Such a fun weekend. My husband competed in the amateur competition and took 2nd in chefs choice…read more There is food to purchase from all the major BBQ joints, lots of booths with jewelry and other stuff. Glasses were 16 or 17 bucks and came with 2 drink tickets. ( we brought an ice chest ). did i mention parking and admission is free? See ya next year!

2013's fest was a bit underwhelming compared to the far more magnificent 2012 spread. Much smaller…read morethis year, and it might surprise newbies to see only 3 options for BBQ for sale to guests (no sampling of the competitors unfortunately). The local standbys of Kinder's and Back Forty are great, and in 2013 Smokehouse 10 was there. Their line was huge and prices astronomical, so I showed loyalty to my locals. They were also both wise to offer a rib sampler, 3 ribs for around $6, while Smokehouse only offered full meal platters. Kinder's ribs were tasty and smoky, and man does their sauce just ROCK. Back Forty's ribs were equally yummy and just a bit more tender. If I could get Back Forty's ribs with Kinders' sauce, oh happy day! Vendors were also scaled down quite a bit, only a small cluster of people selling more knick-knack items. 2012 offered multiple vendors selling homemade BBQ sauces and rubs, which was one of my main reasons for returning this year so imagine by disappointment when I couldn't restock! There were also more fun vendors selling quality knives and handcrafted soaps - the vendor quality was drastically reduced. So hopefully 2014 will bring the cool folks back, otherwise I might have to pass in 2015. : /

My family and I enjoyed a concert at The Grove during our recent trip to the Bay Area, and we were…read morestruck by just how lovely this park is. My husband's grandparents live in Clayton and regularly attend the concerts; we can see why. The Grove has lots of shade and is in the middle of downtown Clayton, surrounded by some restaurants and stores. There's a large convenience store nearby, in case you need a few items or drinks to round out your picnic. The grass was well maintained. There's a path around the space, so that you don't have to worry about walking through people, like if a concert is happening. The bathrooms were reasonably clean with baby changing tables. And there wasn't a bad seat for the concert. Still, though, my husband's grandfather did head over to the park early to set up chairs and save our space. That didn't appear to follow the rules on the signs, but he was far from alone in doing this. All in all, this park and its musical programming were great for enjoying a beautiful summer evening.

The Grove hosts a weekly music venue on saturdays in the summer. it's part of The Eucalyptus Grove…read morewhich was acquired by the city of Clayton on 10/7/1999. it's always been used as a community recreational facility. there's a children's playground, a small park, a picnic area. and a walkway to leisurely wander about. last but not least, there's a bathroom.

One of the best Obon festivals in the Bay Area! There are a large variety of delicious foods for…read moresale; tempura, sushi, udon, beef teriyaki skewers, gyoza, chicken teriyaki, shave ice, baked goods, hot dogs, drinks. Entertainment includes judo, kendo, cooking and ikenobo demonstrations, taiko, children's games, Japanese dancing and Obon dancing. This has been a Concord community tradition for over 50 years.

It has been probably well over 10 years since I last attended the Obon festival at the Diablo…read moreJapanese American Club in Concord. I saw an Instagram announcing the festival which happened to be on a weekend that wasn't going to be too hot. A perfect opportunity. The festival is in a location that is in the middle of several neighborhoods and the city allows parking on the north side of Treat. Even with the large crowds the parking is abundant in the nearby neighborhoods and on Treat. We parked a short less than 5 minute walk away. The festival had a variety of food: Teriyaki Chicken Meal, Beef Teriyaki, Gyoza, Tempura, Sushi, Hot Dogs, Shaved Ice and Desserts. They had games for the kids, tours of the temple and a gift shop. Unfortunately I had an unsettled stomach so I was only able to try the Teriyaki Beef and some Desserts. The beef was tasty, small pieces and cooked well done so a bit toward the drier side. The cookies and brownie were chewy and delicious. I also tried the peanut brittle which was light, buttery and not overly sweet. I'm looking forward to next year so I can try the Tempura and Gyoza along with the Desserts. Fun outdoor event with food that supports a worthy cause. No entrance or parking fees in an easily accessible venue.

