30 Fun Things To Do This October In SLO County

Fall is one of our favorite times of the year. It’s filled with pumpkin patches, pumpkin spice lattes, and Halloween events for the entire family to enjoy. If you’re local or visiting SLO County this October here is a list of the best things to do this month.

Things To Do: Halloween List | Pumpkin Patch List

This horror story spoof hilariously reconstructs the classic tale by injecting it with musical parodies, pop culture references, and witty one-liners.

The Haunt | Atascadero | Select Dates in October

See why some stories keep you up at night! 18 Rooms of not-so-pleasant Fairy Tales, Legends, and Nursery Rhymes are represented in the worst possible way.

Cambria Scarecrow Festival | Cambria & San Simeon | October 1 – 31

Come out to Cambria with the family to enjoy all the fall festivities. The event is free and fun for all ages.

Central Coast Railroad Festival | San Luis Obispo | October 1-3

The Central Coast Railroad Festival (CCRRF) is a broad-based festival that focuses on railroading of many types with an eye towards the beauty of the central coast of California.

Brookshire Farms Opening Day | San Luis Obispo | Friday, October 1 @ 12p

Come one, come all! It’s the first day of the fall festivities at Brookshire Farms! Get lost in our giant Corn Maze or bounce your hearts out in our inflatable adventure zone!

Surfing for Hope 2021 | Pismo Beach | Saturday, October 2 @ 8 am

The Tenth Annual Surfing for Hope Longboard Contest Weekend is designed to help inspire people challenged by cancer through the positive energy of surfing.

Corgtoberfest | San Luis Obispo | Saturday, October 2 @ 10a

Who doesn’t love corgis, beer and pretzels? Come celebrate the German tradition of Oktoberfest corgi style and support a good cause, Woods Humane Society!

SLO Reptile Expo | San Luis Obispo | Saturday, October 2 @ 10a

Come see incredible pets and reptiles from all over the globe; as well as pet supply vendors, educational booths, product deals, and more.

Hoyt Family Vineyard Chili Cook-off | Paso Robles | Saturday, October 2 @ 11a

Savor yummy chilies! Shop local artisans! Dance to live music! While enjoying award winning Hoyt Family Vineyards Estate Wines all amongst the vines and breathtaking views.

Open Studios Art Tour | SLO County | October 9 & 10, 16 &17

The San Luis Obispo County Open Studios Art Tour is a special time of the year where fine artists and crafters open their studios to showcase their art and share their processes.

Pioneer Day | Paso Robles | Saturday, October 9 @ 7a

Bring the entire family and enjoy viewing running antique tractors, horse-drawn wagons, marching bands, mounted equestrian groups, dancers, floats, fire engines, vintage cars and more.

Oktoberfest | San Luis Obispo | Saturday, October 9 @ 5pm

SLO County’s biggest and best Oktoberfest. A variety of food and beer vendors will be here for your Oktoberfesting pleasure. And of course real German beer, food, music, contests and games.

Tacos Around The World | Nipomo | Saturday, October 9 @ 5:30p

Enjoy a 4-course family-style dinner that highlights Captain Dana’s world travels. Each regional taco will be paired with wine & beer

Field Notes: Mighty Cap Mushrooms Tour | Paso Robles | Friday, October 15 @ 11a

EnjoySLO presents “Field Notes” – This is a series of field trips that are created to bring inspiration, joy and connection to our community. Our first field trip will be at Mighty Cap Mushrooms with owner Chris Batlle.

Harvest Wine Weekend | Paso Robles | October 15 – 17

Enjoy the incredible colors, sights, and aromas of harvest. With grape stomps, barrel tastings, live music, winemaker dinners, and vineyard tours, you’ll be sure to experience the magic of harvest.

Spooktacular | Atascadero | October 15 – 31

Check out the Russo Residence for lights, sights, and frights show every night. Extra special effects and ghouls will be on site on Halloween night!

Art in the Park | Paso Robles | October 16 – 17

Enjoy a weekend of arts and crafts. There will be 130 booths representing 145 independent artists and craft workers.

Clam Festival Cook-Off | Pismo Beach | Saturday, October 16 @ 12p

Join in this City Celebration with Live Music, an expanded Family-Fun Kid Zone, Commercial and Food Vendors, Beer & Wine Garden, Best Local Clam Chowder Contest, and more!

Tastes of the Vine | San Luis Obispo | Saturday, October 16 @ 4p

Enjoy an afternoon signature wine tasting from small local wineries, delicious hors d’oeuvres, custom cocktails, and beautiful live music. All proceeds benefit SLO Classical Academy.

The Ghouls Roll Out | San Luis Obispo | Saturday, October 16 @ 5p

Join the SLORoll for their October community roll in San Luis Obispo! Their will be a live DJ and costumes encouraged!

