San Luis Obispo County Activity Calendar: Complete San Luis Obispo Activities

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San Luis Obispo offers many special activities adding even more fun to your visit - or even make it the purpose of your trip.

There's always a fun event going on in San Luis Obispo County - Wine Festivals - Winery Events - Farmers Markets - Food Festivals - Plays - Summer Concerts - Art Fairs - Nature Watching - Family Events - Car Shows - Holiday Activities - Nightlife. Listed below are just some of the fun events that are being enjoyed TODAY.

Use the "Search by Date" calculator in this comprehensive community calendar and discover the many great special activities happening during your visit.

* San Luis Obispo County VCB is not responsible for event changes, cancellations, etc.

Click Here for a PDF of "This Week in SLO County" for May 9 - 15, 2008.

Click Here for a PDF of "2008 Events throughout SLO County"

Events for May 09, 2008

Special Events

Abstract Art and Firestone Wine Open House

Pink Honda and Organic Abstractions Open House.
Enjoy Firestone Vineyard wine while viewing this amazing show and meet the artists.

Date: May 9, 2008
Time: 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Location: CorkStop Studios
Event Address: 1250 Judith Lane
Event City: Arroyo Grande
Phone: 805-550-6399
Admission: free -
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Artist Reception - Gallery at Marina Square

Enjoy a kick-off reception for our featured Central Coast artist for the month, with lots of new works created just for the show. We are one of the best and largest galleries in the county, and located right on the waterfront. Wine and hors d'oeuvres served. (Usually held 2nd Friday of month.)

Date: January 11, 2008 - December 12, 2008
Time: 5 - 8 PM
Location: Gallery at Marina Square
Event Address: 600 Embarcadero, Ste. 10
Event City: Morro Bay
Parking: Free on Street
Phone: 805-772-1068
Admission: Free -
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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.

Date: May 9, 2008 - May 10, 2008
Time: 10am-5pm
Location: Chumeia Vineyards
Event Address: 8331 Highway 46 East
Event City: Paso Robles
Parking: Free at winery
Phone: 888-343-9445
Admission: complimentary -
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Comedy: "Muskie Love"

Musical comedy adaptation of Shakespeare's "Much Ado about Nothing" - about rival fishing guides in... Green Bay Wisconsin! Followed by a great vaudeville review.

See why Sunset Magazine called the Great American Melodrama "An excellent year 'round company." Be part of our 33rd Season! Open Wednesday-Sunday. Beer, wine, soft drinks & snacks available. Reservations advised.

Date: April 24, 2008 - June 8, 2008
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: $16 - $20
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Hearst Castle (R) Evening Tours

Enjoy a special Evening Tour of Hearst Castle (R). Features docents in 1930's period dress. Visits highlights of tours 1,2 4. Available only Friday and Saturday nights in Spring and Fall. Tours last about 130 minutes. Reservations essential. (No evening tours May 24 & 25)

Date: March 1, 2008 - May 30, 2008
Time: 5 - 7:30 PM (approx.)
Location: Hearst Castle (R)
Event Address: Hwy 1
Event City: San Simeon
Parking: Free on Site
Phone: 800-444-4445
Admission: $30 -
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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, 2008 - October 31, 2008
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
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Play: Independence - Cambria

Lee Blessing's story deals with four women — a mother and her three grown daughters — each struggling for independence from each other, yet trying to balance that with their need for family love and comfort.

The play features Anita Schwaber as Evelyn, the mother; T.C. Wits as Kess, the oldest daughter who returns to the family fold against her will; Jennifer Jane as Jo, the "reliable" middle sister; Alexandra Ruttschow as the rebelious youngest child.

Matinees 3pm Sunday on May 4, 11, 18.

Date: April 11, 2008 - May 16, 2008
Time: Fri-Sat 7:30pm; Selected Sundays at 3pm
Location: Pewter Plough Playhouse
Event Address: 824 Main St
Event City: Cambria
Parking: on street
Phone: 805-927-3877
Admission: $16 - $19
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SLO Youth Symphony Finale

The young and talented members of the San Luis Obispo Youth Symphony bid farewell with a stirring concert at the Christopher Cohan Center.

