Okay, what are we doing this week?
A smart weekly look at the East Bay
through the lens of local life, housing, and development.
What the market is telling us
Freddie Mac’s latest survey has the 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 6.58%, up slightly from 6.55% the week before. That is not a dramatic move, but it keeps borrowing costs firmly in the range that forces buyers to think carefully about every dollar.
The national numbers are sending mixed signals.Realtor.com reported that asking prices fell 2.5% from last year, while the number of pending listings increased for a seventh straight month. Meanwhile, the National Association of Realtors reported that newly signed contracts dropped 5.4% from May to June.
That is not necessarily a contradiction. It is a market with buyers in it, but very little room for error.
Sellers are becoming more realistic. Buyers are still acting when the house and the price make sense. What has disappeared is the assumption that simply putting a home on the market will create urgency.
The market is not rewarding optimism right now. It is rewarding accuracy.
The local read
The most interesting thing locally is how similar the pace of the market looks across cities with completely different price points. Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Moraga and Concord are all averaging roughly two weeks to sell, while Orinda is moving a little faster and Lafayette and Martinez a little more slowly.
In Walnut Creek, the citywide average continues to blend several very different markets. A Rossmoor condo, a downtown townhome and a Northgate house are not competing for the same buyer. The useful question is not whether “Walnut Creek is hot.” It is whether a particular home makes sense against the few properties buyers will actually compare it with.
Lamorinda shows why median-price headlines need context. Orinda’s latest median is up, while Lafayette and Moraga are down. That does not mean one city suddenly became much stronger and another much weaker. In smaller, higher-priced markets, the particular mix of homes sold can move the numbers substantially.
Pleasant Hill remains appealing to buyers trying to balance location, schools, commute and price. Concord offers more inventory and more opportunities to compare, but that also makes buyers less forgiving when a home is overpriced or needs significant work.
Martinez continues to make a strong case for buyers who want more house for the money without giving up a real downtown and established neighborhoods. Its latest sales count increased even while the median price slipped, which is a pretty good illustration of an active market that is not automatically pushing prices higher.
The short version: the right house can still create urgency. The wrong price creates silence.
What I’d actually put on the calendar
Walnut Creek
Summer Sounds: Alpha Rhythm Kings
Rudney Plaza at the Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Drive | July 30 | 5:30 PM–7:00 PM | Free outdoor swing concert.
Newsmakers: Jonna Mendez
Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive | July 30 | 7:30 PM–9:00 PM | Ticketed; former CIA Chief of Disguise and bestselling author.
Summer Nights: Landscape in Watercolor
Shadelands Art Center, 111 N. Wiget Lane | July 30 | 6:30 PM–8:30 PM | Beginner-friendly watercolor workshop; registration required.
Summer Movie Night: Ratatouille
Joybound People & Pets, 2890 Mitchell Drive | July 31 | 6:00 PM–7:30 PM | Suggested donation of $5–$10; families and canine companions welcome.
Civic Park Community Center, 1375 Civic Drive | July 31 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM | Senior drop-in games.
Adult Swim Fridays
Headlands Brewing, 2999 Oak Road | July 31 | 8:00 PM–11:00 PM | Ages 21+; DJ G-Roy and drink specials.
Adrian West Band
Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive | July 31 | Doors at 7:15 PM; show 7:45 PM–9:45 PM | Ticketed Bay Area acoustic-rock ensemble.
Diablo Valley Farmers’ Market
North Wiget Lane and Mitchell Drive | August 1 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Year-round market with more than 50 farmers and vendors.
Repair Café
Civic Park Community Center, 1375 Civic Drive | August 1 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM | Free help repairing one household item per person.
Clear the Shelters
Joybound People & Pets, 2890 Mitchell Drive | August 1 | Begins at 11:00 AM | Free adult dog and cat adoptions.
Live Music: High Standards Band
Headlands Brewing, 2999 Oak Road | August 1 | 2:00 PM–5:00 PM | Live Saturday-afternoon music.
Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive | August 1 | 7:00 PM–9:00 PM | Ticketed student music recital.
Best of San Francisco Stand-Up Comedy
Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive | August 1 | 8:15 PM–9:30 PM | Ticketed comedy showcase.
Walnut Creek Farmers’ Market
Locust Street between Cole and Lacassie | August 2 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Free admission.
Walnut Creek Library, 1644 N. Broadway | August 3 | 10:15 AM–11:15 AM | Free; beginners welcome.
Walnut Creek Library, 1644 N. Broadway | August 3 | 6:30 PM–7:30 PM | Free; bring a yoga mat.
