Happy October! This month is filled with pumpkin patches, pumkin spice, spooks and fun in SLO County. Here are our top picks of the month for you to ENJOY! Make sure you check out our event calendar for more events happening in the area. Happy fall 🍂
*FEATURED*
SLO Pickle Festival 🥒
October 5th – Get Ready for a Dill-icious Time at the SLO Pickle Festival! – Join the pickle-perfect fun on October 5th at Laguna Lake Park, where you can savor pickle vendors, creative pickle-inspired bites, and live music by the Vintage Renegades. Don’t miss the excitement of the SLO Best Pickle Bites contest! All proceeds benefit Meals That Connect – Senior Nutrition Program of SLO County, making this a fun event with a great cause. Get your TICKETS today!
*** SLO County Events October 2024 ***
Ordered by Date & Time
HAUNTED HOUSES LISTÂ | PUMPKIN PATCH LOCATIONS | PUMKIN SPICE LIST
#1 Cambria Scarecrow Festival (Cambria) – October 1 to 31 – Experience the magic of the Cambria Scarecrow Festival, where hundreds of creative and whimsical scarecrows take over the streets of Cambria and San Simeon. Wander through these seaside villages and enjoy the fun, festive displays that will be up through October 31st!
#2 Three Speckled Hens Vintage Market & Antique Show (Paso Robles) – October 4 to 5 – Don’t miss the Three Speckled Hens Vintage Market & Antique Show at the Paso Robles Event Center! With over 75 vendors, this biannual event is perfect for treasure hunters seeking unique antique and vintage finds. Enjoy delicious bites from the Coop Cafe and local food trucks, or sip on a Bloody Mary or glass of wine as you shop. Plus, free re-entry makes it easy to come back for more!
#3 Central Coast Railroad Festival (San Luis Obispo) – October 4 to 6 – All aboard for the Central Coast Railroad Festival! This unique event celebrates railroading with a mix of historical, educational, and recreational activities. Whether you’re a dedicated rail fan or just curious, the festival offers something for everyone, highlighting the beauty of California’s Central Coast.
#4 The Haunt | Dr. Frankenstein’s Monsters (Atascadero) – Dates Vary – This Halloween, step into the eerie world of Dr. Frankenstein’s hidden laboratory, where his lesser-known but equally terrifying creations await. Venture through the shadowy halls and encounter grotesque masterpieces that have been long forgotten. Dare to face the horrors lurking within, if you can handle the fright!
#5 Nightmare From Main St – Haunted House (Atascadero) – Dates Vary – Get ready for chills and thrills at the scariest Haunted House on the Central Coast! Featuring Michael Meyers, Haunting Clowns, and the spine-tingling Vortex of Doom, this volunteer-run haunted attraction is sure to give you nightmares. Proceeds benefit the local community, making it a frightful night for a great cause!
#6 Atascadero Colony Days (Atascadero) – October 5 – Join the community in celebrating Atascadero Colony Days, marking its 51st event and 50th parade this year! Held on the first Saturday of October, this annual tradition brings the town together with a festive parade and family-friendly fun.
#7 SLO Pickle Festival (San Luis Obispo) – October 5 – Get ready for some pickle-perfect fun at the SLO Pickle Festival on October 5th at Laguna Lake Park! Enjoy pickle vendors, pickle-inspired bites, live music by Vintage Renegades, and the exciting SLO Best Pickle Bites contest. This event will benefit Meals That Connect – Senior Nutrition Program of SLO County.
#8 SLO Oktoberfest (San Luis Obispo) – October 5 – Get ready to raise your stein at the annual SLO Oktoberfest, the biggest and best in SLO County! Enjoy authentic German beer, delicious food, live music from the Hazelnuss Oktoberfest Band, and fun contests hosted by DJ Flashback. With plenty of vendors offering tasty German bites and pretzels, this event guarantees a great time for all. Prost!
#9 Morro Bay Maritime Festival (Morro Bay) – October 9 to 11 – Set sail for five days of exciting maritime events in Morro Bay! The festivities kick off Wednesday with the Embarcadero After-Dark Chamber Mixer, featuring a sunset welcome. Thursday’s “Rock the Harborfront” benefit event supports the Morro Bay Maritime Museum with live music, dancing, and a silent auction. Friday brings a free concert with the Zongo All-Stars at Tidelands Park, while Saturday is packed with family fun at the Morro Bay Maritime Museum and an evening showing of the pirate classic Treasure Island at the Bay Theater. Wrap up the weekend on Sunday by cheering on young sailors at the Chris Lockwood Regatta!
