It’s November in San Luis Obispo! Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you won’t want to miss all the events that our town has to offer. From the whimsical ‘Christmas at the Ranch’ to the heartwarming ‘SLO Food Bank Turkey Trot,’ we’ve curated the ultimate list of must-attend happenings. Check our calendar and get ready to explore the festive fun, the artisanal crafts, and the community cheer that make San Luis Obispo the place to be this fall. We’ll guide you through the can’t-miss events that will ensure your November is packed with delight and local flavor, perfect for making the most of the season’s shorter days and longer nights. Join us as we unveil the best of San Luis Obispo’s November festivities!
#1 Día de Los Muertos Celebration (San Luis Obispo) – Thursday, Nov 2 @ 5:30p
Join SLO Public Market for an unforgettable Día de los Muertos celebration with live music, dance by Nexus SLO, and a community altar. Get creative with crafts and face painting, and savor special dinner and drink options. Bring the family for a night filled with tradition and fun!
#2 Dia De Los Muertos Dinner with Guest Chef Mathew Roberts (Paso Robles) – Thursday, Nov 2 @ 6:45p
Join The Alchemists’ Garden for a culinary odyssey with a 6-course Dia de los Muertos dining experience, where guest chef Mathew Roberts will meld tradition with gastronomic innovation.
#3 Art After Dark (San Luis Obispo) – Friday, Nov 3 @ 5p
Art After Dark is a self-guided art walk that allows the community to experience visual, literary, and performing art in galleries and other venues during the first Friday of every month.
#4 “Dia de los Muertos” in Downtown Atascadero!
Visit Atascadero for First Friday’s! The “Día de los Muertos” theme will set the tone as they offer festive entertainment. There will be a variety of food and drink specials that can be found throughout the Downtown at many of the popular restaurants and drink establishments.
#5 New Times Music Awards Showcase 2023 (San Luis Obispo) – Friday, Nov 3 @ 7p
The annual New Times Music Awards are designed to showcase music and songwriting from local musicians throughout the Central Coast of California in a wide variety of genres including Rock/Alternative, Country/Americana/Folk, Hip-Hop, R&B/Blues, Open and Youth.
#6 Divas de los Muertos Drag Party (San Luis Obispo) – Friday, Nov 3 @ 8p
Mírame Entertainment is bringing la cultura to SLO with the 2nd annual Divas de los Muertos Drag Party on November 3 at Bang the Drum Brewery! This Day of the Dead cultural experience celebrates the vibrant fusion our Latinx and LGBTQ+ communities.
#7 San Luis Obispo Spartan Event Weekend (SLO County) – Nov 4 to 5
Dash through the rows of grapevines amid fall colors and in epic open landscapes, surrounded by the towering Los Padres National Forest. Are you ready to take on the 50K challenge?
#8 Morro Bay Triathlon (Morro Bay) – Saturday, Nov 4 @ 6a
Get ready for the 12th annual Morro Bay Triathlon. They will have both Olympic and Sprint Distance courses with kayak and SUP options!
#9 Walk to End Alzheimer’s (San Luis Obispo) – Saturday, Nov 4 @ 9a
The SLO Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a community walk and fundraiser to support research and services to those suffering with Alzheimer’s and related dementia diseases.
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#10 32nd Annual Cayucos Car Show (Cayucos) – Saturday, Nov 4 @ 9a
Get your engines ready and make your reservations now for the annual Cayucos car show. Enjoy a live band under the sun, a beer garden and BBQ while checking out beautiful classic cars through downtown Cayucos.
#11 Atascadero Holiday Boutique (Atascadero) – Saturday, Nov 4 @ 10a
Kick off the holiday season at the Pavilion on the Lake in Atascadero! Over 50 vendors await you at this one-day craft show where all the items are handmade!
#13 Paso Robles Art in the Park (Paso Robles) – Nov 4 to 5
Paso Robles Art in the Park, a bi-annual celebration of art and creativity that brings together over 140 talented artists! Don’t miss this beloved event that offers a unique opportunity to browse and purchase original works of art directly from the artists
#14 Smoke + Rust BBQ & Antique Festival (Paso Robles) – Saturday, Nov 4 @ 11a
Savor the flavors at our BBQ Bash with $5 samplers from top state vendors, chilled beers, and local wines. Discover treasures with over 90 vendors, enjoy family fun with bounce houses and more, and catch the thrilling live “Backyard BBQ Battle” for a smokin’ showdown, all with a backdrop of a classic car show.
#15 Arroyo Grande Beer & Wine Festival (Arroyo Grande) – Saturday, Nov 4 @ 12p
Raise a glass at the 2nd Annual Arroyo Grande Beer & Wine Festival at Heritage Square Park, where local breweries and wineries unite for a day of exquisite sipping and savoring. Delight in a variety of flavors with amazing food trucks on site, offering a feast to perfectly complement your drink.
#16 Harvest on the Coast (San Luis Obispo) – Saturday, Nov 4 @ 6p
Join the Grand Tasting event at the SLO Coast Wine Harvest and enjoy a showcase of local wines and Santa Maria-style BBQ at Chamisal Winery, or indulge in the VIP experience for rare, limited-release tastings.
#17 Art in the Park at Dinosaur Caves (Pismo Beach) – Sunday, Nov 5 @ 10a
Discover the craftsmanship of over 50 local artisans, with food, music, and breathtaking views—perfect for a family day out. There will be a variety of unique finds from photography to handmade clothing, and take home a piece of the Central Coast’s vibrant culture.
