Best Events in San Luis Obispo County This May!
From tamales and tacos to classic cars and coastal wine walks, May is kicking off strong in San Luis Obispo County. Whether you’re a local looking for weekend plans or a visitor exploring the Central Coast, this list has something for everyone. Check out our picks for the top events happening this month! Make sure you check out our community calendar with submissions from locals if you’re looking for more events.
**EVENTS CURATED BY DATE & TIME
#1 Bike Month Kickoff (SLO County) – Month of May: May is Bike Month, and it all starts with a community ride and party at Bang the Drum Brewery. Expect group rides, pop-ups, and prizes throughout the month as SLO rolls into sustainability.
#2 Cruisin Morro Bay Car Show (Morro Bay) – May 1-3: Get ready to roll through time with one of the most iconic car shows on the Central Coast. Classic cars line the Embarcadero as locals and visitors gather to admire chrome, horsepower, and hot rods by the sea.
#3 Lumina Nights (San Luis Obispo) – May 1-3: Step into a world of light and purpose at this immersive fundraising event. Expect glowing installations, live music, and a cause worth showing up for.
#4 Tamale Festival Weekend (Atascadero) – May 2-3: The 9th Annual Tamale Festival is bringing back all the spicy, savory, and sweet goodness you love—plus a few surprises. Enjoy tamales from across California, live music, contests (yes, even a pet costume one!), and all the festive vibes in downtown Atascadero.
#5 Shabang (San Luis Obispo) – May 2-3: This beloved local music festival brings good vibes, great tunes, and art installations to the rolling hills of San Luis Obispo. A mix of indie, electronic, and jam bands make it a weekend to remember.
#6 Downtown Spring Wine Walk (Paso Robles) – Saturday, May 3 at 3p: Sip and stroll your way through downtown Paso, where up to 18 wineries offer curated pours paired with delicious bites. It’s the perfect way to taste your way through wine country in one afternoon.
#7 Museum Yard Sale Templeton) – Saturday, May 3 at 8a: Treasure hunters, this one’s for you. Score vintage finds, antiques, and quirky local goods while supporting the Templeton Historical Museum.
#8 Antique Street Faire (Cayucos) –Sunday, May 4 at 7a: An antique lover’s dream set against the backdrop of Cayucos beach. Dig for vintage treasures, collectibles, and coastal charm in every booth.
#9 Art in the Park (Shell Beach) – Sunday, May 4 at 10a: Stroll through coastal breezes and local art as Shell Beach comes alive with makers, painters, and creative vendors. It’s a laid-back Sunday vibe with stunning ocean views.
#10 Tin City: May the 4th Be with You! (Paso Robles) – Sunday, May 4 at 12p: Celebrate Star Wars Day with a special wine tasting experience at Tin City Annex. For $40, your tasting passport includes pours from Crush Vineyard, Ella’s Vineyard, Emercy Wines, and MCV Wines—each offering their own out-of-this-world flavors.
#11 AAPI SLO Festival (San Luis Obispo) Sunday, May 4 at 12: It’s BACK! Our Annual AAPI SLO Festival is here! Come support local AAPI businesses ranging from a diverse selection of AAPI delicious foods, beautiful art and jewelry, and exciting interactive performances!
#12 Sip ‘n’ Saunter (San Luis Obispo) – Sunday, May 4 at 1p: Downtown SLO’s biggest tasting event of the year is back! Sip wine, sample local bites, and explore retail shops as they transform into pop-up tasting rooms featuring the best of SLO County’s food and drink scene.
#13 Gong Fu Ceremonial Tea Meditation (Atascadero) – Thursday, May 8 at 6p: Experience the ancient Chinese ritual of Chadao in this mindful tea meditation designed to ground, center, and connect. Through intentional tea serving, seasonal reflection, and journaling, you’ll embrace the peaceful energies of spring.
#14 Spotted Whale Consignment Sale (San Luis Obispo) – May 9–10: SLO County’s largest children’s consignment event is back! Shop gently used kids’ clothes, toys, gear, and more at amazing prices—plus special presales for VIPs, new moms, and consignors.
#15 Olive & Lavender Festival (Paso Robles) – Saturday, May 10 at 10a – Stroll through the park and celebrate the best of Paso’s olive oil and lavender scene. This free festival features local farmers, fresh artisan goods, and fragrant finds perfect for spring.
#16 Sheep Shearing Shindig (San Luis Obispo) – Saturday, May 10 from 12p: It’s baaack! Watch live sheep shearing, meet Navajo-Churro sheep, and get hands-on with wool processing activities like carding, spinning, and felting. A fun and educational ag festival for the whole family.
#17 SLO Sheriff’s Rodeo (Paso Robles) – May 9-10: Get ready for a wild ride with top rodeo athletes from across the country competing in bull riding, barrel racing, and more. Enjoy the fan zone with food, drinks, music, kids’ activities, and a live country concert—all included with your $10 ticket (free for kids and law enforcement).
