Lesher Center for the Arts

California Symphony opens its 40th anniversary season with a program celebrating American connections. All three works on the program share a common thread: they were premiered in the United States, a fitting nod as the nation marks its 250th anniversary and reflects on artistic ties across continents and generations. Finnish composer Jean Sibelius composed The Oceanides in 1914 for his only trip to America, creating a vivid representation that was hailed at its U.S. premiere as "the finest evocation of the sea." GRAMMY Award-winning American composer Jennifer Higdon's Cello Concerto receives its Northern California premiere, performed by the cellist for whom it was written, Julian Schwarz. The concerto showcases Higdon's distinctive voice—lyrical, rhythmically vibrant, and deeply expressive. Hungarian composer Béla Bartók fled to America during World War II, and while living in New York in 1943, composed his Concerto for Orchestra, commissioned by conductor Serge Koussevitzky for the Boston Symphony Orchestra. A true showpiece, the work turns every instrument in the orchestra into a soloist, offering dazzling displays across all five movements. From the serenity of Sibelius's ocean to Higdon's fresh contemporary voice and Bartók's exhilarating finale, this program offers a vivid musical arc.&nbsp;

Tickets include a free 30-minute pre-concert talk by award-winning instructor Scott Foglesong, starting one hour before the show.
Admission: $50-110

Local Event: California Symphony: SIBELIUS, HIGDON, AND BARTÓK – American Connections

San Francisco County

San Francisco

California

California Symphony: SIBELIUS, HIGDON, AND...

California Symphony opens its 40th anniversary season with a program celebrating American connections. All three works on the...

California Symphony: SIBELIUS, HIGDON, AND BARTÓK – American Connections

California Symphony's November concerts explore the relationships between musical contemporaries across Russia and America. Russian composer Anton Arensky's Variations on a Theme by Tchaikovsky from 1894 honors his teacher Tchaikovsky, creating a direct musical and historical connection. The variations are based on a theme from Tchaikovsky's song Legend, transforming it into a work of lyrical beauty and emotional depth. Tchaikovsky's own Serenade for Strings from 1880 remains one of his most enduring and personal works, praised by the composer himself as "a piece from the heart."

American composer Aaron Copland's Clarinet Concerto from 1948 was commissioned and premiered by jazz legend Benny Goodman, and fuses a lyrical and expressive first movement with a second movement influenced by popular music from North and South America, connected by a spectacular cadenza for the soloist. California Symphony's new principal clarinet, Cory Tiffin, takes center stage in this virtuosic showcase. Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings from 1936, with its hauntingly beautiful melody, is one of the most recognizable pieces in American music, heard in concerts, films, and national moments of reflection. The program highlights how musical contemporaries influenced one another: Arensky paid tribute to his mentor while shaping his own lyrical Russian style, while Barber and Copland—born the same year—explored complementary visions of American music, from Barber's expressive lyricism to Copland's folk-inspired "Americana."

Tickets include a free 30-minute pre-concert talk by award-winning instructor Scott Foglesong, starting one hour before the show.
Admission: $50-110

Local Event: California Symphony: FROM TCHAIKOVSKY TO COPLAND – Classical Contemporaries

California Symphony: FROM TCHAIKOVSKY TO...

California Symphony's November concerts explore the relationships between musical contemporaries across Russia and America....

California Symphony: FROM TCHAIKOVSKY TO COPLAND – Classical Contemporaries

Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church

California Symphony’s holiday concerts are back by popular demand! Brass, percussion, and organ bring the season’s music into sharp focus, moving from quiet reflection to rhythmic celebration. Familiar carols such as Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and Carol of the Bells sit alongside selections from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, creating a program that spans centuries of holiday tradition. Sacred and folk influences come together in clear, resonant arrangements that highlight both the power and the intimacy of these seasonal works, offering a direct and uplifting way to experience the music of the season.&nbsp;
Admission: $50-110

Local Event: California Symphony: HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

California Symphony: HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

California Symphony’s holiday concerts are back by popular demand! Brass, percussion, and organ bring the season’s music into...

Jensen Artists

Fernando Haro

Bay Area

Alameda County

Alameda

San Mateo County

South San Francisco

Albany

Berkeley

Rockridge

Piedmont

San Bruno

Marin County

Albert Gregory

Mill Valley

Contra Costa County

El Cerrito

Larkspur-Corte Madera

Artist: Dillon Forte Dates: September 25th – October 4th Location: Analog Tattoo Address: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/1038+Larkin+St.,+San+Francisco,+CA?entry=gmail&amp;source=g" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">1038 Larkin St., San Francisco, CA</a>
Book your appointment today - contact@dillonforte.com<a href="https://www.analogtattoo.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">analogtattoo.com</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://dillonforte.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">dillonforte.com</a>World-renowned sacred geometry tattoo artist Dillon Forte will be in San Francisco for a limited guest residency at Analog Tattoo. Known for his intricate blackwork, dotwork, mandalas, and large-scale tattooing, Dillon’s work draws from spirituality, nature, architecture, and ancient symbolism.
His celebrity clients include Chris Hemsworth, Usher, Kehlani, and members of Imagine Dragons. This residency marks a return to the Bay Area, where Dillon launched much of his early career and opened his first private studio in Oakland, giving local clients a rare opportunity to book with him while he is in San Francisco.

Local Event: Dillon Forte Residency at Analog Tattoo San Francisco

Dillon Forte Residency at Analog Tattoo San...

Artist: Dillon Forte Dates: September 25th – October 4th Location: Analog Tattoo Address: 1038 Larkin St., San Francisco,...

