Celebrate Wine, Film, and Earth Day Festivals from March to May
San Luis Obispo , CA —located just a few hours from San Francisco and Los Angeles and offering more than 30 options in accommodations for every travel style—boasts several exciting springtime wine, food, film, and Earth Day festivals that your travel-ready, cultural California readers will love.
Scan the festival dates below and click on the links to read full press releases about these events. Contact Jamie Relth at On The Horizon Communications with any questions or to discuss arranging a one-night complimentary media visit. More information about San Luis Obispo Vacations can also be found at www.sanluisobispovacations.com .
Ride with Pros and Amateurs along the Scenic Highway 1 !!
This inaugural SLO Gran Fondo enables cyclists of a wide range of abilities to join members of Team HTC-Columbia and other guest riders while supporting Alpha , a local, nonprofit agency serving families in San Luis Obispo County. This new cycling adventure replaces the popular sprintime ride "Pedal to Pier".
Riders will be challenged by some of the world's most beautiful terrain along the rugged coast of northern San Luis Obispo County. The ride offers three fully supported routes throughout San Luis Obispo County to suit the occasional rider or the seasoned competitor.
Gran Fondo: Approximately 100 miles on a challenging ride from San Luis Obispo up the beautiful northern coast along scenic Highway 1 to Piedras Blancas and back.
MedioFondo: Approximately 50 miles, the half century route follows the beautiful course from San Luis Obispo to the coastal town of Cayucos through rolling hills and beautiful beaches along scenic Highway 1.
PiccoloFondo: Approximately 20 miles along Highway 1 (considered one of the 10 most scenic drives inthe USA) through green hillsides and the Morro Bay estuary returning to San Luis Obispo.
Announcements of participants will be forthcoming.
Cyclists of all abilities will tour the diverse riding landscape that is home to Team HTC-Columbia.
About San Luis Obispo : San Luis Obispo , CA is the cultural hub of the Central Coast of California and the gateway city to the area's pristine beaches, premier wine country, breathtaking state parks and one-of-a-kind historic monuments. Over 30 options in bed & breakfast inns, economy lodging, unique hotels with regional charm and higher-end chain hotels offer accommodations for couples, families, singles, seniors as well as corporations seeking a destination for meetings.
Concerts in the Plaza
Enjoy free live music in downtwn San Luis Obispo's famous Mission Plaza. Enjoy local foods, wine, beer, and of course the music. Concerts happen every friday from 5:30pm - 7:30pm.
The premiere festival on the Central Coast, this family-style event brings together thousands of visitors and residents to enjoy activities, entertainment, arts and crafts displays. Artists such as Black Eyed Peas, Kelly Clarkson, and Carrie Underwood headline.
Every thursday night since 1983 downtown San Luis Obipso is shut down to host the world famous San Luis Obispo Farmers Market. Experience local produce, wine, and listen to great bands perform.
An Afternoon with Gourmet Food & Wine - Paso Robles
The first Friday of every month, join us in the Tasting Room. Try some of the best gourmet foods form local suppliers - pastries - olives, cheeses etc - all paired perfectly with our Limited Release wines.
Date: January 2, 2009 - December 4, 2009 Time: 12-5 PM Location: Meridian Vineyards Event Address: 7000 Highway 46 East Event City: Paso Robles Parking: Free on Site Phone: 805.226.7133 Admission: $5 Wine tasting fee includes snacks - Visit Website
Art Gallery Events 'Art After Dark'
The First Friday of every month, Art Galleries in the city of San Luis Obispo stay open late and host special events/ artist receptions. Many galleries serve wine and appetizers. NOT held in December.
Date: February 6, 2009 - November 6, 2009 Time: 5 - 9 PM Location: Art Galleries in San Luis Obispo Event Address: Varies by Gallery Event City: San Luis Obispo Parking: Free on Street Phone: 805-544-9251 Admission: Free Visit Website
Central Coast Quilt Shop Tour
Take a self-guided tour through the 12 participating quilt shops 4 - south of San Luis Obispo County and 8 in SLO county. Grand Prize for those that get their special passport stamped at all 12.
