The Best Events in SLO County This August!

August is the perfect time to explore all the vibrant activities San Luis Obispo County has to offer. This month, the Central Coast is buzzing with events, from outdoor concerts and farmers’ markets to scenic hikes and beach days. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, culinary delights, or cultural experiences, SLO County has it all. Dive into our guide to discover the best things to do in SLO County this August and make the most of your summer!

FEATURED

POPS-BY-THE-SEA 🎻

August 31st – The San Luis Obispo Symphony welcomes people of all ages to the 41st annual Pops-by-the-Sea on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at the Avila Beach Golf Resort! This year’s theme is Movie Magic. You’ll enjoy a journey through the last 50 years of famous movie scores and themes from Richard Rodgers’ “Slaughter on Tenth Avenue,” “West Side Story,” “The Magnificent Seven,” “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” and Nigel Hess’ “Ladies in Lavender.” You won’t want to miss out on this event! Get your TICKETS today!

* SLO County Events August 2024 *

#1 The Central Coast Shakespeare Festival - King Lear (San Luis Obispo) – Ends August 11 – Experience an evening of drama and intrigue under the beautiful Central Coast sky at the Central Coast Shakespeare Festival. Enjoy your picnic while savoring a glass of Filipponi wine as you watch a performance filled with chaos, treachery, greed, betrayal, and revenge, bringing one of the greatest tragedies ever written to life.

#2 Beerlesque at Wild Fields Brew House (Atascadero) – August 2 at 9:30p – Join Miss Belle Voilè and Wild Fields Brewhouse for the inaugural night of Beerlesque, a captivating fusion of burlesque performances and award-winning beer. Don’t miss this unique after-hours experience!

#3 Wild About Art (Atascadero) – August 3 at 10a – Visit “Wild About Art” at the Charles Paddock Zoo. Watch the zoo’s animal residents create unique artistic pieces and enjoy fun arts and crafts activities for all ages, including coloring, painting, and more.

#4 SLO Art in the Park (San Luis Obispo) – August 3-4 – Enjoy over 140 booths featuring independent artists and craft workers in San Luis Obispo.

#5 Art in the Park (Shell Beach) – August 4 at 10a – This monthly community event features over 50 local artisans, amazing food, live music, and a stunning ocean view. Visitors can bring a blanket or chairs to relax and enjoy performances by local musicians or take advantage of the provided eating area. Support small, local creators and enjoy a fantastic day by the ocean!

#6 White Wine Invitational (Paso Robles) – August 8 at 8p – Celebrate the world-class, unique white wines of Paso Robles at Willow Creek Wine Co. This casual, walk-around event features wineries such as Rococo, Paix Sur Terre, Monochrome, IIWII, Kinero, Barton Family, and Union Sacré, many of which don’t have formal tasting rooms. Proceeds benefit MUST! Charities.

#7 Distillery Trail Weekend (County Wide) – August 9-11 – Experience the best of uniquely crafted spirits in SLO County at the annual Distillery Trail Weekend. 13 distilleries will showcase their craft spirits with distillery tours, mixology demonstrations, live music, and food pairings. Enhance your experience with a Copper Card for exclusive perks like free tastings, private tours, and access to rare releases.

Distillery Trail Weekend Kick-Off Party (San Luis Obispo) – August 9 at 6p – Kick off Distillery Trail Weekend with an exclusive tasting event where you can sip, savor, and discover the local spirits of the Paso Robles Distillery Trail. Enjoy mini cocktails and spirit samples from artisan distillers, featuring a variety of gin, brandy, whiskey, rum, vodka, and canned cocktails.

#8 Colors of Conservation Art Show (San Luis Obispo) – August 9 at 5p – The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County invites you to the Colors of Conservation Art Show at the Octagon Barn Center. Enjoy wine and bites while admiring the beautiful renditions of iconic open spaces by the San Luis Obispo Painters for the Environment (SLOPE). A portion of all art sales will be donated to The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County.

#10 Paso Robles Rotary Club Winemakers’ Cookoff (Paso Robles) – August 10 at 6p – Paso Robles Wine Country’s most popular fundraising event is returning in 2024 with food, wine, brews, live music, and lots of fun! Enjoy tastings from local wineries and breweries paired with gourmet food straight off the grill, all competing for judges’ votes and your people’s choice votes. All proceeds benefit the Harlow Ford Scholarship Fund for local high school seniors.

#11 That’s So Drag Brunch at Libertine! (San Luis Obispo) – August 11 at 11a – Enjoy dazzling performances by sensational drag queens Nala and Juicy CW, delicious food, and bottomless mimosas. This edition features a battle between genres, mixing Hip-Hop and Showtunes, with performances by Aria Cummingtonite, Daphne, Linda of Legends, and Miss Gender. DJ Promess will keep the energy high with the hottest tracks. Gather your friends, dress to impress, and experience the magic—reserve your spot now as this event sells out every time!

#10 Cruisin’ Weekend! (Atascadero) – August 16-17 – End your summer in style by attending Atascadero’s 2024 Cruisin’ Weekend. Don’t miss this popular event in San Luis Obispo County, perfect for locals and tourists alike!

31st Annual Hot El Camino Cruise Nite – August 16 at 6:30p – Enjoy over 350 beautifully restored antique cars from the 1950s and 1960s cruising down El Camino Real.
33rd Annual Mid State Cruizers Car Show – August 17 at 10 AM – The Mid-State Cruizers Car Show takes place at Atascadero Lake Park. Explore the interiors and exteriors of a wide variety of antique cars.
8th Annual Dancing in the Streets – August 17 at 5p – Jump-start the evening with performances from local bands scattered throughout downtown Atascadero. Enjoy your favorite bands, community entertainment, food trucks, and beer, wine/cider, and distillery vendors ready to celebrate a fun evening of music and dancing.