Date: May 9, 2008
Time: 7 pm
Location: Christopher Cohan Center
Event Address: 1 Grand Ave.
Event City: San Luis Obispo
Parking: $6 on site
Phone: (888) 233-2787
Admission: $5 Children - $15 Adults
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SLOfolks presents Eric Taylor

"If there’s anything better than Nanci Griffith or Lyle Lovett singing an Eric Taylor tune, It’s Taylor singing it himself...he’s one of those songwriters that has the ability to plop you down in the middle of a story or a situation and make you care that you’re there."
Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Date: May 9, 2008
Time: 7 pm
Location: Coalesce Bookstore
Event Address: 845 Main Street
Event City: Morro Bay
Parking: on street
Phone: 805-772-2880
Admission: $15 - $!5
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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: March 1, 2008 - 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 -
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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: March 8, 2008 - 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 -
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Battle-of-the-Bands - Atascadero

Popular local contest - two local bands play for one hour each, and then customers vote for the best.

Date: April 11, 2008 - May 9, 2008
Time: 9pm
Location: Hoover's
Event Address: 6900 El Camino Real
Event City: Atascadero
Parking: Free on Site
Phone: 805-466-6900
Admission: $3 -
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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 !

Date: January 4, 2008 - December 26, 2008
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
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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 !

Date: May 9, 2008 - September 26, 2008
Time: 9:30 - 12:30
Location: Vet's Hall Paking Lot
Event Address: Main Street, Downtown
Event City: Cayucos
Parking: Free on street
Phone: 805-995-1200
Admission: Free -
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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 4, 2008 - December 26, 2008
Time: 9 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Shopping Center Parking Lot
Event Address: 180 Niblick Road
Event City: Paso Robles
Parking: Free on Street
Phone: 805-237-9254 / 805-237-0345
Admission: Free

Fish & Farmers Market - Avila Beach

Every Friday, buy fresh fish, fruit & vegetables in this beautiful small seaside town. Local restaurants offer BBQ and other delights. Great Live Entertainment. Family fun. Fantastic views of the ocean and coastline.

Date: April 4, 2008 - September 12, 2008
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 -
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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, 2008 - December 31, 2008
Time: Call for Details
Location: Varies
Event City: Paso Robles Take Offs
Parking: Free On Site
Phone: 805-458-1530
Admission: Call for Prices -
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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, 2008 - December 31, 2008
Time: 10:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: North County
Phone: 805-239-VINE (8463)
Admission: Free - $5.00
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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, 2008 - December 31, 2008
Time: 10:00 - 5:00
Location: South County
Phone: 805-541-5868
Admission: Free - $5.00
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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 4, 2008 - December 27, 2008
Location: Pismo Beach
Event Address: 2575 Price Street
Event City: Pismo Beach
Parking: Free on Site
Phone: 805-773-0000
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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, 2008 - December 31, 2008
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 -
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Spring Food Drive at Donati Family Vineyard

Bring in any non-perishable food item to the Winery in Templeton and enjoy a complimentary wine tasting.

The property boasts award-winning, hand-crafted wines, an extensive selection of artisan cheese and snacks, picnic facilities, and full size bocce courts.

Enjoy an afternoon in wine country while helping a truly worthy cause.

Date: April 1, 2008 - May 31, 2008
Time: Daily 10am-5pm
Location: Donati Family Vineyard Winery and Hospitality Center
Event Address: Intersection of Hwy 46 West and Vineyard Dr.
Event City: Templeton
Parking: Free
Phone: 805-238-0676
Admission: food donation -
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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, 2008 - December 31, 2008
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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, 2008 - December 27, 2008
Time: Times / Dates Vary
Location: Morro Bay area
Event City: Morro Bay
Parking: Free on Site
Phone: 805-772-2694
Admission: Free -
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Watch Birds

The migratory birds are gone, leaving the year round inhabitants to themselves, including the stunning blue heron. The county, especially near Morro Bay, is one of the top bird watching sites in the USA. (Look for everything from hummingbirds to bald eagles.)

Date: April 1, 2008 - May 31, 2008
Time: Daylight Hours
Location: County Wide
Phone: 800-231-0592
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Watch Elephant Seals

Watch the females and juveniles return to molt. Fascinating & Fun to watch, but keep a respectful distance and keep dogs away.

Date: April 1, 2008 - May 31, 2008
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
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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 12, 2008 - December 31, 2008
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
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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 12, 2008 - December 30, 2008
Location: Cal Poly Campus
Event Address: Grand Avenue
Event City: San Luis Obispo
Parking: Charge in adjoining lot
Phone: 805-756-2787
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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, 2008 - July 15, 2008
Time: Daylight Hours
Location: Entire Coast
Admission: Free -
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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 4, 2008 - December 26, 2008
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 -
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