Plus each store will offer a "Quilters Dream Basket" every day as a prize. That's 12 shops, three baskets for a total of 36 Dream Baskets!
Date: June 5, 2009 - June 7, 2009 Time: 9 - 7 PM Fri & Sat, 10-5 PM Sunday Location: SLO County Event City: County Wide Parking: Free on Sites Admission: Free - Visit Website
Chumeia Vineyards Wine Ice Cream Social
Our popular ice cream socials are back this Spring and Summer.
Complimentary wine ice cream samples will be offered along with our great award-winning wines. Delicious deli items will be available to enjoy on our picnic grounds.
Enjoy Viogner ice cream this month.
Date: June 5, 2009 Time: noon-5pm Location: Chumeia Vineyards Event Address: 8831 Highway 46 East Event City: Paso Robles Parking: Free On Site Phone: 888-343-9445 Admission: Free - Visit Website
Comedy: "Under the Boardwalk"
Musical Comedy look at life under the Boardwalk. Life in the sand is hip and happening, full of singing and dancing, for the Clams and the Gulls - until a clam and a gull fall in love! Can these mortal enemies make a life together? Followed by a great vaudeville review.
See why Sunset Magazine called the Great American Melodrama "An excellent year 'round company." Be part of our 34th Season! Open Wednesday-Sunday. Beer, wine, soft drinks & snacks available. Reservations advised.
Date: April 30, 2009 - June 14, 2009 Time: Time / Dates Vary Location: Great American Melodrama & Vaudeville Event Address: 1863 Pacific (=Hwy 1) Event City: Oceano Parking: Free on Site Phone: 805-489-2499 Admission: $17 - $20 Visit Website
Concerts in the Plaza - SLO
Extremely popular Friday Concert Series by leading local bands in all popular music styles. Enjoy Summer Eves in Beautiful Mission Plaza. Jazz, country, light rock. Soft drinks, local wines and beers available. No outside alcohol allowed.
Date: June 5, 2009 - August 28, 2009 Time: 5:30 - 7:30 PM Location: Mission Plaza Event Address: Chorro St, Downtown Event City: San Luis Obispo Parking: Street & Nearby Garages Phone: 805-543-0286 Admission: Free - Visit Website
First Friday Food & Wine Pairing
Join us the first Friday of every month for a Morovino food and wine pairing event! This month, Morovino wines paired with Tapas.
Date: April 3, 2009 - April 2, 2010 Time: 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Location: Morovino Tasting Room Event Address: 550 1st Street Event City: Avila Beach Parking: Street Phone: (805) 627-1443 Admission: $12 - Visit Website
Food & Wine Pairing Event - Avila Beach
Join us for our monthly "First Friday" Food and Wine Pairing Event. This month, enjoy Farmer's Market Finds paired with Morovino Wines.
Date: June 5, 2009 - September 4, 2009 Time: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m Location: 550 1st Street Event Address: 550 1st Street Event City: Avila Beach Parking: street Phone: (805) 627-1443 Admission: $12 (refunded with wine purchase) - Visit Website
Four by Four: Four Artists, Four Views" Art Show
Over 30 award-winning, central coast artists represented. This months' featured artists are Anne Carpenter Fitzpatrick, Jack McNeal, Karen Peterson, and Randee Ward, displaying "Four by Four: Four Artists, Four Views" Art Show
Date: June 1, 2009 - June 30, 2009 Time: 10AM Daily Location: Gallery at Marina Square Event Address: 601 Embarcadero, Suite 10 Event City: Morro Bay Parking: Free on local streets Phone: 805.772.1068 Admission: Free - Visit Website
Hearst Castle (R) Garden Tour
Enjoy a special tour of the Hearst Castle (R) focusing on the gardens at their peak. Includes Neptune Pool Dressing Rooms and Wine Cellar in Casa Grande. Reservations for this "Tour 4" are essential.
