WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA – Downtown Walnut Creek is about to turn into an open-air block party.
The Locust Street Festival returns Wednesday, July 8, taking over stretches of Locust, Cypress and Bonanza streets from 5 to 8:30 p.m. The event is free to attend with an RSVP, and it is designed as a full downtown evening out — with live music, food, drinks, shopping, kids activities and dozens of local vendors.
This year’s festival is smaller in number of dates than last summer’s series, with just two nights planned: July 8 and August 5. But Wednesday’s first event has a packed schedule spread across several corners of downtown.
Music will include DJ Rich Era at Rooftop, DJ Heartbreak on North Locust Street, line dancing and live music at Bourbon Highway’s Water Light Plaza setup, and performances on Bonanza Street from KC’s Side Hustle and Stereo41 DJ. Mad Apple is scheduled to play the Cypress Stage from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
There will also be plenty for families to do. Organizers have listed face painting, balloon twisting, crafts, kids activities, miniature golf and mobile pet adoptions among the attractions. An aerial arts performance is planned on Locust Street from Beloved Aerial Arts and Delta Athletics (pictured above, from last year’s festival), while Tifa Chocolate & Gelato will host a gelato-eating contest at 7 p.m.
Food options will include vendors such as Duck Donuts, Chilly Willys Smokehouse BBQ, Sushi Obsession, Melo’s Italian Table, Mr. Dewie’s, Prologue Coffee & Tea, SWAADS and Uncle Mike’s Giant Sausages.
Nearby restaurants and bars will also participate, with beer, wine and specialty cocktails available for purchase within the festival’s designated entertainment zone. Guests who want to drink will need to be 21 or older, show valid identification and get an on-site wristband.
The event is dog-friendly, although pets must stay leashed and under control. It is also a serious street closure night: festival boundaries will be closed from 1 to 10 p.m. Locust Street will close between Mt. Diablo Boulevard and Civic Drive, while Cypress and Bonanza streets will close between North California Boulevard and Commercial Lane. Access to the South Locust and Lesher Center garages will remain open.
For drivers, the closest recommended garages are the South Locust Parking Garage and Lesher Center Parking Garage. Organizers are also encouraging rideshare and BART, with the Walnut Creek station serving as the transit connection for the event.
Admission is free, but organizers ask attendees to RSVP in advance. You can do that here. The second and final 2026 festival night is scheduled for Wednesday, August 5.
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