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2023 Fall and Holiday Family Events in San Luis Obispo County

Posted by SanLuisObispoMom.com on Thursday, August 15, 2019 Under: Fall

2023 Fall Event List


Here's a list of free or upcoming family friendly events in Pismo Beach Area and San Luis Obispo County for the Fall and Christmas season of 2023 below: 

  • September 29 & 30, 2023 (Fri & Sat) - Arroyo Grande Valley's 84th Harvest Festival & Parade in Arroyo Grande. More details to come.
  • October 21 - 22, 2023 (Sat & Sun) - 77th Annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival. Free admission. Every year, Pismo Beach Clam Festival attracts generations of families and visitors. I've attended this festival in the past. See pictures that I've taken at the Pismo Beach Clam Festival. Address for GPS: 100 Pomeroy Ave., Pismo Beach, CA 93449
  • October 28, 2023 (Sat) - Pumpkins in the Park at Dinosaur Caves Park in Pismo Beach from 10AM - 1PM. Free event. Children ages 12 and under can participate in pumpkin decorating, games, crafts, bounce houses and more. Costume contest starts at 11:30AM. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. Please leave pets at home. See pictures that captured at Dinosaur Caves Park. Address: 2701 Price St., Pismo Beach, CA 93449
  • October 28, 2023 (Sat) - Zoo Boo at Charles Paddock Zoo from 5PM - 8:30PM. Dress up in your not-so-scarry costume and come to the Zoo ready for fun. Activities include carnival-style games with trinket prizes. According to the Charles Paddock Zoo website, prices are $15 per person; Members $14 per person; Ages 2 and Under Free. I went to this event with my sons in the past. See my instagram reel of Zoo Boo at Charles Paddock Zoo. Address: 9100 Morro Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
  • October 31, 2023 (Tues) - Trick or Treat Downtown Atascadero from 5PM - 8PM on Halloween night. Free event. On Entrada Ave. in Downtown Atascadero, people and pets of all ages are welcome to come and enjoy family, children, and pet costume contests, games, and Trick or Treating. Address for GPS: Entrada Ave, Atascadero, CA 93422
  • November 4 - 5, 2023 - Paso Robles Art in the Park. 140 Artists from 4 different states. Free admission. Saturday hours: 10AM - 5PM and Sunday hours: 10AM - 4PM. Address: 1100 Spring St., Paso Robles, CA 93446
  • November 17 - 19, 2023 (Fri - Sun) - Atascadero Fall Festival for 3 days at Sunken Gardens. Free admission. Carnival games and rides cost money. 35 bands on 2 stages. Over 15 different food vendors. Address: 6505 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422
  • November 24 - December 23, 2023 - Cambria Christmas Market by Cambria Pines Lodge in Cambria, California. Enjoy 2+ million Christmas lights, Vendor Market, festive food & drink, visits from Santa, live music and more! This is a ticketed event or if you book a room at Cambria Pines Lodge, then it is inclusive. Learn more about Cambria and my brunch experience at Cambria Pines Lodge. Address: 905 Burton Dr. Cambria, California 93428
  • December 1, 2023 (Fri) - Annual Light Up The Downtown Holiday Celebration from 5:30PM - 8PM at Sunken Gardens in Downtown Atascadero. Enjoy an evening of community entertainment, Santa, complimentary Model-A-Firetruck & Hay Rides, hot chocolate, and more! Address: 6505 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422
  • December 8, 2023 (Fri) - Winter Wonderland in Atascadero from 5PM - 9PM. Atascadero’s Sunken Gardens and the entire downtown will be transformed into a magical snowy paradise! 75 Tons of snow will create a massive snow slide (brought to you by Kiwanis), and two large snow pile areas for the kids! This year’s snow-themed event includes Joe’s Little Train (operated by the Elks Club of Atascadero), bungee jumps, obstacle courses, community entertainment, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more! Address: 6505 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422
  • December 16, 2023 (Sat) - Holiday Magic at Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero from 10AM - 1PM. The zookeepers have stepped in as Santa’s Elves to prepare gifts for the animals. Santa will be at the Zoo to help welcome visitors and deliver gifts to the animals. Address: 9100 Morro Road, Atascadero, CA 93422




Suggested Unique Christmas Thing To Do in SLO County. 
Visit the Cambria Christmas Market. In Cambria, they have an amazing Christmas light display and opens from the day after Thanksgiving to the day before Christmas Eve. See my video reel of my visit to Cambria Christmas Market. This is a very unique thing to do in San Luis Obispo County as it's over a mile walk through with non-stop Christmas lights. Read more about Cambria. 