National Night Out
Broadway Plaza Street | August 4 | 3:00 PM–6:00 PM | Free community event with the Walnut Creek Police Department.
Locust Street Festival
Locust, Cypress and Bonanza streets | August 5 | 5:00 PM–8:30 PM | Free; live music, local art, food, beer and wine, artisan vendors and children’s activities.
General Plan 2050 Pop-Up
Inside the Locust Street Festival | August 5 | 5:00 PM–8:00 PM | Share feedback about housing, transportation, parks, development and Walnut Creek’s long-range future.
Monthly Team Trivia Night
Joybound People & Pets, 2890 Mitchell Drive | August 5 | 6:30 PM–7:30 PM | Team trivia benefiting Joybound.
Civic Park Community Center, 1375 Civic Drive | August 6 | 12:00 PM–2:30 PM | Adult 50+ drop-in bingo.
Sunset Sessions Concert Series
Ruth Bancroft Garden, 1552 Bancroft Road | August 6 | 5:30 PM–7:30 PM | Free live music in the plaza.
Cocktails & Conversation: CALeidoscope
Bedford Gallery, 1601 Civic Drive | August 6 | 5:30 PM–7:00 PM | Conversation with exhibiting artists; $5 general admission, children 12 and under free.
Summer Nights: Rainbow Roll Gelli Printmaking
Shadelands Art Center, 111 N. Wiget Lane | August 6 | 6:00 PM–8:00 PM | Hands-on printmaking workshop; registration required.
Broadway Plaza Summer Concert: Foreverland
Broadway Plaza Street | August 6 | DJ at 5:30 PM; concert at 7:00 PM | Free Michael Jackson tribute concert; bring a chair for seating.
Ruth Bancroft Garden, 1552 Bancroft Road | Through August 9 | During regular garden hours | Included with garden admission.
Caleidoscope: Evolving Reflections of California
Bedford Gallery, 1601 Civic Drive | Through September 13 | During gallery hours | Annual juried exhibition featuring more than 70 artists.
Pleasant Hill
Storytime and Stay & Play
Pleasant Hill Library, 2 Monticello Avenue | July 30 and August 6 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM | Free; stories, songs, movement and playtime for young children and caregivers.
Multi-Chamber Summer Mega Mixer
Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive | July 30 | 4:00 PM–6:00 PM | Free for chamber members; $20 for nonmembers; registration required.
Pleasant Hill Farmers’ Market
Pleasant Hill City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane | August 1 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Free admission; year-round Saturday market.
LEGO Builders Club
Pleasant Hill Library, 2 Monticello Avenue | August 1 | 2:00 PM–4:00 PM | Free; all ages and abilities; no registration.
Sunset by the Lake: Zydeco Flames
Pleasant Hill City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane | August 2 | 6:00 PM–8:00 PM | Free; Family Fun Zone, food trucks and vendors.
Monday Book Club: The Bohemians
Pleasant Hill Library, 2 Monticello Avenue | August 3 | 1:00 PM–2:30 PM | Free adult book discussion.
Pleasant Hill Library, 2 Monticello Avenue | August 3 | 6:30 PM–7:30 PM | Free estate-planning workshop.
National Night Out
Pleasant Hill City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane | August 4 | 6:00 PM–8:00 PM | Free community gathering with Pleasant Hill police.
Family Movie Night: Minions
Pleasant Hill Library, 2 Monticello Avenue | August 4 | 6:00 PM–7:30 PM | Free family screening.
Pleasant Hill Library, 2 Monticello Avenue | August 4 | 6:00 PM–7:45 PM | Free; all skill levels welcome.
I Heart Toddler Art
Pleasant Hill Library, 2 Monticello Avenue | August 5 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM | Free storytime and art activity for toddlers and preschoolers; no registration.
I Heart After School Art
Pleasant Hill Library, 2 Monticello Avenue | August 5 | 1:30 PM–3:30 PM | Free studio time for elementary and middle-school students; no registration.
Lamorinda
Hello Lafayette: A Community Welcome Event
Lafayette Library & Learning Center, 3491 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette | July 30 | 5:30 PM–7:00 PM | Free community welcome event.
Moraga Summer Concert Series: The Hitmen
Moraga Commons Park, 1425 St. Mary’s Road, Moraga | July 30 | 6:30 PM–8:30 PM | Free; funk, soul, disco, Latin and pop, with food trucks and vendors.