#10 Empty Bowls (Arroyo Grande) – October 10 – Join us for the Thirteenth Annual Empty Bowls, an event that supports families facing homelessness. Choose a beautifully hand-crafted bowl, enjoy delicious soups from local restaurants, and interact with community celebrity servers. Your ticket includes unlimited soup and a unique bowl to take home, with all proceeds benefiting those in need. Don’t miss out on this heartwarming community event!
#11 Rock The Waterfront (Morro Bay) – October 11 – Enjoy a memorable evening at the Morro Bay Yacht Club for “Rock the Waterfront”! Enjoy live music by the Spanky Paul Band, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and cocktails, all while taking in stunning waterfront views. Don’t miss the silent auction benefiting the Morro Bay Maritime Museum—it’s the perfect night to relax, mingle, and support a great cause!
#12 Pismo Beach Pier Centennial Event (Pismo Beach) – October 11 – Celebrate 100 years of the Pismo Beach Pier at the Pier Centennial Event! This free community celebration invites residents and visitors to explore the history of the iconic pier, with each section representing a different era. Enjoy live music, delicious food, and insights from local historians, businesses, and organizations as we honor the heart of Pismo Beach!
#13 29th Annual Holiday Boutique (San Luis Obispo) – October 11 to 13 – Don’t miss one of the largest holiday boutiques on California’s Central Coast, hosted at San Luis Obispo’s Elks Lodge! Enjoy three full days of shopping for unique holiday gifts and treasures. Best of all, this festive event is free to the public—come and get in the holiday spirit!
#14 26th Annual Open Studios Art Tour (SLO County) – October 12 to 13 & 19 to 20 – The San Luis Obispo County Open Studios Art Tour, hosted by the SLO County Arts Council, invites art lovers to explore local creativity during National Arts and Humanities Month. Over two weekends in October, 152 fine artists and crafters will open their studios to the public, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their art and creative processes. This self-guided tour is free to attend, and visitors can use the event catalog to plan their artistic adventure!
#15 Pioneer Day (Paso Robles) – October 12 – Pioneer Day is a must-see tradition in downtown Paso Robles! You’ll se their annual parade with a vibrant display of antique tractors, horse-drawn wagons, marching bands, dancers, vintage cars, and more. This family-friendly event is free for all to enjoy, so gather your loved ones and experience the excitement!
#16 Avila Beach Children’s Business Fair (Avila Beach) – October 12 – The 4th Annual Kids’ Startup Marketplace is coming to downtown Avila Beach! 80 young entrepreneurs will showcase their creativity as they launch their own businesses. Held in the Garden area of the Avila Beach Community Center, this free event invites the public to support the kids as they develop brands, create products, and build marketing strategies. Hosted by the McKiernan family with support from community sponsors, all proceeds stay with the kids, empowering the next generation of principled entrepreneurs.
#17 5th Annual Butterfly Ball (San Luis Obispo) – October 12 – Enjoy an unforgettable evening at the Crystals and Chrysalises Gala, featuring live music, dancing, a silent auction, and an awards ceremony. There will be great food and drinks while supporting a vital cause—the restoration of the western monarch butterflies’ habitat at the Pismo Beach Monarch Grove. All proceeds will go towards protecting monarchs and wildlife on the Central Coast, with a focus on education and conservation efforts.
#18 An Evening with Yotam Ottolenghi (San Luis Obispo) – October 12 – Spend a delicious evening with Yotam Ottolenghi as he talks about his new book, COMFORT, in this fun and participatory event. Live on stage, Yotam will take the audience through COMFORT in conversation with Edible San Luis Obispo Managing Editor Aja Goare.
#19 Flogging Molly (Paso Robles) – October 12 – Flogging Molly is hitting the road again with a Fall US tour, fresh off the success of their Shamrock Rebellion Festival! Joined by special guests The Rumjacks, the tour kicks off on September 24 and includes a stop at the iconic Vina Robles Amphitheatre on Saturday, October 12. Don’t miss this chance to experience their high-energy show before they wrap up at the Aftershock Festival in Sacramento
#20 78th Annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival (Pismo Beach) – October 18 to 19 – A beloved tradition since 1946, the annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival welcomes families and visitors for three days of fun along the Pacific coast. This free event kicks off with the Clam Festival Parade on Saturday at 10am along Price Street. Enjoy live music, local vendors, food trucks, and a free Kids Zone with bounce houses and inflatables. Don’t miss the popular Clam Chowder Cook-Off, where local restaurants compete for the title of Best Local Clam Chowder.
