The weather is getting crisp, the leaves are changing colors, and the smell of pumpkin spice is in the air! Grab your sweater and pick out your Halloween costume, because the rest of your fall schedule is prepared below.
‘Tis the Season to Sip
Apple cider isn’t the only Autumn-approved beverage to enjoy this time of year. From month-long observances to beer enthusiast events, fall in San Luis Obispo is full of fun. Here are a few of our favorite adult-friendly affairs happening in the area this season.
California Wine Month – September
Sip, sip, hooray! September is not only the start of a new season but is also a month dedicated to appreciating our beverage of choice. Celebrate California Wine Month by spending an afternoon admiring the vineyard views and sipping on some SLO vino.
SLO Cocktail Month – September
Just when you thought September spent in California couldn’t get any better, San Luis Obispo brings you – SLO Cocktail Month. All month long you can try craft cocktails featuring locally distilled spirits at restaurants around the county, including Milestone Tavern, Novo, and Sidecar, to name a few. Vote on your favorite and attend the Grand Cocktail Event in October where the winner will be announced, spirits will be served, and fun will be had!
Sip ‘N Saunter – Friday, September 28 in Downtown SLO
Love supporting local shops downtown, as well as restaurants and wineries in the area? Wine not do it all in one night? Last year’s sold-out event was described as one of the most memorable evenings of local support and fall fun. Each attendee will receive a complimentary wine glass and wristband to access over 30 different participating locations. Get your ticket now to secure yourself a night of delicious bites, beverages, and retail.
Oktoberfest – September & October
Hoist your steins, dust off your Lederhosen’s and prost to beer! San Luis Obispo is proud to celebrate the great German tradition and host multiple celebrations throughout fall. Prepare yourselves for a delicious brew, authentic German food, and an afternoon of traditions.
- Rocktoberfest with Moonshiner Collective – Friday, October 5 at SLO Brew Rock
- Oktoberfest at Central Coast Brewing – Saturday, October 13 at Central Coast Brewing Company
‘Tis the Season to Appreciate Apples & Pick Pumpkins
Family trips to the pumpkin patch and picking apples for Grandma’s classic pie recipe are some of the best memories of fall. San Luis Obispo has an array of pumpkin and apple activities to enjoy.
Pick Pumpkins & Play – All season
What’s fall without a trip to the pumpkin patch? Take a trip out to Avila Valley Barn for the ultimate autumn experience. This rustic barn features an open-air market of locally grown produce and freshly baked goods, a deli, ice cream shop, as well as a petting zoo and hayrides. Or head over to Brookshire Farms, another spot that embodies the season and all things Halloween. This farm has an extensive corn maze, pumpkin patch, and numerous activities to entertain the family.
13th Annual Great Pumpkin & Scarecrow Contest – Thursday, October 18 at Mission Plaza
If you can grow it, they can weigh it! This free event showcases some of the heaviest, most beautiful and unusual pumpkins you will ever lay your eyes on. Come be amazed by the community’s creativity and participate in activities for all ages.
Avila Apple Festival – Gala Dinner – Saturday, September 22 at Avila Beach
Enjoy an evening under the stars tasting alcoholic beverages, indulging in a multi-course, apple-inspired menu, and listening to live music and a special guest speaker. This event marks the 5th annual celebration of Avila’s apple-growing heritage, so prepare your taste buds for fruit fresh from the orchard.
Farmers’ Market Festivities – Thursday, October 26 at Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market
Get your fresh produce ready for your post-Halloween night detox and let the kiddos start the spooktacular shenanigans early at Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market. Children can enter a costume contest to win wicked cool prizes or get guaranteed goodies from the multiple downtown businesses handing out candy to young trick-or-treaters.
‘Tis the Season for Spook-tacular Shenanigans
Guy or ghoul, some people just love a good spook! San Luis Obispo County hosts a few haunted house events at various levels of creep for the community.
Boo Bash – Friday, October 26 at Meadow Park
Join the Parks and Recreation Department for a free costume party and haunted house. Families will enjoy food, games, a spooky haunted park, as well as an outdoor showing of Curious George: A Boo Fest under the stars. All attendees are asked to bring a canned food to be donated to the Food Bank Coalition of SLO County.
The Haunt – October in Atascadero
If you are into chills and thrills, we’ve got just the event for you. This fully immersive, interactive theater experience is unlike anything you could ever imagine. Dissimilar to the traditional haunted house experience, The Haunt only allows for small groups to enter at a time and creates horror out of realistic situations. Enter if you dare, but you have been warned this place can scare!
‘Tis the Season for Give Thanks
First, we run, then we feast! If San Luis Obispo is dedicated to three things, it’s family, fitness, and food. The city offers multiple fun runs to get your family active together before sitting around at the table to indulge in all the kin’s traditional treats.
Family Runs – Thursday, November 22
Head out to Laguna Lake Golf Course for the Gobble Wobble Thanksgiving 5K Fun Run & Walk or take a drive to Pismo Beach for the South County Turkey Trot. Get the family together, that body movin’, and that appetite ready for hearty helpings of your favorite fall dish!