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Over the weekend, we attended a wine release party at Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery in Paso Robles, California. (Paso Robles is part of San Luis Obispo county.) The food and wine pairings were fantastic. It was free for wine club members and that is so wonderful because sometimes other wineries still charge a fee for these release parties.

We have been wine club members for two wineries thus far, Vina Robles Vineyards and Tolosa Winery (Edna Valley). This one at Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery is our very first wine release party ever! 

The wine release party was from 11AM - 2PM. By the time we have arrived in Paso Robles, it was about 11:10AM and there was a line to enter already. About 30 - 40 people were in front of us. It was over 100 degrees that day so it was going to be a very hot day! The staff members there were very polite and professional. Now looking back, next time we will arrive at 1PM because we'll still have an hour to go through all 6 tasting stations and the line by that time to enter was non-existent!

Although there were 6 different wine & food pairing tastings, as a bonus, you can try their blind tastings and those were another 3 red wine tastes.

It was such a wonderful event with chef worthy dishes, fantastic Vina Robles wine and a wonderful ambiance outdoors during a summer day. I really can't wait for the next wine release party here!

If you're looking to go to a concert, Vina Robles also has an amphitheatre where many famous bands perform here!

We watched Counting Crows when they came here! As another perk as a Vina Robles Vineyards club member, they let you join their pre-concert party! Entry to this pre-show party is only exclusive to wine club members. All of the concerts have pre-show parties if they are performing here at the amphitheatre. The amphitheatre only opened a couple of years ago so the place is beautiful and new. My husband and I shared the braised beef entree at the pre-show party for Counting Crows.

If you're not a wine club member, the main areas of the venue also have many different stations of food to buy! This is for every Vina Robles Amphitheater goer and there were a pizza station, another area to buy sandwiches and burgers, desserts and of course wine! You can also get beer here! Address of Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery and Amphitheatre: 3800 Mill Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446

Reading Suggestions:

• Read about other wineries that I've visited in Edna Valley and Paso Robles in San Luis Obispo County.


• See my top 10 favorite local wineries in Edna Valley and Paso Robles, as a local.


• See a list of hotels in Paso Robles if you're planning on staying overnight.


• See this IG reel of different wine tasting rooms that I've personally visited.

Note: The long running Parent Participation Program in San Luis Obispo County in Oceano (South County area) has been permanently discontinued. However, the one located in San Luis Obispo Obispo City (North County part) is still running. Scroll down to continue to read about my personal Parent Participation experience.

Parent Participation in Five Cities

After moving to San Luis Obispo county, we were recommended by a local to try Parent Participation. Two of the main ones are city-site run programs for parents with kids between the ages of 0 - 5 years old.

I enrolled my little one for the Oceano location. The Parent Participation programs in Oceano was categorized by South County (Lucia Mar) and offered four different class groups: 0 - 12 months old, 12 - 24 months old, 24 - 36 months old and 3 and 4 year olds. Each age group met once a week for 3 hours. During the 3 hour session, the day would look like this: free play time, clean up, circle time on the rug with songs, snacks (volunteered and snacks donated by parents), auditorium play while parents have an educational discussion about parenting, clean up and then ending with a nice story at circle time. Parents definitely participated in this class as they helped assist the kids with clean up and participating throughout the organized day. These classes are a great way to get kids used to social play with kids within their age group and for parents to talk to other parents who have kids around the same age. I paid $90 for the 6 week period (7 sessions). If your child is not ready for preschool, Parent Participation is really a great transition to preschool since the parent gets to be there with them the whole time.

We attended two different sessions and my child really liked the program and referred to it as 'school'. He would be excited to come play, sing songs, learn letters and be a part of a classroom setting. When we came during our first day, both my little one and I were overwhelmed because we had just moved here. We're the new kids on the block while most of the parents and kids had been a part of it together before. It was a bit intimidating. After the second week, we got more used to it. These classes were mainly for the little ones to thrive so it's all with positive intent. Be brave, I'd tell myself! We're glad we braved it and continued on to the next session before the pandemic inevitably, cut our session short. We had a field trip every session and it was so fun! We went to a local farm to pick a pumpkin and see farm animals for one of the field trips during the fall.

