Hello Lamorinda neighbors,
Halloween fun is happening all across Lamorinda this week. Orinda kicks things off Thursday with its Trunk or Treat, Lafayette brings families downtown Friday for Trick or Treat Street, and Moraga hosts the Not So Creepy Commons with pumpkin decorating, trunk or treat, and an outdoor screening of Hocus Pocus. On Saturday, Orinda’s Farmers’ Market transforms into a festive harvest celebration, followed by Moraga’s Harvest Festival at the Farmers’ Market on Sunday.
Our spotlight this week is on Abe’s Café in Lafayette, now featuring a new solo exhibition by artist Luis Mercado.
Finally, a warm welcome to new readers from the Lamorinda Families and Lamorinda Community Facebook groups. We are glad you are here.
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📰 Digest
United Against Hate Week (Oct. 19–25) — Lamorinda stands united against hate this week as part of a Bay Area–wide movement that began in 2017. Posters and graphics are available for download, and limited printed posters can be picked up at Lafayette City offices or the Chamber.
Orinda Rotary’s 6th Annual Take-out Chicken Dinner — A beloved fundraiser supporting local and international service projects. Preorder your meal and enjoy a night off from cooking while giving back.
Future Lafayette Cancer Center — A 12,000 sq. ft. facility is in development to expand oncology services in our community. Watch the video tour of the future site.
Get Updated COVID and Flu Vaccines — Bay Area health officials encourage residents to get their fall 2025 COVID and flu shots. Updated vaccines are available now in local pharmacies and doctors’ offices, with many free or low-cost options for California residents.
🏪 Local Business Spotlight
Abe’s Café is more than just a great spot for coffee and bites. It’s also becoming a hub for local art. From October 19 through January 18, Abe’s is hosting The Geometry of Intention, a new solo exhibition by artist Luis Mercado. Stop in for a latte, support a local café, and take in a thoughtful collection of works that celebrate creativity right in the heart of Lafayette.
🎉 What’s Happening
Thursday, October 23
11:00 AM | Ribbon Cutting at Big Woof Pets (Lafayette) — Celebrate the grand opening with the community.
2:00–3:00 PM | Echoes of Yosemite: Geology Talk (SMC Museum of Art, Moraga) — Join Dr. Alice Baldridge as she ties Yosemite-inspired artworks to the region’s geology.
4:00–7:00 PM | SEED October Happy Hour & Fundraiser (Headlands Brewing, Lafayette) — A family-friendly drop-in event benefiting SEED Lafayette, with a portion of sales donated.
4:30–6:45 PM | Orinda’s Trunk and Treat (Orinda) — Halloween arrives early with a fun community trick-or-treat.
5:00–8:00 PM | Taste of the World Market (Orinda) — Sample international foods in the evening market.
6:00 PM | Canyon Club “Celebration of Beer” Cruise Info Night (Moraga) — Learn about the 2027 Rhine River beer cruise over a pint.
Friday, October 24
10:00 AM | Ribbon Cutting at Club Champion (Lafayette) — Celebrate the opening of this new golf-focused business.
4:00–6:00 PM | Trick or Treat Street (Lafayette) — Downtown turns festive for trick-or-treaters.
5:00–8:30 PM | Not So Creepy Commons (Moraga) — Family Halloween night with pumpkin decorating, trunk or treat, food trucks, and an outdoor screening of Hocus Pocus at 6:30.
6:00–9:00 PM | Haunted Hollows 2025 (Moraga) — A spooky evening experience for families.
7:00–10:00 PM | Baile Folklórico’s Dia de los Muertos Event (Soda Activity Center, Moraga) — Celebrate cultural tradition through dance.
Saturday, October 25
9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Orinda Farmers’ Market: Halloween Harvest Pumpkin Patch (Orinda) — Pumpkin picking and market goods.
10:30–11:00 AM | Fratello Marionettes presents the Spooktacular Variety Show (Lafayette) — Puppet fun for kids.
11:00 AM–3:00 PM | Witch Way to Mocktails (Lafayette) — Enjoy hands-on mocktail making with seasonal flavors and festive flair.
12:00–4:00 PM | Studio Y Pop-Up Shop (Makers Market, Lafayette) — Handmade beaded jewelry for sale.
1:00 PM | Spooktacular Concert (Moraga) — A Halloween-themed community concert by Campolindo students.
2:00 PM | Craft Your Own Pocket-Sized Halloween Scene (Moraga Library) — Make a mini Halloween diorama; supplies provided; for adults and teens 15+; drop-in.
2:00–3:00 PM | Mark Purdy, co-author of The San Francisco 49ers: An Illustrated Timeline (Orinda Books) — Author talk for sports and history fans.
2:00–3:30 PM | Art Embraces Words (Lafayette) — Writers and artists share their work.
3:00–7:00 PM | The Geometry of Intention Opening Reception (Abe’s Café, Lafayette) — Celebrate Luis Mercado’s new exhibition.
