What’s changing, what’s coming, what’s happening
A smart weekly look at the East Bay
through the lens of local life, housing, and development.
What the market is telling us
Buyers have more homes to choose from right now, but borrowing them isn't getting any cheaper.
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate climbed to 6.76% this week, up from 6.71% a week earlier and the highest level since June 2025.
At the same time, the national housing market continues to loosen. Existing-home sales fell 2% in August to an annualized rate of 3.98 million, the lowest level in 14 months. Inventory climbed to 1.62 million homes, up 5.9% from a year ago and the highest level since November 2019. That's about 4.9 months of supply at the current sales pace.
Redfin is seeing the same shift from another angle. New listings jumped 2.6% in August to their highest level in more than four years, while sales were basically flat. Nearly 60% of homes sold below their original asking price.
My read: buyers have more leverage than they've had in a while, but they're paying more for the money they're borrowing. That's a strange combination. It rewards buyers who are patient and sellers who price correctly from the beginning.
The local read
The national numbers don't tell the whole story around here.
Walnut Creek's latest three-month median sale price was about $990,000, up 16.4% from a year earlier. Homes sold in a median of 21 days and the average sale-to-list ratio was almost exactly 100%.
But here's the number I find more interesting: 39.6% of Walnut Creek homes sold above asking while 33.7% had a price reduction.
That's basically two markets operating at the same time.
Price and present a good house correctly and buyers will still compete. Miss the mark, and today's buyers seem much more willing to wait you out.
What I’d actually put on the calendar
Walnut Creek
Ruth Bancroft Garden Storytime
Ruth Bancroft Garden | September 17 | 9:30–10 AM | Stories and garden-themed fun for young children and caregivers.
Toddler Storytime & Play
Walnut Creek Library | September 17 | 10:15–10:45 AM | Songs, stories and movement followed by playtime for little ones.
Bingo Drop-In 50+
Walnut Creek Arts + Rec | September 17 | Noon–2:30 PM | Casual afternoon bingo for the 50+ crowd.
Trivia & Line Dancing Thursdays
Bourbon Highway | September 17 | 6:30–11:30 PM | Trivia downstairs followed by line dancing upstairs.
Sound Bath + Cacao Ceremony
Rooted Coffee Co | September 17 | 7–8:30 PM | Guided sound bath and cacao experience downtown.
The Glass Menagerie
Lesher Center for the Arts | September 17 | 7:30 PM | Center REP’s production of the Tennessee Williams classic continues.
Free Hearing Screening & Hearing Aid Cleanings
Walnut Creek Arts + Rec | September 18 | 9 AM–Noon | Free hearing screenings and hearing-aid cleanings from Valley Audiology.
Cook’s Corner
American Cancer Society Discovery Shop | September 18 | 10 AM–6 PM | Specialty shopping event at the downtown Discovery Shop.
Folk Music Jam Session 50+
Walnut Creek Arts + Rec | September 18 | 1:30–3 PM | Casual Friday-afternoon folk music jam.
Live Country Music Fridays
Bourbon Highway | September 18 | 6:30 PM–1 AM | Live country and rock downstairs, followed by DJ and karaoke, with line dancing and lessons upstairs.
Tribal Yoga Flow: Awaken Your Fire
Rooted Coffee Co | September 18 | 7–8:30 PM | A mix of yoga, intuitive movement and tribal-inspired dance.
Smuin Contemporary Ballet: French Kiss
Lesher Center for the Arts | September 18 | 7:30 PM | Smuin opens its new season with a three-work contemporary ballet program.
The Glass Menagerie
Lesher Center for the Arts | September 18 | Evening | Center REP’s production continues at the Lesher.
Stone Temple Pilots + Smashing Pumpkins Tribute Night
Retro Junkie | September 18 | Evening | Tribute sets to Stone Temple Pilots and The Smashing Pumpkins, followed by Retro Junkie’s usual 80s, 90s and 2000s DJ night.
Oktoberfest at Headlands Walnut Creek
Headlands Brewing | September 19 | All day | Oktoberfest celebration at the Walnut Creek beer garden.
Preschool Art Pop-Up!
