 Lamorinda’s biggest initial draw is the family-friendly reputation from the school system that has been carefully cultivated over the years to nurture kids; protect property values and enhance the community. After that, families know that they will have some room to roam, parks to explore and a community culture that isn’t as easy to find in more urban environments. The overarching draw is the forever home and a place to raise kids (for a huge percentage of the people migrating in). A natural extension of this child-forward attitude is many, many family friendly events to choose from. Annual attractions abound and the holidays are no exception. Easter In LamorindaNobody does the holidays like Lamorinda, and all the big ones are covered. Easter Egg hunts in spring are sponsored by various municipality and private groups all over town. As school begins to let out in June, the pools have their welcome bbq’s for their member families and then Fourth of July rolls around. July 4th In LamorindaJuly 4th is taken seriously by all but, Orinda takes the cake. A charming old town puts on a charming parade that will make any adult yearn for their youth. It’s safe to say that many, many families choose to gravitate towards Orinda for the national holiday. There are many events held that day for all ages starting with the annual Pancake Breakfast, flag raising ceremony, fun run and parade, all culminating in live music, food, games and booths in the park. People will slowly dissipate to BBQs and then lazily pack up the car or load up bags to head to their favorite fireworks spots. Some families have secret routes to avoid the traffic and others want to be in the middle of it all. Moraga Commons is jammed with families spread out on blankets - but a sweet spot can be the football field at Miramonte high school where the blankets are fewer and farther between and the families tend to know appreciate the more intimate environment. Moraga takes center stage with responsibility for the local fireworks show...Music and plays until the sun sets and a the show begins. Events Throughout LamorindaWithin Lamorinda, each of the three towns also has events throughout the year, big and small with each town being known for its own unique celebrations. The best ones are clustered just after summer (to make sure everyone is back from travel!). The weather is great, the sun is in full force and there’s just so much fun to be had! Considered by many to be the Bay Area’s favorite end of the Summer party, Lafayette’s Annual Art and Wine Festival takes place on the third weekend in September. The festival includes music, fare from Lafayette’s Restaurant Row, wine and beer offerings and original arts and crafts of course. Moraga is known for its Pear and Wine Festival, an annual family friendly event typically held the end of September in Moraga Commons. The festival celebrates Moraga’s pear history and its growing vineyards with activities including a pear eating contest, a pear recipe contest, grape stomping, wine tasting, and visiting the booths of local artists and those of community and business vendors. In 2005, the Orinda Classic Car Show was started by two Orinda residents as a way to bring together the local classic car community and to raise money for local charities. Also typically held in September, the Orinda Car Show is free to attend and admission allows thousands to enjoy over 200 American & European cars ranging from the 1920’s, to the classics of the 50’s and 60’s, as well as modern exotics. Halloween In LamorindaWhen fall rolls in and the Halloween decorations start going up, you know summer is over. All three towns also hold daytime trick or treating events for Halloween that are particularly good for younger kids that go to bed on the earlier side or for those parents not wanting to navigate the neighborhoods at night when sidewalks and street lights are scarce. For kids who do want to trick or treat, NextDoor’s treat map is invaluable for seeing where to get the biggest bang for your walking buck. Too much to detail here, much more can be found about local halloween happenings online! Christmas In LamorindaChristmas is for artisans, young and old. Between the Hacienda Holiday Faire (Hacienda De Las Flores in Moraga) and the Winter Pop-Up Shop hosted by ‘Girls Crushing It’ which features handmade products by girls from ages 6 and up....shopping to support locals is always a fulfilling afternoon. Lafayette Park (downtown at the intersection of Mount Diablo and Moraga Road) comes to life with a menorah lighting, a Christmas tree lighting and a really fun, and I mean “really fun”…’community sing-along’ for carols with the fam. This is just the tip of the iceberg - there’s so much more - but, please know that you are stepping into a vibrant community with year-long holiday spirit.
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