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Our Fall List: A Few Central Coast Weekends Worth Planning Around
Updated: 2 days ago
One of the things we appreciate most about living and working on the Central Coast is how much there is to enjoy without having to go very far. Fall brings a wonderful change of pace: the summer crowds ease, the vineyards are in harvest, and our towns settle into some of their favorite annual traditions.
We pulled together a few of the fall events on the Central Coast we have on our calendars. Some are longtime traditions, some are a little unexpected, and all are good reasons to spend a Saturday somewhere new, revisit a place you already love, or simply enjoy more of what makes living here so special.
SEPTEMBER 17–19 · CAYUCOS
Endless Summer Festival
Cayucos has a way of doing things that feels entirely its own, and the Endless Summer Festival is a great example. The three-day celebration includes local history, a family movie night, a downtown street faire, live music, a Lions BBQ and the Toast to the Central Coast Beer & Wine Tasting at Cayucos Landing. Thursday evening features the story of the Montebello shipwreck and its connection to our coastline.
Our pick: Saturday afternoon: browse the Street Faire, walk along the water, then head to the Landing for a glass of something local.
SEPTEMBER 25–26 · ARROYO GRANDE
Harvest Festival
The Harvest Festival has been part of Arroyo Grande since 1937, and the historic Village is the perfect setting. The Saturday morning parade is the centerpiece, followed by food, shopping, entertainment and the wonderfully old-fashioned scarecrow, baking and growing competitions. It is a genuine community tradition rather than an event created for visitors.
Our pick: Arrive early for the parade, then spend some time in the Village afterward. There is plenty to see once the crowds begin to wander.
OCTOBER 3 · SAN LUIS OBISPO
SLO Oktoberfest
A completely different take on fall. SLO Oktoberfest brings German beer and food, live music, pretzels, games and plenty of festive competition to the Alex Madonna Expo Center. It is a livelier afternoon than some of the other events on this list, which is exactly why it made our list.
Our pick: If you are planning to enjoy the tasting, take advantage of the event shuttle or rideshare and settle in for the afternoon.
OCTOBER 10 · PASO ROBLES
Pioneer Day
If you have never experienced Pioneer Day, this is a great year to do it. Now in its 96th year, the celebration takes over downtown Paso Robles with antique tractors, horse-drawn wagons, equestrian groups, vintage cars, marching bands, floats and more. The day continues with traditional activities including the bean feed, antique equipment displays, Pioneer Games and Gymkhana.
Our pick: The parade. And yes, the tractors really are one of the best parts.
OCTOBER 17–18 · SAN LUIS OBISPO
Fall Fest at SLO Ranch
This one is especially close to home for us. Our office is at SLO Ranch, and we love being part of this property and watching it become such a great gathering place for the community. The historic San Luis Ranch and Marketplace brings together local merchants, food, music and events just outside downtown SLO. Fall Fest will feature live music, seasonal eats and family-friendly fun.
Our pick: Come see what SLO Ranch is all about, grab something to eat, listen to the music and linger awhile. We may even see you there.
OCTOBER 17–18 · PISMO BEACH
80th Annual Clam Festival
Pismo Beach is celebrating the 80th year of its Clam Festival, one of the city's longest-running traditions. The weekend includes live entertainment, local food, family activities, the Clam Festival Parade and the annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off, all with the Pacific as a backdrop.
Our pick: Make time for the parade and chowder competition, then walk the pier or beach before heading home.
OCTOBER 24 · PISMO BEACH
Pumpkins in the Park
For a more relaxed fall afternoon, head to Dinosaur Caves Park. Pumpkins in the Park brings pumpkin decorating, games, crafts, bounce houses and a costume contest to the bluff above the Pacific. It is a fun family event, but the setting is reason enough to go.
Our pick: Pair it with a walk along the bluffs or an early dinner in Pismo Beach.
ALL OCTOBER · CAMBRIA
Scarecrow Festival
Cambria's Scarecrow Festival is one of those traditions that makes a fall day on the north coast especially fun. Throughout October, creative scarecrows appear throughout the East and West Villages, along Moonstone Beach and in San Simeon. It is less about arriving at a particular time and more about enjoying Cambria at an easy pace.
Our pick: Walk the villages, browse the galleries and shops, stop for lunch, then head toward Moonstone Beach for sunset.
If one of these weekends turns into a longer conversation about where you'd like to live on the Central Coast, we are always glad to talk. Our guides to living on the Central Coast in fall and the events that define each SLO County town are good places to keep reading.
Talk With Kim & Kristen
We are Kim San Jule and Kristen Gentry, Broker Associates with Real Broker, serving San Luis Obispo County and the Central Coast. Whether you are buying, selling, or simply thinking ahead, we are glad to be a resource.
Kim San Jule · Broker Associate, DRE 01948144 · 805-345-8303 · kimsanjule@gmail.com
Kristen Gentry · Broker Associate, DRE 01968754 · 805-441-4618 · kristengentryslo@gmail.com
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