2023 Update for Five Cities Area:

As mentioned at the beginning of the post, the Lucia Mar Parent Participation Classes that my preschooler had participated in Oceano with me canceled during the pandemic but what have uprooted in popularity is a free program planned by the South County Youth Coalition. They offer classes in English and Spanish and parents are required to participate with their little ones. It's like a free parent participation program that's funded by grants and is for kids from 0 months through 5 years old (age groups are broken into pods). See available parent participation type classes on their South County Youth Coalition Eventbrite page. You will need to register online for your child's spot as there are limited spaces.

Parent Participation in North San Luis Obispo County Area

There's a popular Parent Participation program with sessions that are 2 hours long located at San Luis Coastal Adult School (city run) in San Luis Obispo, California that's appropriate for families living closer to the San Luis Obispo City area. Another one that is not run by the city is Playtime Discoveries in Atascadero, California. Although my kids did not attend these two programs, I always hear good things about them.

San Luis Obispo County has so many kid-friendly things to do and parent & me (mommy & me) type programs for the little ones. You can find all of these classes under the Mom Groups & Childcare section. For free events to do with your family or kids, you can go to the SLO County Events & Things To Do page.

Find Suggested Things To Do for Teens in SLO County.

Every year, there is a lot of family-friendly and free Christmas events in San Luis Obispo County that are planned by the community and local city governments. Sometimes, you may also find free Santa Photo opportunities!

2024 Fall & Holiday Themed Upcoming Event List (Growing List):

• November 15 - 17 (Fri - Sun) - Atascadero Fall Festival at Sunken Gardens. Free admission event for 3 days. You pay for rides and games. There will be food vendors. Hours are Fri: 4PM - 10PM and Sat & Sun: 12PM - 10PM. Address: 6505 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422
• November 16, 2024 (Sat) - Holiday Craft Fair at Pismo Beach Moose Lodge from 10AM - 3PM. Over 15 vendors will be selling fall and holiday items. Open to public and entrance is free. Address: 180 Main Street., Pismo Beach, CA 93449
• November 16, 2024 (Sat) - Oceano Community Plaza Party from 12PM - 3PM. New plaza at 17th St. and Beach St. Free fun for the whole family. Community, food and music, salsa dancing and lessons, activities and games, resources and more. First 100 people will receive a $5 coupon to use at neighboring restaurants - La Tapatia & Efren's, and the next 100 will receive a hamburger from Sylvester's. Bring your own chair to enjoy the day. Add for GPS: 1800 Front St., Oceano, CA 93445
• November 28, 2024 (Thurs) - Happy Thanksgiving Day! See a list of over 22 different places that are serving Thanksgiving Day turkey in San Luis Obispo County for 2024.
• November 29, 2024 (Fri) - 38th Annual Downtown Lighting Ceremony at City Park in Paso Robles at 5:30PM. Mrs. Claus will be there. Address for GPS: Spring St &, 12th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446
• November 29 & 30, 2024 (Fri & Sat) - Central Coast Craft Fair at SLO Vets Hall from 10AM - 4PM. Free entry and free parking. 100% handmade-only craft show on the Central Coast, featuring many local crafters and artisans who make 100% of what they sell Address: 801 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-2641, United States
• November 30, 2024 (Sat) - Meet Santa at Avila Valley Barn from 10AM - 2PM. Meet Santa Opportunity Address: 560 Avila Beach Dr., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
• November 30, 2024 (Sat) - Cookies & Cocoa with Santa at Cambria Nursery and Florist from 1PM - 3PM. Meet Santa Opportunity Limited spots and they ask that you reserve online for tickets. It is $20 a person plus booking fees. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Nursery to spread holiday cheer, giving each guest the chance to decorate cookies, sip warm cocoa, and share their Christmas wishes in a relaxed setting. Don’t forget your camera for a special photo! (If you miss this opportunity, there are 3 more dates for this event in December. Scroll down to see them.) Address: 2801 Eton Road, Cambria, CA, United States, CA 93428
• December 1, 2024 (Sun) - Meet Santa at Avila Valley Barn from 2:30PM - 5PM. Meet Santa Opportunity Address: 560 Avila Beach Dr., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
• December 1, 2024 (Sun) - Holiday Parade at the Village in Arroyo Grande at 5PM. It starts at East Brunch Street that is next to City Hall. Address for GPS: 300 E Branch St Arroyo Grande CA 93420
• December 6, 2024 (Fri) - Santa's Workshop at Ramona Garden Park Center in Grover Beach from 4PM - 6PM. Tree Lighting Ceremony will also be at this park on this night at 5:30PM. Free event. Address: 993 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach, CA 93433
• December 6, 2024 (Fri) - Holiday Harmony at Pismo Beach Pier from 5:30PM - 7:30PM. Free event with kids activities. Snow, Santa, cookie decorating and bounce houses. All free. Lighting ceremony is at 6PM. Address for GPS: 100 Pomeroy Ave, Pismo Beach, CA 93449. Here's a picture from this event a couple of years ago that we attended below.
  