Walnut Creek Arts + Rec | September 19 | 9:30–11:30 AM | Hands-on Saturday art session for preschool-age kids.
Cook’s Corner
American Cancer Society Discovery Shop | September 19 | 10 AM–6 PM | Second day of the specialty shopping event at the downtown Discovery Shop.
Public Art Walking Tour: Route 2
Downtown Walnut Creek | September 19 | 10–11 AM | Guided walk exploring public art around Plaza Escuela, Locust Street and California Boulevard.
Botanica: A Celebration of Plants
Ruth Bancroft Garden | September 19 | 10 AM–2 PM | Garden celebration focused on plants, people and the dry-garden world.
Once Upon a Street: Health & Harmony
Broadway Plaza | September 19 | 11 AM–2 PM | Family-friendly event mixing music, wellness and community activities.
Live Music Saturdays
Headlands Brewing | September 19 | 2–5 PM | Saturday-afternoon live music in the beer garden.
Smuin Contemporary Ballet: French Kiss
Lesher Center for the Arts | September 19 | 2 PM | Saturday matinee of Smuin’s season opener.
ARM of Care Annual Fundraiser: Growing Beyond Unspeakable Trauma
Walnut Creek | September 19 | 4–7 PM | Annual fundraiser supporting ARM of Care’s work using creative arts and recreation to help survivors of human trafficking heal from trauma.
Live Country Music Saturdays
Bourbon Highway | September 19 | 6:30 PM–1 AM | Saturday-night live country music, karaoke, dancing and lessons.
Best of San Francisco Stand-Up Comedy
Lesher Center for the Arts | September 19 | 8:15–9:30 PM | Saturday-night lineup of Bay Area stand-up comics.
Disney’s Moana Movie Sing-Along
Lesher Center for the Arts | September 20 | Noon–5:15 PM | Family sing-along event built around Disney’s Moana.
The Glass Menagerie
Lesher Center for the Arts | September 20 | Matinee | Sunday performance of Center REP’s production.
National Chai Day
Duck Donuts | September 21 | 5 AM–6 PM | Chai-focused promotion running throughout the day.
Tai Chi
Walnut Creek Library | September 21 | 10:15–11:15 AM | Free adult Tai Chi combining meditation, balance and movement.
Gentle Yoga for All
Walnut Creek Library | September 21 | 6:30–7:30 PM | Gentle moving meditation and yoga in the Oakview Room.
Baby Songs & Play
Walnut Creek Library | September 22 | Noon–12:30 PM | Songs, fingerplays and lap bounces for babies and caregivers.
$3 Servicemen & Industry Tuesdays
Bourbon Highway | September 22 | 6:30–11:30 PM | Tuesday specials followed by karaoke, DJs and line dancing.
Newsmakers: Bob Costas
Lesher Center for the Arts | September 22 | 7:30–9 PM | An evening conversation with longtime broadcaster Bob Costas.
Garden Buds
Ruth Bancroft Garden | September 23 | 9:30–10:15 AM | Nature-focused garden program for young children.
Free Garden Talk: Keep the Cycle Going, Seed Saving
Our Garden at Shadelands | September 23 | 10–11:30 AM | Master Gardener Trish Clifford covers how and why to save seeds. No registration required.
All-Ages Storytime
Walnut Creek Library | September 23 | 10:15–10:45 AM | Songs and stories aimed at building early-literacy skills.
A Prickly Experience
Walnut Creek Library | September 23 | 4–5 PM | Ruth Bancroft Garden brings live cacti and succulents to the library for an all-ages plant-petting experience.
Community Pride Mixer
Lesher Center for the Arts | September 23 | 6:30–7:15 PM | Community mixer before the evening performance of The Glass Menagerie.
The Glass Menagerie
Lesher Center for the Arts | September 23 | 7:30 PM | Wednesday-night performance.
Bite Back Hunger Restaurant Week
Contra Costa County | Begins September 24 | Through September 30 | Participating restaurants donate a portion of sales to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, including participating Walnut Creek restaurants.
Ruth Bancroft Garden Storytime
Ruth Bancroft Garden | September 24 | 9:30–10 AM | Thursday-morning stories and garden fun for young children.
