Art

Orinda Library Art Gallery - Good Medicine - an exhibition expressing gratitude to those who practice medicine, compassion, and healing on view through Oct. 3 at the Orinda Library Art Gallery, 26 Orinda Way, Orinda. Good Medicine brings together works by artists from Magnolia Editions and friends, reflecting on the many forms that care can take. 925-253-4200, cclib.org.
 
The Moraga Art Gallery, located at 432 Center Street in the Moraga Shopping Center, announces the Aug. 19 opening of a new exhibit entitled "Cadence," Free public reception on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 5 to 7 p.m., with live music. www.moragaartgallery.com, 925-376-5407.  

Lamorinda Arts Council announces a “Call for Writers” to present spoken word readings and a “Call for Artists” to display original artwork, all with a Halloween theme. Held in the Lafayette Community Center - Jennifer Russell Building, the free program runs from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 31. We ask all presenters and guests to appear as their most inspired literary or artistic character for our Cosplay Contest. Contact elanao@mac.com, visit https://LamorindaArts.org/art-embraces-words or call 925-359-9940. Deadline Oct. 19. 

Theater

Town Hall Theatre co-opens its 2026-27 Main Stage Season with “Steel Magnolias” by Robert Harling, a beloved American classic celebrating resilience, friendship, and the strength found in community. Previews Sept. 10 and 11 at 7 p.m. Performing Sept. 12 through Oct. 3 Fridays and Saturdays 7 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. Special Senior matinee Oct. 1 at 11 a.m. $25. Previews “Pay-What-You-Can” starting at $2. Special Senior Matinee Oct 1: $10. Opening Night pre-show reception $25. townhalltheatre.com/steel-magnolias or contact: boxoffice@townhalltheatre.com

Old Barn Theatre at Tao House. Opening the Festival production calendar on Sept. 12  to 13 will be best-selling author Sheila Forsey’s play, “Teddy.” The play follows Rose, who has returned to Ireland to reclaim the child she left behind. While home, she faces resistance as old family secrets, resentments, and battlelines surface. The production features the original Irish cast, with Bay Area actor Sarah Liller in the lead role. https://eugeneoneill.org/event/teddy-by-sheila-forsey/

Literature

Art Embraces Words Sept. 13, 2 to 4 p.m. at the main Stage at the Town Hall Theatre, 3535 School St. in Lafayette. Original Art features juried artwork from local artists which was forwarded to local poets. Each poet then chooses and interprets one 2D artwork and speaks about it through poetic language. Questions? Contact elanao@mac.com, visit https://LamorindaArts.org/art-embraces-poetry or call 925-359-9940. 
 
Sweet Thursday Author Series will discuss Leigh Steinberg’s new book, “The Comeback: A Playbook for Turning Life’s Setbacks into Victories,” on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Lafayette Library. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for guests to enjoy coffee and sweets. Books will be available for purchase. Free, but registration is required by logging into www.tinyurl.com/sweet-Sept2026.

Book Club events at Orinda Books,  276 Village Square, Orinda. Pat's Book Club discussing “Lion Women of Tehran” by Marjan Kamali, Thursday, Oct. 1, 11 a.m. No RSVP required. Murder Over Easy Book Club discussing “Art of a Lie” by Laura Shepherd-Robinson Thursday, Oct. 23 at 10:30 a.m. No RSVP required. Author Event with Dwight Holing, discussing his latest mystery novel “Yellow Hair Saturday,” Oct. 3, 2:30 p.m. Free but RSVP required. https://orindabooks.com/events/calendar

Music

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Orinda will welcome neighbors, families, and animal companions to its long-standing Blessing of the Animals ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 11, from 4 to 5 p.m. The service will take place in the church’s outdoor chapel beside the sanctuary at 66 St. Stephen’s Drive, Orinda.

Pacific Chamber Orchestra opens its season with Songs of the Heart, featuring Barber's beloved “Adagio for Strings” and Gabriela Lena Frank's joyous “An Andrea Walkabout.” Bask in our dazzling string with pieces by Britten, Elgar, and Dag Wirén. Featuring outstanding Bay Area soloists. Sept. 19, 3 p.m., Del Valle Theatre, Walnut Creek. Tickets: $25 (Student), $40-$65 (General) at PacificChamberOrchestra.org.

Other

Fabulous Courses for Curious Minds. OLLI offers lectures, short courses, and field experiences covering topics in the sciences, social sciences, arts, humanities, history, literature, and current events taught by distinguished educators. OLLI courses are designed purely for the enjoyment of learning. An annual membership costs $60 and includes one free lecture each month. Classes are held at the Cal State East Bay Concord Center on Ygnacio Valley Road, with many additional courses available via Zoom. Visit www.campusce.net/csueastbay, email olli@csueastbay.edu, or call 925-602-6776. 

