The Merry Wives of Windsor perform at the San Luis Obispo Renaissance Festival.
San Luis Obispo has many great culinary, cultural and outdoor events happening this Summer. With so many events to choose from, there is something for everyone, no matter your interests.
35th Annual Central Coast Renaissance Festival – July 20 – 21; ccrenfaire.com
Slip back in time to the year 1585 of England at the Central Coast Renaissance Festival at Laguna Lake Park in San Luis Obispo. Catch a riotous stage plays, hilarious comedy acts, and authentic Elizabethan dancing, plays, falconry show, magic, and crazy buffoonery. Entertainment doesn’t stop there. Throughout the village, you’ll find legendary characters, like William Shakespeare, Sir Walter Raleigh, and many more fine Dukes, Earls, Ladies, and Lords. Costumes are welcomed but are not required. For more information, visit ccrenfaire.com.
24th Annual Concerts in the Plaza – June 14 – September 13; downtownslo.com
Summer in San Luis Obispo is not the same without the popular Concerts in the Plaza Series. Returning for the 24th summer, come enjoy an evening of live music from local bands, and sip on local beer and wine every Friday from June to September at Mission Plaza. Free and family friendly, the 2019 season kicks off Friday, June 14th and runs through September 13th. Learn more at downtownslo.com.
SLO Wine Country presents, Barrels in the Plaza – June 20; slowine.com
Kick off the summer during SLO Wine Country’s Roll Out the Barrels Weekend and experience San Luis Obispo’s finest SLO County wines and food pairings. Hang out with friends at “Barrels in The Plaza” on Thursday, June 20 at the historic Mission Plaza in Downtown SLO. This SLO City sponsored event serves local wines paired with artfully prepared treats presented by the county’s finest chefs with, of course, live music. For more information, visit slowine.com.
31st Annual Live Oak Music Festival – June 21-23; liveoakfest.org
The 31st Annual Live Oak Music Festival had moved a lot closer to San Luis Obispo in El Chorro Regional Park, behind the picturesque Morros peaks. Under the summer heat and shades, local musicians will be performing a variety of genres, including Afrobeat, soul, folk, gospel, and many more during this 3-day festival. In addition to music, the festival offers other ways to celebrate with local food, wine and beer for adults, and plenty of games and activities for kids and teens. Tickets can be purchased online at liveoakfest.org.
Seven Sisters Quilt Show – June 29- 30; sevensistersquiltshow.org
Held at the Madonna Expo Center, the Seven Sisters Quilt Show Is a multi-guild show put on the member guild around the Central Coast. Come and check out the unique quilts of complex techniques applied to various themes, such as garment pieces and abstract art. There will also be food vendors, raffles, and quilts for sale. Admissions is $10 and can be purchased online at sevensistersquiltshow.org.
Central Coast Shakespeare Festival – July 11 – August 3; centralcoastshakespeare.org
Sip some wine and enjoy Shakespeare play at Filliponi Ranch with the Central Coast Shakespeare Festival under Central Coast’s evening nights. This season, the cast has prepared Twelfth Nights and Phil Willmott’s Treasure Island! So, bring out the lawn chairs and some warm blankets for wonderful evening of performing at the ranch. Filliponi will be selling their local wine, and Beda’s Biergarten will have delicious selection available for purchase. Visit centralcoastshakespeare.org for more information and tickets.
SLO Repertory Theatre presents: Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. – July 12 – 21; slorep.org
In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home – and her fins – behind and live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he’s been seeking. Bring your kids and grandkids to enjoy this The Little Mermaid, Jr. featuring the young and talented performers of ACT! Visit slorep.org for tickets and showtimes.
Festival Mozaic Summer Music Festival – July 24 – August 4; festivalmozaic.com
Another season of Festival Mozaic Summer Music Festival returns, bringing a roster of internationally renowned visiting artists to San Luis Obispo. Festival Mozaic offers concerts of different variety, including the Chamber series, Orchestra series, UnClassical series, Notable Encounters, Midday Mini-Concerts, and a Family concert that is fun-filled and engaging for children. The 2019 featured artists come from well-known chamber ensembles and have gained prestigious awards. Learn more about the artists and select your concert at festivalmozaic.com.
40th Annual SLO Triathlon – July 28; slocity.org
Sign up for the 40th Annual SLO Triathlon and enjoy the outdoors of San Luis Obispo. Rather than making it a competition, SLO Triathlon encourages the runners to reach their personal goals over this course. Whether you’re a novice participant or a returning athlete, this short course is accommodating for everyone. The triathlon consists of a half mile pool swim, 15-mile bike ride on local roads, and a 3.1-mile run. To learn more or to register online, visit Parks and Recreations Department at slocity.org.
Cali Auto Fest – August 10; caliautofest.com
San Luis Obispo is hosting its first car show, Cali Auto Fest, at the Madonna Inn on August 10. Come out form 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for a carnival for exotic and classic cars, trucks, off roads, and bike builds. Outside of cars, there will also be some of the county’s best food trucks, catering, breweries, and wineries with live music from local DJs and bands. Cali Auto Fest will also be hosting a raffle, along with other items from the show’s sponsors, for Along Comes Hope, a non-profit that helps children fighting cancer. Tickets for the event cost $5 and can be purchased online at caliautofest.com.
And of course, don’t forget to check out San Luis Obispo’s signature ongoing events:
Farmers’ Market – Every Thursday night; 6-9 p.m.; downtownslo.com
Arts Obispo’s Art After Dark – Every first Friday; 6-9 p.m.; sloartscouncil.org
Cal Poly Sports – gopoly.com
Performing Arts Center – pacslo.org
SLO Repertory Theatre – slorep.org
