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.
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 Repertory Theatre presents, Greater Tuna – August 9-25; slorep.org
What do Arles Struvie, Thurston Wheelis, Aunt Pearl, Didi Snavely and Phineas Blye all have in common? They are all among the upstanding citizens of Tuna, Texas’s third smallest town, where the Lion’s Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. Greater Tuna, the long-running Off-Broadway hit, features two actors creating the entire population of this small Texas town in a “tour de farce” of quick-change artistry — doffing costumes and characters faster than a jack rabbit runs from a coyote. The hilarious send-up of small-town morals and mores will play on the SLO REP stage August 9-25, Wednesdays-Sundays at 7 pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm. Tickets range in price from $20-$37 and are available at www.slorep.org or by calling (805) 786-2440.
SLO Repertory Theatre presents, The Humans (Staged Reading) – August 30-31; slorep.org
Breaking with tradition, Erik Blake has brought his Pennsylvania family to celebrate Thanksgiving at his daughter’s apartment in lower Manhattan. As darkness falls outside the ramshackle pre-war duplex, eerie things start to go bump in the night and the heart and horrors of the Blake clan are exposed. Staged readings may not have the typical costumes and set of a play, but the intense drama and honesty of The Humans is sure to keep audience members immersed. This one-act play features adult language and themes. Come see this profound show about family and empathy at the SLO REP stage on August 30 – August 31, Friday at 7pm and Saturday at 2pm & 7pm. Tickets are $15 and are available at www.slorep.org or by calling (805) 786-2440.
5th Annual POPS ON! Labor Day Weekend Concert – September 1; orchestranovo.org
Michael Nowak and Orchestra Novo go Hollywood as they bring movie music to life onstage at the Alex Madonna Expo Center. The 5th Annual Pops ON! will be a splendid celebration of Michael’s rich Hollywood legacy with Orchestra Novo’s family and friends. There will be a guest conductor to lead the orchestra for a special musical piece, wide-spread picnicking, and conviviality for all who attend. Wine, spirits, and beer are available for purchase onsite from the Madonna Inn. Guests are encouraged to add some movie flare to their table with cinema-themed decor or to come dressed as their favorite film star. Individual seats are $40. Tables of 10 are $350. Sponsor tables are $1,000 and include complimentary wine, glasses, and premium placement. Secure your seat today at OrchestraNovo.org.
SLO Repertory Theatre presents, The Fantasticks – September 13 – October 12; slorep.org
“Try To Remember” a time when this romantic charmer wasn’t enchanting audiences around the world. The Fantasticks is the longest-running musical in the world and with good reason: at the heart of its breathtaking poetry and subtle theatrical sophistication is a purity and simplicity that transcends cultural barriers. A boy and girl fall in love. They stray. They return wiser and more in love. Featuring such memorable songs as “Try to Remember,” “Soon It’s Gonna Rain,” “I Can See It,” and “They Were You,” you don’t want to miss this timeless fable of love and loss that manages to be nostalgic and universal at the same time. This love story includes bawdy humor and is best suited for kids ages 10 and up. The heartwarming, classic musical will play on the SLO REP stage September 13 – October 13, Wednesdays-Saturdays at 7pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets range in price from $20-$39 and are available at www.slorep.org or by calling (805) 786-2440.
2019 Boots & Brews County Music Festival – September 28; bootsandbrews.com
The Boots & Brews County Music Festival is all about celebrating friends, cold beer and great country music! Grab your best dancing boots and head to the Madonna Inn Meadows on September 28 from 1:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Entertainers include Adam Doleac, Riley Green, High Valley, and Justin Moore. Food from local food vendors and ice-cold beer will be available for purchase. Tickets range from $50-$5,000 and are available for purchase on Eventbrite. Children 10 and under are free with an adult. Learn more at bootsandbrews.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