#21 SLO Reptile Expo (San Luis Obispo) – October 19 to 20 – The SLO Reptile Expo is an exciting, one-of-a-kind event perfect for reptile enthusiasts and curious visitors alike! Discover a wide array of reptiles and oddities, and take part in a Vivarium Building Workshop. Dozens of pet supply vendors will offer discounted products, while educational booths provide fascinating reptile knowledge. Experts and manufacturers will be on hand to answer all your reptile-related questions.
#22 Templeton FFA Tractor Pull (Templeton) – October 19 – Join the Templeton FFA for an exciting Tractor Pull event, showcasing the strength and skills of young agriculturalists. FFA fosters leadership, growth, and agricultural literacy, playing a vital role in the community. Don’t miss this fun celebration of farming traditions!
#23 Hogwarts Feast (Atascadero) – October 19 – Harry Potter fans won’t want to miss this enchanting evening featuring a special themed menu paired with MCV wines. Limited tickets are available, so don’t wait to secure your spot! Enjoy delicious dishes like Ravenclaw Scotch Egg, Slytherin Salmon, Gryffindor Lamb, and Hufflepuff Treacle Tart, each perfectly paired with MCV’s exceptional wines. Grab your tickets before they disappear!
#24 5th Annual Stories Matter (San Luis Obispo) – October 19 – In partnership with The Reboot – Storytelling ReImagined, R.A.C.E. Matters presents a captivating live storytelling showcase featuring local voices, with a special appearance by Diane Amos, famously known as The PineSol Lady! This year’s theme, SPACE, will explore true stories of familiar and foreign worlds, tight spots, and endless possibilities. Support R.A.C.E. Matters in amplifying Black voices and promoting racial justice through your ticket purchase.
#25 The Monday Club Centennial Gala and Afterparty (San Luis Obispo) – October 19 – Join The Monday Club in celebrating 100 years with a Roaring 20s-themed Centennial Gala at their historic clubhouse, blending the charm of Arts and Crafts with the elegance of Art Deco. Your ticket includes a gourmet banquet with sommelier-curated wines, followed by a live auction featuring luxury Central Coast experiences. Stick around for the afterparty with a speakeasy and dance hall, featuring the swing jazz and sultry harmonies of the Tipsy Gypsies.
#26 Creepshow: A Halloween Burlesque Show (Arroyo Grande) – October 19 –Get ready for a thrilling night at Creepshow: A Halloween Burlesque Show, where spooky meets sultry! Join fellow ghosts and ghouls for a tantalizing evening filled with world-class burlesque performances that will give you goosebumps. This one-of-a-kind Halloween event is sure to bring the perfect mix of scares and seduction!
#27 Cayucos Antique Street Faire (Cayucos) – October 20 – Twice a year, the Cayucos Antique Street Faire takes over Ocean Avenue, offering a perfect opportunity to shop for antiques, collectibles, and vintage treasures while enjoying the charming seaside town of Cayucos.
#28 Walk for Cancer in Wine Country – (Paso Robles) – October 20 – It’s time for the Annual Walk Through the Vineyard fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Santa Margarita Ranch. Attendees will walk a scenic 2-mile loop through Margarita Vineyard, home of Ancient Peaks Winery, in support of cancer patients and their families. All proceeds from the event will benefit Cancer Support Community Central Coast, a nonprofit dedicated to providing hope, education, and support to those affected by cancer.
#29 Fall Celebration at the Boo-Tanical Garden (San Luis Obispo) – October 20 – Families and kids are invited to enjoy a fun-filled day at the Boo-tanical Garden! This free event offers pumpkin decorating, a photo scavenger hunt, face painting, and storytime. With crafts, activities, balloons, and a few tasty treats, there’s something for everyone. Costumes are encouraged, and no registration is required. While the event is free, donations are appreciated to support future programs for families.
#30 Sunset Wine/Rail Excursion: Santa Barbara! (San Luis Obispo) – October 20 – The SLO Railroad Museum is offering a fully-hosted, docent-led excursion to Santa Barbara. Guests will arrive at Municipal Winemakers around 1pm for a wine tasting of six wines, followed by free time to explore Stearn’s Wharf, the Funk Zone, lower State Street, or grab an early dinner before the return trip. All proceeds support the museum’s educational mission. Space is limited!
#31 Jazz Jubilee Central Coast 2024 (SLO County) – October 22 – The Basin Street Regulars Hot Jazz Club is excited to present Jazz Jubilee Central Coast 2024, a week-long celebration of jazz from October 22 to November 2, 2024. This newly reimagined festival will take place across multiple cities and venues, featuring a variety of jazz styles, live bands, and swing dancers. Join the vibrant jazz community as they bring the sounds of jazz to San Luis Obispo County and beyond.