Rock and Gem Collecting
Moraga Library, 1500 St. Mary’s Road, Moraga | July 31 | 3:00 PM–4:00 PM | Free; children and tweens can learn about rocks and minerals and create a take-home collection.
Present Laughter
Orinda Community Center Park Amphitheatre, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda | July 31 and August 1 | 8:30 PM–10:30 PM | Ticketed outdoor production of Noël Coward’s comedy.
Orinda Farmers’ Market
Orinda Community Center area, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda | August 1 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Free admission.
Disney Restoration Series: Planet of the Apes
Orinda Theatre, 4 Orinda Theatre Square, Orinda | August 1 | 1:00 PM | Ticketed screening in the historic main auditorium.
Connectivity: A New Art Exhibit
Moraga Art Gallery, 432 Center Street, Moraga | Through August 16 | Wednesday–Sunday, noon–5:00 PM | Watercolors, acrylic paintings and other work by local artists.
Live Music Sundays
Headlands Brewing, 3420 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette | August 2 | 1:00 PM–4:00 PM | Live Sunday-afternoon music.
Take-and-Make Summer Reading Craft
Lafayette Library & Learning Center, 3491 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette | August 3 | Available throughout the day while supplies last | Free craft kit for children ages 3–9.
50 Movies You May Not Have Seen: Chef
Orinda Theatre, 4 Orinda Theatre Square, Orinda | August 3 | 6:30 PM | Film screening followed by a hosted discussion.
Foam Painting for Kids
Moraga Library, 1500 St. Mary’s Road, Moraga | August 4 | 4:00 PM–5:00 PM | Free sensory-painting activity; all ages welcome.
Lafayette Library & Learning Center, 3491 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette | August 6 | 3:30 PM–4:30 PM | Ages 10 and older; registration required.
LEGO Lounge
Moraga Library, 1500 St. Mary’s Road, Moraga | August 6 | 4:00 PM–5:00 PM | Free; LEGO bricks provided.
Salvage Title: Concert in the Park
Orinda Community Park, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda | August 6 | 6:00 PM–8:00 PM | Free outdoor concert with food trucks.
Moraga Summer Concert: Lamorinda Idols and Big Blu Soul Revue
Moraga Commons Park, 1425 St. Mary’s Road, Moraga | August 6 | 6:30 PM–8:30 PM | Free; local youth vocalists followed by soul, funk and jazz.
Concord
Summer Travel Presentation and Showcase
Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle | July 30 | 10:00 AM–11:30 AM | Free preview of upcoming day trips and travel opportunities; reservations requested.
Music & Market: Court n’ Disaster
Todos Santos Plaza | July 30 | Farmers market 4:00 PM–8:00 PM; concert 6:30 PM–8:00 PM | Free country concert.
Lil Wayne: 20 Years of Carter Classics
Toyota Pavilion at Concord, 2000 Kirker Pass Road | July 31 | 8:00 PM | Ticketed; with The Game and 2 Chainz.
East Bay Thrift Store Crawl Kickoff
Joybound Thrift Store, Cat Lounge & Adoption Center, 1950 Market Street | August 1 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM | Kickoff event for a nonprofit thrift-store crawl continuing through August 18.
Sarah McLachlan: Better Broken Tour
Toyota Pavilion at Concord, 2000 Kirker Pass Road | August 1 | 7:00 PM | Ticketed.
Vinnie’s Open Mic Night
Vinnie’s Bar & Grill, 2045 Mt. Diablo Street | August 3 | 8:30 PM–12:30 AM | Recurring Monday-night open mic.
National Night Out at the Concord Library
Concord Library, 2900 Salvio Street | August 4 | 5:00 PM–7:00 PM | Free; live music, games, crafts and activities for all ages.
Vinnie’s Bar & Grill, 2045 Mt. Diablo Street | August 4 | 8:00 PM–11:00 PM | Free admission and line-dancing lessons.
Todos Santos Plaza | August 4 | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM | Free admission.
Side Gate Trivia Night with Geeks Who Drink
Side Gate Brewery & Beer Garden, 1822 Grant Street | August 5 | 6:30 PM–8:30 PM | Sign-ups begin at 6:30 PM; trivia begins at 7:00 PM.
Music & Market: Twist on Taylor
Todos Santos Plaza | August 6 | Farmers market 4:00 PM–8:00 PM; concert 6:30 PM–8:00 PM | Free Taylor Swift tribute concert.