#18 Opening Day at the Lavender Farm (San Miguel) – Sunday, May 11 at 10a: Celebrate the start of lavender season with a peaceful day at Hambly Farms. Wander through blooming fields, meet the animals, and enjoy lavender-infused treats and handcrafted goods in a serene farm setting.
#19 Faerie Festival (San Luis Obispo) – Sunday, May 11 at 10a: Step into a magical world of crafts, storytelling, music, and fairy wings at this whimsical garden celebration. Kids can make wands, plant seeds, and create mini faerie gardens—all for free at this enchanting Mother’s Day weekend event.
💐 MOTHER’S DAY EVENTS CLICK HERE 💐
#20 Firestone Walker Beer Festival Tap Take Over (SLO County) – May 15-16: Meet the makers, sip on special brews, and enter to win the ultimate FWIBF experience. Happening at local spots across SLO County.
#21 Paso Wine Fest (Paso Robles) – May 15–18: Paso’s biggest wine weekend returns with winemaker dinners, food pairings, seminars, and a Grand Tasting featuring 100+ wineries. From Thursday’s intimate dinners to Sunday’s bubbly brunch, this four-day celebration is a must for any wine lover.
#22 1st Annual Blueberry Festival (San Luis Obispo) – Saturday, May 17 at 7a: Celebrate blueberry season with a full day of family fun at SLO Ranch Farms—think U-pick berries, pie eating contests, sack races, live music, and more. Enjoy local bites, vendor pop-ups, tractor rides, and a $500 raffle at this free community celebration.
#23 Out of the Darkness Walk (San Luis Obispo) – Saturday, May 17 at 10a – Join the community for a meaningful walk to support suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Hosted at Cal Poly, this annual event features opening activities, reflection, and a walk of hope and remembrance.
#24 Disney’s Moana Jr. (Arroyo Grande) – May 16–17: Set sail on an island adventure as students from Mesa and Judkins bring Moana Jr. to life on stage. This 60-minute musical features all your favorite songs from the film and a wave of heart, humor, and Polynesian spirit.
#25 20th Anniversary South African Winemaker Dinner (Paso Robles) – Saturday, May 17 at 6p: Toast 20 years of CASS Wines with a South African-inspired culinary experience under the stars. Enjoy a multi-course dinner paired with signature wines, as the founders share stories from their serendipitous beginnings to now.
#26 The Seasonal Muse: Tea & Art Gathering (San Luis Obispo) – Thursday, May 22 at 5:30p: Sip tea, reflect on the season, and channel your inspiration into art at this creative, meditative gathering. Explore clay, paint, or your own favorite medium in a cozy studio space designed for calm, connection, and expression.
#27 Best of the West (Santa Margarita) – May 23-25: Celebrate the heroes and history of the American West at Santa Margarita Ranch. You’ll enjoy a hands-on look at antique tractors, trains, cars, planes, and more. Set at the scenic Santa Margarita Ranch, this family-friendly event is packed with vintage charm and mechanical marvels.
#28 Taste of the Back Roads (Paso Robles) – Saturday, May 24 at 12p: Discover Paso’s hidden gems at this grand tasting event spotlighting the Back Roads Wine Trail. Sip small-batch wines, meet passionate winemakers, and enjoy a laid-back afternoon surrounded by vineyard views and boutique pours.
#29 Star Party (Santa Margarita) – Saturday, May 24 at 8p: Join local astronomy enthusiasts for a night under the stars at Santa Margarita Lake. Hosted by CCAS, this free stargazing event is perfect for anyone curious about constellations, planets, and the beauty of the night sky.
#30 Glow-ga & Glow Dance Party (Paso Robles) – Friday, May 30 at 5p: Stretch, shine, and dance it out at this glow-in-the-dark yoga and dance party for all ages! Start the evening with zen-like movement, then turn up the energy with a fun-filled glow dance party—all while supporting a great cause.
#31 CONSCIOUS-FEST (Atascadero) – Saturday, May 31 at 11a: Celebrate holistic living at the Central Coast’s only wellness and spiritual festival. Enjoy a full day of free community classes, sacred ceremonies, live music, and mindful vendors—all dedicated to nourishing the mind, body, and soul.
#32 Beer Fest & Firestone Walker Invitational (Paso Robles) – May 30-31: On May 30th join the entire community at the Brewery Block Party. On may 31st, get ready for unlimited pours from 65+ world-class breweries, local bites, live music, and rare beers you won’t find anywhere else. This is the beer lover’s dream (Festival 5/31 – SOLD OUT)
#33 San Luis Obispo Greek Festival (San Luis Obispo) – May 31–June 1: Opa! Celebrate Greek culture with a weekend of authentic cuisine, live bouzouki music, traditional dancing, and cultural exhibits. Enjoy shopping in the Greek Agora, participate in dance lessons, and savor specialty Greek cocktails.
#34 Pridefest 2025 (SLO County) – May 30-June 1: Pridefest lights up SLO County with events from Atascadero to Los Osos, ending in an epic Pridefest weekend May 30–June 1. Join the celebration at Pride in the Plaza, Trans Pride in the Park, and the Pink Pony Club Dance Party.