#32 SLO Elks 15th Annual Haunted House and Carnival (San Luis Obispo) – October 25 to 26 – Step right up to the scariest night in Lodge 322’s history—Welcome to the Circus! This thrilling event is open to the public and promises a night full of spine-chilling fun with a haunted house and carnival.
#33 Zoo Boo at the Charles Paddock Zoo (Atascadero) – October 25 to 26 – Get ready for a spooktacular family-friendly evening at Zoo Boo at the Charles Paddock Zoo. Come in costume and enjoy Halloween decorations, carnival games, a costume contest, themed activities, a haunted house, and plenty of tricks & treats. Explore the zoo’s over 200 animals, including red pandas, monkeys, meerkats, a Malayan Tiger, and more, as you celebrate a memorable Halloween night.
#34 Wineries of 46 East “Taste or Treat” Halloween Poker Run (Paso Robles) – October 25 – Enjoy a Poker Run Passport and commemorative wine glass to enjoy three wine tastings paired with Halloween candy at participating wineries. Build your best poker hand for a chance to win fabulous 46 East prizes for the top three hands! Designated drivers are welcome to join the fun with non-alcoholic beverages. Enjoy live music by Route 66, food trucks, and a costume contest featuring prizes for Best Group and Best Overall Costume. Costumes are optional, but highly encouraged for extra fun!
#35 Halloween Haunt Movie Night: Scream (Avila Beach) – October 25 – Get ready for a spooky evening at Halloween Horror Movie Night at the Secret Garden! This free 21+ event is open to hotel guests and the local public, promising a festive night of thrills and chills. Dress up in your best costume for a chance to win a 1-Night Stay at Sycamore in our exciting raffle.
#36 Tooth & Nail’s Legendary Halloween Party (Paso Robles) – October 25 – Prepare for a spine-chilling night at Tooth & Nail Winery’s Legendary Halloween! Step inside the castle and immerse yourself in a haunted atmosphere, where ghostly whispers fill the air and every corner hides a mystery. Sip on devilishly good wines, available for purchase, and indulge in delicious food that will cast a spell on your taste buds. Dress to impress—or terrify—in your most creative costume and compete for prizes in the epic costume contest.
#37 America’s 4th Hardest Cow Themed Gravel Ride (Atascadero) – October 26 – Get ready for a seriously unserious adventure with the return of America’s 4th-Hardest Cow Themed Gravel Ride in California’s “other” wine country! Join the thundering herd as riders traverse the beautiful mixed-surface roads of the Paso Robles wine region. This mostly casual ride features a few timed segments for those looking to stampede ahead.
#38 Pumpkins in the Park (Pismo Beach) – October 26 – Kids 12 and under can enjoy free pumpkin decorating, costume contests, games, crafts, and bounce houses. The first 500 children will even get to pick their own pumpkin! The costume contest, starting at 11:30 AM, offers prizes for each age group, including adults and families. Afterward, head downtown for the 18th Annual Downtown Trick-or-Treating from 12 PM to 2 PM.
#39 Zombie Invasion SLO 2024 (San Luis Obispo) – October 26 – Join a family-friendly 1-mile run or 5k walk/run through both paved and unpaved terrain. Choose to be a Zombie or a Survivor, with flags determining your level of zombie interaction. Rain or shine, the invasion promises a fun day with food, drinks, and more!
#40 Dia Del Muertos (Paso Robles) – October 26 – This cultural event will feature educational activities, traditional food, music, dance, and vendors selling cultural wares. Explore beautifully crafted ofrendas (altars) honoring deceased loved ones, and enjoy the festive atmosphere with colorful costumes and skull face paint. Bring the whole family to experience this rich blend of Mexican tradition and community spirit.
#41 Halloween at the Market (San Luis Obispo) – October 26 – Families can enjoy a fun-filled day at SLO Public Market with trick-or-treating, live music, a photo booth with Kramer Events, free face painting, vendors, and a free bounce slide. This festive event offers free entry and free parking, making it the perfect place to celebrate Halloween with the whole family!
#42 Witches and Warlocks Paddle (Morro Bay) – October 26 – Grab your broomstick and paddle out in Morro Bay for a spooky, fun-filled event benefiting the Food Bank Coalition of SLO County. Come dressed as a witch or warlock and join the community for a magical morning on the water, starting at Coleman Park!
#43 Halloween Carnival Chaos & Maze! (Arroyo Grande) – October 26 to 27 – Join the fun at Elm Street Park in Arroyo Grande for a 2-day Halloween event featuring bounce-n-play, carnival games, a haunted maze, and a costume contest. All ages are welcome, with food vendors and plenty of spooky activities for everyone!