Date: April 1, 2009 - October 31, 2009 Time: Vary By Day - see website Location: Hearst Castle (R) Event Address: Hwy 1 Event City: San Simeon Parking: Free on Site Phone: 800-444-4445 Visit Website
Play: "Always Patsy Cline" - Cambria
Community theatre performs the musical review.
On her way up the country charts, Patsy meets and befriends Louise, a wise-crackin' Texas gal, and one of Patsy's biggest fans. Their friendship is explored through Louise's memories and the letters she shared with Patsy through her final years. The show is filled with all of Patsy's greatest hits, backed by the “Bodacious Bobcats”, a rockin' 6-piece live band sure to have you up dancing in the aisles!
Date: May 22, 2009 - June 21, 2009 Time: Fri & Sat 7:30 PM, Sun 3 PM Location: Theatre at the Old Grammar School (TOGS) Event Address: 1350 Main Street Event City: Cambria Parking: Free on Site Phone: 805-927-4667 Admission: $20 - Visit Website
Play: Gypsy - San Luis Obispo
Join the ultimate stage mother, Mama Rose, as she manages her daughter's tour across the United States during the 1920's, when vaudeville was dying and burlesque was born. Jule Styne's music and Stephen Sondheim's lyrics include classics like “Let Me Entertain You,” “Some People,” “You'll Never Get Away from Me,” and “Everything's Coming Up Roses.” A musical you won't want to miss!
Book by Arthur Laurents
Music by Jule Styne
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Suggested by memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee
Original Production by David Merrick & Leland Hayward
Entire production originally directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins
Date: May 22, 2009 - June 21, 2009 Time: Fri/Sat at 8 pm, Sat/Sun at 2 pm Location: SLO Little Theatre Event Address: 888 Morro Street Event City: San Luis Obispo Parking: Free on nearby lot, Except Sat afternoon Phone: 805 786-2440 Admission: $ 23 - $ 25 Visit Website
Play: Love Town - Cambria
Love Town is an enchanting and very funny new play set in an idyllic and picturesque little "romantic getaway," where a newly opened gift shop becomes a haven for the impassioned and eccentric denizens of the village. One can easily imagine these offbeat characters and predicaments showing up right here on Main Street in Cambria!
Winner of the Pewter Plough Playwriting Contest: voted the best original script from the submissions throughout San Luis Obispo county.
Sunday matinees May 10, 24, 31, Jun 7, 14. Friday nights $15 all.
Date: May 2, 2009 - June 19, 2009 Time: 7:30pm; matinees 3pm selected Sundays Location: 824 Main St, Cambria Event Address: 824 Main St Event City: Cambria Parking: on street Phone: 805-927-3877 Admission: $15 - $19 Visit Website
On-Going Events
Art Center Show - San Luis Obispo
Permanent museum collection and constantly rotating exhibits of works by popular local artists in all media - paintings, sculpture, photography, prints, jewelry, woodworking and more. Check website for specific dates and exhibits. Many works are available for sale.
Date: January 2, 2009 - December 31, 2009 Time: 10:00 - 5:00 PM Location: Downtown Mission Plaza Event Address: Broad Street Event City: San Luis Obispo Parking: Charge in nearby lots Phone: 805-543-8562 Admission: Donation Requested - Visit Website
Art Gallery Show - Morro Bay
Enjoy a non-profit local collective art gallery. Exhibits change about every 6 weeks. Located in charming downtown Morro Bay. Funds art activities in area. Organization also manages the Morro Bay "Art in the Park" on Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day weekends.
Date: January 1, 2009 - December 7, 2009 Time: 12 - 4 PM Location: Morro Bay Art Association & Gallery Event Address: 835 Main Street Event City: Morro Bay Parking: Free on Street Phone: 805-772-2504 Admission: Free - Visit Website
Eco Vineyard Tour
This weekend, learn where that exceptional glass of wine starts, in the vineyard. Cerro Prieto is moving toward a sustainable green designation and winemaker/owner Larry Stanton will educate visitors by touring the Cerro Prieto vineyard.