OktoBIERfest Dinner | Atascadero | Saturday, October 16 @ 6:30p

Join us for Pair With Dead Oak’s first annual OktoBIERfest Dinner, an intimate, five-course dinner event celebrating amazing food and beer pairings.

Gratitude Journal Club | San Luis Obispo | Sunday, October 17 @ 9a

Presented by EnjoySLO & The Rooted Yogi – Join our FREE community gratitude journaling circle. It happens in Downtown SLO at the beautiful Dallidet Adobe Gardens on Sunday, October 17th. This month we are excited to have Jamie Nicole of Harmonic Holistics with us. Experience meditation, connection, and community.

Oaktoberfest at Kindred Oak Farm | Paso Robles | Sunday, October 17 @ 4p – ***CANCELLED

Visit Kindred Oak Farm and be ready to eat, drink, and dance the night away at their first ever Oak-toberfest!

“The Bride & Frank” Date night Painting | Paso Robles | October 20

Join the artists of ARTSOCIAL805 at the Paso Market Walk in Paso Robles as we sit in the loft, sip wine and the paint the Monster and The Bride painting.

Hauntings on the Rancho | Nipomo | October 22-24

Don’t let your fear consume you! Step into over an hour of frightening adventures at Dana Adobe.

Golden Oak Honey & Pumpkin Festival | Paso Robles | Saturday, October 23 @ 10a

Bring your entire family to city park for the free Annual Golden Oak Honey & Pumpkin Festival & Kids’ Trading Post! Featuring antiques, collectibles, arts, crafts, food, children’s activities, kids trading post, a spelling bee, beekeeping seminars and more!

Central Coast Craft Beer Festival | Atascadero | Saturday, October 23 @ 12p

It’s time for the third annual Central Coast Craft Beer Fest, presented by the Central Coast Brewers Guild. Enjoy samples from over 50+ local craft breweries, wineries and cideries from Monterey through Ventura counties!

Butterfly Ball: Monarch Masquerade | San Luis Obispo | Saturday, October 23 @ 3p

This year’s Butterfly Ball, the Monarch Masquerade will feature mixology, a silent auction, performances by the Civic Ballet and other special guests, a guided art experience, delectable dining, informative speakers, and dancing. Most importantly, funds from this event will support the preservation of the Western Monarch butterfly, an iconic and beloved species on the brink of extinction that overwinters in our local State Parks.

Zoo Boo at Charles Paddock Zoo | Atascadero | Saturday, October 23 @ 5p

Get your best costume ready and bring the entire family out to a not-too-scary evening at Zoo Boo! You can expect Halloween decorations throughout the Zoo along with Carnival games, a costume contest, Halloween activities, a Haunted House and tricks & treats to enjoy!

La Lomita Ranch Wine Country Dinner in the Barn | San Luis Obispo | Wednesday, October 27 @ 5:30p

Enjoy La Lomita Wines paired with a five course wine country dinner prepared by Chef Spencer Johnston of Danior Kitchen Catering with friends in the Equestrian Barn.

Halloween Festivities at Downtown SLO | San Luis Obispo | Thursday, October 28 @ 5p

Kick-off the Halloween weekend with us and bring the kids to The Market for a fun-filled evening! There will be a Trick-or-Treat Trail, Costume Contest, and Scary-Oke!

Trunk or Treat & Halloween Bash | Nipomo | Friday, October 29 @ 6p

Enjoy a family friendly Halloween at Dana Adobe Bring there will be a costume march, trunk or treat, & family friendly movie night.

The Castle Costume Ball | Paso Robles | Friday, October 29 @ 7p

Tooth & Nail Winery’s epic Costume Ball is back and we’re ready for all you witches and warlocks to STORM THE CASTLE. Come dressed in your Halloween best to be entered into the castle costume contest.

2021 Halloween Carnival & Maze | Arroyo Grande | Saturday, October 30 @ 4:30p

Enjoy this year’s Halloween Carnival & Maze! There will have carnival booths, Haunted Maze, costume contest, prizes, DJ and so much fun! Bring your carved pumpkin for the pumpkin-carving contest!

BOOS AND BREWS | Paso Robles | Saturday, October 30 @ 10p

Have some Halloween fun! Pour House will be hosting their annual costume contest with $100 gift cards awarded to the best individual and couples costumes. They will also have raffle prizes, drink specials, and best of all, an amazing local band to have you dancing the night away- DV8!

Camp Ocean Pines Harvest Festival | Cambria | Sunday October 31 @ 1p

Join Camp Ocean Pines for an afternoon of fall fun! Free activities include face painting, a pumpkin patch, archery, caramel apple decorating, hayrides, meet-n-greets with Camp’s animal ambassadors, and axe throwing.

Trick or Treat Downtown | Atascadero | Sunday, October 31 @ 3p

Join in on the Halloween fun at this safe, family-friendly event! People and pets of all ages are welcome to come and enjoy family, children, and pet costume contests, hay maze, and of course, Trick or Treating!