Walnut Creek, CA | Attractions
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Dean Lesher Center for the Arts

Opera, Crafts and Public Art Permeate the City's Society

In Walnut Creek, culture is not something that happens behind the plush velvet curtains of a premier theater box or after the last drops drain from a vintage bottle of wine. Music and art are accessible to anyone who takes an interest. Opera, for example, may call to mind images of women with big hair and men wearing boutonnieres, but Walnut Creek’s Festival Opera is trying to draw in a more diverse audience and younger performers. The company is dedicated to putting on quality performances at... Read More »

Bedford Gallery Offers Many Views in Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek’s Bedford Gallery showcases the best in historic, modern and contemporary visual arts. This 3,500-square-foot facility is dedicated to educating and inspiring the community to appreciate the arts through its public programs and daily tours.Founded in 1968, the Bedford Gallery offers special events like lectures, workshops, and panel discussions throughout the year to engage the public in the arts. The gallery, which is housed inside Walter Creek’s Lesher Center for the... Read More »

Festival Opera Works to Promote the Arts in Walnut Creek

The idea of going to the opera may call to mind images of large women with big hair and piercing voices and men wearing boutonnieres, but Walnut Creek’s Festival Opera is trying to draw in a more diverse audience and younger performers.  Founded in 1991, the company is dedicated to putting on quality performances at low ticket prices for the up-and-coming East Bay Area. It stages operas in the park and holds community galas, performing such classics as Carmen and Don Giovanni. The... Read More »

Shadelands Ranch Historical Museum in Walnut Creek

Shadelands Ranch Historical Museum provides visitors a glimpse into the history of Walnut Creek. Since it opened to the public in 1972, the museum has been a popular stop for history enthusiasts. Built by Walnut Creek pioneer Hiram Penniman in 1903, this redwood-framed house contains interesting local artifacts, including government documents, photographs and newspapers, many of which belonged to the Pennimans. Annual events like antique shows and living history programs help visitors engage... Read More »