Art

Art Crawl – Sketching on the St. Mary’s College Campus, Saturday, April 11, 1 to 3 p.m. Come and sketch on the St. Mary’s campus – meet at the St. Mary’s College Museum (SMCMoA) at 1 p.m. You’ll move to three locations to sketch in an hour, then return to the museum to show your work, talk to the other artists, and share ideas.  Be sure to bring your own materials – paper, pencils, charcoal, pastels, etc. This event is best suited for 12 and up. Free and open to all.

The Moraga Art Gallery’s current exhibit, "From the Earth: Pottery and Blooms," highlights the artwork of two of the gallery's multi-faceted favorites: photographer Lucy Beck, well known for exquisite, eye-catching floral creations and pottery specialist Mary Leigh Miller, who creates stunning "Raku" vases and jars.  For more information visit http:www.moragaartgallery.com or call 925-376-5407.

Theater

Try a free Improv Class at Lamorinda Improv Theater on Thursday, April 9, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at LIT Studio, 2 Orinda Theater Square, Ste 111, Orinda. We’ll play games, think on our feet, and create funny scenes together. No experience needed. It’s all about laughing, being spontaneous, and having fun in a supportive space. Zero stress. Maximum fun. Space is limited, so please reserve your spot at LITimprov.com.

The Orinda Starlight Village Players presents "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd," Mark Shanahan's all new adaptation of the classic Agatha Christie mystery directed and designed by Matt Cardigan-Smith June 5 through July 4 in the Orinda Community Center Park Amphitheater (located at 28 Orinda Way in Orinda). Set in an English village in 1926, the widowed Mrs. Ferrars is found dead by apparent suicide and shortly after her fiancé, the most prominent man in town - Roger Ackroyd, is found dead, rumors start to run rampant. https://www.orsvp.org/the-murder-of-roger-ackroyd

Music

Flock of Flutes and Cello Ensemble in Concert on Saturday, April 18, 3:30 p.m., Don Tatzin Hall, Lafayette Library, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd.  Free, donations welcome.  38 flutists come together for an afternoon of storytelling through music — spanning folklore, fairy tales, nature, and groove. Featuring contra bass, bass, alto, and piccolo flutes. Joined by a Cello Ensemble. All welcome!

Voices of Music presents The Secret Garden on Sunday, April 19, from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m., at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2330 Durant Ave. (pedestrian and wheelchair entrance on Dana St), Berkeley. Voices of Music unveils 'Secret Garden,' a diverse musical journey spanning nearly a millennium of music. Featuring soprano Molly Netter. Cost: Tickets range from $10 - $63.  For more info see https://www.voicesofmusic.org or call 415-377-4444 or email listen@voicesofmusic.org.

Diablo Symphony Association presents Diablo Symphony Family Concert: 'Joy of the Symphony' featuring narrator Josh Kornbluth on Sunday, March 29, from 2 to 4:15 p.m., at Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek.  Cost: Adults $45, Youth 13-17 $15, Children 12 and under free; discount of $35 each for groups of 10+ Seniors. For more info see https://www.diablosymphony.org/events or call 559-300-4409. 

Music Director Lawrence Kohl presents John Nakamatsu - Van Cliburn Gold Medalist - Debut Performance with Pacific Chamber Orchestra on April 25 at 3 p.m. at the Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. The program features Edward MacDowell's buyoyant "Second Piano Concerto" and Tchaikovsky's soaring, life affirming Symphony No. 5. Tickets and information at https://PacificChamberOrchestra.org.

The Young People’s Symphony Orchestra (YPSO), California’s oldest independent youth orchestra, presents the America 250 Festival: Celebration of American Music on Saturday, May 2 at 7 p.m. at First Church Berkeley. $20 General Admission, Students Free (registration required). Box Office & Concert Info: www.ypsomusic.org/events

Literature

Poetry for the Ages, Tuesday April 21, a salon-style poetry reading hosted by Lafayette Public Arts Committee from noon to 1 p.m. in Town Hall Theater Lobby, 3535 School St., Lafayette. Listen to original work by poets Jennifer Granat, Harnoor Grewal, Ophelia Guerdad, Norma Humphrey, Harleen Serai and Richard Stanton. Mingle with poetry lovers and meet the poets 1 to 1:30 p.m. and enjoy complimentary tea, coffee and cookies. This free event has limited space so reserve your seat by emailing jrosen@lovelafayette.org. 

Visiting Writer Series events at Saint Mary’s College campus in Moraga run from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. and are free and open to the public.  Come meet and hear Maw Shein Win (Poetry) — Author of “Percussing the Thinking Jar,” on Wednesday, April 29 at the Hagerty Lounge.