#18 Elevator Pitch Competition 2023 (San Luis Obispo) – Tuesday, Nov 7 @ 4:30p
At the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s Elevator Pitch Competition, students compete by presenting their startup ideas in 90 seconds to judges and an audience, with the winners receiving $1,000 and the crowd favorite taking home $500.
#19 12th Annual Paso Robles Garagiste Festival (Paso Robles) – Nov 10 to 11
Experience the exclusive Garagiste Festival, where the most innovative small-lot winemakers come together to showcase their unique and exceptional wines that you won’t find in any supermarket – a true hidden gem in the world of wine.
#20 North County Craft Fair (Templeton) – Nov 11 to 12
Mark your calendars for the North County Craft Fair at the Templeton American Legion Hall, a cherished shopping event celebrating Veterans Day with handmade arts & crafts, a fundraiser BBQ, and prize drawings.
#21 Veterans Day Ceremony at the Faces of Freedom Memorial (Atascadero) – Saturday, Nov 11 @ 11a
Join the Atascadero Veterans Memorial Foundation for their annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the Faces of Freedom Memorial for a solemn tribute to our nation’s veterans.
#22 5th Annual Bash Cancer Fest (Cayucos) – Saturday, Nov 11 @ 12p
Rock out at the fifth annual Bash Cancer Fest featuring live performances by Resination and more, along with local wine, craft beer, and great food, with all proceeds benefiting the Teddy Bear Foundation. Enjoy a day full of entertainment and community spirit while supporting a noble cause.
#23 Autumn Soirée: The SLO Way (San Luis Obispo) – Saturday, Nov 11 @ 5p
Join Executive Chef Ryan Fancher at Hotel SLO for the Second Annual Autumn Soirée featuring a fusion of fine wines, gourmet food, art, and performances, with proceeds supporting local scholarships and charities. Don’t miss the after-party for more festivities with live music and premium spirits.
#24 City to the Sea 2023 (SLO County) – Sunday, Nov 12 @ 7a
Race from the heart of San Luis Obispo to the stunning shores of Pismo Beach in the City to the Sea half marathon. Experience a scenic journey through city streets, tranquil backroads, and along the picturesque Bob Jones Trail, culminating with breathtaking Pacific Ocean vistas at the finish line.
#25 San Luis Obispo’s Wedding and Event Expo (San Luis Obispo) – Sunday, Nov 12 @ 12p
Join the Wedding and Event Expo to connect with the finest local wedding vendors, handpicked to ensure Central California couples find everything they need for their special day, right in their own backyard. This event is dedicated to providing access to top-notch regional professionals, making your wedding planning seamless and local.
#26 Opening Night of Nature Nights Celebration (San Luis Obispo) – Thursday, Nov 16 @ 5p
Come to the Opening Night of Nature Nights! Nature Nights is an experience in art, light, and music for the whole family! Stroll the garden paths to enjoy enthralling light installations, artwork in glass, and live music nightly.
#27 3rd Annual Atascadero Fall Festival – Nov 17 to 19
Experience the thrill of a full-scale carnival at the 3rd Annual Atascadero Fall Festival, a free event at Sunken Gardens, featuring rides, games, vendors, breweries, and live music for all ages.
#28 Pumpkin Smash at Charles Paddock Zoo – Saturday, Nov 18 @ 10a
Uncover the mystery of how exotic creatures interact with pumpkins at our engaging animal enrichment event, where you can watch tigers, fossas, and meerkats get up close with these autumnal treats.
#29 Turkey Trot (Avila Beach) – Thursday, Nov 23 @ 8a
Join the Annual SLO Food Bank Turkey Trot to combat hunger in SLO County, where you can rally a team, raise funds for vital nutrition, and trot for a cause, whether you join us on the ground or virtually.
#30 Cowgirl Christmas (Paso Robles) – Nov 24 to 25
Saddle up for the 21st Annual Cowgirl Christmas, a two-day country boutique extravaganza with over 200 Western-themed booths across two buildings. Dive into holiday shopping, enjoy hourly free raffles, and get hands-on with Make & Take Christmas Crafts!
#31 43rd Annual Central Coast Craft Fair – Nov 24 to 25
Celebrate the holiday spirit at the 43rd annual Central Coast Craft Fair, featuring a curated collection of 100% handmade treasures from quilts to fine jewelry at the SLO Vets Hall. Delight in handcrafted goods, meet the artisans, and find the perfect gifts for your holiday joy!
#32 Santa’s House & Holiday Plaza Opening Day Celebration! (San Luis Obispo) – Friday, Nov 24 @ 12p
Join Downtown SLO for a magical, family-friendly evening as Santa Claus makes a grand entrance into Mission Plaza aboard a firetruck, followed by a festive live performance from the SLO County Band—kicking off a season of fun in the Plaza, all free and open to the public.
#33 Christmas at the Ranch (Santa Margarita) – Nov 24 to 25 and into December
Embark on a festive journey with “Christmas at the Ranch” at Santa Margarita Ranch, where you can ride the Jingle Bell Express, enjoy cocoa with Santa, and be dazzled by magician Andy Morris—a new holiday tradition for family memories that will last a lifetime.
#34 Light Up The Plaza! (San Luis Obispo) – Friday, Nov 24 @ 5p
Gather with friends and family for a luminous evening as Downtown SLO, the City of SLO, along with our generous sponsors and community partners, light up the Plaza to commence the joyous 2023 holiday season. Wrap your hands around a warm beverage, revel in live music, and bask in the spirit of community—free and welcoming to all.
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