fantasy Forum’s Wizard of Oz.

For more information about these, and other Arts Around August events, go to walnutcreekdowntown.com.