The Weekender: Hansel & Gretel, Mount Diablo Hike, Harvest Carnival

As you plan for the weekend, here are some of the activities happening Thursday through Sunday in the Walnut Creek area

On Thursday evening, a benefit for the American Cancer Society will be held.

The Hairtenders Take Auction for a Cure begins at 8 p.m. at Vanessa's Bistro, 1512 Locust St.

Tickets must be purchased in advance.

On Friday morning, a workshop on how to create a sustainable income in retirement will be held.

The event begins at 11 a.m. at the Walnut Creek Library, 1644 N. Broadway.

On Friday evening, the production of Hansel & Gretel begins its run at the Lesher Center for the Performing Arts.

The showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday as well as 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday.

On Saturday morning, the 2013 Hike for Shelter will be held on Mount Diablo.

Hikers will be walking on four different routes to raise money for Shelter Inc.'s programs for the homeless.

Patch editor David Mills will be hiking the 8-mile route to raise funds.

Also on Saturday morning, a seminar on California native plants in the Diablo Valley will be held.

The discussion begins at 9:30 a.m. at The Gardens at Heather Farm on Marchbanks Drive.

Also on Saturday morning, a harvest carnival will be held at Contra Costa Christian Schools, 2721 Larkey Lane.

The event begins at 11 a.m. It includes a craft faire, games, music and an apple pie contest.