To see upcoming events all over San Luis Obispo county for 2023, go to the Family-Friendly Events page.



Already Occurred List:

Oct 1, 2022 (Sat) - Annual Atascadero Colony Days with parade at 10AM and festivities in Sunken Garden afterwards. Free event. Address: 5942 West Mall, Atascadero, CA 93422

Oct 5, 2022 (Wed) - Zoo to You at Santa Margarita Library at 3:30. Take an imaginary field trip around the world to discover the habitats where animals call home. Learn about the niche that animals fulfill in their environments and how they survive in an ever-changing world. Address: 9630 Murphy Ave, Santa Margarita, CA 93453

Oct 5 & 6, 2022 (Wed & Thurs) - Oceano Library Birthday Celebration from 2:30PM - 4:30PM. For their birthday celebration The Friends of the Library will be handing out pumpkins and books. Come join the party and sign up for a free library card! (Espanol: ¡Ven a celebrar el 17 Aniversario de la biblioteca publica de Oceano! Recibe un calabaza y un libro gratis. Ven a celebrar y registrate para un tarjeta de la biblioteca gratis!) Address: 1551 17th St, Oceano, CA 93445

Oct 7, 2022 (Fri) - Charles Paddock Zoo presentation at Cambria Public Library from 2PM - 3PM. The Charles Paddock Zoo is coming to the Cambria Library! Join them as we learn about the exciting animals you can visit at the zoo and meet some amazing animal ambassadors! Address: 1043 Main St Cambria, CA 93428

Oct 8, 2022 (Sat) - Maritime Family Fun Day in Morro Bay from 10AM - 4PM. Sandcastle building, fishing booth, chowder contest, treasure hunt, fish prints and more. Free event located in the triangle lot behind 1210 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA 93442

Oct 8, 2022 (Sat) - Harvest Festival at Cambria Historical Museum from 11AM - 4PM. Admission is free. Live music, food, craft beer, local wine, amazing vendors, fall and Halloween items, jewelry, watercolor paintings, face painting and kid friendly fun. Address: 2251 Center St., Cambria, CA 93428

Oct 8, 2022 (Sat) - Central Coast Railroad Festival at San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum from 10AM - 4PM. Tickets for members are free, adults are $5, children ages 4 - 15 years old are $3 and Children 3 years old and under are free. There will be a food truck there outside and wine tasting inside the Cuesta Lounge. Address: 1940 Santa Barbara Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (I've visited this museum before, see our review post of San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum here.)

Oct 9, 2022 (Sun) - Free Entry Day at SLO Botanical Garden from 9AM - 5PM. Nature-filled day of fun and activities for the family. Address: 3450 Dairy Creek Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

Oct 15, 2022 (Sat) - Avila Beach Children's Business Fair at Avila Beach Community Center from 10AM - 1PM. Free and open to the public. Address: 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach, CA 93424

Oct 15 - 16, 2022 - Annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival. Clam Festival featuring live music, vendors, Clam Festival Parade, the Kids Zone, and annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off. Free admission to enter event. There is a fee to sample local chowders with the Clam Chowder Cook-Off, buy food and concessions. Enjoy live music all weekend long. Sat Hours: 10AM - 5PM and Sun hours: 11AM - 4PM. Address: Pismo Beach Pier Parking Lot, 100 Pomeroy Ave., Pismo Beach, CA 93449

Oct 15 - 16, 2022 - Paso Robles Art in the Park at Paso Robles Downtown City Park for two days. Sat Hours: 10AM - 5PM and Sun Hours: 10AM - 4PM. 130 booths representing 145 independent artists and craft workers. Address: Spring Street and 12th Street Paso Robles, CA 93446

Oct 16, 2022 (Sun) - Harvestly's 2nd Annual Harvest Festival from 11AM - 2PM at Irish Oaks Mercantile in Atascadero. Free event full of some great food, live music, farm animals, kids activities and more. To get updates before the event, you can register for this free event online. Address: 7425 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422

Oct 20, 2022 (Thurs) - 17th Annual Great Pumpkin Contest from 4PM to 7PM at Mission San Luis Obispo. There will be education, tractors, face painting and giant pumpkins. See my IG video reel of Mission San Luis Obispo during the Christmas season. Address: 751 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Oct 20, 2022 (Thurs) - Moonlight Hours at San Luis Obispo Children's Museum from 5PM - 7PM. Visit for free between those hours. See my IG video reel of my visit at San Luis Obispo Children's Museum. Address: 1010 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Oct 21, 2022 (Fri) - Ghouls in the Garden Harvest Market & Movie at Birchwood Nipomo from 5PM - 9PM. $5 plus fees (1.94) per person on their eventbrite link. Movie, concessions, trick or treating, vendors booths and games & prizes. All ages welcome. Event is not a walk through. Costumes encouraged and low back chairs & lawn blanks are okay to bring. Address: 323 West Tefft St., Nipomo, CA 93444

