San Luis Obispo County is “foodie” heaven.
Not only do we like to raise an incredible selection of fresh food in the county of San Luis Obispo, we also enjoy the “Bounty of th County” in various food-related festivals. (Not to mention the great gourmet foods that are usually served at the many wine festivals in SLO County).
In addition to the wonderful Farmers Markets held in SLO County every day of the week, there are several enticing SLO County Food Festivals held evry month from April–October every year:
April
The Earth Day Food & Wine Festival is held in May at an historic ranch next to the small town of Santa Margarita. This charity-fundraiser Food & Wine Festival is an intimate celebration featuring earth friendy cuisine, sustainably produced wines, live entertainment and educational exhibits. Many leading local restaurants and wineries participate. Tickets do need to be ordered in advance to this wonderful event.
May
The Arroyo Grande “Strawberry Festival” is an extremely popular family event for both locals and visitors. Tens of thousands of visitors arrive every year on the Saturday & Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend. Their purpose? – To enjoy fresh local strawberries in their many delicious concoctions – with whipped cream, in smoothies, as strawberry ice cream, layered on waffles, as strawberry sundaes, with sponge cake… Along with the strawberries, there are also hundreds of vendors selling crafts, novelty items, home & garden items, clothing, BBQ, food etc. Entertainers and performers add to the busy mix.
June
The “Pinot and Paella” Food & Wine Festival is held in Templeton, usually on a Saturday in early June. Enjoy a warm afternoon in the beautiful shady park, sipping Paso Robles Pinot Noir and sampling many different interpretations of Paella, the national dish of Spain. The paella versions are created by local chefs competing for “Best of” bragging rights. This event is also a Charity Fundraiser. ** 20 Paso Pinot Noir Producers + 20 Chefs = 1 Great Time!
June
The “Taste of South Bay” Food & Wine event in held on an evening in the small town of Los Osos. People like to attend in semi-formal dress as they taste the culinary creations of more than ten different local leading restaurants and caterers. Wines from more than 10 local SLO County wineries are also included.
July
There are two separate Lavender Festivals held in mid July. The oldest is held on a Lavender Farm in Atascadero. The newest addition "Central Coast Lavender Festival" is held in the beautifu Cty Park in downtown Paso Robles.
Believe it or not, but Lavender has been used in cooking for over 2,000 years. Culinary lavender is available for purchase, and there are often cooking demonstrations on how to prepare unusual and tasty dishes with lavender. (Try the delicious Lavender-shortbread cookies!)
August
The very popular Olive Festival is held in the shady Downtown Paso Robles Park on a Saturday in August. Many local SLO County and other California olive producers offer tasty samples of their gourmet olives and olive oils. (Try the olives infused with sun-dried tomato, and the Meyer-lemon infused olive oils!) Many specialty vinegar producers are also on hand to offer samples of their creations. (Try the lavender-apricot, fig and black cherry vinegars!) Several SLO County wineries are interspersed among the food providers, for an all ’round delightful culinary treat.
September
The Morro Bay “Avocado and Margarita” Festival is the most recent addition to the local list of annual SLO County Food Festivals. Try great guacamoles as local restaurants compete for the “Best of” prize. Locals offer great avocado dishes for their own “Best of” awards. Also enjoy the delicious “Cabo Wabo” margaritas. This event is held on the charming “Embarcadero” near downtown, with its marina, many boutique shops and restaurants.
September
The Paso Robles “Taste of Downtown” is held in mid-September. Buy the book of coupons and redeem them for food and wine samples at the many wonderful downtown restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, wine tasting rooms etc. Because of the burgeoning Paso Robles Wine County, there are many destination restaurants in the downtown area. One thing for sure – You will not go away hungry!
Late September - early October
Sunset Savor the Central Coast, starting in 2010, will become one of the largest food and wine festivals in SLO County and indeed in all of California. Running from September 30 - October 3, 2010, over 8,000 people are expected to attend the marquee event in Santa Margarita on Saturday and Sunday. Dozens of related events will be held countywide. Go to our sister "Savor Central Coast" website for full details.
October
The “Pismo Beach Clam Festival” held on a weekend in mid-October. This is the oldest Food Festival in SLO County. For over 60 years, people have enjoyed great clam chowders. Unlike the original Clam Festivals, you can now taste local SLO County wines during the festival. There are also arts & crafts available from leading local artists.
Exact dates for all these Food Festivals – and many more – can be found on our Calendar.
