Downtown Walnut Creek Announces Launch of Entertainment Zone
New initiative will debut during Locust Street Festival and support local businesses through designated event activations.
(WALNUT CREEK, 6.5.26) – The Walnut Creek Downtown Association is pleased to announce the launch of the Downtown Walnut Creek Entertainment Zone, a new initiative designed to enhance the visitor experience, support local businesses, and activate downtown through designated special events.
The Entertainment Zone will officially debut during the Locust Street Festival on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, and will also be activated during the festival's second event on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. These two Locust Street Festival events are currently the only planned Entertainment Zone activations for 2026.
The Entertainment Zone allows visitors 21 and over to purchase alcoholic beverages from participating businesses and enjoy them within a clearly defined event area during approved activations. All beverages must be served in official Entertainment Zone cups and remain within designated boundaries.
"The Entertainment Zone represents an exciting new opportunity to support our local businesses while creating a more engaging and connected downtown experience," said Kathy Hemmenway, Executive Director at the Walnut Creek Downtown Association. "By encouraging visitors to explore participating restaurants, bars, and businesses throughout an event footprint, the program helps drive economic activity while enhancing community events that bring people together."
The program is intended to strengthen Downtown Walnut Creek's vibrant business district by encouraging visitors to spend more time exploring local establishments during approved events. Participating businesses benefit from increased visibility and customer engagement, while visitors enjoy a more seamless and interactive downtown experience.
The Entertainment Zone will be activated only during designated special events and is not a year-round open-container program. The inaugural activations will take place during the 2026 Locust Street Festival events, which attract thousands of residents and visitors to Downtown Walnut Creek for live music, local food and beverages, artisan vendors, shopping, and family-friendly activities.
Additional information regarding participating businesses, Entertainment Zone boundaries, operating guidelines, and event details will be available at walnutcreekdowntown.com.
###
About Walnut Creek Downtown Association: Walnut Creek Downtown Association (WCD) is a registered 501(c)(6) organization that manages a Business Improvement District (BID) promoting the downtown business community through advocacy, beautification, events, and marketing. The Community Partnership for Walnut Creek Downtown (CPWCD) is the registered 501(c)(3) organization behind popular events such as Locust Street Festivals, Oktoberfest, and the seasonal ice rink, Walnut Creek on Ice.
Note to Editors: High-resolution event images and logos are available upon request. Media is welcome to attend Locust Street Festival.
Media Contact:
Kelly Fordon
Walnut Creek Downtown Association
kelly@walnutcreekdowntown.com