Oct 22, 2022 (Sat) - Golden Oak Honey & Pumpkin Festival from 10AM - 5PM in Downtown City Park in Paso Robles. Free admission. Backyard beekeeping practices, honey tasting, arts, crafts, vendors, Navy Sea bees, yoga, spelling bee, monster mash dance, and more. Address: Spring St &, 12th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446

Oct 22, 2022 (Sat) - Tidepools on Tour with Central Coast Aquarium at Arroyo Grande Library from 2PM - 3PM. Come to the Arroyo Grande Library to meet many kinds of sea creatures from the Central Coast Aquarium. The traveling creatures include hermit crabs, sea stars, decorator crabs, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, sea anemones, gumboot chitons, keyhole limpets, sea snails, mussels, scallops, algae and more! All ages welcome. Address: 800 W Branch St., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 

Oct 22 & 23, 2022 (Sat & Sun) - Military Appreciation Weekend at Nipomo Pumpkin Patch from 12PM - 6PM. Free large pumpkin for military and veterans. (Optional: $5 off any pizza purchase for the military). Address: 668 Eucalyptus Road, Nipomo, CA 93433 

Oct 23, 2022 (Sun) - Harvest Festival at Camp Ocean Pines in Cambria from 1PM - 4PM. Free event but they are requesting for registration in advance to help them plan. Select your own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and decorate it. Play carnival games, try your hand at ax throwing, kids can enjoy some ooey-gooey caramel apples and adults can sample some local wine and beer. Hamburger lunch will be available for purchase for $10 a person. Address: 1473 Randall Dr., Cambria, CA 93428

Oct 27, 2022 (Thurs) - Halloween Themed CaliKids Class at Heritage Square Park in Arroyo Grande from 4PM - 5PM. Perfect for youth kids ages 5 - 8 years old and their parent/caregiver. Free.  [UPDATE: EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT ONLINE.] Comfortable/easy to move in costumes are encourages (no masks please). Promoting healthy habits through exercise. Join them for warm-ups, dances, relays, skills & grills and games. Healthy snacks and goodie bag provided for each child. Register here. Address: 201 Nelson St., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Oct 27, 2022 (Thurs) - Halloween at the Downtown SLO Farmer's Market from 5PM - 8PM. Free event. Activities include the beloved Trick-or-Treat Trail at dozens of downtown businesses, a Costume Contest, festive photo opportunities. This event is free, family-friendly, and open to the public. Address for GPS: Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. We went to this event before. See Pinterest video clip below during our trick-or-treating adventure in Downtown SLO


Oct 28, 2022 (Fri) - Annual Carved Pumpkin Contest & Halloween Activities from 5PM - 8PM in Ramona Garden Park in Grover Beach. Free event. Trunk or treat! Child 6 years old and under can enter a separate contest for decorated pumpkins only. Address: 993 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach, CA 93433

Oct 28, 2022 (Fri) - Boo Bash at Meadow Park from 5PM - 9PM. Join the Parks and Recreation Department for a family friendly costume party and haunted house. Youngsters (and their families) will enjoy food, games and activities, as well as choose to venture through a spooky haunted house. Concluding the night, enjoy the kid-friendly outdoor Movie Curious George: A Boo Fest on the Meadow Park lawn under the stars. The Food Bank Coalition of SLO County will be collecting canned food and participants who are able are encouraged to bring one or more items to donate. See pictures that I've taken at Meadow Park on this blog post. Address: 2333 Meadow St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Oct 28, 2022 (Fri) - Halloween Bash Dana Adobe in Nipomo from 6PM - 9:30PM. Cost is $10 per car. Trunk or treating is only between 6PM - 7PM. Movie is afterwards. Show off your awesome costumes in their costume parade, trunk or treat at all the trunks, then grab some popcorn and stay for the movie!! Grab your ghouls and goblins for a spooktackular good time. Parking fee per car. Address: 671 S Oakglen Ave., Nipomo, CA 93444

Oct 25 - 29 (Tues - Fri) - Halloween Sensory Experience at Cambria Public Library from 10AM - 5PM. Enjoy tricks and treats at the Cambria Library! Join us for a fun filled week of Halloween sensory experiences! Stations will be set up around the library each offering a uniquely spooky experience. Open all day during open hours. Address: 1043 Main St., Cambria, CA 93428 

