Monthly recurring donations are the key to a thriving future for the theatre

The El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation has launched a new fundraising drive to ensure that live theatre, music, film, and community events continue to thrive in downtown Antioch. Supporters can make a one-time or recurring monthly donation at donate.elcampaniltheatre.com.

Built in 1928 and lovingly restored by the community, El Campanil Theatre has been a cornerstone of Antioch’s cultural life for nearly a century. Today, the theatre continues to serve as a vital gathering place for live performance, youth programming, and community events. As the organization looks to the future, monthly donations have become the most effective way for supporters to sustain its mission and keep the arts alive.

“Every dollar helps, but it’s our recurring monthly donors who truly keep the lights shining on our stage,” said Joshua Price, Executive Director of El Campanil Theatre. “As Bay Area venues continue to learn how to sustain themselves in a post-pandemic arts environment, monthly contributions allow us to plan for tomorrow, invest in our teams and artists, and preserve this beautiful historic theatre for future generations.”

While monthly donations provide the most sustainable support, one-time gifts are just as impactful and play a critical role in maintaining this historic theatre, funding new productions, and expanding arts access across East Contra Costa County.

How to Help:

● Visit donate.elcampaniltheatre.com

● Choose “Monthly” for sustainable support

● Or choose “One-Time” to make an immediate impact

● Share the campaign with friends, family, and neighbors

El Campanil Theatre is an asset to the community and has stood as long as it has because of community support. By becoming a recurring donor or by making a generous one-time gift, you ensure that the crown gem of Antioch continues to inspire audiences and nurture creativity for generations to come.

About the El Campanil Preservation Foundation

The El Campanil Preservation Foundationis the nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining and operating El Campanil Theatre, a historic performing arts venue in downtown Antioch, California. Originally opened in 1928, the theatre is a cherished cultural landmark presenting live performances, films, and educational programs for audiences of all ages. The Foundation relies on community donations to preserve this beloved institution and keep the arts thriving in East Contra Costa County.

Learn more at www.ElCampanilTheatre.com or donate today at donate.elcampaniltheatre.com EIN 68-0453921.

It’s festival time! Who’s ready to spin, soar, and scream this weekend?

The Walnut Festival lands in Antioch October 16–19 with rides, games and all your fair food favorites!

Contra Costa Event Center (Fairgrounds) at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch.

Weather may affect hours — stay tuned for updates!

Fast, easy payments with self-service & contactless options!

The Walnut Festival has temporarily relocated to the fairgrounds while Heather Farms Park undergoes a large remodel. (See related article)

Paid advertisement.

Free to the public, during Rhythms by the River Fall Festival

By City of Antioch Recreation Department

Join us at the Nick Rodriguez Center Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown tomorrow for a morning of creativity on display.

With no cost for entry, you and your family are invited to stop by and enjoy the exhibit from 10:00am to 1:00pm. From live art demonstrations to hand crafted pieces, this event is a wonderful place to see Antioch’s artists across generations have their chance to shine!

Then stick around for the annual Rhythms by the River Fall Festival from 11:00am to 5:00pm. (Click here for details)

The Nick Rodriguz Community Center is located at 213 F Street. ake a look at the First Edition of the Antioch Arts & Rec Magazine when you visit antiochca.gov/arts-and-rec-exhibit.

Includes the Rotary Club of the Delta Cornhole Tournament

By Celebrate Antioch Foundation

Join us, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, from 11:00 AM  5:00 PM, for a celebration of music, food and family fun at the Rhythms by the River Fall Festival! Set against the beautiful backdrop of the river, this event promises a day full of entertainment and excitement for all ages in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.

Highlights include a music stage at the north end of G Street (in the “bulb”), a beer and wine garden, the Rotary Club of the Delta’s Cornhole Tournament, Car Show, food trucks, artisan vendors and even a special Kid Zone for games and activities.

Enoy musical performances by Spinout from 11AM-1PM., The Boyz from 1-3PM and Fog City Swampers from 3-5PM.

The event will be held on West 2nd Street and G Streets and is presented by Celebrate Antioch Foundation, the City of Antioch and Antioch Rivertown Jamboree.