Toddler Storytime & Play
Walnut Creek Library | September 24 | 10:15–10:45 AM | Songs, stories and movement followed by playtime.
The Glass Menagerie
Lesher Center for the Arts | September 24 | 7:30 PM | Thursday-night performance at the Lesher.
Pleasant Hill
Re-inspired: A Faculty Art Show
DVC Art Gallery | September 17 | 9 AM–4 PM | Faculty and staff from DVC’s art and digital-media programs exhibit their work.
Storytime + Stay & Play
Pleasant Hill Library | September 17 | 11 AM–Noon | Stories, songs and movement followed by open play.
U.S. Constitution Day: Whose Freedom? 250 Years of Struggle & Resistance
Diablo Valley College | September 17 | 12:45–2:10 PM | Free public program exploring the changing meaning and application of constitutional rights.
Planetarium Family Event: Live Night-Sky Tour & Search for Life
Diablo Valley College | September 17 | 6:30 PM | Family planetarium program combining a live night-sky tour with the search for life beyond Earth.
Downtown Pleasant Hill Summer Concert: Foreverland
Downtown Pleasant Hill | September 17 | 7–9 PM | The summer series wraps up with Foreverland, a Michael Jackson tribute band.
Re-inspired: A Faculty Art Show
DVC Art Gallery | September 18 | 9 AM–4 PM | DVC’s faculty exhibition continues.
Football: DVC Vikings vs. San Francisco
Diablo Valley College | September 18 | 7–10 PM | Friday-night college football at DVC.
Community Service Day
Pleasant Hill | September 19 | Breakfast/check-in 7:30 AM; projects 9 AM–Noon | Annual citywide volunteer day with school, park, creek and community projects.
Pleasant Hill Farmers Market
Pleasant Hill City Hall | September 19 | 9 AM–1 PM | Saturday-morning produce, artisan foods and local vendors.
Re-inspired: A Faculty Art Show
DVC Art Gallery | September 21 | 9 AM–4 PM | Faculty art exhibition continues.
Drop-In Shop for Adults
Pleasant Hill Library | September 21 | 6–7:45 PM | Open makerspace night for art, craft and DIY projects.
Re-inspired: A Faculty Art Show
DVC Art Gallery | September 22 | 9 AM–4 PM | Tuesday viewing hours.
Craft & Chill: Guatemalan Kites
Pleasant Hill Library | September 22 | 6:30–7:30 PM | Make traditional Guatemalan-inspired kites with local folk artist Rachel-Anne Palacios.
Women’s Professional Networking Group
Pleasant Hill Chamber | September 22 | Time not listed | Local professional networking program.
Re-inspired: A Faculty Art Show
DVC Art Gallery | September 23 | 9 AM–4 PM | Community gallery hours.
I Heart Toddler Art
Pleasant Hill Library | September 23 | 11 AM–Noon | Storytime followed by a hands-on art activity for toddlers and preschoolers.
I Heart After School Art
Pleasant Hill Library | September 23 | 1:30–3:30 PM | Drop-in after-school art for elementary and middle-school students.
Pleasant Hill City Council Candidate Forum
Pleasant Hill City Hall | September 23 | 6–7 PM | Public Chamber forum featuring the candidates for Pleasant Hill’s two contested City Council seats. Residents can attend in person or watch through the City’s YouTube channel.
680 Networking Group
Pleasant Hill Chamber | September 23 | Time not listed | Local business and professional networking.
Re-inspired: A Faculty Art Show
DVC Art Gallery | September 24 | 9 AM–4 PM | Faculty exhibition continues.
Storytime + Stay & Play
Pleasant Hill Library | September 24 | 11 AM–Noon | Stories and songs followed by open play for young children.
Good Roots Psychotherapy Ribbon Cutting
Good Roots Psychotherapy | September 24 | 4:30–5:30 PM | Pleasant Hill Chamber celebrates the practice’s new location and Chamber membership.
Lamorinda
Storytime Junction: Stay-and-Play
Lafayette Library | September 17 | 10–11 AM | Building toys, early-literacy activities and open social play while regular Storytime is on hiatus.