Oct 28 - 29, 2022 (Fri & Sat) - Candy, Haunted House and Carnival at Elks Lodge 322 in San Luis Obispo from 6PM - 9PM. Free & Open to Public. Food for purchase, donations appreciated. Address: 222 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo 93401

Oct 29, 2022 (Sat) - Pumpkins in the Park in Pismo Beach from 10AM - 1PM at Dinosaur Caves Park. Free event. Children 12 & under are encouraged to participate in pumpkin decorating, games, crafts, bounce houses, etc. for ages 12 & under. The costume contest will begin at 11:30 and will include multiple prizes for all age divisions. Food & Beverage will be available for purchase, please leave pets at home. See pictures that I've taken of Dinosaur Caves Park. Address: 2701 Price St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449

Oct 29, 2022 (Sat) - 17th Annual Downtown Trick-or-Treating in Pismo Beach from 12PM - 2PM. To get a list of participating business locations for this trick or treat event, you can attend the Pumpkins in the Park between 10AM - 1PM on the same day (see event listed right above) to get that list. Downtown Pismo Beach from Dinosaur Caves Park is about 1.6 miles - 2 miles from each other. For more information, please contact the Pismo Beach Recreation Division at (805) 773-7063 or visit www.pismobeach.org/recreation. 

Oct 29, 2022 (Sat) - Wiggle Waggle Fall Festival at Woods Human Society in San Luis Obispo from 12PM - 3PM. Bring family and leashes and dog-friendly dogs for this free event. Kids' and canine' costume contests, activities for dogs, Santa Paw Portraits, free microchip for dogs, food for sale, face painting and more. Address: 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

Oct 29, 2022 (Sat) - SLO Library Spooky Slime from 2PM - 3PM in the Children's Area for ages: 5 - 10 years old. Create your own gooey spooky slime for Halloween! All materials provided while supplies last. See pictures that I've taken of the Children's Area at the San Luis Obispo Library. Address: 995 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93403 

Oct 29, 2022 (Sat) - Morro Bay Trick or Treat from 2PM - 5PM in Downtown Morro Bay. There will be trick or treating, bounce house, face painting, games and photo booth. See pictures that I've taken at Morro Bay, including the Morro Rock. Address for GPS: 2650 Main St, Morro Bay, CA 93442

Oct 29, 2022 (Sat) - 2022 Halloween Carnival & Maze at Elm Street Park in Arroyo Grande from 4:30PM - 7:30PM. There will be carnival booths, Haunted Maze, costume contest, prizes, DJ and so much more. You can also bring a carved pumpkin for a pumpkin-carving contest. There will be an admission cost. Food will also be available for purchase. Carnival, Maze, and Family Passes can be purchased at event or ahead of time as it gets closer to the event. There will be food available for purchase. Address: 1221 Ash Street, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Oct 29, 2022 (Sat) - Zoo Boo from 5PM - 8:30PM at Charles Paddock Zoo! Admission is $15 per person; $14 for members and 2 and under are free. I went to this Zoo Boo event! See my video reel from our experience. Address: 9100 Morro Rd., Atascadero, CA 93422

Oct 29, 2022 (Sat) - Outdoor Halloween Movie Night from 5:30PM - 7PM at Exploration Discovery Center in Grover Beach. Free event. Popcorn, themed games, freeze dancing, crafts and outdoor movie clips from the film Coco. Bring blankets and outdoor chairs for movie showing. Costumes are optional. Not a trick or treating event. Read about my visit at the Exploration Discovery Center in this post. Address: 867 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach, CA 93433 

Oct 30, 2022 (Sun) - Trunk or Treat at Nipomo Community Presbyterian Church from 3PM - 5PM. Free admission. Spooky games, bounce house, petting zoo. Come get candy from decorated cars. Address: 1235 N Thompson Ave., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 

Oct 30, 2022 (Sun) - Trunk or Treat at Paso Robles Army Recruiting Station from 3:30PM - 6:30PM. Haunted Army tent, face painting, trunk or treat and carnival games. There will be 51 vehicles handling out candy. Address: 211 Oak Hill Rd., Paso Robles, CA 93446

Oct 30, 2022 (Sun) - Atascadero Trunk Or Treat from 5PM - 7PM in Sunken Gardens organized by local churches. There will also be games, food and other family activities. Address: 5942 West Mall, Atascadero, CA 93422