By appointment only.
Date: June 5, 2009 - June 7, 2009 Time: 9 - 5 PM Location: Cerro Prieto Eco Vineyard Event Address: 3432 Las Tablas Willow Creek Rd. Event City: Paso Robles Parking: Free at Vineyard Phone: 805-226-8448 Admission: $20, free with wine purchase - Visit Website
Farmers Market - Cambria
Every Friday afternoon, local growers sell fresh-picked seasonal fruit, flowers. Trees and Plants. Fresh baked Italian pretzels (Taralli), biscotti, cookies, bread & more. Taste the difference ! Taste the best of the Central Coast ! Held year-round.
Date: January 2, 2009 - December 25, 2009 Time: 2:30 - 5 PM Location: Veterans Memorial Building (West Village) Event Address: West Main Street Event City: Cambria Parking: Free on Street Phone: 805-927-3624 Admission: Free Visit Website
Farmers Market - Cayucos
Every Friday morning during the summer, local growers sell fresh-picked seasonal fruit, flowers. Trees and Plants. Many organic fruits and vegetables available. Taste the difference ! Taste the best of the Central Coast ! Held Memorial Day thru Labor Day.
Date: May 8, 2009 - September 25, 2009 Time: 10 - 12:30 PM Location: Vet's Hall Paking Lot Event Address: Main Street, Downtown Event City: Cayucos Parking: Free on street Phone: 805-235-9498 Admission: Free - Visit Website
Farmers Market - Paso Robles
Every Friday morning, local growers sell fresh-picked seasonal fruit, flowers. Trees and Plants. Taste the difference ! Taste the best of the Central Coast !
Date: January 2, 2009 - December 25, 2009 Time: 9 - 12:30 PM Location: Shopping Center Parking Lot Event Address: 180 Niblick Road Event City: Paso Robles Parking: Free on Street Phone: 805-748-0512 Admission: Free
Fish & Farmers Market & Concerts - Avila Beach
Every Friday, buy fresh fish, fruit & vegetables in this beautiful small seaside town. Plus great free live music. Local restaurants offer BBQ and other delights. Great Live Entertainment. Family fun. Fantastic views of the ocean and coastline.
Date: April 3, 2009 - September 18, 2009 Time: 4 - 8 PM Location: Front Street Promenade Event Address: Avila Promenade Event City: Avila Beach Parking: Free in nearby lots Phone: 805-602-8266 Admission: Free - Visit Website
Go Ballooning - Paso Robles
Enjoy incredible views of the Wine country of Paso Robles, Atascadero, San Miguel and Templeton. Relax and get the bigger picture. The view from the balloon is incredible as you float along at 2 -3 miles per hour from an altitude of a few feet up to several thousand feet above the ground. 1-4 passengers per trip. Weather permitting. Call to Reserve.
Date: January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009 Time: Call for Details Location: Varies Event City: Paso Robles Take Offs Parking: Free On Site Phone: 805-458-1530 Admission: Call for Prices -
Go Bike Riding - County Wide
SLO County is a biker's mecca. Lots of great paved roads (many with marked bicycle shoulders), mostly light traffic, courteous drivers, mild weather and great scenery. Roads range from easy family rides to the most strenous and exhilarating. No wonder the Tour of Caifornia Bicycle Race has swept through SLO County every year since its inception.
The local SLO County Bicycle Club has an elaborate series of maps with details on popular bicycling local routes. Check them out!
Date: January 1, 2009 - December 30, 2010 Location: County Wide Admission: Free -
Go Wine Tasting - Paso Robles Wine Country
Every day, many of the wineries in northern part of the Central Coast - Atascadero, Cambria / Harmony, Paso Robles, Templeton and San Miguel - offer wine tasting. (Most wineries offer wine tasting on weekends; check in advance.) Enjoy the wide variety of wines - and the beautiful Central Coast wine country scenery - of this up and coming California Wine Country region. Go to "Maps" section of toolbar to download map of our winery members. California Wine Country at it's best.
