The Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Expo and Job Fair will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm at the Antioch Community Center in Prewett Family Park located at 4703 Lone Tree Way. The Business Expo will allow local businesses and organizations to introduce their products or services to the local community.
It also offers businesses the opportunity to market and create a business-to-business network that is often overlooked in distinct network venues. The Antioch Business Expo will showcase over 50 local businesses, organizations, non-profits, government entities and community business resources. The Business Expo is designed to create an environment for East County businesses to grow, prosper, and learn how to build meaningful relationships with the community and other businesses and organizations.
Open and free to the public! Free raffle ticket to enter to win many prizes including an iPad! Also, free food and wine samples!
The Antioch Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Antioch demonstrates both the City and Chamber’s intention of supporting local businesses and the continued planned economic growth of Antioch and the surrounding area. Securing a booth at this event is a great opportunity to connect your business or services with the community.
Proceeds from the Antioch Business Expo will help support the Antioch Chamber member initiatives and other Chamber events.
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.
To provide a vehicle for other non-profit organizations to raise funds for their redistribution throughout the year.
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.
Antioch 2025 Independence Day – July 4th Celebration. All photos by Allen D. Payton
To celebrate signing of Declaration of Independence and nation’s 249th birthday
Parade winners announced,U.S. Senator makes appearance, SWAT’s presence explained
By Allen D. Payton
Hundreds of Antioch residents lined the streets of historic, downtown Rivertown on Independence Day, during the annual celebration Friday afternoon, to enjoy the July 4th Parade, Kids and Family Zone, food from local restaurants and food trucks, live music by “Sade of the Bay”, the Ariel Marin Band, and The Purple Ones – Prince Tribute Band who ended their performance with a solid rendition of Purple Rain to the delight of the crowd in Waldie Plaza, as the fireworks show over the river began about 9:20 p.m.
During a break in the music, Mayor Ron Bernal thanked those who gathered for the celebration.
Thousands gathered on the Promenade and Uril E. “Compy” Compomizzo Fishing Pier along the Antioch waterfront to enjoy the show shot from the barge on the river. It floated too far east and had to be called to head back west just in time for the spectacular grand finale. (See video)
Source: City of Antioch Recreation Department
2025 Antioch Independence Day – July 4th Parade Winners
The three Antioch Independence Day – July 4th Parade Judges, Assistant City Manager Brad Helfenberger, former Antioch School Board Trustee Alonzo Terry, and Rivertown Treasure Chest co-owner and Downtown Antioch Association leader Debbie Blaisure, determined the following winners in each category:
“Three very deserving winners!” Blaisure said. “The crew did a great job working together,” Terry added.
Antioch 2025 July 4th Parade judges, Brad Helfenberger, Alonzo Terry, and Debbie Blaisure.
In a post on the Antioch Recreation Department’s Instagram page City staff wrote, “Thank you so much to every single one of our parade participants!”
U.S. Senator Adam Schiff made an appearance in the parade while Antioch Police SWAT members watch along the route.
Senator Schiff Shows Up, SWAT’s Presence Seen
During the parade, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) participated, waving to the crowd while walking with a group holding signs with his name on them.
Some people speculated he was the reason for the Antioch Police Department SWAT Team’s presence along the parade route and throughout the celebration. However, according to Lt. Mike Mellone, that wasn’t the case.
More politicians plus, some protesters participated in the parade. (Upper left) Antioch District 3 Councilman Don Freitas, (top right) one side of the protest sign in red pants is District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, (bottom left) Assemblywoman Anamarie Avila-Farias (D-Martinez) and (bottom right) District 4 County Supervisor Shanell Scales-Preston.
“We had planned for a tactical presence at the parade well before we were made aware of Senator Schiff’s attendance. This decision was based on the elevated threat environment tied to ongoing world events, as well as adherence to best practices for securing large-scale public gatherings,” he shared.
“There were no specific or credible threats made in advance of the event. Our department worked closely with regional and federal partners to monitor for any potential risks and ensure the safety of all attendees,” Mellone added.
The grand finale. Video screenshots by Allen D. Payton
We are closed July 4th but visit our booth that day in the alley on the W. 3rd Street side for funnel cakes and deep fried oreos! The 4 Seasonings Steakhouse is located at 304 G Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. For menu, reservations, hours of operation and more visit www.the4seasonings.com.
Best seats for view of the Antioch fireworks show over the river!
Got no 4th of July plans?
Head to #monicasriverview Monica’s Riverview for a star-spangled night of food, music, and fireworks! Brunch and lunch in the Dining Room until 5pm.
Cuco’s Tacos outside on the water 4-9pm.
Bar Open All Day. Plus, Pour Up Wine Bar.