Oct 31, 2022 (Mon) - Halloween in the Village in Arroyo Grande from 3PM - 5PM. Trick or Treating event by the businesses of the Village in Arroyo Grande. When attending, please go with the flow with traffic. Branch Street will be closed for safety. "Please walk in the direction you would driving, for example, walk towards the ocean on the side of Humdinger, Branch Street Deli, Village Kids... walk towards Paulding on the side of Rooster Creek, Village Vintage, etc." Address for GPS: 100 W Branch St, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 

Oct 31, 2022 (Mon) - Trick or Treat on Main St in Templeton from 3:30PM - 6PM. Join many of the Templeton Main Street Merchants from Gibson to 8th Street for the annual Trick or Treat on Main Street. Look for the pumpkin in the window and stop by with your little ones for their Halloween treat. For GPS: 3rd St & S Main St.,Templeton, CA 93465 

Oct 31, 2022 (Mon) - 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat at Pinedorado Grounds in Cambria from 4PM - 6PM. Address: 940 Main St., Cambria, California, 93428 

Oct 31, 2022 (Mon) - Safe & Fun Halloween Downtown in Paso Robles from 4PM - 7PM. Costumes required and admission is free. Address for GPS: Spring St &, 12th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446

Oct 31, 2022 (Mon) - Trick or Treat on Entrada Avenue in Atascadero from 5PM - 8PM. People and pets of all ages are welcome to come and enjoy family, children, hay ride and pet costume contests. Trick or Treating! Event is free to attend and is sponsored by Downtown Atascadero's Business Improvement District and the City of Atascadero. Address: Entrada Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422

Oct 31, 2022 (Mon) - Trick-Or-Treat at Creston Library from 4PM - 9PM at Creston Library. Come see Creston Library all decked out for Halloween! Wear your costume, visit the library, and get a treat – no tricks. Address: 6290 Adams St, Creston, CA 93432

Nov 1, 2022 (Tues) - Tide Pools on Tour at the Cambria Library from 3:30PM - 5PM. Stop by for an up-close look at some of the Central Coasts marine inhabitants. This exciting presentation will include a touch tank so you can meet the creatures as you learn about them! Address: 1043 Main St, Cambria, CA 93428

Nov 2, 2022 (Wed) - Central Coast Aquarium Tidepools on Tours at Creston Library from 11AM - 1PM. Traveling creatures include hermit crabs, sea stars, decorator crabs, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, sea anemones, gumboot chitons, keyhole limpets, sea snails, mussels, scallops, algae and more! Address: 6290 Adams St, Creston, CA 93432 

Nov 5, 2022 (Sat) - Veterans and Family Resource Fair from 10AM - 2PM at Elks Lodge San Luis Obispo. Free parking and admission. Free lunch for veterans, family and active duty. Job resources, workshops, guest speakers and more. Address: 222 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 

Nov 6, 2022 (Sun) - Cops 'N Kids "Field Day" at Soto Sports Complex in Arroyo Grande from 11AM - 3PM. Free family event. Free hot dogs, free t-shirts, police vehicles, helicopters, K9 Demos, SWAT, Drones and Facepainting! Address: 1275 Ash Street, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Nov 11, 2022 (Fri) - Happy Veteran's Day! See a list of free meals for your veterans throughout San Luis Obispo County. I'm a veteran's wife so I look for these freebies every year for my veteran.

Nov 11, 2022 (Fri) - Veterans Day Community Celebration at Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum from 10AM - 3PM. Bring a photo of your veteran for the Hometown Heroes Photo Wall. Address: 801 Grand Ave., Suite 102, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 

Nov 11, 2022 (Fri) - Veterans Day Ceremony at the Faces of Freedom Veterans Memorial at 11AM. The ceremony will include a fly-over by Estella Warbirds, the National Anthem presented by Atascadero Fine Arts Academy students, the laying of a memorial wreath by the VFW Auxiliary, and TAPS. This very special remembrance event will last just more than an hour and will be followed by a BBQ lunch provided by the Atascadero Kiwanis. Address: 8024 Portola Rd, Atascadero, CA 93422

Nov 11, 2022 (Fri) - Veteran's Day Ceremony at Pismo Beach Pier from 11AM - Noon. Address for GPS: 100 Pomeroy Ave. See the instagram video reel of my walk on the Pismo Beach Pier earlier this year. Pismo Beach, CA 93449 

Nov 11, 2022 (Fri) - Veterans Day Ceremony at Paso Robles District Cemetery at 11AM. Join them for guest speakers, patriotic music and refreshments after the ceremony. Address: 45 Nacimiento Lake Dr., Paso Robles, CA 93446 

