Archive for the ‘Arts & Entertainment’ Category

Celebrate Antioch Foundation to host Jazz & Blues Festival May 9

Saturday, May 2nd, 2026

5 Live Bands • Food Trucks • 40+ Artisan Vendors • Wine & Beer

By Michael Gabrielson

Spend the day with the Celebrate Antioch Foundation, enjoying five dynamic live bands, including a special guest appearance from our talented Deer Valley Jazz Band at the Jazz & Blues Festival, Saturday, May 9th.

Select from a variety of local food trucks, unwind under our shaded seating area or bring your own blankets and chairs for a relaxed festival experience.

Browse unique creations from over 40 artisan vendors, sip your favorite wine or beer, and enjoy an unforgettable afternoon of jazz and blues.

Come relax at Williamson Ranch Park at the corner of Lone Tree Way and Hillcrest Avenue and enjoy Mother’s Day weekend in the heart of Antioch. Saturday, May 9th, 11 AM – 6 PM.

Come be a part of the experience. See you there! 

Visit CelebrateAntioch.org for details.

*No outside coolers, umbrellas or pop-up canopies allowed, please no outside food or beverages.

Antioch Wine Festival in downtown Rivertown May 9

Tuesday, April 28th, 2026

Free live music & entertainment, local food, family fun and, of course, wine – plus, after parties!

Enjoy performances by the former lead singer of Santana, Tina Turner Tribute and more

Antioch, CA – Sip, savor and celebrate Antioch at the Antioch Wine Festival, Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The event will be a celebration of fine wines and gourmet street food, in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. Join us for a day and night filled with tastings, live music and culinary delights, plus, a family fun Kids Zone and After Parties from 8:00 p.m. – Midnight.

Food by Local Food Trucks, Street Vendors and Downtown Rivertown Restaurants

Experience the taste of local Antioch cuisine. From savory comfort food and handcrafted bites to fresh local flavors, bold seasonings, sweet treats, festival favorites and Rivertown restaurants offer something for every appetite. Whether you are looking for a sit-down meal before the festival, a quick bite between wine tastings or a delicious reason to explore downtown Antioch, the local food scene delivers an experience that is warm, welcoming and full of personality.

Family-Friendly Fun in the Kids Zone

The Antioch Wine Festival is not just for wine lovers — it is a full family-friendly experience, and our Kids Zone is designed to keep the little ones smiling all day long.

Bring the family to Waldie Plaza and let the kids enjoy a colorful, exciting play area filled with kid-friendly activities, inflatable games, bounce houses, sports challenges, and interactive fun. From basketball and football toss games to tic-tac-toe, slides, and playful inflatables, the Kids Zone gives children a safe and energetic space to laugh, play, and make festival memories of their own.

While adults enjoy wine tasting, live music, local food, art, and the beautiful Rivertown atmosphere, kids can explore a festival space created just for them. It is the perfect way to enjoy the Antioch Wine Festival as a family — with something special for every age.

Play. Laugh. Explore. Make memories.

The Kids Zone is where family fun comes alive at the Antioch Wine Festival.

Craft Beer & Cocktails

Quench your thirst with a wide selection of craft beer and cocktails. We have something for everyone, whether you prefer a classic margarita or a local IPA.

Meet the Chefs

Get to know the chefs behind your favorite street foods and learn about their culinary journeys. We have meet-and-greet sessions scheduled throughout the day.

Live Music & Entertainment

Enjoy live musical performances on stage in Waldie Plaza and entertainment. This year’s line-up brings together powerhouse vocals, smooth soul, Bay Area funk, rock, R&B including Santana’s former lead singer and a show-stopping Tina Turner tribute that will keep Rivertown moving from afternoon into the evening.

From the first note to the final encore, guests will experience the kind of live music that makes a festival feel alive — the kind that gets people dancing, singing along, raising a glass and making memories in the heart of downtown Antioch.

Entertainment includes The Millionaire’s Mentalist Dan Chan and Street Breakdance Performances featuring high energy, real talent and unstoppable moves. Don’t miss the action!

