Downtown Walnut Creek Entertainment Zone
Proudly the first city in the East Bay to introduce an Entertainment Zone, Downtown Walnut Creek is reimagining how our community gathers, explores, and connects. This City-approved program allows guests to enjoy alcoholic beverages outdoors within a designated event area during select, permitted events.
A New Way to Experience Downtown
Downtown Walnut Creek's Entertainment Zone is officially established for select special events in Downtown Walnut Creek. The Entertainment Zone allows guests 21+ to purchase alcoholic beverages from approved participating businesses and enjoy them within a designated event area during approved event hours. The program is event-based only and is activated during specific permitted events. It does not allow open containers throughout downtown outside of those activations.
The program is designed to enhance community events, support local businesses, and create a vibrant downtown experience while maintaining responsible beverage service and public safety standards.
How It Works
During an Entertainment Zone event:
- Purchase a drink from a participating business
- Receive it in an official Entertainment Zone cup
- Show ID and wear a 21+ wristband
- Enjoy your drink within the designated event boundaries
Events are city-permitted and follow strict operational guidelines to ensure a safe, clean, and enjoyable experience for everyone.
EZ Activated Events
The entertainment zone will be activated during the following events in 2026:
The Dos & Don'ts
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:
✅ DO:
- Purchase drinks from participating businesses using an official EZ cup
- Wear your 21+ wristband at all times when consuming alcohol
- Stay within posted Entertainment Zone boundaries
- Dispose of cups in designated bins
❌ DON’T:
- Bring outside alcohol into the zone
- Take drinks outside of the designated area
- Bring drinks into another bar or restaurant
- Assume all businesses are participating
- Forget that all city and state laws still apply
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be 21+ to attend events in the Entertainment Zone?
No. The zone is open to all ages, but you must be 21+ with a valid ID and wristband to purchase or consume alcohol.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
No. All alcohol must be purchased from participating businesses within the zone.
Can I walk anywhere with my drink?
No. Drinks must stay within the clearly marked Entertainment Zone boundaries.
Can I take my drink into another business?
No. Alcohol purchased for outdoor consumption cannot be taken into another establishment.
Will streets be closed?
Some events may include street closures. Details will be provided for each specific event.
Participate in the Entertainment Zone
If you are a restaurant, bar, brewery, or winery in Downtown Walnut Creek, you may be eligible to participate in the Entertainment Zone program. Please visit the link below to learn more about this opportunity.
News & Media
Press Release: Downtown Walnut Creek Announces Launch of Entertainment Zone
Questions?
For questions about the Entertainment Zone, event participation, or business eligibility, please contact Walnut Creek Downtown.