Nov 12, 2022 (Sat) - Pismo Beach Cities Lions Club Veteran's Day Pancake Breakfast from 7:30AM - 11:00AM. Buy one breakfast for yourself, family members and then one for a Veteran so they can eat "FREE". $9 for adults, $4 for kids. Breakfast includes: Coffee, Juice, Eggs, Pancakes and Sausages. Address: Pismo Beach Cities Lions Clubhouse - 190 Cypress, Pismo Beach, CA 93449 

Nov 12, 2022 (Sat) - Elegant Evening Downtown from 5PM - 8PM in downtown Paso Robles. Free open house. Refreshments, wine, bites & entertainment. Live Mannequins by Class Act Dance Studio. Address for GPS: 835 12th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446

Nov 13, 2022 (Sun) - Free Day at the Garden at the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden from 9AM - 5PM. See my instagram reel of our visit here at San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden. Address: 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 

Nov 15, 2022 (Tues) - Parent and Child Paint Class at Santa Margarita Library from 4PM - 5:30PM. Follow step by step instructions to create a masterpiece based on the book, A Color of His Own by Leo Lionni. Parent and child will take home their own matching paintings. Please register online. Address: 9630 Murphy Ave, Santa Margarita, CA 93453 

Nov 17, 2022 (Thurs) - Moonlight Hours at San Luis Obispo Children's Museum from 5PM - 7PM. Free admission for everyone between those hours. Address: 1010 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Nov 18 - Nov 20, 2022 - Atascadero Fall Festival 2022 at Sunken Gardens. This is a 3 day family-friendly event with free admission. Check out carnival rides and games. Schedule: Friday, Nov 18th: 4PM - 10PM, Saturday, Nov 19th: 12PM - 10PM and Sunday, Nov 20th: 12PM - 10PM. Address: 6505 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422

Nov 24, 2022 (Thurs) - Happy Thanksgiving Day! See a list of places in San Luis Obispo County that will be open on Thanksgiving Day and offering a Thanksgiving turkey menu. 

Nov 25, 2022 (Fri) - Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony from 5:30PM - 7PM in Paso Robles. Free admission. Candlelight caroling, greetings from City officials, Mrs. Claus and the Elves, live music. Address: Spring St &, 12th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446

Dec 2, 2022 (Fri) - Annual Tree Lighting Celebration in Morro Bay at 3:30PM at Morro Bay Park. Enjoy holiday performances, hot cider, cookies, and a visit from Santa. Address: 734 Harbor St., Morro Bay, CA 93442

Dec 2, 2022 (Fri) - Holiday Harmony at Pismo Beach Pier from 5:30PM - 7:30PM. Lighting ceremony will be at 6PM. Free event. There will be kids activities: cookie decorating, bounce houses, 2 snow zones, tree lighting ceremony and Santa! Address to pier for GPS: 600 Cypress St., Pismo Beach, CA 93449

Dec 2, 2022 (Fri) - Annual Light Up at the Downtown Holiday Celebration from 5:30PM - 8PM in Sunken Gardens in Atascadero. Beginning at 5:30 pm, you can sip and shop with the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce’s ever-popular Art, Wine & Brew Tour! At 6 pm, gather in the Sunken Gardens area in front of Historic City Hall as our City officials and the community counts down to the lighting of our beautiful building. Soon after the lights come on, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be arriving via an antique Model-A fire truck to the tune of “Here Comes Santa Claus.” You will then be invited to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the North Pole entrance located at the back of City Hall that faces Atascadero Middle School. Address: 6505 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422

Dec 2, 2022 (Fri) - 46th Annual Downtown SLO Holiday Parade from 7PM - 9PM in Downtown San Luis Obispo. This beloved Central Coast holiday tradition will feature over 80 decorated floats, marching bands, vehicles, dancers, and more, representing all kinds of organizations. The Downtown SLO Holiday Parade is one of the largest parades on the Central Coast, attracting thousands of spectators each year. Address for GPS: 733 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Dec 3, 2022 (Sat) - Breakfast with Santa at Morro Bay Vet's Hall from 8:30AM - 11:30AM. $10 per ticket and includes breakfast (with hot cocoa bar) made from the local Kiwanis Club and a Trip to The Elf Workshop (crafts and gift making, cookie decorating, face painting, mini gingerbread house station and photos with Santa). Pre-register by Dec 2. Address: 209 Surf St, Morro Bay, CA 93442 

Dec 3, 2022 (Sat) - South County Holiday Toyland Parade at 10AM in Grover Beach. (NOW CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER!

