There’s nothing better than a summer in San Luis Obispo! As the weather starts to heat up and the days become longer, SLO is the perfect destination to start checking off your bucket list items. From whale watching to making your mark on Bubblegum Alley, SLO has countless things to do and events to attend this summer.
Boat Tours and Cruises
Escape the heat with a fun-filled day on the water! Whether paddle boarding in Avila Beach, kayaking through Cayucos or sailing into the sunset on a relaxing cruise in Morro Bay, hit the waters and enjoy the summer breeze on one of the many boat tours and cruises in SLO County. You won’t want to miss out on whale watching season while road tripping to the Central Coast this summer!
4th of July in San Luis Obispo
Kick off your 4th of July festivities early with a SLO Blues Baseball game and fireworks, happening Sunday, July 3 at 6:00 p.m. For the big day, head over to Avila Beach for San Luis Yacht Club’s Annual 4th of July Boat Parade to see decorated sailboats cruising the waters. Join in the celebration by bringing out your best red, white and blue!
What’s the 4th of July without fireworks? Be left in awe of the patriotic fireworks displays in Pismo Beach and Cayucos. Celebrate our nation’s independence with food and music while watching fireworks displays over the piers.
Bubblegum Alley
If you are visiting SLO for the first time, don’t forget to check out the ever-so popular, but rather unusual landmark, Bubblegum Alley. Located between Broad and Garden Street in bustling Downtown SLO, this unique grassroots prank began back in 1960 and has resulted in millions of pieces of chewed, multicolored gum wads crawling up 15 feet of the alleyway’s wall. An Instagram in front of this attraction will both delight and intrigue your followers. Don’t forget to #ShareSLO the fun!
Summer Events You Can’t Skip
Concerts in the Plaza | Every Friday
Make the most of your summer nights by attending the popular, free concert series, happening in Mission Plaza every Friday from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Central Coast Shakespeare Festival | late July-end of summer
The Central Coast Shakespeare Festival provides professional outdoor performances at Filipponi Ranch, where audiences can enjoy timeless stories beneath open skies. This beloved local tradition combines world-class theater with the natural beauty of the Central Coast, creating an unforgettable evening for visitors and locals alike.
Festival Mozaic | July-August
Festival Mozaic offers a “mosaic of music” from Mozart to Jazz with its ever-expanding program featuring over 25 musical events throughout the two-week festival.
Central Coast Renaissance Festival | mid July
Travel back in time to experience Shakespearean live entertainment of all kinds. Head over to Laguna Lake Park in San Luis Obispo to see hundreds of costumed participants at this historic festival.
Mid-State Fair | late July
Coined “The Biggest Little Fair Anywhere,” the Mid-State Fair provides fun for all ages. With outstanding musical guests like Fall Out Boy, Fergie and Blake Shelton, carnival rides and games, and trade shows, this fair never disappoints.