LGBTQ+ Concord
As home to the East Bay’s Rainbow Community Center and annual Concord Pride Festival, Concord has long been an LGBTQ+ inclusive and welcoming community.
From our charming, historic downtown plaza, the Taco Trail and a buzzworthy local food scene, to outdoor breweries, shopping, live music and plenty of wide, open spaces, Concord offers endless adventure.
1. EAT HEARTY
Savor a leisurely brunch at Canasta Kitchen. This modern Mexican café just off the Plaza boasts authentic, tempting comfort foods like huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, dulce de leche pancakes, and Mexican eggs benedict.
2. TODOS SANTOS PLAZA
Charming, historic Todos Santos Plaza is a must-do when in Concord. While you’re there, check out the iconic clock tower and life-size statue of the city’s founds, Don Salvio Pacheco. The square is also home to a variety of great restaurants and tap houses, as well as Concord’s popular Farmers Market, held every Tuesday year-round, and Thursdays during the summer months.
3. SCENIC TRAILS
If you’re feeling adventurous, take a hike at Mt. Diablo State Park's popular Rock City trails where you can climb some boulders and enjoy the panoramic views. If you’d rather bike, take a cruise along the Contra Costa Canal Trail. This paved, mostly flat, multi-use trail winds along the canal’s edge through Concord, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, and Martinez.
4. TASTY TRAILS
You may have heard about Concord’s Taco Trail and now is the time to get acquainted. Grab the official map and check out some of the authentic stops at the heart of the Trail. We suggest Los Portales Taqueria, Tortellaria El Molino, Taqueria Los Dos Gallos or Mercado Del Sol. With nearly 40 restaurants and taquerias, you won’t be able to do them all in one day, so plan to come back often and try them all!
5. THE VERANDA
The Veranda Shopping Center offers great retail stores, restaurants and entertainment venues in a beautiful, relaxed outdoor setting. Great dining options abound at The Veranda including Puesto for stylish Mexican, or next-level seafood at EMC Seafood & Raw Bar. After dinner, finish the night off right at the Veranda Luxe Cinema and enjoy a kicked back movies experience in their super plush, reclining seats.
6. NIGHT LIFE
Indulge in some nightlife at Club 1220, a popular LGBTQ club in nearby Walnut Creek. If you’d rather hang in Concord, try Molli or Vinnie's Bar & Grill, all located in or near Todos Santos plaza. Enjoy Molli's live DJs and dancing, while Vinnie’s goes old school with pool, darts and live music.
7. TREASURE HUNTING
With every room inside one of Concord’s historic homes filled to the brim with antiques, art, jewelry, collectibles and oddities, Buy the Way Artiques encourages all to “indulge your inner treasure hunter,” and it’s not hard to do here. Thrifters will love milling through two of Concord’s best-loved thrifting venues: the ARF Thrift Store and the Hospice Thrift Shoppe.
8. BEER TRAIL
If you’ve always wanted to sample the wares at Concord’s popular, female-owned Epidemic Ales brewery, make the drive across town - you won’t be disappointed. If you’re on a roll, check out more local favorites: Concord Tap House on Clayton Rd, and The Hop Grenade in Todos Santos Plaza.
9. LIVE MUSIC
As home to the Concord Jazz Festival since 1969 and the Concord Pavilion since 1975, Concord has long been a center for live music. Fans flock to Todos Santos Plaza for Music and Market every Thursday night at the Farmers Market during the summer months. The series features an eclectic mix of local bands from all over the Bay Area, plus Tuesday Blues nights in July.
10. WESTWIND DRIVE-IN
For some nostalgic fun, hop in the car and head over to the Westwind Drive-In, one of the few remaining drive-in theaters in Northern California. Make a full night of it with double-feature movies and snack bar treats!
Related Information:
Rainbow Community Center of Contra Costa County