Muñeca Lelé Doll Craft
Moraga Library | September 17 | 4–5 PM | Hispanic Heritage Month craft inspired by Mexico’s traditional Muñeca Lelé dolls.
Thursday Nights in Orinda: Tom and the Broken Hearts
Orinda Community Center Park | September 17 | 6–8 PM | Free outdoor concert featuring Tom and the Broken Hearts, with food trucks beginning at 5 PM.
Saint Mary’s Women’s Volleyball vs. New Mexico
University Credit Union Pavilion, Moraga | September 17 | 6:30 PM | Saint Mary’s opens its home invitational against New Mexico.
Free Movie Night: The Misfits
Orinda Theatre | September 17 | 6:30 PM | Free screening of the 1961 classic starring Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable.
A Fusion Concert of Indian & Persian Music
Orinda Theatre | September 18 | 7:30–9:30 PM | Sitar maestro Habib Khan joins Persian vocalist Parisa Vaaleh and other Bay Area world-fusion musicians.
Lafayette Art & Wine Festival
Downtown Lafayette | September 19 | 10 AM–7 PM | One of Contra Costa’s biggest street festivals with art, food, wine, beer and continuous live music.
Saint Mary’s Women’s Volleyball vs. Fresno State
University Credit Union Pavilion, Moraga | September 19 | 2 PM | Saint Mary’s closes its home invitational against Fresno State.
Author Talk: Lincoln in Fact Rather Than Fiction
Moraga Library | September 19 | 2–3:30 PM | A discussion of historical accounts and portrayals of Abraham Lincoln.
SF Silent Film Festival: The General
Orinda Theatre | September 19 | 7–9:30 PM | Buster Keaton’s The General with a live score conducted by Timothy Brock.
Lafayette Art & Wine Festival
Downtown Lafayette | September 20 | 10 AM–6 PM | Day two of the downtown festival.
The Magic of Manos Hidden Image Search
Moraga Library | September 22 | All day | Kids search the library for images of handicrafts from Latin America as part of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Read to a Dog
Lafayette Library | September 22 | 3–4 PM | Kids ages 6+ can practice reading with a certified therapy dog. Registration required.
Preschool Storytime
Orinda Library | September 22 | 3:30–4 PM | Tuesday-afternoon stories and early-literacy activities.
English Learners Conversation Group
Orinda Library | September 22 | 4:30–5:30 PM | Informal English conversation practice in a welcoming group setting.
Tai Chi
Lafayette Library | September 22 | 6–7 PM | Free evening Tai Chi session.
Mid-Autumn Festival Take & Make
Moraga Library | September 22–24 | Kits available beginning September 22 at 6 PM | Kids can make a Cloud Light while learning about Mid-Autumn Festival traditions. Supplies are first come, first served.
Orinda Toddler Storytime
Orinda Library | September 23 | 10 & 10:30 AM | Two short Wednesday sessions for ages 1–3 and caregivers.
Sing Me a Storytime
Lafayette Library | September 23 | 10:30–11 AM | Stories, songs, fingerplays and movement for young children.
September Greet Networking Lunch
Social Bird Kitchen & Bar, Lafayette | September 23 | 11:30 AM–1 PM | Casual Greet Moraga/Greet Lafayette networking lunch for local residents and professionals. Free to attend with RSVP; food is purchased separately.
Decorate a Pencil Pouch
Orinda Library | September 23 | 3–4 PM | Kids ages 6+ personalize a canvas pouch using different decorating techniques with artist Tina Lee.
Ribbon Cutting at Blue & Gold Labs
Lafayette | September 23 | 4:30 PM | Lafayette Chamber welcomes a newer local business with an afternoon ribbon cutting.
Meditation
Lafayette Library | September 23 | 6–7 PM | Free Wednesday-evening meditation session.
3D Printing Studio
Lafayette Library | September 24 | 4:30–5:30 PM | Hands-on introduction to designing in Tinkercad and 3D printing. Registration required.
Thursday Nights in Orinda: Starlight Village Players
Orinda Community Center Park Amphitheatre | September 24 | Evening | Orinda’s Thursday-night series continues with live outdoor theater and food trucks.