Tony Lindsay | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Grammy Award-winning vocalist, Tony Lindsay, is best known for his powerful 25-year run as the lead singer of Santana. With his soulful voice and dynamic stage presence, he brings a blend of rock, R&B and Latin influences that captivate audiences worldwide. 

Mystique | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Mystique is a high-energy Bay Area band known for their versatile sound, blending Latin, funk, R&B and party hits into an electrifying live performance that keeps the crowd dancing all day and night. 

The Fell Swoop | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Late afternoon, The Fell Swoop turns up the groove with a genre-blending powerful mix of original rock, pop, funk and soul with high-energy performances and tight musicianship that keep audiences fully engaged from start to finish. Proudly rooted in San Francisco, the band is known for dance-ready live performances. Their bio describes a high-energy sound built around tight grooves, vibrant horn arrangements, dynamic vocals, and a celebration-style performance that has taken them to stages including High Sierra Music Festival, SXSW, The Independent, August Hall, Boom Boom Room and more.

Lea Sweet: Tina Turner Tribute Artist | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Get ready for a powerhouse performance as Lea Sweet brings the energy, soul, and unforgettable stage presence of Tina Turner that honors the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll. 

Known for her electrifying tribute show, Lea Sweet captures the spirit of one of music’s greatest icons with dynamic vocals, bold choreography, dazzling costumes, and the high-energy performance style that made Tina Turner legendary.

Her upcoming performance will celebrate the timeless hits, fierce confidence, and rock-and-soul legacy that fans know and love. From the first note to the final bow, audiences can expect a show filled with excitement, nostalgia, and nonstop entertainment.

Join us for an unforgettable Tina Turner tribute performance. This is one show you will not want to miss.

The Millionaire’s Mentalist Dan Chan

Dan Chan, The Millionaire’s Mentalist, will amaze you with his mind-blowing magic, mentalism and sleight of hand in an unforgettable interactive performance. With over 25 years of magic experience and 10,000 performances, Dan’s built a reputation performing for the biggest names in tech and finance,including Google, Facebook, AirBnB and more. His high-profile clients are proof of his credibility and the captivating experience he delivers.

Street Breakdance Performances

Throughout the afternoon, guests will be treated to live breakdance performances featuring exciting moves, crowd interaction, music, and nonstop festival energy.

These talented street performers will bring the spirit of urban dance to downtown Antioch with flips, freezes, footwork, spins, and show-stopping routines that are fun for all ages. Whether you are watching with friends, bringing the kids, or just walking through the festival, this is one performance you will want to stop and see.

The breakdancing crew will perform four 20-minute shows between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM, giving festival guests multiple chances to catch the action.

Come for the wine. Stay for the music, food, dancing and unforgettable street performances.

Support Local Businesses

Enjoy shopping in the Rivertown stores, supporting local, small businesses and helping to keep our community thriving.

After Parties

The party continues into the night with more live music at two after parties from 8:00 p.m. to Midnight.

Suga-T

Suga-T at ROYAL BANQUET & EVENT HALLS. Suga-T will be performing live at the official after party at the Royal Banquet & Event Halls. Located at 509 & 517 W. 2nd Streets.

Suga-T is a 90’s sensational legendary multi-platinum and gold selling,trail blazing performer from the Bay Area known for underground and commercial hits all over the world. She is admired as the First Lady of the legendary group The Clickand holds the title as the biggest brother and sister Hip Hop duo in history.

Mystique at LA PLAZUELA. The party doesn’t stop — Mystique takes over La Plazuela for the after party. Located at 400 G Street.

Location & Free Parking

The Festival will be held on W. 2nd and G Streets and in Waldie Plaza. Directions: Take A Street, G Street, L Street from Highway 4 north toward the river to W. 2nd Street or take Auto Center Drive north, curve to the right east on W. 4th Street, drive to I or H Streets, turn left and into one of the free parking lots.

Presented by Vangitude Spirits, LLC for more information visit https://antiochwinefestival.com.