Just saw the first half of As You Like It. The casting was awful! I'm not sure what they were…read morethinking. We just couldn't take it anymore so left at intermission

First time visiting this theater , was here for the Tuolumne Camp Gala and fundraiser to rebuild…read moreBerkeley Tuolumne Camp . The grounds at Cal Shakes are absolutely stunningly beautiful. Great parking , restrooms and picnic area is spacious and gorgeous . I will definitely look forward to coming back for a theater event .

great outdoor venue for 12,500 music fans, there's a big covered area, sight lines were good from…read moresection 209, row u. there was free parking for Styx & Chicago, a real bonus, the staff were great, security was smooth, a few food trucks, and lots of booze for purchase, I spoke to a real person on the box office phone. There's known traffic problems. 1.5 hours door to seat from 9 miles aways, we left an hour before show time. Chicago, the first band, came on stage on time. Pro tip, for a popular show, eat nearby, leave an hour before the show and park. They lose a star for the nasty traffic jam. Not sure what can be done to improve the traffic flow, admittedly a Friday night, holiday weekend start.... Walkers beat us in from a 1 mile away. From their FAQ page; "EXPECT EXTREMELY HIGH VOLUMES OF TRAFFIC. We recommend carpooling, or taking BART and the free shuttle from Concord BART station to the Box Office." The show was awesome. keep on rockin'

The Concord Pavilion, currently called the Toyota Concord Pavilion, is a 12,500-capacity open-air…read moreamphitheater nestled in the foothills of Concord, California. We came here to see the amazing Sarah McLachlan on August 1, 2026. The venue is very nice but it was so hot that day. We were lucky enough to have our seats under the covered portion of the amphitheater, which provided shade. The seats were very comfortable with nice padding on the top of the seat. Although we didn't eat here, they did have a variety of food options to purchase as well as drinks and alcoholic beverages. Getting into the parking lot was brutal. I recommend arriving early to avoid being in a huge traffic jam. We had great seats and had a nice view of the stage. Sarah McLachlan was wonderful. She sang beautifully. We had a great time at the concert despite the 94 degree heat. I would definitely return to this venue in the future.

My dad found this place while searching for something else and what a find this was. I haven't…read moreplayed pinball for years and the last time I was around a pinball game I just watched. So I can't remember the last time I had my hands on a pinball machine. Located in an industrial area, down the Street from Costco and less then a mile from park and shop. It's really just around the corner from Costco. You can easily walk here from Costco while you family shops you can be having so much more fun and not rush them. There was plenty of free parking right out front. The front is liked with live plants that mesmerized my mom. She loves plants. Soon as you walk inside you enter a framing shop. This is in the back rooms of a framing shop. It all started with the owner and his love of pinball machines and his love of sharing his hobby with others. And we are so thankful that he has shared. What a fun time and bring lots of quarters if you have them. We should have brought more from our coin jar. My dad had them all pulled out, then mom said we didn't need that many, we really needed that many. They also have a change machine. If you put $20 in you get $20 of quarters. It doesn't give change back if you only want a portions of quarters. We only spent around an hour there, but I could have stayed longer. I was having so much fun, but we ran out of quarters. Too bad, there were so many games to play. The front room were the oldest games and gave you the most plays for your 50 cents. I believe all those games gave you 5 balls. For beginners like us we need all the balls we could get. The cost of the machines are not on the coin slots it's on the bottom left corner of the pinball machine. These machines take quarters only, no game card that you have to refill with money. I really dislike those cards as if you put too much on there is no getting your money back. So yea! For the use of quarters. I love this feature of The Flipper Room. They have my vote. Other pinball places also have a feature that I'm not sure about, they have it where they charge you by the hours. There is one in Reno like this and Downtown Sacramento. Those have those pluses too, but I really am a fan of the quarters. We have so many saved up in our piggy banks so it's like it's' free to play as we aren't going to the ATM, it's just free change. I had fun playing the pinball machines and also playing the PAC-Man Game. It was just a regular arcade game that cost 25 cents. It was. A mini game that they t up on a riser so you didn't have to bend down. I have fond memories of PAC-Man. We used to have a mini handheld version that was lots of fun. My mom is one of those annoying players that keeps hitting the flippers when the ball is no where near the flippers. We tried to explain to her that's not how to operate the pin ball machine, but she got really mad at us. We're sorry Flipper owner. We tried. I highly suggest you check this place out. Even if you aren't in the area it's worth the trip. They have both new and old school machines. There are 3 rooms of machines so if you bring a group you won't be cramped. Come play and have fun!!!