• December 6, 2024 (Fri) - Light Up the Downtown and First Friday Holiday Sip & Shop in Atascadero from 5:30PM - 8PM. The event kicks off at 5:30 in the Sunken Gardens and continues throughout Downtown Atascadero with the Holiday Sip & Shop. Enjoy an evening of community entertainment, Santa, complimentary Model-A-Firetruck & Hay Rides, hot chocolate, and more! Shops will be open late and wine and beer tastings will be available from participating merchants. A great way to enjoy shopping and strolling Downtown along with the festivities of the season! Address: 6505 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422
• December 7, 2024 (Sat) - Breakfast with Santa from 8:30AM - 11AM at TarCreek Ranch in Arroyo Grande for $15 a person. Meet Santa Opportunity Enjoy a delicious  pancake breakfast, photos with Santa, holiday crafts, music and more. See my visit at TarCreek Ranch. You buy tickets for this Breakfast with Santa event from the City of Arroyo Grande website. This event sells out every year. You can scroll down to see other Santa Photo opportunities at other places in San Luis Obispo County. Address: 2514 Huasna Rd., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420.
• December 7, 2024 (Sat) - Cookies & Cocoa with Santa at Cambria Nursery and Florist from 1PM - 3PM. Meet Santa Opportunity Limited spots and they ask that you reserve online for tickets. It is $20 a person plus booking fees. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Nursery to spread holiday cheer, giving each guest the chance to decorate cookies, sip warm cocoa, and share their Christmas wishes in a relaxed setting. Don’t forget your camera for a special photo! (If you miss this opportunity, you can find the next one for the following week. Scroll down a bit for details on that one.) Address: 2801 Eton Road, Cambria, CA, United States, CA 93428
• December 7, 2024 (Sat) - Meet the Grinch at Avila Valley Barn from 1PM - 4PM with story time and meet and greet. Address: 560 Avila Beach Dr., San Luis Obispo , CA 93405
• December 7, 2024 (Sat) - Dolphin Bay Holiday Cheer Market from 11AM - 3PM at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa in Shell Beach. Free entry event. Between 12PM - 2PM, there is a photo opportunity with Santa. Meet Santa Opportunity I went to this event last year and there were a lot of families in line waiting to take pictures with Santa. I also got this pretty fun drink.
  Address: 2727 Shell Beach Rd., Pismo Beach, Ca 93449
• December 7, 2024 (Sat) - Holiday Musical Walk Around the Lake in Atascadero from 5:30PM - 9PM. Enjoy a special evening walk around the Atascadero Lake with carolers, community singing, holiday decorations, and more! Presented by the Atascadero Lake Neighborhood Association. Address: 8050 Portola Rd, Atascadero, CA 93422
• December 7, 2024 (Sat) - 63rd Annual Christmas Light Parade in Paso Robles at 6PM. Theme is "Sleigh Bells Ring, Area you Listening'". Santa will be at the parade. Address: TBD
• December 7, 2024 (Fri) - 48th Annual Holiday Parade in Downtown San Luis Obispo at 7PM. Address for GPS will be TBD when they've published the route.
• December 13, 2024 (Fri) - Winter Wonderland at Sunken Gardens in Atascadero from 5PM - 9PM. Over 70 tons of snow! This year’s snow-themed event includes bungee jumps, obstacle courses, community entertainment, Joe's Little Train (brought to you by the Elks Lodge) Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more! Address: 6505 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422