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Youth Arts Connection: Free poetry and art workshops in East County

Thursday, April 23rd, 2026

At Antioch Libraries Tuesdays and Thursdays

Free poetry and art workshops for ages 12-18 at the Contra Costa County District 3 and 5 libraries in Antioch (Tues & Thurs), Brentwood (Wed) and Pittsburg (Mon). Professional artists help youth build personal/educational skills. Snacks & supplies included!

A creative and supportive artist team works with youth to develop skills for personal growth, team building, educational, and professional opportunities.

The Youth Arts Connection library workshops are funded in part by Measure X.

See schedule: https://artscontracosta.com/youth/

For more information email info@artsccc.com.

Partners include the Contra Costa County Library, Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services, and Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County.

Celebrate Mom at The Wright Social Spot’s 6th Annual Mother’s Day Weekend Dinner Show May 9th

Tuesday, April 21st, 2026

Get ready for a fun-filled Mother’s Day weekend with live music, delicious dinner, dancing with great company at the Bay Area’s premier location for Soul, Style and Celebration!

Join us for The Wright Social Spot’s 6th Annual Mother’s Day Weekend Dinner Show with Live Music and Dancing, Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM.

Join us for a night of great music and delicious food at our cozy venue. Get ready to groove to live tunes and enjoy a scrumptious dinner with your loved ones.

Dinner served 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM followed by the Show and Dancing.

This in-person event will be held at The Wright Social Spot. So, mark your calendars, get your tickets and come on down for a fantastic time. Don’t miss out on this special occasion celebrating all mothers!

Tickets are $75 per person plus, fee and available at www. Eventbrite.com/e/1983484799429. Location provided upon purchase. For more information about The Wright Social Spot and Wright’s Catering visit their Facebook page or Instagram at TheRightSocialSpot.

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Community rallies to support El Campanil Theatre as fundraising effort surpasses $50,000 goal

Wednesday, March 25th, 2026
Photo source: El Campanil Theatre

411 donations received to Keep the Arts Alive in Antioch; Dance Gala benefit April 18

By Sharon Sobel Idul, Board President, El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation

As announced at the Antioch City Council meeting, last night, March 24, 2026, the El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation’s recent GoFundMe campaign has not only reached, but exceeded, its $50,000 fundraising goal. 

The Keep the Arts Alive in Antioch campaign was launched in late fall to supplement the 2026 operating costs of the historic El Campanil Theatre. The El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to every donor and supporter who made the campaign’s success possible and invites the community to continue being part of this important work.

As of March 25, 2026, a total of $65,190 has been raised from 411 gifts.

Source: El Campanil Theatre

“This achievement is a testament to how much El Campanil Theatre means to our community,” said Sharon Sobel Idul, Board President. “The overwhelming support shows that people believe in preserving this historic venue and ensuring it continues to serve as a home for the arts for generations to come. The work is not done and we’ll continue to apply for grants and diversify our programming, but we are elated to see a renewed sense of excitement and energy around this theatre,” Idul said.

Building on this momentum, El Campanil Theatre and Black Diamond Ballet invites the community to attend our upcoming benefit, City of Stars – A Dance Gala to Keep the Arts Thriving in Antioch, in collaboration with Black Diamond Ballet, Saturday, April 18th. Proceeds will benefit El Campanil Theatre to ensure a vibrant hub for future performances, concerts, dance, and community events for many years to come.

For more information about El Campanil Theatre and tickets to City of Stars and all other upcoming events, please visit www.ElCampanilTheatre.com or contact our box office at 925-757-9500.

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. Continued contributions are welcome.

How to Help:

● Visit donate.elcampaniltheatre.com

● Choose “Monthly” for sustainable support

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

● Share the link 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.

The theater is located at 602 W 2nd Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown district.

About El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation

The El Campanil Preservation Foundation is 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.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Magic comes to The Lemon Tree – A Family Night of Illusion & Wonder Feb. 28

Thursday, February 19th, 2026

Featuring magician and mind reader

By Nicole Holmes, Founder & Owner, The Lemon Tree Antioch

On Saturday, Feb. 28, The Lemon Tree will host an evening of live magic and illusion, perfect for families, couples, and anyone who enjoys creativity and surprise. Guests can expect an engaging performance filled with incredible illusions, interactive moments, and plenty of “How did they do that?!” reactions.