Dec 3 & 4, 2022 (Sat & Sun) - Jack House - Lights and Traditions from 5PM - 8 PM on Dec 3 and 1PM - 4PM on Dec 4. Free. If you come on Dec 4, the tour will include kid's activities. Address: 536 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Dec 4, 2022 (Sun) - Holiday Parade in the Village of Arroyo Grande at 5PM. Address for GPS: Olohan Alley, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 

Dec 4, 2022 (Sun) - Cayucos Christmas Tree Lighting at 5PM. Enjoy the sounds of carolers while watching the arrival of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus on firetrucks. Kids can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus until 6:30PM. Address: Lot at corner of Ocean Ave/D Street, Cayucos, CA 93430

Dec 9, 2022 (Fri) - Community Tree Lighting at Los Osos Baywood Park from 4:30PM - 8PM. At 4:30PM, join at the picnic area of the Red Barn, on the corner of Los Osos Valley Road and Palisades Avenue! They will decorate the Christmas tree, sing carols, and enjoy light snacks! Bring the whole family (& an ornament for the tree if you like)! Address: 2190 Palisades Ave., Los Osos, CA 93402 

Dec 9, 2022 (Fri) - Winter Wonderland in downtown Atascadero from 5PM - 9PM. Free event. Atascadero’s Sunken Gardens and the entire downtown will be transformed into a magical snowy paradise! 75 Tons of snow make up will offer larger snow pile play areas and will help make way for a massive snow slide built. This year’s snow themed events include a lot of kids' activities and Santa and Mrs. Claus! Address: 6505 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA, 93422 

Dec 10, 2022 (Sat) - Breakfast with Santa in at Tar Creek Ranch in Arroyo Grande for $10 a person from 8:30AM - 11AM. Enjoy a pancake breakfast and picture with Santa. See my video reel of Tar Creek Ranch in a past visit on my instagram. Address: 2514 Huasna Road, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Dec 10, 2022 (Sat) - 2022 "Happy to Be Here" Christmas Parade in Los Osos Baywood Park from 10AM - 12PM. (UPDATE: CANCELLED BY ORGANIZER DUE TO WEATHER FORECAST.)  The route follows LOVR from Fairchild Way to Palisades Avenue. Bay Osos Kiwanis Club will have a pre-parade Pancake Breakfast in front of Bay Auto & Tire. Following the parade, the Needs & Wishes Fundraiser will be held a the South Bay Community Center. Address: 2190 Palisades Ave., Los Osos, CA 93402 

Dec 10, 2022 (Sat) - Lighted Boat Parade in Morro Bay by The Rotary Club from 6PM - 8PM. (UPDATE: CANCELLED BY ORGANIZER DUE TO WEATHER FORECAST.) Free. Address for GPS: Morro Bay Embarcadero or 1185 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA 93442

Dec 10, 2022 (Sat) - Christmas in Cayucos Open House from 5PM - 8PM. A fun and festive Downtown Cayucos tradition of evening shopping, dining, and merriment along Ocean Ave. Local businesses stay open late to host visitors. The Cayucos Lioness Club will be providing refreshments: Christmas shopping fun, visit with Santa and Mrs. Clause and crafts for kids. See my picture of Cayucos Pier last year during the holidays on my instagram. Address: Along Ocean Ave., Cayucos, CA 93430
Dec 9 - 11, 2022 (Fri - Sun) - Santa's Pop-Up Reindeer Farm from 10AM - 4PM at Charles Paddock Zoo. Two reindeers will be visiting Charles Paddock Zoo with plenty of photo opportunities. See pictures that I've taken at Charles Paddock Zoo. Included with General Admission. Address: 9100 Morro Rd., Atascadero, CA 93422 

Dec 11, 2022 (Sun) - Free Day at the Garden at the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden from 9AM - 5PM. See my instagram reel of our visit here at San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden. Address: 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 

Dec 11, 2022 (Sun) - Santa's Workshop and Holiday Tree Lighting at Ramona Garden Park in Grover Beach from 11AM - 5:30PM. (UPDATE: CANCELLED BY ORGANIZER DUE TO WEATHER FORECAST.) Address: 993 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach, CA 93433 

Dec 11, 2022 (Sun) - Tree Lighting at Oceano Train Depot in Oceano at 5PM. Enjoy light holiday refreshments, mingling with your neighbors, music, and more! Address: 1650 Front St., Oceano, CA 93445 

Dec 14, 2022 (Wed) - Santa's Sleigh at Oak Park in Paso Robles from 6PM - 7:30PM. Hot cocoa, candy canes and photos with Santa. Address: 901 30th St., Paso Robles, CA 93446 