• December 14, 2024 (Sat) - Cookies & Cocoa with Santa at Cambria Nursery and Florist from 1PM - 3PM. Meet Santa Opportunity Limited spots and they ask that you reserve online for tickets. It is $20 a person plus booking fees. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Nursery to spread holiday cheer, giving each guest the chance to decorate cookies, sip warm cocoa, and share their Christmas wishes in a relaxed setting. Don’t forget your camera for a special photo! (If you can't make it to this one, there is one more opportunity left on Dec 21 for this location. Scroll down a bit to find that event.) Address: 2801 Eton Road, Cambria, CA, United States, CA 93428
• December 14, 2024 (Sat) - Grover Beach Holiday Parade. Time is TBD.
• December 14, 2024 (Sat) - Meet the Grinch at Avila Valley Barn from 1PM - 4PM with meet and greet only (no story time this time). Address: 560 Avila Beach Dr., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
• December 15, 2024 (Sun) - Tree Lighting & Snow at Elm Street Park in Arroyo Grande from 5PM - 7PM. Free entry event. Playing in the snow is free. They will have cold snow for this event! You can get in line to take a photo with Santa! Meet Santa Opportunity Bounce houses cost money. If you're a local, you can probably come the next day and still in enjoy the snow like I did. See my reel playing in the leftover snow from this event last year, when the crowd is not there. Address: 1221 Ash St., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
• December 21, 2024 (Sat) - Holiday Magic at the Charles Paddock Zoo from 10AM - 1PM. Join us for the annual Holiday Magic celebration, where our dedicated zookeepers step in as Santa’s Elves to prepare special gifts for the animals. Santa will be at the Zoo on Saturday, December 21st, to help welcome visitors and deliver gifts to the animals. Event is included with regular admission (costs money) at the zoo. See pictures that I've taken at the Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero. Address: 6907 El Camino Real. Atascadero, CA 93422
• December 21, 2024 (Sat) - Cookies & Cocoa with Santa at Cambria Nursery and Florist from 1PM - 3PM. Meet Santa Opportunity Limited spots and they ask that you reserve online for tickets. It is $20 a person plus booking fees. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Nursery to spread holiday cheer, giving each guest the chance to decorate cookies, sip warm cocoa, and share their Christmas wishes in a relaxed setting. Don’t forget your camera for a special photo! Address: 2801 Eton Road, Cambria, CA, United States, CA 93428
• Thanksgiving Weekend Through December 23, 2024 - Cambria Christmas Market by Cambria Pines Lodge in Cambria, California. Enjoy 3+ 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. I've walked through the Cambria Christmas Market lights last year. Here is my video clip from last year's visit: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/D3d--JQVwGM
• Thanksgiving Weekend Through December 2024 - Lights & Sights in Downtown San Luis Obispo. They start on November 29, 2024! Free to walk through. Meet Santa Opportunity However, you can visit Santa at the Santa's House for a fee between certain hours for pictures. See my video from last year when Mission Plaza is transformed into Holiday Plaza with Christmas lights below. They used it call it Holiday Plaza but now they've changed it to Lights & Sights. Press the play button.
   