Entertainment by DJ AP – Anthony Perez 1-5pm, DJ AG Beats 5-9pm.
Fireworks show expected about 9:30pm.
Adults $10 (includes beverage ticket), Children $5
Monica’s Riverview is located at 1 I (Eye) Street on the pier in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. See their complete menu at www.visitmonicas.com.
See for free Ariel “Sade of the Bay” Marin Band and The Purple Ones Prince Tribute band
Enjoy live musical performances by two Bay Area bands for free, on the stage in Waldie Plaza, during this year’s Antioch Independence Day Celebration this Friday, July 4th in historic, downtown Rivertown. Following the parade at 4:00 p.m. Ariel Marin Band will perform at 5:00 p.m. followed by The Purple Ones – The Insatiable Tribute to Prince.
Source: City of Antioch
Ariel Marin Band
Performance Time: 5:00pm-6:30pm on Waldie Stage
Also known as Sade of the Bay, the Ariel Marin Band is an award-winning multi-genre band featuring 5-octave powerhouse Ariel Marin and multi-platinum (MC Hammer) producer James “Jae-E” Earley. They play it all from Fleetwood Mac to Motown, Sade to 80’s hits, Journey to Lynyrd Skynrd, and your favorite classics! Funk, Rock, Pop, Folk, Country, R&B, Motown, Soul, they do it all. They are known for their incredible SADE tribute concert, popular Sha’Motown epic Motown tribute, and Funkin’ Fantastic.
The Purple Ones – The Insatiable Tribute to Prince
Performance Time: 7:15pm-9:15pm on Waldie Stage
Since 2012, Oakland California’s The Purple Ones treat the music and patented vibe of Prince’s legacy with the utmost respect. The musical dexterity of The Purple Ones – with 10-12 pieces on stage (including a 3-4 piece horn section and 3 vocalists that trade off lead vocals) – delivers their own spin on Prince’s (and other Prince related artists such as The Revolution, The New Power Generation, Sheila E., Morris Day & The Time and the general Minneapolis Sound) live onstage, as this funk machine, dance party has to be experienced to be believed!
The Purple Ones is a group of world-class musicians that carries out the Purple Legacy of the MUSIC. TPO brings the energy to the audience with the electricity Prince brought on his iconic live shows, something that no other Prince tribute out there can do. No karaoke studio arrangements here! TPO is NOT a typical tribute band. There is no impersonator or look- a-like, nor do they dress up in goofy costumes or wigs.
Waldie Plaza is located between W. 2nd Street across from City Hall, I (Eye) Street and the river.
Thank you to your July 4th Sponsors: All Phase Brokers, Republic Services, Ironworkers Family Health and Marathon Health.
For more information about Antioch’s July 4th Celebration events and activities, including the parade details and fireworks over the river, click here.
In historic, downtown Rivertown; fireworks show over the river!
Join the City of Antioch in celebrating Independence Day in our historic downtown Rivertown on Friday, July 4th. Visit Waldie Plaza to experience live entertainment and enjoy local restaurants, food vendors and trucks. Have an exciting time with friends and family during the parade, in the Kids & Family Zone and the Dunk Tank fundraiser located at City Hall, before picking your spot to see the big fireworks show over the river.
Parade Route
The parade will begin on July 4, 2025, at the intersection of W. 2nd and E Streets in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown at 4:00 PM. The Judge’s Station will be located at the center of Waldie Plaza. A second parade performance stop will be on W. 3rd Street next to City Hall. We will finish the parade on W. 3rd Street at the corner of D Street.
Celebration Site
The main celebration site will take place in Waldie Plaza and the parking lot of City Hall, encompassing W. 2nd to W 3rd Streets and G to I (“eye”) Streets. There are many occurrences within the celebration site including a live entertainment stage, local vendors, food trucks, Family Zone, DJ stage and much more.
Schedule of Events
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Parade
4:00 PM – 9:00 PM Kids/Family Zone
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Dunk Tank Fundraiser – Kids Zone
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Live Entertainment | Ariel Marin
5:00PM – 9:00 PM Kids Zone Stage | DJ Melly Mel
7:00 PM Announcement of Parade Winners
7:15 PM – 9:15 PM Live Entertainment | The Purple Ones – The Insatiable Tribute to Prince
Sign-ups for the July 4th Dunk Tank Fundraiser are open until Thursday, June 27 and there’s no better way to make a splash than raising money for a fantastic cause! Every dollar raised goes towards our RECREATION FEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.
Not interested in sitting in the tank? You can still show support with a donation which gives you a chance to sink our sitter!
You’ll find the Dunk Tank located in the Kids Zone!
Come by to cheer on our throwers and volunteers as we raise money to provide recreational opportunities for our communities.