Dec 15, 2022 (Thurs) - Holiday CaliKids Class for 4-6 Year Olds from 4PM - 5PM at Elm Street Community Center. Holiday attire encouraged! Free. Pre-Register online. (Note from blogger: I've seen her classes get full a week before the event so pre-register as soon as you know you want to attend. Only register one ticket per child. Accompanying parents do not need to register for a ticket.) Address: 1221 Ash St., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 

Dec 15, 2022 (Thurs) - Tin City Lights + Forklift Parade from 5PM - 8PM. The parade starts at 6:30pm! Wander through the Tin City neighborhood and gather up those last minute holiday gifts! Bring the kids for your complimentary photos with Santa in the Parkette across from Etto and Field Recordings. Address for GPS: 3055 Limestone Way, Paso Robles, CA 93446 

Dec 15, 2022 (Thurs) - Santa's Sleigh in Centennial Park in Paso Robles from 6PM - 7:30PM. Hot cocoa, candy canes and photos with Santa. Address: 600 Nickerson Dr., Paso Robles, CA 93446

Dec 17, 2022 (Sat) - Holiday Magic at the Charles Paddock Zoo from 10AM - 1PM. Their Annual Holiday Magic celebration has the zookeepers stepped in as Santa’s Elves to prepare gifts for the animals. Santa will be at the Zoo to help welcome visitors and deliver gifts to the animals. All of this is included with your regular admission. See pictures that I've taken at Charles Paddock Zoo. Address: 9100 Morro Rd., Atascadero, CA 93422

Dec 17, 2022 (Sat) - Holiday Fair & Toy Drive from 2PM - 6PM at South Bay Community Center. Craft tables, cookie decorating and more. This fun family event brings the Los Osos / Baywood community together, collects new toys for the Toys for Tots drive, and raises funds for future SBCC events and programs. Address: 2180 Palisades Ave., Los Osos, CA 93402 

Dec 17, 2022 (Sat) - See Santa at Apple Farm in San Luis Obispo from 3PM - 6PM. Photo Op with Santa, Christmas Music and White Mocha Peppermint Hot Chocolate. Extra fee for cooking decorating and wine tasting. Address: 2015 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 

Dec 18, 2022 (Sun) - Santa Claus at Templeton Fire Station at 3PM. You can meet Santa and watch him in his parade at 4PM. Address: 206 5th St. Templeton, CA 93465 

Dec 19, 2022 (Mon) - Santa Claus will make a special stop at the Grover Beach Library to read to all the good little girls and boys on his list from 10:30 AM - 11AM. Don’t miss Storytime with Santa. Santa will read “The Night Before Christmas,” take photos and visit with the kids. Bring your cameras and take candid photos. Address: 240 N. 9th St., Grover Beach, CA 93433  Dec 21, 2022 (Wed) - Tree Lighting & Snow at Elm Street Park from 5PM - 7PM. This is a fun and FREE community event that will include carolers, a food and toy drive, food trucks, a s’more station, and 12 TONS of snow. Address: 1221 Ash St., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Day after Thanksgiving Day - Dec 24, 2022 - Holiday Plaza & Santa's House at Mission Plaza. A beloved tradition, Santa’s House returns to the Plaza. Young visitors can recite their holiday wish list and pose for photos with Santa out on his front lawn before entering the house to purchase their souvenir photo package and receive free goodies! Ride the Classic Carousel, dazzling photo spots, and an animated musical light show! Address: 989 Chorro St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. See my video clip below of our visit last year at Santa's House or view my most recent date night video reel in downtown SLO with a glimpse of the lights at Holiday Plaza
 

Dec 31, 2022 (Sat) - New Year's Eve Celebration at Downtown City Park Paso Robles from 7PM - 11PM. Free admission. A 9PM ball drop is set to coincide with midnight on the East Coast so attendees can enjoy ringing in the New Year and still be home before midnight. Will feature live music, a DJ, fire dancers and a bonfire. Food trucks will be on site to serve attendees who haven’t taken advantage of one of the 25+ restaurants downtown and adult beverages will be available. There will also be local beer, champagne and distilled spirits available for purchase. Address: 12th St & Park St, Paso Robles, CA 93446

(Scroll to the top of this page to see active upcoming events. The events that have already occurred are moved to the bottom of this list for archiving purposes.)

In : Fall 


Tags: christmas san luis obispo  fall events san luis obispo  thanksgiving in slo  pumpkin patch fall events  slo  holiday things to do  five cities holiday events  grover beach  pismo beach  atascadero  paso robles  parades 

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San Luis Obispo Mom Originally from San Diego, California, I'm a San Diego State University alumna, veteran's wife and mom of two kids who were born two years apart. After living on the East Coast for 6 years, we now reside in San Luis Obispo County and here, the exploration continues.
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