Art

Art Gallery at the Orinda Library: Stories We Tell - Contemporary and Ancient. The Lamorinda Arts Council invites you to view original artwork that demonstrates the power of storytelling using symbols and metaphors through Nov. 1. Visit https://lamorindaarts.org/current-exhibits-library-gallery/ for more information or call (925) 359.9940.

Call for Writers and Artists: The Lamorinda Arts Council's Oct. 26 Art Embraces Words program invites writers and artists who are in sync with its Halloween Theme to apply to read and show their work. A short Q&A follows each presentation. Featured sci fi writer Marlene Dotterer kicks off the day. All are invited to appear as their favorite literary or artistic character to compete for prizes awarded by theater costume judges. A reception in the adjacent vine covered courtyard follows. Apply at https://lamorindaarts.org/art-embraces-words, email literary@lamorindaarts.org or call (925) 359.9940 with questions.

Art Gallery at Wilder: "Presence: Portraits of Seniors" in the Art Gallery at Wilder through Nov. 1. The Lamorinda Arts Council invites you to meet featured artist Marianne McCraney at a reception in her honor. Her expressive oil paintings reveal seniors doing things they love -- reading, walking, working in a tool shed, and visiting a friend. McCraney works mostly in oil and watercolors as well as drawings. To view more of her work visit https://lamorindaarts.org/online-galleries / or www.mariannemccraney.com/.

Music

Folk Music Festival at Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette. Front Porch Presents: Folk Music Festival on Nov. 1. Town Hall Theatre Co, 3535 School Street, Lafayette. Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at the door www.townhalltheatre.com/front-porch

Town Hall Theatre Company presents: Midnight Flyer: A Tribute to the Eagles. Oct. 26. Town Hall Theatre Co, 3535 School Street, Lafayette. TICKETS: VIP $40, $30 in advance, $35 at the door www.townhalltheatre.com/midnight-flyer

Ensemble ARI, a professional piano quartet, will perform at Saint Mary's College Chapel on Sunday, Oct. 27, at 3 p.m. The concert features a unique collaboration with a Korean zither instrument, premiering works by Bay Area composers, along with Mozart's Piano Quartet. Admission is Free. www.stmarys-ca.edu/ensemble-ari

Miramonte’s Visual & Performing Arts Department Proudly Presents the Fall Music Concert! Join them on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m., in the MHS Theater for an unforgettable evening of music featuring the instrumental and vocal talents of the MHS Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Musical Theater Workshop Performers, and Jazz Band (all directed by Carl Oser), as well as the Orinda Intermediate School Choir (directed by Christina Holling). Don’t miss this opportunity to support their accomplished Visual & Performing Arts students and enjoy a night of exceptional performances! Admission is free, and all are welcome.

Organist Arthur Omura Performs at St. Paul's in Walnut Creek. Saturday, Oct. 12, 7 p.m. Where: In-Person - St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1924 Trinity Avenue, Walnut Creek, Online broadcast: visit stpaulswc.org/concert-series for the concert link and program. Donations graciously accepted at the door (avg. $20/$10 Students) and online registration. All are welcome regardless of donation!

Theatre

Town Hall Theatre Company & Cougar Comedy Collective presents "Laugh Lines" on Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Town Hall Theatre Co, 3535 School Street, Lafayette. Tickets: $20 www.townhalltheatre.com/laugh-lines

Literature

Join Gail Perry at Orinda Books on Oct. 12 at 11 a.m. Gail has created "Walks of the World," a stunning guide to 25 inn-to-inn hikes in some of the world’s most interesting places, including Hawai’i’s Kalalau Trail, Oregon’s Rogue River Trail, the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland, and the Cinque Terre Coastal Walk in Italy. Gail has inspired many to walk their way into epic adventures or simply add steps to their everyday treks. Information at www.orindabooks.com.

Join the Sweet Thursday Author Series on Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. in the Don Tatzin CH at the Lafayette Library to hear a discussion of Holiday books with Pat Rudebush, Orinda Books, and Catherine Davis. This is a free event, but registration is required at Tinyurl.com/sweet-Nov2024. The doors will be open at 6:30 p.m. for coffee and treats. The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Lafayette Library.