Women Director Series: The Trouble with Angels
Orinda Theatre | September 24 | 7:30 PM | Screening of the 1966 comedy directed by Ida Lupino.
Concord
Storytime at Concord Library
Concord Library | September 17 | 10:30–11:30 AM | Stories, songs and movement for young children and caregivers.
Business After Hours Mixer at Brasas do Brazil
Brasas do Brazil | September 17 | 4–6 PM | Greater Concord Chamber’s monthly after-hours business mixer.
Music & Market
Todos Santos Plaza | September 17 | Market 4–8 PM; concert 6:30 PM | Thursday farmers market combined with a free outdoor concert.
Saint Mary’s Invitational Cross Country Meet
Newhall Park | September 18 | Men 8:45 AM; women 9:30 AM | Saint Mary’s hosts its annual cross-country meet in Concord.
Rob Zombie & Marilyn Manson with The Hu & Orgy
Toyota Pavilion at Concord | September 20 | 6:15 PM | Major touring rock show at the Pavilion.
Vinnie’s Open Mic Night
Vinnie’s Bar & Grill | September 21 | 8:30 PM–12:30 AM | Weekly downtown open mic for musicians and performers.
Concord Farmers’ Market
Todos Santos Plaza | September 22 | Morning–afternoon | Tuesday farmers market with produce, prepared foods and local vendors.
Vinnie’s Country Night
Vinnie’s Bar & Grill | September 22 | Evening | Country music, free dance lessons and line dancing downtown.
Side Gate Trivia with Geeks Who Drink
Side Gate Brewery | September 23 | Evening | Weekly team trivia at the downtown brewery.
Willows Shopping Center Celebration & Ribbon Cutting
Willows Shopping Center | September 24 | 3–4 PM | Celebration of the renovation of Building C, eight new businesses and a new mural by artist Noah Elias. Ribbon cutting is at 3:30 PM.
Music & Market: Final Night of the Season
Todos Santos Plaza | September 24 | Market 4–8 PM; concert 6:30 PM | The final Music & Market of 2026 closes out the downtown summer concert season.
Concord Taco Trail Challenge
Throughout Concord | Ongoing through October 15 | The month-long challenge includes more than 40 local restaurants and taquerias.
Martinez
Strange Ladies
Campbell Theater | September 17 | 7:30 PM | September production centered on radical suffragists organizing during the World War I era.
Aire Libre Weekend
Escobar Street | September 18 | 5–10 PM | Downtown street space opens for outdoor dining, drinks and gathering.
Movies in the Park
Hidden Valley Park | September 18 | Activities 5:30 PM; movie around dusk | Free outdoor movie night with family activities before the film.
Kurt Ribak Trio Live
Roxx on Main | September 18 | 7–9 PM | Friday-night live jazz from bassist Kurt Ribak and his trio.
Independence of Mexico: Inkietud Musical
Del Cielo Brewing | September 18 | 7:30–9:30 PM | Live technocumbia celebrating Mexican Independence and Hispanic Heritage Month.
Strange Ladies
Campbell Theater | September 18 | 7:30 PM | Friday-night performance.
Coastal Cleanup Day
Martinez Waterfront | September 19 | 9 AM–Noon | Annual community cleanup along the local waterfront.
Aire Libre Weekend
Escobar Street | September 19 | 10 AM–10 PM | Outdoor downtown dining and gathering continues all Saturday.
The Big La Bocce Charity Tournament
Martinez Waterfront Park Bocce Courts | September 19 | 10 AM–2 PM | Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa and St. Vincent de Paul team up for a charity bocce tournament supporting local food, clothing, shelter and medical programs.
Martinez Pride
Waterfront Park | September 19 | 11 AM–3 PM | Family-friendly Pride celebration with vendors, community resources, food, kids activities and live entertainment.
Read to a Dog
Martinez Library | September 19 | Noon–1 PM | Beginning readers get 15-minute reading sessions with a licensed therapy dog. Registration required.
Martinez Pride Afterparty
Del Cielo Brewing | September 19 | 6:30–9:30 PM | DJ Thomas Young keeps the Pride celebration going Saturday evening.
