Diablo Regional Arts Association and Lesher Center invite all to unwind with a cool drink and live music at Summer Sounds, a free concert series on the outside plaza of the Lesher Center. The electrifying Mic Gillette Band headlines the closing concert on Thursday July 30 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Black Diamond Brewery Beer will be available along with wine and appetizers. Please call (925) 943-7470 or click here for more information.

Journey to the ends of the Earth and glimpse behaviors, interactions and habitats of remarkable creatures rarely seen by humans in BigPicture, the annual photography exhibit, at the California Academy of Sciences. The striking images in this new exhibit collectively reveal just how amazing the natural world is and reminds us of our place in it. Opening July 31, 2015. Click here to get tickets.

Bead & Boutique Arts Show specializes in one-of-a-kind works of art, handmade beads, jewelry supplies and vintage items. Shop over 200 artisan boutiques, galleries, and merchant displays, showcasing artistic beads, handsewn clothing, jewelry and gemstones, tribal art, handmade textiles, embellishments, antiquities and collectibles. Enjoy ongoing workshops and free "make & takes" in jewelry and bead making. The event takes place at the Hilton Concord on August 7-9. Click here for more information.

We've rounded up five top NorCal  beach destinations just waiting for you to come relax, eat and play. Pack a bag, and click here for the full scoop.

This year, more than 15,000 children will be diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. The good news is that cure rates for most pediatric cancers have improved dramatically over the last 30 years; however, cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease in children. Join the V team, and make a difference, by helping us find a cure for pediatric brain cancer. 

Join Aprés Soliel Airbrush Tanning and A Touch of Grace Events for a south beach-themed party on Saturday, August 22, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. The fundraiser, which benefits AIM at Melanoma, promises poolside cabanas, cuban influenced food and drink, fashion show and more! Click here to purchase event tickets.

Visit All Natural Stone's newest East Bay location in Dublin. Featuring 30,000 square feet of the Bay Area's largest selection of fine tile, exotic stone slab, and quartz countertops. Our team of talented designers will guide you through the endless possibilities and bring your dream kitchen and bathroom to life. Visit our amazing showroom today, it's all here! Please call (925) 233-4935 or click here for directions.

A Walnut Creek couple brings a homey style and Chez Panisse sensibility to Main Street.

Every inch of Mount Diablo has an amazing view!  Enjoy those views from your bike while helping to create a national park-sized wilderness in your backyard. Save Mount Diablo Challenge is the original devilish ride up the mountain and it helps to save it too. From professionals to families, if you're a cyclist it's not to be missed! Click here to learn more.

Annual An Evening at the Bistro on Sunday, September 13 at 5 p.m. Enjoy a delightful evening filled with fine food, fine wine and fine company at Va de Vi Bistro & Wine Bar located at 1511 Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Walnut Creek. Have fun bidding on silent and live auction items while meeting Lindsay Wildlife Animal Ambassadors in Va de Vi's beautiful courtyard shaded by an ancient oak tree. Tickets are $125 each and going fast! All proceeds go to help animals and educational programs at Lindsay. Click here for more information!

Library on Main set to open; French-inspired BBQ coming to San Ramon; and "aloha" eats in Pleasanton. Click here to read the full report.