Martinez
Small Business Workshop: How to Get Funding to Start, Grow and Expand
Virtual workshop | July 30 | 6:00 PM–8:00 PM | Registration required; business owners completing the full workshop series are eligible for the chamber’s grant drawing.
Aire Libre Weekends
Escobar Street outside Del Cielo Brewing | July 31, 5:00 PM–10:00 PM; August 1, 10:00 AM–10:00 PM; August 2, 10:00 AM–7:00 PM | Outdoor downtown gathering.
DJ Night: DJ Tokaritmo
Del Cielo Brewing Co., 701 Escobar Street, Suite A | July 31 | 6:30 PM–9:30 PM | Latin vinyl DJ set.
Friday & Saturday Night Out at Nu-Rays
Nu-Rays Bar, 709 Ferry Street | July 31 and August 1 | 6:00 PM–10:00 PM | Recurring downtown weekend gathering.
Friends of the Martinez Library Quarterly Book Sale
Martinez Library, 740 Court Street | August 1 | 10:30 AM–3:00 PM | Fill a bag with books for $10.
Del Cielo Brewing Co., 701 Escobar Street, Suite A | August 1 | 6:30 PM–9:30 PM | Latin rock.
Downtown Martinez Farmers’ Market
Downtown Martinez | August 2 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Free admission.
Shakespeare in the Park: Richard III
Susana Park | August 2 | 4:00 PM–6:30 PM | Free outdoor performance by Vallejo Shakespeare in the Park.
Family Bingo
Del Cielo Brewing Co., 701 Escobar Street, Suite A | August 2 | 4:00 PM–5:30 PM | Family-friendly bingo afternoon.
National Night Out
Waterfront Park, 245 N. Court Street | August 4 | 5:30 PM–9:00 PM | Free community gathering with public-safety agencies, neighbors and local organizations.
Bike & Play: Family Bike Series
Del Cielo Brewing Co., 701 Escobar Street, Suite A | August 5 | 5:30 PM–7:30 PM | Family bike event in partnership with the Bay Area Bike Project.
Meetings that matter
Walnut Creek General Plan 2050 Pop-Up
Locust Street Festival | August 5 | 5:00–8:00 PM
The city is bringing its long-range planning conversation into the festival. This is an easy opportunity to weigh in on housing, transportation, parks, development and Walnut Creek’s future without attending a traditional evening meeting.
Martinez Community Groups Funding Program Application Assistance Workshop
Martinez Yacht Club, 111 Tarantino Drive | August 5 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
The Martinez Community Foundation will help local nonprofit and community organizations understand the grant program and complete stronger funding applications.
Martinez City Council Workshop and Regular Meeting
Council Chambers, 525 Henrietta Street | August 5 | Workshop at 5:30 PM; regular meeting at 7:00 PM
The council begins with a workshop on the city’s impact-fee structure, which helps determine how new development contributes toward public facilities and infrastructure. The regular meeting also includes an item on entertainment zones and how they may be used during approved events.
The scoreboard
Latest available local snapshot: Three-month period ending May 2026
Walnut Creek, including:
Rossmoor: $949,432 median sale price | 282 homes sold | 14 days on market.
Pleasant Hill: $943,935 median sale price | 90 homes sold | 14 days on market.
Lafayette: $2,115,534 median sale price | 75 homes sold | 18 days on market.
Moraga: $1,576,557 median sale price | 49 homes sold | 14 days on market.
Orinda: $2,006,799 median sale price | 60 homes sold | 11 days on market.
Concord: $754,548 median sale price | 296 homes sold | 14 days on market.
Martinez: $798,522 median sale price | 97 homes sold | 16 days on market.
The consistent part is the speed. Most local markets are still clearing in roughly two weeks.
The inconsistent part is price. Walnut Creek and Orinda are up year over year, while Pleasant Hill, Lafayette, Moraga and Concord are down by varying amounts. Smaller markets can also swing significantly based on the particular mix of homes sold in any given period.
Buyers are still moving. They are just not chasing everything.
5 Star Pending Property
5 beds | 4 baths | 3,338 sqft
5 Star Sold Properties
3 beds | 2 baths | 1,933 sqft
3 beds | 2 baths | 2,021 sqft
4 beds | 2.5 baths | 2,041 sqft
1 bed | 1 bath | 729 sq ft
4 beds | 3.5 baths | 1,949 sqft
One smart add-on
I filed papers today for Walnut Creek City Council.
Thanks for all the support. It’s on!
If there’s an East Bay neighborhood, project, local issue, event, or market question you want me to cover in a future edition, hit reply and send it my way.
– Brendan
