All Are Welcome In SLO
LGBTQIA+ Scene
The SLO life is for everyone (and we mean everyone). To help you feel like a local when you’re here, SLO county celebrates LGBTQIA+ identities and history with a variety of celebrations, community events and special venues all year long. First time in town? Make the GALA Pride & Diversity Center near downtown San Luis Obispo your first stop for more information.
San Luis Obispo LGBTQIA+ Events
We come together, no matter the weather (though usually the weather here is pretty great). Hit up these tasty, tenacious and toast-worthy community events while you’re in town – from our favorite drag brunch to teen-friendly to-dos, there’s something for everyone.
Events & Happenings
Trans* Youth Support Group
A safe place for trans* and gender non-conforming youth, as well as those questioning, meet every Tuesday to swap stories, share advice and even get creative with art projects.
Pandora’s Pizza Party at Benny’s Pizza Palace
Queer? Ally? Just love pizza and good conversations? Join us at Benny’s Pizza Palace & Social Club, a safe space for LGBTQIA+ meetups, every Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Burlesque & Drag Shows
There are lots of places to watch local kings and queens strut their stuff on stage, whether you’re in town for Central Coast pride or following the SLO Tease Burlesque’s shows.
The fun doesn’t stop when May ends. Central Coast Pride signs off with a huge three-day, three-venue Pride Celebration. It’s your chance to live the SLO Life in full color, so start planning your Central Coast Pride Getaway now – we can’t wait to welcome you!
Where to Stay During Central Coast Pride
San Luis Obispo is your homebase away from home – not just during Pride Month, but all year long. Post up in a SLO hotel, close to the action, or book a cozy homestay where you can relax and unwind after the festivities.
San Luis Obispo Queer Spaces
SLO boasts a variety of LGBTQ+ inclusive establishments that maintain their warm and welcoming atmosphere year-round, extending a hand of hospitality to everyone. Check out some of our favorite spots that embrace and represent the LGBTQIA+ community.
LGBTQIA+ Eats & Hangs
Luna Red
Brunch? Brunch. After a long night out, locals love to meet at Luna Red for a late meal and plenty of signature cocktails. Try to grab a seat on the patio–the downtown view is gorgeous.
NOVO Restaurant & Lounge
Novo has been a proud supporter of San Luis Obispo’s LGBTQIA+ community for years, and we give back by booking tables for their legendary (and classy) brunches, lunches and dinners.
Libertine Brewing
Thank Gay’s It’s Friday is just one of the queer-friendly events local brewery Libertine hosts throughout the year. Check their calendar for upcoming shindigs if you’re thirsty for more.
SLO Provisions
With its warm weather and abundance of outdoor eateries, there are plenty of places you can visit for fresh on-the-go food in SLO. Don’t miss a lunch at SLO Provisions where people line up to order rustic baked goods and mouth-watering rotisserie.
Junk Girls
The Junk Girls have a passion for giving found, vintage, and forgotten objects new life. Founded in 2009, they create art, lighting, furniture, jewelry, and home decor. They find beauty in the ordinary and character in a life well-lived.
Sidecar Cocktail Co
The music plays on at Sidecar, a retro space enclosed by brick walls and bookshelves. Order an eclectic original cocktail or take a leap of faith and let their mixologists whip up a custom creation.
Central CoAST Pride
A multi-day Pride month celebration which is the joint effort of the Gala Pride & Diversity Center and Central Coast Pride, Central Coast Pride is jam-packed with cool and colorful ways to celebrate LGBTQIA+ culture.
- Catch drag and burlesque shows
- Explore local art after sunset
- Attend a very special Pride Prom
- Family-friendly activities
…and so much more – all throughout May.
