Art in the Mount Diablo Region:
Top 20 Spring Activities

The Mt. Diablo Region is a blend of clean, open space and charming downtowns, nestled in the valleys of Mount Diablo, the highest peak in the Bay Area. Here you’ll enjoy plenty of outdoor activities, culinary thrills, upscale shopping, live music, local beer and California’s oldest award-winning wine country.

Exploring the Tri-Valley Art Scene

Although the Tri-Valley gets its name from the three valleys it encompasses, the region is actually made up of four ciAes, each with its own history and charm: Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, and Danville. Visitors are rewarded with plenty of things to do in the Tri-Valley, like sampling California's oldest wine country, shopping at Northern California's biggest Premium Outlets, dining out an amazing variety of restaurants, hopping on an award-winning Ice Cream Trail, exploring idyllic downtown areas, catching a live show, and taking in some beautiful views at one of many outdoor recreation areas. 

Mount Diablo

Nestled within 20,000+ acres of stunning terrain, Mt. Diablo State Park offers an array of outdoor recreational activities and is home to hundreds of rare plant and animal species. On clear days, visitors are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the Bay Area and iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Yosemite's Sentinel Dome. Its multi-level Visitor Center features interactive exhibits and displays showcasing the park’s history, geology, flora, and fauna. While the park is open year-round, springtime is a particularly special season. Between March and June, the park blooms with an abundance of wildflowers, some of which are exclusive to the park and found nowhere else in the world. Access the park through the South Gate Entrance, located just minutes away from the charming Downtown Danville shops and restaurants. Use this Mt. Diablo Day-Trip Guide to plan your next visit. 

Livermore Valley Wine Country

The Tri-Valley is steeped in vinicultural history, with the Livermore Valley Wine Country boasting one of California's oldest wine regions. Winemaking was originally brought to the Livermore Valley by Spanish missionaries who planted sacramental wine grapes in the Livermore Valley for the first time in the 1760s. It wasn’t until the 1840s that pioneer winemakers planted grapes in the area commercially, noting its ideal soil composition and unique east-west orientaAon. Their Livermore Valley venture paid off when the region won America's first international gold medal for wine at the Paris Expedition in 1889, pugng California wine on the world stage for the first time. Today, the region is home to more than 50 wineries, predominantly owned by multi-generational winemakers. Don’t forget to print or download a free Livermore Valley Wine Country Map.

Bankhead Theater

As the largest arts & culture venue in the Tri-Valley, the Bankhead Theater boasts 507 seats and hosts an impressive range of rotaAng art exhibits, as well as excepAonal musical, dance, and live-stage performances throughout the year. Located in the heart of Downtown Livermore, near a variety of dining, shopping, cafes, and lounges, the Bankhead Theater also serves as a central hub for community events and cultural celebrations, like the Livermore Innovation Fair, Native American Day, and Diwali. See the full list of Bankhead Theater Events. 

Alameda County Fair

The Alameda County Fair, ranked in the Top 50 Fairs of Northern America, draws tens of thousands of visitors to the Tri-Valley every summer. Its main attractions include live horse-racing on America's first 1-mile horse racetrack, an incredible concert series, and a wide range of shows and entertainment. Even when the fair isn't in town, this sizable and conveniently located venue offers plenty to do. Situated near Downtown Pleasanton's restaurants and shops, the Alameda County Fairgrounds hosts an array of large-scale events throughout the year, such as the 626 Night Market, the Scottish Highland Gathering & Games, Goodguys car shows, and, of course, the Alameda County Fair. View a Calendar of Events

Dublin Heritage Park

More than 160 years ago, a group of immigrants from diverse backgrounds ventured westward and established the city of Dublin. Positioned at the intersection of two major stagecoach routes, Dublin quickly became a crucial pit stop for travelers traversing Northern California. The area flourished as a significant hub for agricultural and commercial activity, playing a pivotal role in the development of the state of California.

The Dublin Heritage Park was created to preserve and display the region’s dynamic history. This 10-acre park boasts historic buildings, two museums, sprawling lawns, picnic grounds, and an anAquated pioneer cemetery. Admission to both museums is free Wednesday through Sunday, from 1pm – 4pm. 

Walnut Creek

Take in the latest exhibition at the Bedford Gallery. The Bedford Gallery is located within the Lesher Center for the Arts and provides four different exhibitions to enjoy throughout the year. Beyond the current exhibition, check out their calendar for special events including lectures, workshops, and more to enjoy.

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Events not to be missed in Pleasant Hill

Art, Wine & Music Festival The Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the Annual Pleasant Hill Art, Wine & Music Festival the third weekend in May. This event showcases wines, beer, 70+ arts & craft vendors, great food, kid’s events, and music concerts–including a free Saturday evening concert with a well-known and popular local band. Wine weekend packages available at local hotels

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Concord’s Top 5 Bucket List

Concord Pavilion

Each Spring through Fall, the Concord Pavilion is where music fans step out to see their favorite performers take center stage. Classic Rock, Comedy, R&B, Soul, Country… and so many more genres play at the largest outdoor venue in the East Bay. What makes this venue extra-special? Experience a show up close to the stage, in VIP with food and drink service, or on the lawn under the stars.

Concord Museum & Galindo Home

The Galindo home was built in 1856, at that time, it was one of the few Victorian ranch houses in the county. The title of the home was transferred down through generations of the Historical Galindo family until 1999 when the home became the property of the City of Concord. In 2010 ownership was transferred to the Concord Historical Society and has been completely restored since.

The Concord Museum, now open to the public and on the same property as the Galindo Home, is an introduction to Concord’s history, including Native Americans, Rancho Days, Agriculture & Economy, Communications & Transportation, Education and Home Life.

Tours are available on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month from 1 PM to 4 PM

Creative Concord Mural Tour

Creative Concord’s inaugural public arts experience took place during the month of June 2022 with a mission to celebrate the arts and culture community via visual and performing arts. Discover the City of Concord in new ways with the Mural Walking Tour of all 9 installments. Pick up the Mural Map at the Concord Visitor Center and enjoy Concord’s wide offerings of food and shopping while soaking in the arts.

Contra Costa Beer Trail

In between the big city and wine country, there’s a budding craft beer community growing in Contra Costa County, California. The right blend of down-to-earth authenticity and artisanal uniqueness, it’s the perfect place for the truly dedicated brewers to showcase their craft—and for enthusiasts to enjoy the results of their hard work and passion. Explore the Contra Costa Beer Trail, the ultimate, countywide experience for craft beer lovers! Download a mobile passport featuring 35+ local breweries, tap houses, bottle shops, and beer bar restaurants throughout Contra Costa County. Use your passport to discover new locations, try new brews, and earn prizes!

Todos Santos Plaza

Todos Santos historic 2.5 acre downtown plaza is the community gathering place of Concord. The Plaza hosts a number of events, such as summer concerts, a farmer’s market, and others throughout the year. It is a wonderful place to enjoy an outdoor concert with the family or just enjoy a lunchtime stroll in the California sun. For those looking for a place to play or kick back, a lush public park occupies the plaza’s core. Whether you are visiting on a vacation, traveling for business or just passing through, Todos Santos Plaza is a must-visit in Concord.