(Photography by James Brian Studios: Center Rep's CROWNS)

The arts and culture scene is looking bright and action-packed. Fill your calendars with our top picks for Bay Area theater and dance performances, wine release parties, concerts, and festivals. 

 

August 24 FREE SUMMER CONCERT AT BROADWAY PLAZA

Walnut Creek’s much-loved outdoor music series continues for one last performance. Catch the hard core soft rockers, Mustache Harbor, 7:00-8:30pm, on the street in front of Nordstrom.  

August 18 WILD@NIGHT UNDER THE STARS

Mingle with a monkey, chill with an owl, and lounge with a lemur at Lindsay Wildlife’s 21+ event. Beer, wine, and live music. Make it a memorable date night or grab a friend for a wild time.

 

August 19 FAMILY MURAL ART WALK

Experience Walnut Creek’s vibrant public art collection on this one-mile family walking tour. Learn about the murals, sculptures, and fountains that decorate the downtown. 10am, Rudney Plaza, in front of Lesher Center for the Arts.

 

 

August 20 |  FAMILY ART DAY AT LESHER CENTER

Bring your kids to Rudney Plaza between 10am-2pm on Sunday for outdoor art activities or purchase a $10-15 ticket to see One Heart Musical or Fantasy Forum’s Robinhood!

 

August 25-October 1 HIPPEST TRIP – THE SOUL TRAINMUSICAL

Journey back to the groovy 1970s with A.C.T.’s rhythmic new musical. Dive into the world of entrepreneur and radio DJ, Don Cornelius, who revolutionized pop culture by shining a spotlight on Black artists' fashion, dance, and music through his television show, Soul Train. 

September 2-3 DOWN IN THE VALLEY FESTIVAL 

With downtown Napa as a backdrop, The Head and The Heart invites you to their first-ever boutique music festival at the Oxbow Riverstage. The lineup features Waxahatchee, Dawes, Faye Webster, Madison Cunningham, Rayland Baxter, & more. 

September 2 FRONT PORCH MUSIC FESTIVAL

Kick off your Labor Day Weekend with standout bands at Wente Vineyards. Bring your family, blankets, and low back chairs for first-come, first-served seating on the concert lawn. Enjoy curated wines and delicious food.   

 September 10  WORLD ARTS WEST DANCE FESTIVAL

Step into a dance spectacle at the Presidio with performers from Spain, West Africa, India, Nicaragua, Brazil, and beyond. Free admission, food trucks, and complimentary shuttles. 

September 9-October 6 CROWNS

Rejoice in rhythm and style as Center Repertory Company dazzles with Crowns—a musical extravaganza celebrating Black cultural history and iconic hats. Weaving a tale from Gospel to modern hip-hop, the show delves deep into the world of Black women who don bold hats for all of life’s occasions.

 

September 12–17 HADESTOWN

Journey to the underworld on a musical odyssey of love and redemption that weaves together the tales of dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and the enigmatic King Hades and his wife, Persephone. A dynamic ensemble of Broadway SF actors, dancers, and vocalists performs Hadestown on the Orpheum Theatre stage. 

 

September 15 & 16  SMUIN BALLET

Marking 30 years of innovative dance in the Bay Area, Smuin leaps into its milestone season with Salsa 'Til Dawn, crafted to a Cuban jazz score. Man in Black, a blend of contemporary ballet and cowboy boots danced to the tunes of Johnny Cash and whimsical Tutto Eccetto il Lavandino (everything but the kitchen sink), set to the sounds of Vivaldi, round out the program. 

 

 

WOMEN IN COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

September 22  SARA EVANS

Headlining the Lesher Center’s Women in Country Music Festival is Sara Evans, a chart-topping sensation known for her poignant lyrics and captivating vocals. Don’t miss the chance to see one of country music’s leading ladies perform her smash hits live. 

September 23  VALERIE PONZIO & MIKO MARKS

Valerie Ponzio, known for blending Latin vibes into country, and her standout performance on The Voice, is turning heads in the music scene. Similarly, Miko Marks fusion of country, blues, rock, and gospel captivates and electrifies audiences.  On stage together, this show is bound to be an unforgettable musical journey.

 

September 23-24 CELLARFEST WEEKEND STAGS LEAP WINE CELLARS

Top Chef Masters victor, Chris Cosentino, and Executive Chef Travis Westrope are crafting a menu that pairs harmoniously with iconic 2020 CASK 23 Cabernet Sauvignon, at a culinary soiree Saturday. Then on Sunday, celebrate Cellarfest with live music, legacy wines, and gourmet bites.

  

September 23-24  LAFAYETTE ART & WINE FESTIVAL

Celebrating its 26th year, the East Bay’s favorite street fest returns to downtown Lafayette, promising a blend of bands on four stages, a showcase of artisans, and a curated selection of fine wines and craft brews. Free admission and free parking at the BART lot.

September 29-October 1 HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS 

San Francisco's Golden Gate Park transforms into a musical haven with a blend of country twangs and soulful melodies across six outdoor stages. Best of all? Free admission. Whether you're a bluegrass devotee or just a casual listener, save the dates for an eclectic experience. 

 

 

September 30 BITS + PIECES: THE MAGIC OF MINIATURE ART

From the allure of teacup-sized canines to the intricate details of ships in a bottle, society's enchantment with the miniature is undeniable. Dive into this tiny world at Bedford Gallery's fall exhibit, Bits + Pieces, showcasing the beauty and precision of small-scale art.

September 30-October 1 CALIFORNIA SYMPHONY 

Black, folk, and Mexican music converge in an enthralling celebration of the American story. Aaron Copland’s exuberant Appalachian Spring pays tribute to the American pioneer spirit, while Wynton Marsalis infuses gospel and blues into a violin concerto. Then Juan Pablo Contreras bridges Western classical cadences with Mexican folk music.