Date: January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009 Time: 10:00 - 5:00 PM Location: North County Phone: 805-239-VINE (8463) Admission: Free - $5.00
Go Wine Tasting - San Luis Obispo Wine Country
Every day, many of the wineries in the southern part of the Central Coast - San Luis Obispo, the Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande - offer wine tasting. (Most wineries offer wine tasting on weekends; check in advance.) Enjoy the wide variety of wines - and the beautiful Central Coast wine country scenery - of this up and coming California Wine Country region. Go to "Maps" section of toolbar to download map of our winery members. California Wine Country at it's best.
Date: January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009 Time: 10:00 - 5:00 Location: South County Phone: 805-541-5868 Admission: Free - $5.00
Live music with your Dinner - Pismo Beach.
Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday night at the Pelican Point Restaurant, located on the cliffs in Pismo Beach.
Date: January 2, 2009 - December 18, 2009 Location: Pismo Beach Event Address: 2575 Price Street Event City: Pismo Beach Parking: Free on Site Phone: 805-773-0000
Lunch @ Winery - Paso Robles
The Crown Room at Eagle Castle Winery is serving lunch every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for our wine tasting patrons.
Date: January 2, 2009 - December 27, 2009 Time: 11:30am to 3:30pm Location: Eagle Castle Winery Event Address: 3090 Anderson Road Event City: Paso Robles, Ca Parking: Yes Phone: 805-227-1428 Admission: Menu -
Nightlife: Live Music - Atascadero
Enjoy live music by top local bands in the premier location for live entertainment in Atascadero. Sunday open to all ages ($5 cover). Friday & Saturday must be 21 or older. ($3 cover)
Date: January 2, 2009 - December 27, 2009 Time: Fri-Sat 9PM - 1AM, Sun 3 - 9 PM Location: Hoover's Event Address: 6900 El Camino Real Event City: Atascadero Parking: Free on Site Phone: 805-466-6900 Admission: $3 (Fri & Sat) - $5 (Sunday)
Nightlife: Live Music at Downtown Brewing Co. - SLO
Most nights, enjoy live entertainment by professional local and touring bands in one of the premier venues in downtown San Luis Obispo. Full bar available. (Formerly known as SLO Brew.)
Date: January 2, 2009 - December 31, 2009 Time: Time vary, most 9-11 PM Location: Downtown Brewing Company Event Address: 1119 Garden St. Event City: San Luis Obispo Parking: Free on Street after 6PM Phone: 805-543-2045 Admission: Varies -
Tapas at Tolosa Winery - San Luis Obispo
Come relax with wine, food and friends. Every Friday Tolosa Winery will be offering four tapas paired with four reserve wines.
Date: March 20, 2009 (No End Date) Time: 5:30-7:30pm Location: Tolosa Winery's Heritage Room Event Address: 4910 Edna Rd. Event City: San Luis Obispo Phone: 805.782.0500 Admission: $20 for Club Members - $25 General
Visit Art Galleries
Enjoy the visual arts at the many San Luis Obispo County art galleries, wineries and restaurants. Many artists have chosen to live in this beautiful area, and most galleries highlight their works. Paintings, Sculpture, Jewelry, woodworking, fabric, furniture, photography.. Go to the "Arts and Activities" section to see a list of members and their specialties. From African art to jewelry made with Zeolite, the County offers it!
Date: January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009
Visit Children's Museum - San Luis Obispo
Enjoy "Inspired Learning Thru Play." 21 indoor and outdoor activities that stimulate curiosity and discovery through play. Gift shop with fun educational toys. Closed Mondays.