Mark your calendars! You won’t want to miss this!

For more information visit http://www.celebrateantioch.org.

In Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown

October 16th-19th

The 89th Annual Walnut Festival is right around the corner!

Due to a large remodel of Heather Farm Park we’ve had to relocate for a few years while this is done, the festival has a NEW LOCATION! Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) at 1201 W 10th Street in Antioch.

This year’s festival will be held October 16th-19th.

Admission: $15/person

6yrs and younger, 65 years and older and Military with ID get in free
Parking: $10/car

All you can ride unlimited wristbands: $40/person – EVERYONE RIDING MUST HAVE A PAID WRISTBAND OR INDIVIDUAL TICKETS. WITHOUT ONE OF THESE YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO RIDE.

VENDOR APPLICATIONS ARE UP ON THE WEBSITE.

The Purpose of the Walnut Festival Association

​For the past 89 years, the non-profit Walnut Festival Association has attracted the most dedicated volunteers, from all walks of life, who join together to serve Contra Costa County by raising funds through community events. The money raised from these annual family entertainment events is donated back into the community to support recreational, charitable, and educational programs and facilities. The Walnut Festival Association events also provide a means for service and charitable groups to raise money to support their specific organizations.

It is the purpose of the Walnut Festival Association, a 501c non-profit corporation, to raise funds for distribution to educational, recreational, artistic, civic, and charitable causes.

1. To provide a vehicle for other non-profit organizations to raise funds for their redistribution throughout the year.
2. To produce quality events for the benefit of the residents of Walnut Creek and the surrounding areas, and to foster a sense of community involvement.

As Walnut Creek has grown, and suburban developments have replaced walnut groves, the Walnut Festival Association has maintained the tradition of producing fundraising events for the benefit of the community. Locations for the event have changed over the years from the center of town to Civic Park and finally, in 1976, to Heather Farm Park, where it has been held the third Thursday after the first Monday in September.

For more information visit www.Thewalnutfestival.org.

By City of Antioch Recreation Department

Have you ever wanted to design your own flower arrangements? Grab your shears and join us for hands on workshops, where you’ll learn tips and techniques to design your very own unique floral designs!

Floral Design Workshops
09/21, 10/12, 11/09, 12/07, 1/11
11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
R: $65, NR: $75

Floral Design Classes
10/06, 11/03, 12/08,  01/05
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
R: $110, NR: $121

All at the Antioch Community Center in Prewett Family Park at 4703 Lone Tree Way, Antioch.

To register visit antiochca.gov/register.

Tours of Coast Guard ship at the Smith’s Landing dock Sunday, Sept. 14

Local high school students to perform, volunteer

By Allen D. Payton

A unit from Beale Air Force Base near Sacramento has volunteered to support this year’s Stand Down on the Delta with a flyover of two T-38 fighter jets from the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron on Saturday, September 13. Pilots who fly the U-2 jets at the base train on the T-38’s.

The flyover will occur during Opening Ceremonies Saturday morning beginning at 10:00 A.M. at which the Deer Valley High Divine Voices will perform the National Anthem.

The four pilots from the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron participating in the flyover will be Lt. Colonel “Mako” Willard, Major “Dice” Dodds, Major “Merle” Paegelow and Captain “Blitz” Alexander.

On Friday, as veterans arrive to the Contra Costa Event Center (fairgrounds) the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West will perform.

Then on Sunday from 10:00 AM to Noon, tours will be offered on a Coast Guard ship at the Smith’s Landing dock at the foot of L Street.

Local High School Students Volunteer

This year members from the Heritage High School Air Force Junior ROTC and Antioch High Army Junior ROTC members will be volunteering during the weekend events.

De La Salle High School students are participating in a competition in which they’re working on a sock drive for veterans. That’s one of the items So far, they have collected 1,900 pairs but the effort continues until Thursday. The school has also donated 150 sweatshirts to be distributed during the weekend.

Stand Down on the Delta, presented by Delta Veterans Group, will again be held at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds), located at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch. For more information click, here.

#AFFlyover