Spring Back to Life in San Luis Obispo Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming and the hills are lush with new growth. Yes, spring is on its way to San Luis Obispo! Between hiking and biking trails, live concerts and events and all the food and wine festivals, you can't help but find something to suit your tastes. Experience the SLO Life!

Outdoor Adventure Wildflower Triathlon April 25 Athletes from across the nation gather to compete in this challenging and competitive display of sportsmanship.                    Long Course Saturday, May 2, 2009- 8:00am (1.2 mi-swim, 56 mi-bike, 13.1 mi-run) Mountain Bike Saturday, May 2, 2009- 9:45am (0.25 mi-swim, 9.7 mi-bike, 2 mi-run) Olympic Sunday, May 3, 2009 - 9:00am (1.5 k-swim, 40 k-bike, 10 k-run) Railroad Bicycle Trail through San Luis Obispo COMING SOON! Once completed, the Trail will offer a wonderful way for riders to get from Cal Poly to downtown and to the southern city limit without having to use busy streets or contend with steep hills. Click here for more information Wildflower Hikes Fridays in March and April  Enjoy guided hikes to see the beautiful and often rare spring wildflowers of San Luis Obispo County. Each tour lasts approximately 3 hours, and is led by trained local horticulturalists. Reservations required. Click here for more information Mark Your Calendars - At Home in the Garden May 3-16 The month of May will host two-weeks of engaging events at the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden. Explore new buildings, meet new friends and enjoy coming back home to the Garden. Join us and see how the Garden has grown! Click here for more information Hiking Trails Ranger-Led Hikes Fitness Hiking Club     Bike Ride Calendar Bike Happening Mountain Bike Trails Culinary & Wine NOVO Sunday Night Wine & Tapas 5pm until closing every week Visit Novo Restaurant Bar and Lounge each Sunday for specialty tapas paired with unique wines from around the globe. Enjoy a four course tasting menu, wine flight, and regional cheese plate while you relax in the beautiful downtown setting. Each month features new food and wines showcasing the different styles and flavors of some of the world’s premier wine regions and cultural hot spots. April: Southeast Asia New! Full bar - Open until Midnight Fridays and Saturdays Novo is starting out 2009 with a full bar in addition to an extensive wine list and eclectic beer menu.  Offering tapas, desserts, espresso drinks and artisan teas all night on the heated patios overlooking the creek in downtown SLO. Cooking Classes The Garden's Kitchen is inspired by the great things San Luis Obispo has to offer. Local ag plays a part in everything that is prepared. April 3 - Winemaker Cooking Series with Saucelito Canyon April 4 - Winemaker Cooking Series with EOS Estate Winery April 8 - Italy by the Sea Click here for more information Earth Day Food and Wine Festival April 18 Held at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch, this festival is an intimate celebration featuring earth friendly cuisine, sustainably produced wines, live entertainment and educational exhibits. The award-winning food and wine featured are grown on local Central Coast farms committed to innovative practices that protect both our natural resources and communities. Click here for more information 7th Annual Cal Poly Wine Festival April 25 Hosted by Cal Poly's Vines to Wines Club, this year's event features local restaurants and wineries from all over the state.  Tickets are available online. Click here for more information Roll out the Barrels April 30-May 3 Four days full of fun, food and wine! Thursday:  Barrels in the Plaza - SLO Vintners and local food producers partner to celebrate a complete culinary experience right from the terroir of SLO Friday: Winemaker Dinners - Experience the finest in culinary pairings Saturday and Sunday:  Travel through SLO wine country with passport entry to over 20 wineries Click here for more information Wine Tasting           Wine Tasting Map          Restaurants History & Culture "Unforgettable," a Musical Tribute to Nat King Cole April 3-May 3 Follow the rise of Nat King Cole's legendary career from a shy, jazz pianist to one of the most beloved entertainers in history, starring Local Legend Roy Henry. Terrific singers, dancers and actors will lead you on another legendary journey through the life and career of one of the greatest singers in the world! Click here for more information The Drowsy Chaperone April 14, 15 In another Central Coast "Broadway" debut, get ready to be transported to a magical, wonderful world.  When a die-hard musical fan plays his favorite cast album, a 1928 smash hit called "The Drowsy Chaperone," the show magically bursts to life in his living room.  Follow the glamorous, hilarious tale of a celebrity bride and her uproarious wedding day, complete with thrills and surprises that take both the audience (metaphorically!) and the cast (literally!) soaring into the rafters. Click here for more information 24th Annual Rib Cook-off at Farmers' Market April 23 San Luis Obispo’s finest Downtown barbecuers will compete at Thursday Night Farmers’ Market at the 24th Annual Rib Cook-Off. The grills will be fired up by the Downtown Favorites and judging will take place beginning at 8 PM. Click here for more information Hearst Castle Evening Tours March 6-May 16 The Hearst Castle Evening Tour Program will begin a new season on most Friday and Saturday nights through May. Visitors to the castle will experience evening reflections from the 1930's heyday era. Castle "guests" mill about in period clothing to enhance the tour and your experience. Click here for more information