Other

Lamorinda Movers dinner catered by China Moon & you can BRING A GUEST for No charge. 5 p.m. Monday Oct. 14 at the Serbian Church at 1700 School St. in Moraga. There will be a drawing for a 2 nights stay in a 2 bedroom 2 bathoom condominium at the Monterey Dunes Colony in Monterey. For our entertainment we have booked Johnny Z and the Cameros who will be playing music by request so come dance the night away. Sign up here: https://ces.compass.com/li/cb3c8acb1a6445084145

Flower Arranging Instructor: Laura-Kate Rurka in partnership with Lamorinda Village. Learn to make gorgeous arrangements from supermarket flowers. Laura-Kate Rurka will show you how to put together inexpensive bunches into interesting and beautiful combinations made from common blooms found at your local grocery store. You will go home with a vase, arrangement, and pruning shears. You must register ahead of time for this class. Limited to 12 people. Thursday, Nov. 7, 11 a.m to noon in the Cedar Room. Materials Fee: $25, payable to instructor at the class

The American Association of University Women - Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette branch and the League of Women Voters Diablo Valley will be providing a PowerPoint presentation reviewing the 10 State ballot propositions, detailing the Pros and Cons, and defining the supporters and opponents of each. All invited: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda.

The City of Orinda & Moraga Orinda Fire District (MOFD) Blood Drive at Orinda Community Center in the Founders Auditorium 28 Orinda Way Orinda. Friday, Nov. 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To make an appointment, please log on to RedCrossBlood.org and enter the sponsor Code: Orinda or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) Appointments are required. Donors will receive a $10 e-gift card and will automatically be entered for a chance to win a $7,000 gift card.

Between the Mountain and the Sky screening Oct. 12, 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Lafayette Library's Don Tatzin Community Hall. Join international nonprofit, BlinkNow for a special screening of "Between the Mountain and the Sky," the inspiring story of co-founders Maggie Doyne and Tope Malla’s journey to creating the organization which serves the women and children of Nepal. Admission: $20. For more information: https://blinknow.org/pages/film-events

Introducing the Lamorinda Chess Club! Come play a few games at Europa Hofbrau on Oct. 19 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. All skill levels welcome! $10 minimum food or beverage purchase.

Bringing Back the Natives 20th Anniversary Celebration Picnic Sunday, Oct. 13, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lafayette Reservoir. Event Cost: $10 Parking Cost: $7 per day or $1.50 per hour. Register: https://bit.ly/BBTN-20thAnniv-Picnic-RSVP. Info Jennifer Dirking at EcoGardenista@gmail.com.

Celebrate the Lafayette Library's 15 year anniversary on Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Fun for all ages! STEAM Lab activities, Teen SWELL Center crafts, Pizza, Mister Softee, Build Air Rockets, Friends Corner Book Shop Giveaways and so much more. Free event. www.lllcf.org/day-at-the-library-2024

Night at the Library Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. A very special Night at the Library you won't want to miss. Food, fun and philanthropy! Tickets now on sale! https://secure.qgiv.com/event/natl2024/

Czech & Sloval Festival, Oct. 12, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Orinda Comuunity Center & Park, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda. Free entry. Bring cash for food, drinks.

Shred papers on site at 5A Rent-A-Space, 455 Moraga Rd in Moraga. Saturday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m. to noon. Cost is $12 per banker box. Support scholarships for Lamorinda 8th grade girls to attend AAUW STEM summer camp.

Walnut Creek restaurant walk - Oct. 15, 5:30  to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy tastes from 23 restaurants. $45 per ticket. Contact at jancushman@comcast.net or (925) 818-0459 for tickets.

Orinda Parks $ Rec presents: Trunk & Treat. Oct. 24 from 4 to 6:45 p.m. Spooktacular event at Orinda Library Parking Garage, 26 Orinda Way, Orinda. Games, crafts, treats, food trucks. Register at www.cityoforinda.org

Garden

The Walnut Creek Garden Club will hold its free monthly meeting on Monday Oct. 14, at the The Gardens at Heather Farms in Walnut Creek, 1540 Marchbanks Dr. Join for a special program Kathryn Lincoln, Manager: Blake Garden – UC Berkeley. Registration begins at 9:15 a.m., followed by a brief meeting, social time and an educational program, Complimentary tea, coffee & snacks are available. The public is welcome to visit the meeting and to become a part of the Walnut Creek Garden club! For more information, please visit: www.WalnutCreekGardenClub.org

Montelindo Garden Club will have a plant sale open to everyone and will present “Bulbs, Corms and Tubers: The Whats, Whys and Hows” with Shawna Anderson, the Orinda Nursery’s garden expert. Advice on how to be a good plant parent with the plants you have just bought at our plant sale. Oct. 18 at the Lafayette Library Community Meeting Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. 9 a.m. social time, 9:30 business meeting, 10:15 a.m. speaker. Free. See https://montelindogarden.com/2024-meetings.html for more information.