Discover SLO CAL’s Quirky and Unusual Events

Food and drink festivals are great for the soul, and the stomach, these SLO CAL events are focused around specific consumables making them unique experiences to add to the itinerary for your next visit. 
 

SLO Pickle Festival

Known for top notch sandwich delis, it’s no wonder why the county’s only pickle festival takes places in the City of San Luis Obispo. Bites, sips and live music—all pickled inspired of course! Relish all things pickled while supporting the local senior nutrition program.

• Date: October
• Location: Laguna Lake Park, San Luis Obispo
• Ticket Info: ticketed, general admission as well as VIP (very important pickle) available
• Host Organization: Pickles for a Purpose, benefitting Meals That Connect

Pismo Beach Clam Festival

This family-friendly event celebrates the history of Pismo Beach as the clam capital of the world. The two-day event kicks off with a parade, followed by vendors, kids activities, live music and the clam chowder cook-off. Here Pismo Beach restaurants compete for the title of Best Clam Chowder.

• Date: October
• Location: Pismo Pier & Plaza, Pismo Beach
• Ticket Info: tickets required for the clam chowder cook-off
• Host Organization: City of Pismo Beach

Paso Robles Taco Fest

Did you know that one of the largest taco festival in the California happens in SLO CAL? This multiday extravaganza is packed full of food vendors, cold drinks, live music, handmade goods and a car show. Tacos, of every kind you can imagine, start at $3. Your taste buds won’t want to miss this one! Of course, if you haven’t had your fill of tacos at the festival, even more tacos can be found at restaurants and food trucks around the county.

• Date: April
• Location: Estrella Warbirds Museum, Paso Robles
• Ticket Info: ticketed
• Host Organization: Stier Events

The Mac and Cheese Festival

Everyone loves macaroni and cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food, but at the annual mac and cheese festival in Avila Beach it is transformed into elevated dishes by local chefs, restaurants and caterers. This 21 and older event also pairs local brews and wines to transform your mac ‘n’ cheese tasting experience. And don’t forget to vote for your favorite mac—this is for bragging rights after all.

• Date: September
• Location: Avila Beach Golf Resort, Avila Beach
• Ticket Info: ticketed, regularly sells out
• Host Organization: American General Media

Garagiste Wine Festival

Featuring small production, those making under 1500 cases a year, commercial winemakers, this wine festival is dedicated to showcasing the undiscovered and under-recognized wine producers. If tasting great and innovative wine is of interest, this is a not to miss event. This festival hosts events four times a year at different locations in California, but the annual Paso Robles event is its flagship and longest running.

• Date: November
• Location: Paso Event Center, Paso Robles
• Ticket Info: ticketed
• Host Organization: Garagiste Events

Find more SLO CAL culinary and tasting events. 

In SLO CAL, the creative spirit is alive and well. From crafters to fine artists and buskers to headlining acts, you'll find art and music around every turn. Here are a few lesser known artistic events to explore:

Open Studios Art Tour

Find unique and one-of-a-kind art pieces at Open Studios Art Tour in SLO CAL. Explore studios that are rarely, if ever open to the public and meet the local artists themselves. Enjoy demonstrations and get a glimpse behind the scenes of art production.

• Date: October
• Location: across SLO CAL
• Ticket Info: free catalog of participating artists and to attend
• Host Organization: SLO County Arts Council

Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival

Formerly “Beverstock” this annual event brings together music, yoga, arts and crafts for a fun filled family friendly weekend. Local food and beverage vendors will keep you going throughout the festival and of course don’t miss out on tasting some of Castoro Cellars’ wine while you’re grooving at their event! Kids have their own zone with a schedule packed with activities guaranteed to keep the littles having fun.