3:00–5:00 PM | Dia de los Muertos Flower Garland Workshop (Garden Nest Shop, Orinda) — Create festive garlands together.
8:00 PM | Lord Blood-Rah’s Nerve Wackin’ Theatre – Halloween Party (Orinda) — Seasonal bash with spooky merch, tarot, and a screening of The House That Dripped Blood.
Sunday, October 26
9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Moraga Farmers’ Market: Halloween Harvest Festival (Moraga) — Family-friendly harvest fun with pumpkins and activities.
4:00–5:30 PM | Barre & Sound Bath (barre925, Lafayette) — Restore body and mind.
Monday, October 27
4:00–8:00 PM | Food Truck Mondays at Canyon Club (Moraga) — Dinner from local food trucks. This week featuring Cousins Maine Lobster.
Tuesday, October 28
1:00 PM | Classic Movie Matinee: Bell, Book and Candle (Orinda Theatre) — A charming Halloween-season classic.
3:00–8:00 PM | Boards, Booze, Bites at Lafayette Public House (Lafayette) — Games, food and fun.
6:30–8:30 PM | Trivia Night at Canyon Club (Moraga) — Weekly trivia with neighbors.
Wednesday, October 29
4:00–6:00 PM | Halloween Doggy Costume Parade (Orinda) — Dress your pups and join the fun.
5:30 PM | Tudorka Tots Pumpkin Painting Open House (Moraga) — Creative family night.
6:30–8:30 PM | Trivia Wednesdays at Headlands (Lafayette) — Mid-week trivia.
7:00 PM | Essential Planning For Our Care As We Age (Moraga) — Practical workshop for families.
October 29–November 2 | Saint Mary’s Theatre Presents The Late Wedding (LeFevre Theatre, Moraga) — A multi-day theatre production.
🎶 Live Music
Thursday, October 23
6:30 PM | Brad Brophy (Fourth Bore, Orinda) — Soulful rock and blues.
7:30 PM | Jazz at the Pub! (Saint Mary’s 1928 Pub, Moraga) — Saint Mary’s College Jazz Ensemble.
Friday, October 24
5:00–8:00 PM | James Funk (Canyon Club, Moraga) — Classic rock and R&B.
6:30 PM | The Tea Leaves (Fourth Bore, Orinda) — Jam-inspired groove rock.
Saturday, October 25
6:00–8:00 PM | The Silver Bullets (Canyon Club, Moraga) — Danceable rock and soul.
6:30 PM | The Breedloves (Fourth Bore, Orinda) — Acoustic folk and Americana.
7:00 PM | Take6 (Orinda Theatre) — Grammy-winning a cappella group.
7:00 PM | Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band (Town Hall Theatre, Lafayette) — Award-winning bluegrass.
Sunday, October 26
12:00–3:00 PM | Live Acoustic Music (Barranco, Lafayette) — Midday acoustic set.
1:00–4:00 PM | Live Music Sundays (Headlands, Lafayette) — Local lineup showcase
2:00–4:00 PM | Joe Cool & Costa (Canyon Club, Moraga) — Jazz, pop, and Latin grooves.
5:00 PM | Steve Freund Blues Trio (Orinda Theatre) — Chicago-style blues.
Tuesday, October 28
5:30–7:30 PM | Christian Eck (Headlands, Lafayette) — Indie-folk originals.
🏀 Sports
Thursday, October 23
6:30 PM | Saint Mary’s Women’s Volleyball vs. Seattle (Moraga) — WCC matchup.
6:30 PM | Acalanes Girls Volleyball vs. Berean Christian (Lafayette) — Senior Night.
Friday, October 24
7:00 PM | Campolindo Girls Competitive Cheer vs. Clayton Valley (Moraga) — Cheer showcase.
7:00 PM | Campolindo Coed Varsity Football vs. Clayton Valley (Moraga) — Friday night lights.
7:00 PM | Miramonte Boys Varsity Football vs. Las Lamos (Orinda) — Homecoming game.
Saturday, October 25
1:00 PM | Saint Mary’s Men’s Soccer vs. San Diego (Moraga) — Home match.
2:00 PM | Saint Mary’s Women’s Volleyball vs. Portland (Moraga) — WCC matchup.
🏡 House of the Week
A stunning five-bedroom, four-bath home tucked into Lafayette’s sought-after Broadmoor Court. With spacious living areas, high ceilings, and a large backyard made for entertaining, this property blends comfort with elegance. Don’t miss the open house on Sunday, October 26.
Photo Credit: Realtor.com
☀️ Weather Forecast
Cooler temps roll in for the weekend with highs in the low 60s, before a warm-up on Tuesday.
Thursday, October 23 — High 69° / Low 45°
Friday, October 24 — High 68° / Low 55°
Saturday, October 25 — High 62° / Low 56°
Sunday, October 26 — High 61° / Low 54°
Monday, October 27 — High 66° / Low 53°
Tuesday, October 28 — High 70° / Low 56°
Wishing you a week filled with community spirit, local art and just the right amount of spooky fun as Halloween approaches.
Warmly,
Rajiv