Book Events in May at Orinda Books located at 276 Village Square in Orinda will feature: Tamara T. Helfer, “Translator of The Winding Road,” Saturday, May 9 at 2 p.m.; Willy Vlautin, author of “The Left and the Lucky,” Wednesday, May 13 at 5 p.m.; and Vanessa Hua, author of “Coyoteland,” Saturday, May 16 at 2 p.m. All events are free, but please RSVP at www.eventbrite.com and search by Orinda Books and the author.

Other

Let’s Run Lamorinda!  There is a new FREE homegrown running club in our own neighborhood. Sahand Shahrabani, a Miramonte grad, is a local runner and founder of this club. This group is purely for the joy of running and health enthusiasts. Gather in front of 24hr Fitness on Rheem in Moraga every Monday (rain or shine!) at 6 p.m. for a 45-to-90-minute run. 

Elections in 2026 will look and feel different. Join a webinar on Thursday, April 16, at 1 p.m. for a practical, nonpartisan Community Conversation about what’s changing in election administration and voting access at the national level, in California, and in Contra Costa County. Register for the Zoom webinar here. https://ccclib.bibliocommons.com/v2/events/69aa2602cd3d863bd9240a38  

Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 25 at 5 A Rent-a-Space in Moraga, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., where you can create a small herb garden to take home, make a bag of fragrant potpourri, purchase autographed copies of Be the Star You Are! books, and more. 455 Moraga Rd. #F, Moraga. https://www.bethestaryouare.org/events-1/earth-day-at-5a-on-april-25-2026

Free Earth Care Carnival on Saturday, April 25 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Orinda Community Center, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda. Come join Mindful Littles and Orinda Parks & Recreation for a fun-filled morning to play games, engage in hands-on service and learn how to care for our community from the inside out! Discover why caring for our environment and community matters, make care kits for our green space caretakers, enjoy nature-themed carnival games and creative crafts and connect with other local families.

Science Day of Discovery for the whole family Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lafayette Nursery School, 979 First Street, Lafayette. Cost: $5 per child. This hands-on community event features science and nature activities designed for preschoolers through third grader. Tickets will be available at the door, but you can buy them in advance and make an optional donation to support Science Day at givebutter.com/scienceday

Moraga Historical Society presents Gerald S. Henig, author and professor emeritus of history at CSU East Bay.  Henig will discuss his latest book – “America’s Presidents on Sunday, May 3 from 1 to 3 p.m., in the Casita at the Hacienda de las Flores, 2100 Donald Dr., Moraga. RSVP to:  RANCHSUSAN@AOL.COM by April 24. MHS members free, guests $5 (cash or check). Reservations only, no children under 12 years, limited seating.

The Future of Lamorinda BART Stations. Join a free Community Meeting, May 6 at 7 p.m. at the Lafayette Library & Learning Center to listen to a BART Board Member Matt Rinn discussing the future of the Orinda and Lafayette BART stations. Q&A session. Sponsored by Lafayette Homeowners Council.  

Garden

Lafayette Garden Club monthly meeting begins on Thursday, April 9, at 9:30 a.m. for social time and light refreshments, a short business meeting, and a brief talk on "Presidential Roses" in honor of our nation's 250th anniversary. At 11 a.m., Pamela Berstler of the Green Gardens Group (G3) will present a fun and informative talk to debunk common landscaping myths and share practical tips to help you create a healthier, more beautiful garden. Admission is free and guests are welcomed. Lafayette Veterans Memorial Center, 3780 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette.

Moraga Gardens Farm annual seedling sale is open April 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1290 Moraga Way (between Moraga fire station and School Street.) Plants are grown sustainably in Moraga and are varieties proven to do well in the Lamorinda area. $5 each and checks cash, and Venmo accepted. Sorry, no credit cards.  List of varieties available in the Moraga Library lobby display case.

Montelindo Garden Club meets Friday, April 17 with the topic "Members' Gardens: a discussion" about the development, maintenance, and changes in the gardens of 3 MGC members. Free. A plant sale will also take place, with member contributions. Social time begins at 9 a.m., followed by a business meeting and speakers. Lafayette Library Auditorium, 3491 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette. www.montelindogarden.com/2026-meetings.htm

Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour and Green Home Features Showcase. In-person Tour May 2 and 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. See how 70 of your neighbors have greened their gardens with California native plants and learn how 30 of them have electrified their homes. Free. Registration is required at https://bringingbackthenatives.net/garden-tour-registration