The Contra Costa Athletic Assingnors are looking for referees for boys and girls flag football. CCAA is also looking for officials in basketball, baseball and soccer. If you’re interested in contributing to the youth of America, getting some exercise, performing in front of large crowds – and earning a fair amount of money – then contact Dave Cutaia (ccaa.officials@gmail.com).

AARP Tax-Aide is looking for volunteers to become members of a team providing free tax preparation service in Contra Costa County. While prior tax preparation experience is beneficial, it is not a requirement. To learn more and apply online, visit www.aarpfoundation.org/taxaidevolunteer or call (925) 726-3199 for additional information.
 
Come join a group of knitters who have participated in community service projects in past years and are doing so again this year. Knitting and crocheting hats and scarves for children and adults in need that will be distributed in November by a nonprofit serving those in need in local communities. You may drop off completed new hand knit and crocheted items in a member's house in Orinda, Moraga or Rossmoor by the end of October.  Please email kathydown@comcast.net or call or text her at (925) 997-0734 for addresses and details. 

Apply for a Grant from the Orinda Community Foundation by Oct.15 for the next year fiscal year. Application forms available at www.orindafoundation.org/get-involved.

Grief Support Group for adults who have experienced the loss of a spouse or partner. Led by psychologist Dr. Poorni. The group will offer a welcoming and supportive space to connect with others who have experienced a similar loss, share experiences, and navigate grief together. The group will meet every other Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. over Zoom, beginning Sept.18 and continuing through Dec. 11. Free and open to all members of our community. Call/Text: 925-744-7600; info@eastbayhealthcare.org.

2026 Elections - A Changing Landscape presented by The League of Women Voters, Diablo Valley, will be held on Monday, Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Library, 2 Monticello Ave., Pleasant Hill. Public is invited, free admission.  So much in the news about the good and bad of new and proposed legislation, come and hear the discussion.

“2026 November Ballot - Pros & Cons" by League of Women Voters, Diablo Valley. This is an educational presentation, and the LWVDV will present both sides of the proposed measures, what funding supports and opposes, to help voters clarify in their own minds how to vote. No charge, and no registration. Tuesday, Sept. 22, 7 p.m. at Church of the Resurrection, 399 Gregory Ln. (off Kahrs Ave), Pleasant Hill. Sunday, Sept. 27, 11:30 a.m. Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Lane, Orinda, Car-pooling is encouraged. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 6 p.m., Moraga Library, 1500 St Mary's Road, Moraga.

Understanding the November Propositions — Free & Open to the community.  AAUW-OML (AmericanAssociation of University Women, Orinda-Moraga-Lafayette) hosts Janet Hoy of the League of Women Voters Diablo Valley for their nonpartisan Pros & Cons presentation. OML members will also brief attendees on area school board and city/town council races. Tuesday, Oct. 13. Doors open 9:30 a.m., program 10 to 11:30 a.m.O rinda Community Church, Fellowship Hall, 10 Irwin Way.

Learn how to recognize, avoid, and report common scams targeting older adults. Join a free presentation on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m. at the Lafayette Veterans Memorial Building, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd. There will be a live Q&A session and presenters will include the California Contractor’s State License Board, the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, the Department of Insurance, and more. 

Garden

The Montelindo Garden Club will meet on Friday, Sept. 18, at the Lafayette Library Auditorium, 3491 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette. Free. Social time: 9 to 9:30 a.m., Business meeting: 9:30 to 10 a.m., Speaker 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. The speaker will be botanical illustrator and member Lee McCaffree, describing her time as Botanical Artist in Residence at the famous Oak Spring Garden, See www.montelindogarden.com/2026-meetings.html

The Walnut Creek Garden Club will hold its free monthly meeting on Monday, Sept. 14 at The Elks Lodge in Walnut Creek. Registration begins at 9:15 a.m. The public is welcome to visit the meeting. 

Community Events

The Lafayette Art & Wine Festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Downtown Lafayette. Featuring 4 stages with 20+ bands, 200+ artist / craft booths, 4 kid zones, wide selection of California varietals and craft beers, local dining and shopping. Free Admission. Free Festival parking is available in the BART Lafayette Station parking lots with an easy walk or free shuttle ride to the Festival. Complimentary bike valet is located at 81 Lafayette Circle.  View music schedule and learn more at https://lafayettefestival.com