ARTober is back in 2026 for its fourth annual celebration in San Luis Obispo! Throughout the month of October, we invite the community to visit our diverse range of arts and culture partners to celebrate the colorful environment that makes San Luis Obispo unique.
Starting October 1st, residents and visitors are encouraged to enjoy as many arts and culture experiences and offerings as they can: stroll through Mission Plaza to hear an impromptu Piano in the Plaza performance, soak in more than 150 unique pieces of public art living in the city, enjoy live performances, watch a movie at a local theater, and explore an art gallery or history museum.
To join in on the festivity, grab your free ARTober bandana at any of the several participating arts and culture establishments in downtown San Luis Obispo. This year, we’re proud to partner with the following organizations and art patrons:
CAL POLY ARTS
Cal Poly Arts is the University presenter of public performing arts events in a multitude of genres. They bring artists from all over the world to San Luis Obispo. Their hope is to bring connection, joy and inspiration to those coming to their shows. They have many amazing artists coming to visit during Artober and beyond.
FESTIVAL MOZAIC
Festival Mozaic is a non-profit organization that presents fine art performances all throughout the county. They host a two-week summer festival of more than 30 events, as well as a year-round chamber music and presenting series. During ARTober, Festival Mozaic will be hosting bassist and composer Susan Cahill. In this eclectic and genre-defying performance, Cahill is joined by actor and composition partner Jon Wilkerson for new works that blend dramatic storytelling with virtuosic double bass.
LATINO OUTREACH COUNCIL
The Latino Outreach Council promotes culture, education, unity and diversity within our community by hosting community events that celebrate and engage Latino culture. During ARTober, you can find them at the San Luis Obispo Mission Plaza where they will be celebrating Dia de los Muertos with traditional altars, dancing, mariachi music, food and art.
CITY PUBLIC ART
The City of San Luis Obispo’s Public Art Program manages and oversees all of the public art that lives all around the city, consisting of more than 150 pieces, including bronze sculptures, watercolor paintings, stained glass, and uniquely decorated utility boxes. During ARTober this year, they’re inviting fellow art buffs to admire two artists as they paint fresh murals on utility boxes located around the city.
VETERAN‘S MUSEUM
The San Luis Obispo Veteran’s Museum is an educational facility whose mission is to honor and remember veterans by specifically telling the stories of local Central Coast veterans. During ARTober, they will be continuing their ongoing speaker series by hosting David Blakely, who will be talking about his father’s role in the United States Air Force during World War II. The Veterans Museum has also opened a special exhibit commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, on display through early October.