Date: January 2, 2009 - December 31, 2009 Time: Tu-Fr 10-4, Sat 10-5, Sun 11-4 Location: San Luis Obispo Children's Museum Event Address: 1010 Nipomo Street Event City: San Luis Obispo Parking: Metered lots and streets nearby Phone: 805-545-5874 Admission: Free (under 2 years old) - $8
Walks in Nature: Guided Tours - Morro Bay
The Morro Bay Natural History Museum hosts an active schedule of guided walks, on topics dealing from art and astronomy to birds and fish. Most occur Tuesday-Saturday. Check schedule for full details.
Date: January 2, 2009 - December 30, 2009 Time: Times / Dates Vary Location: Morro Bay area Event City: Morro Bay Parking: Free on Site Phone: 805-772-2694 Admission: Free -
Watch Birds
Look for the amusing brown pelicans. They are usually in the county from June to March. The county, especially near Morro Bay, is one of the top bird watching sites in the USA. (Look for everthing from hummingbirds to bald eagles.)
Date: June 1, 2009 - August 31, 2009 Time: Daylight Hours Location: County Wide Phone: 800-231-0591
Watch Elephant Seals - San Simeon
Watch the subadult males return to molt. Fascinating & Fun to watch, but keep a respectful distance and keep dogs away.
Date: June 1, 2009 - June 30, 2009 Time: Daylight Hours Location: Beaches of San Simeon & Ragged Point Event Address: Beaches of San Simeon & Ragged Point Event City: San Simeon & Ragged Point Parking: Free on Hwy 1 Phone: 805-924-1628 Admission: Free
Watch Harbor Seals - Avila Beach
Every day, be amused while looking down at the harbor seals that use the lower level of Harford Pier as their favorite "hang-out". Watch as they live their life - barking, sleeping, arguing and fishing. Note: do NOT get too close, and do not feed them. Great educational fun for kids and adults! These are different than the elephant seals that "hang out" on the north coast of SLO County.
Date: January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2010 Time: Daylight Hours Location: Harford Pier Event Address: 3950 Avila Beach Drive (end of road) Event City: Avila Beach Parking: Free in Public Parking Lot dockside Phone: 805-595-5400 Admission: Free -
Watch Special Performance - Arroyo Grande
The new Clark Center for the Performing Arts offers professional entertainment. most weekends and some other days. Located in the "5 Cities" area, near Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, Oceano and Halcyon. "Where the Quality Shows!"
Date: January 2, 2009 - December 31, 2009 Location: Clark Center for the Performing Arts Event Address: 487 Fair Oaks Ave. Event City: Arroyo Grande Parking: Free On Site Phone: 805-489-9444
Watch Special Performance - San Luis Obispo
Enjoy a performance at one of the premier sites in the state. Active schedule of plays, concerts, shows, ballets, symphonies etc. by local, state, national and international performers. Wide range of events to appeal to all tastes and ages. All in beautiful buildings with great acoustics. Events held in the Christopher Cohan Center of the Performing Arts Center or the nearby Cal Poly Spanos Theatre on Cal Poly campus.
Date: January 2, 2009 - December 30, 2009 Location: Cal Poly Campus Event Address: Grand Avenue Event City: San Luis Obispo Parking: Charge in adjoining lot Phone: 805-756-2787
Whale Watching
Watch the humpback whales as they migrate past the county. Stand on the coast or take one of the whale-watching boat tours. Check the "Great Outdoor" section on the toolbar. Gray whales migrate earlier (December - March).
Date: April 1, 2009 - July 15, 2009 Time: Daylight Hours Location: Entire Coast Admission: Free -
Wine Maker Showcase - Avila Beach
EVERY Friday evening enjoy LIVE Jazz and great wines & gourmet snacks at The Gardens of Avila Restaurant. Located among the beautiful tree studded hills at the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort.
Date: January 2, 2009 - December 18, 2009 Time: 5:30 to 8:00 PM Location: Sycamore Mineral Springs/Gardens of Avila Event Address: 1215 Avila Beach Drive Event City: Avila Beach Parking: Free on Site Phone: 805-595-7365 Admission: No Cover -
Join us the first Friday of every month for a Morovino food and wine pairing event! This month, Morovino wines paired with Tapas. 
On-Going Events