#44 Makers In Margarita Art Walk (Santa Margarita) – October 26 – Makers in Margarita returns, offering an exciting evening of creativity and community along El Camino Real! This monthly art walk showcases a fantastic lineup of local makers and musicians, making it the perfect Santa Margarita Halloween Pre-Party for the whole family. Enjoy trick-or-treating, a costume contest, a free photo booth, and more fun activities! Plus, grab dinner and drinks from The Porch, Rosalina’s, Fat Boys BBQ, or make reservations at The Range.
#45 Trunk or Treat (Nipomo) – October 26 – Bring the family to downtown Nipomo for a fun-filled evening of Trunk or Treating! Grab some candy and enjoy a spooky, community-wide celebration perfect for all ages. Spread the word and don’t miss out on the Halloween excitement!
#46 Salute to Scarecrows – A Starlit Celebration of Food & Wine (Cambria) – October 26 – Enjoy a whimsical evening of music, wine, food, and costumes on October 26 at Cambria Nursery. Savor delicious dishes from local restaurants and wines from local vineyards while enjoying live music and costume contests.
#47 46 West “HalloWine” Block Party (Paso Robles) – October 26 – Hosted by the Wineries of 46 West, this event invites guests to dress up in their best 80’s style—think leg warmers and teased hair! Your ticket includes wine tasting from member wineries, a live DJ spinning all the classic tunes, and prizes for the best dressed. Don’t miss the second annual winery costume contest, where attendees get to vote for their favorite!
#48 45th Annual Oktoberfest (Los Osos) – October 27 – Enjoy a perfect day filled with live music, delicious food, and, of course, plenty of refreshing beer! Grab your friends and raise a glass to good times, great company, and a tradition that gets better every year.
#49 The Rocky Horror Picture Show (San Luis Obispo) – October 28 – Get ready to do the Time Warp again with 97.3 The Rock’s special screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Bay Theatre. There will be outrageous costumes, audience participation, and unforgettable fun—all while supporting The Rock Community Radio.
#50 Boo Bash (San Luis Obispo) – October 28 – Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a fun-filled evening of costumes, games, and spooky thrills! Enjoy food, activities, and a family-friendly haunted house, followed by an outdoor screening of Curious George: A Boo Fest under the stars at Meadow Park. Don’t forget to bring canned food donations for the Food Bank Coalition of SLO County to support those in need!
#51 BGC of South SLO County: Third Annual Big Night Out Fundraiser (Oceano) – October 30 – Head to The Great American Melodrama for an evening of family fun. There will be a costume contest, silent auction, games and a special performance of Werewolf of Arroyo Grande. A portion of each ticket, along with 100% of silent auction proceeds, will support programs and services for South SLO youth and their families.
#52 ETERNAMENTE: A DĂa de los Muertos Spectacular! (San Luis Obispo) – October 30 – Join Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime CuĂ©llar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande for a vibrant celebration of life through lively music, stunning dance, and beautiful costumes. This homage to Mexico’s rich cultural heritage brings traditional dance and storytelling to life, honoring legendary singers like Vicente Fernandez and Pedro Infante. Experience the magic of DĂa de los Muertos with “Eternamente”—a captivating fiesta where tradition and spectacle meet, and La Muerte herself might make an appearance!
#53 Paderewski Festival (SLO County) – October 31 to November 3 – Experience a captivating blend of world-class music, cherished recitals, and vibrant cultural events, all set against the stunning backdrop of California’s Central Coast. Whether you’re a music lover or a cultural enthusiast, this festival promises unforgettable performances and enriching experiences.
#54 Trick-or-Treat Downtown Atascadero (Atascadero) – October 31 – Join the safe, family-friendly Halloween celebration in Downtown Atascadero! Enjoy costume contests for people and pets, fun games, and plenty of Trick-or-Treating. This free event is open to all ages and brought to you by the Downtown Business Improvement District. Don’t miss out on the spooky fun!
#55 Halloween at the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market (San Luis Obispo) – October 31 – Halloween Festivities return to the Downtown SLO. Activities include the beloved Trick-or-Treat Trail at dozens of downtown businesses, a Costume Contest in Mission Plaza, festive photo opportunities, and “Scary-oke!” (a karaoke contest, but with a spooky twist). This event is free, family-friendly, and open to the public!
#56 Halloween Party & Costume Contest (Paso Robles) – October 31 – Start planning your best costume because you’re invited to a night of spooky fun at Stilson Cellars! Joy Bonner will be entertaining and hosting the costume contest, so bring your A-game. Plus, enjoy delicious food available for purchase from Choco’s Mexican Grill.
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