Dillon Forte Residency at Analog Tattoo San Francisco

Sports Basement Presidio

Join the Bay Area filmmaking community for the&nbsp;2026 Bay Area 48 Hour Film Project Premiere Screenings &amp; Awards&nbsp;at Sports Basement Presidio.
See original short films created by Bay Area filmmaking teams in just 48 hours, then stick around as we celebrate the filmmakers and announce this year's award winners.
Saturday, September 26, 2026
12:00 PM — Screening Group A
2:30 PM — Screening Group B
4:30 PM — Awards Ceremony
SCREENING TICKETS
General Admission (use code PATCH48 for a 20% discount)
• One Screening — $18
• Both Screenings — $30
Students / Seniors / Veterans
• One Screening — $14
• Both Screenings — $25
Groups of 10 or more
• One Screening — $14 per person
• Both Screenings — $25 per person
AWARDS CEREMONY
The 4:30 PM Awards Ceremony is&nbsp;free and open to the public.&nbsp;Advance registration is encouraged due to limited seating.
LOCATION
Sports Basement Presidio — Creamery Room
Physical Address:
610 Old Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94129&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbasement.com/blogs/stores/san-francisco-presidio?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Sports Basement</a>
Web Address:
<a href="https://www.sportsbasement.com/blogs/stores/san-francisco-presidio" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.sportsbasement.com/blogs/stores/san-francisco-presidio</a>
Come see what Bay Area filmmakers can create when they have only&nbsp;48 hours to write, shoot, edit, and deliver a film.

Local Event: Bay Area 48 Hour Film Project 2026 Premiere Screenings & Awards

Bay Area 48 Hour Film Project 2026 Premiere...

Join the Bay Area filmmaking community for the 2026 Bay Area 48 Hour Film Project Premiere Screenings & Awards at Sports...

Bay Area 48 Hour Film Project 2026 Premiere Screenings & Awards

Historic Downtown Petaluma, Petaluma, CA, 94952

Petaluma Fall Antique Faire 
Sunday, September 27, 2026 
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM 
Historic Downtown Petaluma
Come treasure hunting in Downtown Petaluma as more than 200 antique and vintage dealers take over the streets for one of the city’s favorite annual traditions.
Explore everything from estate jewelry, furniture, art and collectibles to vintage clothing, home décor, books, retro finds and plenty of surprises along the way.
The Faire fills Fourth and Kentucky Streets between B Street and Washington Street, along with the A Street Parking Lot and Western Avenue.
Start the morning with the Petaluma Masons’ traditional pancake breakfast at the Masonic Lodge, 9 Western Avenue, from 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM, then spend the day browsing, eating, shopping and exploring downtown.
Free admission and free parking.
Proceeds support the Petaluma Downtown Association and help fund future downtown events and programs.
For more information, visit PetalumaDowntown.com or follow the Petaluma Downtown Association on Facebook.

Local Event: Petaluma Fall Antique Faire

Sonoma County

Petaluma

Petaluma Fall Antique Faire

Petaluma Fall Antique Faire 
Sunday, September 27, 2026 
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM 
Historic Downtown Petaluma
Come treasure hunting in...

Kanbar Performing Arts Center

Discover your next leadership opportunity at this free networking event featuring twenty local SF non-profits looking for new board members. Enjoy a casual happy hour atmosphere with snacks and beverages while connecting with community-minded folks and learning how you can help incredible local organizations.

Local Event: Across the Board Across San Francisco

Across the Board Across San Francisco

Discover your next leadership opportunity at this free networking event featuring twenty local SF non-profits looking for new...

Macy's

Join Wacoal for Fit for the Cure®, a special in-person event that combines expert bra fittings with meaningful impact in the fight against breast cancer.
Receive a complimentary bra fitting. For every guest who gets fit and purchases a regular-price Wacoal or b.tempt’d bra at the event, Wacoal will donate $5 to Susan G. Komen®, supporting breast cancer research, patient services, and critical education programs.
Whether you’re overdue for a fitting, refreshing your top drawer, or simply looking for a meaningful way to give back, this is an easy way to do something good for yourself and your community.
Bring your daughters, friends, sisters, and neighbors. Make it a girls’ day with purpose!
The event runs all day; check your location for availability. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome, and the event is open to all.

Local Event: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness

Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer...

Join Wacoal for Fit for the Cure®, a special in-person event that combines expert bra fittings with meaningful impact in the...

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Posting Activity

California Symphony: SIBELIUS, HIGDON, AND BARTÓK – American Connections

SEP

26

7:30 PM

Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek, CA

California Symphony: SIBELIUS, HIGDON, AND BARTÓK – American Connections

SEP

27

4:00 PM

Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek, CA

California Symphony: FROM TCHAIKOVSKY TO COPLAND – Classical Contemporaries

NOV

7

7:30 PM

Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek, CA

California Symphony: FROM TCHAIKOVSKY TO COPLAND – Classical Contemporaries

NOV

8

4:00 PM

Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek, CA

California Symphony: HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

DEC

18

7:30 PM

Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, 1801 Lacassie Ave, Walnut Creek, CA

California Symphony: HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

DEC

19

2:00 PM

Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, 1801 Lacassie Ave, Walnut Creek, CA

Dillon Forte Residency at Analog Tattoo San Francisco

Bay Area 48 Hour Film Project 2026 Premiere Screenings & Awards

Petaluma Fall Antique Faire

Across the Board Across San Francisco

Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness

Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness