Muscial performance at Lesher Center 

The arts mean business in Walnut Creek. The city’s prestigious arts and cultural scene is a regional draw that attracts patrons from the entire East Bay region, which counts a population of 2.5 million. Walnut Creek’s investment in the arts enhances the community’s quality of life and bolsters the economic well-being of local businesses.

How the Arts Benefit Businesses

The impact of spending by nonprofit arts and cultural organizations is far reaching, leveraging significant event-related spending by their audiences. Whether serving the local community or out-of-town visitors, Walnut Creek’s vibrant arts and culture industry helps local businesses thrive.

Premier Theater and Programming Serving the East Bay

The Lesher Center for the Arts is a jewel in Walnut Creek’s cultural crown. The City of Walnut Creek owns and operates this highly acclaimed venue, and is the only regional arts center of its kind in the Contra Costa County. The Lesher Center presents world-class theater performances, exhibitions, and educational programming. Here are a few highlights:

  • The Lesher Center’s popular Headliners Series features famous performers, including Lyle Lovett, the Peking Acrobats, and the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
  • Center Repertory Company, the Lesher Center's resident professional theatre company stages a wide range of performances, from the classic Dickens’ tale A Christmas Carol to Lin-Manuel Miranda's In the Heights, to SWEAT, a Pulitzer Prize-winning collision of race, class and friendship.
  • The Bedford Gallery offers exciting exhibitions, workshops and public art tours. Recent and upcoming exhibitions include Cultural Currency: Contemporary Art from the Riemer Collection, The Harmon & Harriet Kelley Collection of African American Art: Works on Paper and Erin Fong | The Sensation of Color.

Center for Community Arts

The City of Walnut Creek’s Center for Community Arts  presents engaging arts programs for all ages, including:

  • Dozens of diverse classes, including ceramics, yoga, printmaking, dance, homeschool classes, and many more
  • Preschools
  • Camps
  • Youth orchestra programs
  • Community programs
  • Events for the whole family

Support for Business

Contact the City of Walnut Creek’s Economic Development team to learn about the benefits of doing business in Walnut Creek, including the positive impact our arts and culture industry.