The Flipper Room is SUCH A COOL SPOT!!! It's the perfect mix of retro fun and modern charm…read more Remember back in the day when we would bring a pocket full of quarters to play Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, and pinball? Well... there's a spot in Concord where you can bring your old date(s) to relive those good old arcade memories! The vibe gets even better when you notice their amazing wall art and posters -- many designed and drawn by super talented artists. They got an art gallery aesthetic going on, with cool prints, rock-style posters, and fun retro illustrations hanging on the walls. Super cool! And the BEST part? Spacer the shop cat! ‍ He's the absolute star here -- he has his own poster and even a custom-made pinball cat bed. Ah-mazing! He lounges around supervising, making sure that everyone is having a good time!! lol Whether you're into art, framing, pinball, or just want a quirky, nostalgic place to explore, The Flipper Room is Highly Recommended and a Must-Visit spot!

Never been to this theater and I was very impressed by the building and the theater. There are…read moreseveral other theaters in the performing arts building.First off we parked in the garage parking it was $5.00 flat fee it just around the corner of the theater. Also, you can find parking on the street. We came here to see Alantiss Morsiette Jagged Little Pill Musical. You can immediately go in the building and ther is a nice lady welcoming you and directing you to go upstairs or use the elevator for the show. There are bathrooms on the first floor and a wonderful art gallery as well. Going up the stairs in a spiral and on the second floor there were 2 entrances. Make sure to ask where your seat is for the right door to go in. There is plenty of seating with a table outside the theater. While in the theater it was small, but intimate as well. There wasn't a bad seat in the theater. There are no flat seating on the floor just goes up so all can see the stage. You can see and hear the actors clearly. There was a 15 min intercession and you can use bathroom on 1st and 2nd floor. They had drinks soda, beer and cocktails, but not too much of a menu. They also had some candy as well. It wasnt much of a selection. Everything went well and best part you could meet the actors after the show as they were outside with any meet and greet or questions. Would come back again and see a musical. It's not big like broadway audience seating but definitely some great shoes here.

I've lived in Walnut Creek for many years and have always enjoyed coming to the Lesher. I usually…read moresee the theatrical productions and they are excellent. The people working in the box office are amazing. Recently, I had a ticket for Jagged Little Pill, but unfortunately something came up and I could no longer attend on that day. Thinking I had nothing to loose, I visited the box office in person and explained my situation. They were so kind and understanding and exchanged my ticket for a different day. The people working at the snack cart are always polite and remain calm and professional when things get hectic. Unfortunately, the staff working the doors always ruin in the perfect experience for me. I once tried to open the theater door, not realizing it was too early. The woman at the door literally yelled at me that it wasn't open. Maybe it's because I'm a woman coming by myself and a little younger than the usual crowd, but not once have I been offered a program. I'll walk in with the crowd and everyone else is offered a program, but me. I see the women happily offering all the men and couples a program but they just glare at me, and I have to make a point of asking for one. This is not a one off situation. I'm in the theater now, ready to watch The Glass Menagerie, and it just happened again. Please speak to these people. Maybe have those working at the box office, or snack cart explain to them how to treat all patrons with respect and courtesy. One more thing. Please consider adding a message when people purchase tickets to refrain from wearing perfume or cologne when they attend a production. Maybe also post signs when people walk in? Many of us are sensitive to strong scents. I've had to change seats a number of times due to someone around me wearing too much perfume or cologne. Thank you.

Man are these VR games realistic. I actually thought I was gonna fall down 30 feet when I was…read moretrying to jump from tower to tower, shooting arrows at the bad monsters.

Games were really fun. Took my kids 9,7,7. Would have given a 5 but the worker there was not great…read moreat all at explaining the game or the buttons. The whole first game was wasted as none of the 3 were taught about the buttons. Service was not great. We asked for help and raised hands but did not get help for a long while. Really like the place and games were fun was sad we wasted money on the first game not given proper instruction or training. Would have been a 5 out of 5 if not for bad service. Great place fun games.