• Date: September
• Location: Castoro Cellars, Templeton
• Ticket Info: ticketed, kids 4 and under free
• Host Organization: Castoro Cellars Winery

Cambria Scarecrow Festival

Featuring hundreds of scarecrows around town doing all kinds of activities in all kinds of locations. Find the full map online and then head out and try and find them all! This whimsical and charming event celebrates the fall season along SLO CAL’s north coast. Get in the spirit of the season while admiring the craft and care that went into creating every scarecrow.

• Date: October (entire month)
• Location: Cambria & San Simeon
• Ticket Info: free
• Host Organization: Cambria Scarecrow Festival non-profit

Find more SLO CAL art events. 

From elephant seals, to peregrine falcons, to zebras, you never know what amazing animals will cross your path in SLO CAL. The unique animal events celebrate local and critters from around the world! 
 

San Luis Obispo County Bever Festival

Bevers, known as nature’s engineers and climate change superheroes, may not be as recognizable as the elephant seals of San Simeon, the sea otters of Morro Bay, the humpback whales in Pismo Beach or the cattle of the northern interior of the county, but they are important to the maintenance of the habitat along the Salinas River and Pismo Creek. Come learn about these interesting critters while enjoying live music, kids activities, vendors and more!

• Date: April
• Location: Mission Plaza, San Luis Obispo
• Ticket Info: free entry
• Host Organization: SLO Bever Brigade

Brew at the Zoo

Head to the Central Coast Zoo in Atascadero for their annual sampling of craft beers, distilled spirits, cider, seltzers, wine and more. Life music and contests will keep the fun rolling—be sure to dress like a party animal for special prizes. Every entry includes a commemorative glass and guarantees a good time. And of course, the star of the event are the animal residents!

• Date: September
• Location: Central Coast Zoo, Atascadero
• Ticket Info: tickets required, proceeds go to friends of the zoo
• Host Organization: Central Coast Zoo

Break-A-Wave Rodeo

Started by the Cal Poly rodeo team, this is a unique breakaway roping competition on Pismo State Beach. As the years go by and this event continues to grow in duration and events, this uniquely SLO CAL experience is one to add to your trip bucket list, especially for fans of the coastal cowboy lifestyle.

• Date: September
• Location: Pismo State Beach, Grover Beach
• Ticket Info: single day, multi-day tickets available
• Host Organization: Outriders

Morro Bay Kite Festival

Kite flyers of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in a weekend of high-flying fun! Enjoy the art of kite flying in ideal flying conditions courtesy of Morro Bay wind. Even if you don’t want to partake in kite flying, it’s worth making a trip to the beach to see the spectacle of hundreds of kites in the sky at one time.

• Date: April
• Location: Morro Rock Beach & Morro Strand Beach, Morro Bay
• Ticket Info: free

Arroyo Grande Valley Harvest Festival

Old fashioned family fun that highlights small-town community fall activities. Celebrate the local agricultural heritage with fresh produce and seasonal goods. Events include parade, baking contest, vendors, scarecrows, pumpkin decorating, movie night and more!

• Date: September
• Location: Village of Arroyo Grande
• Ticket Info: no entry fee
• Host Organization: City of Arroyo Grande

Central Coast Railroad Festival

Model railroad across multiple locations plus museums, depots and more to discover, the Central Coast Railroad Festival celebrates the impact and history of the railroad in San Luis Obispo County. Enjoy train exhibits, as well as chances to board historic railcars (including at the Rock-n-Roll Diner) and get up close to railroad equipment (at the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum).

• Date: October
• Location: multiple locations in SLO CAL
• Ticket Info: free, some locations have minimal entry fees

Best of the West Antique Equipment Show

Train rides, demonstrations, parades and more. Get up-close and personal experiences with antique farm equipment including tractors, engines, plows, etc. Cars, airplanes and trains are also on site. For the littles, stop by the kids corral for model trains, butter making, giant sand pile, tire climbing gym and more.

• Date: May
• Location: Historic Santa Margarita Ranch, Santa Margarita
• Ticket Info: day passes and weekend passes available