For the first time in 89 years, the Walnut Festival won’t be in Walnut Creek. Organizers confirmed the 2025 event is relocating to the Contra Costa Event Park at the Antioch Fairgrounds due to major construction at Heather Farm Park, the festival’s longtime home.
The move is temporary, tied to the city’s multi-year project to build a new Aquatic & Community Center and related upgrades at Heather Farm.
The construction window runs roughly from late summer 2025 through 2027, forcing the festival to seek a venue big enough for its carnival rides, food vendors, live music and crowds. Antioch’s fairgrounds fit the bill, say organizers.
What’s changing this year
- New dates and place: Thursday–Sunday, Oct 16–19, 2025, at the Antioch Fairgrounds, 1201 W 10th St, Antioch.
- Admission and parking: $15 admission; free for kids 6 and under, seniors 65+ and military with ID; parking $10. Unlimited-ride wristbands advertised at $40. (Always check the festival’s official channels for any last-minute changes.)
- Parade status: The traditional Twilight Parade and Special Needs Night are listed as canceled this year. Local coverage also notes organizers are exploring a separately organized parade under a different name.
Why it matters to Walnut Creek
The Walnut Festival is one of the city’s signature community fundraisers, supporting local nonprofits and school groups. Moving it out of town has sparked concern about a dip in foot traffic and fundraising for Walnut Creek-based organizations. Festival leadership says the relocation is a necessary, short-term step to keep the tradition alive during construction.
How did we get here?
Heather Farm Park’s overhaul is a once-in-decades project replacing 1960s-era facilities with a modern swim complex and community center. The city selected contractors and began early site work in mid-2025; fencing and pond work started over the summer as crews prepared the area. With the park partially closed and staging underway, hosting a full carnival there wasn’t feasible.
The bottom line
Walnut Creek’s most famous festival is hitting the road—just for now. If you plan to go, the dates are Oct 16–19 in Antioch. If you’re staying local, expect related fundraisers to look a little different this fall while Heather Farm is under construction.
Learn more on the festival’s website.