#11 Tent City Vintage Market (Santa Margarita) – August 17-18 – Tent City Vintage Market was founded with the dream of creating a local vintage marketplace where like-minded junkers could connect with lovers of all things handmade, vintage, and unique. This two-day event features a carefully curated roster of vendors and food trucks for an immersive shopping experience unlike anything else the Central Coast has to offer.

#12 Whale Rock Wine Down (Paso Robles) – August 17 at 7:30a – Enjoy the 10th Annual Whale Rock Wine Down, a fun-spirited celebration marking the course’s introduction in 2014. This premier tournament honors the beautiful disc golf community on the Central Coast and beyond, celebrating 10 amazing years. It’s time to crown the Kings and Queens of Whale Rock DGC for another year!

#13 Under the Estrella Sky Winemaker Dinner (San Miguel) – August 17 at 5p – Come to an unforgettable evening at Hartley Farms. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Estrella sky while indulging in a delectable winemaker dinner. Savor the finest wines expertly paired with a sumptuous menu that will tantalize your taste buds. This evening promises an intimate and exclusive experience, surrounded by the picturesque scenery of San Miguel.

#14 Stone Soup Music Festival (Grover Beach) – August 24-25 – The Stone Soup Music Festival & Street Fair is a cherished community tradition in Grover Beach, thriving for over 30 years. Each August, the Clark Center gathers staff, volunteers, sponsors, and donors to present great musical artists and showcase local vendors.

#15 Central Coast Ride & Rally (San Luis Obispo) – August 24 at 8a – This community gathering offers family-friendly routes for all skill and accessibility levels, culminating in a finish line festival with food, entertainment, and an ALS Resource Fair. Open to everyone, your participation and fundraising support free care services along the Central Coast and the search for ALS treatments and cures.

#16 Comic Book Expo & Kids Trading Day/Flea Market (Paso Robles) – August 24 at 9a – Unlock your inner child at the Downtown Paso Robles Comic Book Expo, a one-day outdoor extravaganza celebrating comics, superheroes, and science fiction. Held at Downtown City Park, this event features vibrant cosplay, an extensive selection of comics and collectibles, and engaging activities for fans of all ages.

#17 Tequila & Taco Music Festival (San Luis Obispo) – August 24 at 1p – Enjoy delicious Mexican cuisine from top local vendors, tequila samples from over 20 top-shelf brands, and ice-cold margaritas beachside. Groove to live performances by Ozomatli, Vilma Diaz Y La Sonora, Smooth Sounds of Santana, and more. It’s the ultimate fiesta for tequila and taco lovers!

#18 The 11th Annual Mac & Cheese Festival presented by Mullahey Ford (Avila Beach) – August 24 at 2p – This is one of the biggest and best events of the year, featuring Mac & Cheese from over 25 talented chefs, restaurants, and caterers on the Central Coast and beyond! With over 2,000 attendees expected, this 21+ event also offers samples of beer, wine, and spirits from your favorite wineries and breweries, plus live music all afternoon.

#19 Central Coast Cider Fest (Atascadero) – August 24 at 4p – Come out for an evening of cider tasting in downtown Atascadero. Enjoy a variety of ciders, meet the cider makers, and soak in the beautiful new backdrop. The event features live entertainment, a great selection of food and merchant vendors, and this year, local craft breweries will join the fun.

#20 Glam Country Roller Disco and Skate-a-thon (San Luis Obispo) – August 24 at 6p – Pull out your cowboy boot roller skates and sparkly fringe, and skate or dance the night away with Central Coast Roller Derby and Coast Skate Club! Join us for a fun-filled evening as you skate with the Central Coast’s internationally ranked Roller Derby team, play games led by the Coast Skate Club, and dance to beats by DJ Breez.

#21 Pups on the Bluff (Pismo Beach) – August 25 at 11a – This free oceanfront event celebrating National Dog Day with Woods Humane Society & Dolphin Bay. Enjoy pet vendors, complimentary wine tastings, and dog-friendly activities. Bring your leashed pups and enter our giveaway for a chance to win a stay in a pet-friendly suite!

LABOR DAY WEEKEND EVENTS

#22 Art In The Park (Morro Bay) – August 31 to September 2 – This annual fundraiser supports children’s art classes, scholarships, and other programs throughout the year. Enjoy a vibrant festival while contributing to a great cause.

#23 Pinedorado Weekend & Car Show (Cambria) – August 31 to September 2 – It’s time for the Cambria Lions Club’s 74th Annual Pinedorado Parade. Starting at Bridge and Main Street in Cambria, this year’s theme is “Cowboys, Art, and Legends,” featuring Grand Marshall William Randolph Hearst III. Enjoy a wonderful assortment of local community groups, high school bands, school kids, Shriners clown cars, and horse groups. Local businesses are invited to participate and showcase their offerings to thousands of attendees.

#24 AcroFestSLO (San Luis Obispo) – August 31 – This is the Central Coast’s first acro yoga and creative movement festival. This all-day event features workshops taught by passionate local and traveling practitioners, offering multiple types of acro yoga, healing dance, and consent education. Inclusive and beginner-friendly, no partner is needed, all bodies are celebrated, and safety and consent are top priorities.

#25 Pops-by-the-Sea! (Avila Beach) – August 31 – Enjoy a live symphony concert featuring famous movie scores and themes from the last fifty years. Bring a picnic or enjoy food from local vendors, with drinks available for purchase. This is a great way to celebrate Labor Day weekend with an afternoon of musical magic!