Ray Goodman Trio
Roxx on Main | September 19 | 7–9 PM | R&B, funk and rock reworked by guitarist Ray Goodman with Garrett Mingardi and JR Topasna.
Strange Ladies
Campbell Theater | September 19 | 7:30 PM | Saturday-night performance.
Downtown Martinez Farmers’ Market
Main Street | September 20 | 9 AM–1 PM | Sunday-morning produce, food and local vendors.
Aire Libre Weekend
Escobar Street | September 20 | 10 AM–7 PM | Final day of the weekend outdoor dining setup.
Live Music: Kate & Andy
Five Suns Brewing | September 20 | 2–4:30 PM | Sunday-afternoon live music at Five Suns.
Strange Ladies
Campbell Theater | September 20 | 2:30 PM | Matinee | Sunday performance of the September production.
Trivia Night
Del Cielo Brewing | September 22 | 6:30–8:30 PM | Tuesday-night trivia at the taproom.
Diablo Athletic League Cross Country Center Meet
Martinez | September 23 | 2–6:30 PM | Local high-school cross-country competition.
Strange Ladies
Campbell Theater | September 24 | 7:30 PM | Thursday-night performance.
Meetings that matter
Walnut Creek
General Plan 2050 Pop-Up | September 19 | 9 AM–1 PM
General Plan 2050 Community Workshop | September 24 | 5:30–7:30 PM
The Sept. 24 workshop is the big one. It’s an early chance to weigh in on housing, transportation, parks, sustainability and growth through 2050.
Pleasant Hill
City Council | September 21 | 7 PM
Planning Commission | September 22 | 6:30 PM
Zoning Administrator | September 24 | 5 PM
Planning Commission is the main land-use meeting to watch this week.
Lamorinda
Lafayette Planning Commission | September 21 | 7 PM
Lafayette Crime Prevention Commission | September 22 | 6 PM
Orinda Planning Commission | September 22 | 7 PM
Lafayette Senior Services Commission | September 24 | 2:30 PM
The two Planning Commission meetings are the ones to watch for development issues.
Concord
City Council | September 22 | 6:30 PM
A light civic week. City Council is the main meeting still on the calendar.
Martinez
Planning Commission | September 22 | 7 PM
A relatively light week in Martinez.
The scoreboard
Latest available local snapshot: July 2026
Walnut Creek, including Rossmoor: $989,504 median sale price | 303 homes sold | 21 days on market
Pleasant Hill: $999,499 median sale price | 111 homes sold | 17 days on market
Lafayette: $2,011,493 median sale price | 86 homes sold | 13 days on market
Moraga: $1,716,640 median sale price | 53 homes sold | 13 days on market
Orinda: $2,011,493 median sale price | 70 homes sold | 12 days on market
Concord: $799,600 median sale price | 300 homes sold | 22 days on market
Martinez: $800,599 median sale price | 116 homes sold | 17 days on market
The spread is pretty remarkable. You're looking at roughly an $800,000 median in Concord and Martinez, around $1 million in Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill, and $1.7 million to $2 million once you move into Lamorinda.
But despite those huge price differences, most homes across all five areas are still selling in 12 to 22 days.
5 Star Sold Properties
5 beds | 4 baths | 3,338 sqft
$2,348,000
3 beds | 2.5 baths | 1,673 sqft
$1,100,000
2 beds | 2.5 baths | 1,448 sqft
$1,050,000
3 beds | 3 baths | 1,899 sqft
$1,410,000
2 beds | 1 bath | 1,400 sqft
$965,000
3 beds | 1 bath | 959 sqft
$579,000
4 beds | 3 baths | 2,416 sqft
$1,600,000
5 Star Just Listed Property
1 bed | 1 bath | 726 sqft
$435,000
One smart add-on
The Planning Commission recently approved an eight-story, 104-unit mixed-use project at 1532 Mount Diablo Boulevard, replacing a surface parking lot with housing and ground-floor retail.
If built as approved, it would be the tallest building in Walnut Creek’s commercial corridor. It’s a good example of the tradeoffs the city will be discussing as General Plan 2050 takes shape: adding housing downtown while balancing height, design, parking and neighborhood character.
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