Illusion & Intuition is an intimate, family-friendly evening of magic and mystery featuring magician Michael Nguyen and mind reader Dennis Thompson. Guests will experience engaging illusions, mind-reading moments, and interactive surprises in a welcoming atmosphere. Complimentary lemonade and popcorn will be available throughout the evening.

The show, presented by The Girl Gang Tribe Pop-Up Events, begins at 7:00 PM, with doors opening at 6:30 PM and will last until 9:00 PM. Popcorn and lemonade are included with admission, creating a fun and welcoming night out for the community.

Whether bringing the kids, planning a date night, or gathering friends, this promises to be an unforgettable evening of wonder.

Tickets are $25 each or $40 for two, plus fee and available on Eventbrite.

The Lemon Tree is “A Creative Community Built on Connection, Culture & Care” offering a space for unique experiences including drop-ins, curated events and retail finds. We’re located at 514 W. 2nd Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. For more information visit www.thelemontreeantioch.com.

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Free recital by German organist at St. Ignatius of Antioch Church Feb. 15

Thursday, February 12th, 2026

By Allen D. Payton

Join St. Ignatius Church of Antioh for a memorable organ concert featuring an evening of colorful, uplifting music with German organist, composer, and YouTuber, Paul Fey on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.

Fey stands out for combining traditional church music with modern media, making organ music more approachable — especially to younger audiences. His performances reflect both reverence for sacred music and a fresh, engaging style that marks him as one of Germany’s most innovative young church musicians.

On his website, Fey shares, “I was born in 1998 near Leipzig and always loved playing music, especially because of the way it can connect people, and the feelings it can communicate.

“My music education started when I was in kinder garden and my parents signed me up for ‘early music education’. I really enjoyed making music, so we decided the next step would be to start me with classical guitar lessons during my first grade at primary school.

“About one year later, I’d also discovered the magic of piano music. When I was about 15 years old, I was eventually introduced to the pipe organ at our local church – which caught my attention almost immediately! I went on to practice and experiment on this instrument for several hours at a time, never once getting tired of all the possible combinations of the different timbres.

“After studying organ and sacred music full time at the specialist university in Halle (Saale) I’m now a full-time musician, composer and Youtuber.”

Concert Details

When: Sunday, February 15, 2026

Time: 4pm

Where: 3351 Contra Loma Blvd., Antioch

Cost: Free admission. Free-will offering will be collected.

For a sampling of Fey’s music, visit his YouTube channel.

For more information about St. Ignatius of Antioch Church click on the ad on the right side of this website.

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Contra Costa Water District holds Water Awareness Youth Art Contest

Wednesday, February 4th, 2026

Win a $75 gift card!

Deadline: May 9 at 5:00 p.m.

By Contra Costa Water District

Calling all youth artists ages 8–18!

Show us how the Contra Costa Canal brings water to your home, school, or community, and why having reliable water every day matters. Your artwork could appear in the 2027 Contra Costa water District wall calendar — and winning entries earn a $75 gift card!

Entries due May 9.

Submit artwork by mail or in person the original, unfolded artwork and the completed consent form on the flyer to: CCWD Calendar Contest. 1331 Concord Avenue, Concord, CA 94520

Find more details at https://ccwater.com/999/Water-Awareness-Youth-Art-Contest.

About CCWD

Contra Costa Water District delivers safe, clean water to communities across central and eastern Contra Costa County in Northern California.

Formed in 1936 to provide water for irrigation and industry, we are now one of the largest urban water districts in California and a leader in drinking-water treatment technology and source water protection.

As a public water agency, we are committed to transparency and sharing information about our public services with many and varied audiences.

The District serves approximately 550,000 residents in Central and East County including Antioch. Division Map – Find Your Director | Contra Costa Water District, CA.