• November and December Selected Dates 2024 - Train Rides at Santa Margarita Ranch. Train ride tickets vary as there are two different trains. Each passenger ticket comes with hot cocoa and a cookie in the barn. Each train ride is 30 minutes long. Tickets are $40 per adult and $25 per child. Babies who are 2 years old and under are free. Address: 9000 Yerba Buena Ave., Santa Margarita, CA 93453. I've been to this ranch before. See my Youtube short video below at Santa Margarita Ranch.
  
• December 31, 2024 (Tues) - Paso Robles Community New Year's Eve Celebration at 7PM. Free entry event. Back by popular demand! The Paso Robles New Year's Eve Bonfire and Concert is a local favorite event taking place in the downtown city park from 7 PM to 11 PM on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, with a countdown at 9 PM to coincide with midnight on the east coast. The festivities include live music, a lineup of food trucks offering delicious treats, alongside a selection of local beer, wine, and cocktails to keep the spirits high and face painting and glitter tattoos (weather permitting) for the kids. Address for GPS: 11th & Park St., Paso Robles, CA 93446

Most Unique Christmas Thing To Do in SLO County: Cambria Christmas Lights 

I highly suggest visiting the Cambria Christmas Market that typically opens starting Thanksgiving weekend. See my video reel of my visit to Cambria Christmas Market above. 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. You can buy tickets to enter the market or you can stay at one of their hotels and the entry to the market is included. It is very stroller-friendly. Read more about Cambria.

Major Attractions in Southern California

Living on the Central Coast, we're only a few hours drive from big and fun rides at major attractions. Here are ticket offerings for attractions that offer a a festive experience throughout the holidays.

Universal Studios Hollywood in LA offers Discounted General Admission through arestravel. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ takes you into the world of Super Mario™. Battle Team Bowser on the groundbreaking Mario Kart™ ride. Play interactive games throughout the land and track your score with a Power-Up Band™. Dine at Toadstool Cafe™, meet Mario and friends, and grab exclusive merch at the 1-UP Factory™ store. Now open at Universal Studios Hollywood. Universal Studios Hollywood is a 2 hour and 56 minute drive south from SLO (if no traffic).
 See Universal Studios Hollywood Ticket Offerings.

To see all upcoming events before and after fall season throughout San Luis Obispo County for 2024, go to the Family-Friendly Events page.

Already Occurred Fall Events (moved to the bottom for relevancy):

• September 27 & 28 (Fri & Sat) - Harvest Festival and Parade in Arroyo Grande. Harvest Festival serves as a tribute to agriculture, the area’s leading industry. Among the many attractions featured is a parade, toe-tapping entertainment, agricultural exhibits, and an array of food, games, and arts and crafts booths. This festival is focused on the local non-profit organizations that serve the community. Address for GPS: 200 Olohan Alley, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
• October 1 - 5, 2024 - Halloween Costume Exchange for Kids and Teens at Arroyo Grande Library. Costume Exchange at the Library! Free! Visit the library and pick out your costume or share an old costume you don't need anymore. No donation needed to participate. For babies, kids, and teens only. Read my personal review about Arroyo Grande Library. Address: 800 W. Branch, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
• October 5, 2024 (Sat) - Halloween Costume Exchange for Kids and Teens at Atascadero Library Polin Community Room from 11AM - 3PM. Costume Exchange at the Library! Free! Visit the library and pick out your costume. No donation needed to participate. Address: 6555 Capistrano Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422
• October 5, 2024 (Sat) - Halloween Swap: Books and Costumes for Tweens and Teens at SLO Library Teens Area from 2PM - 4PM. For October, the Teen Book Swap will host a Halloween costume exchange! Come by with your family and get some free books and exchange your old costumes for some new ones! Teen Book Swap is located in the Teen Area on the second floor of the SLO Library. Read my personal review and see pictures that I've taken at Downtown San Luis Obispo Library. Address: 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403
• October 5, 2024 (Sat) - Atascadero Colony Day from 10AM - 3PM. Parade will begin at 10AM and then the festival follows. There will be vendors, entertainment and food for purchase until 3PM. Address: 6505 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 9342
• October 11, 2024 (Fri) - Halloween Costume Exchange at Cambria Library. Visit the library and pick out your costume. No donation needed to participate. Address: 1043 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428
• October 12, 2024 (Sat) - Halloween Costume Exchange at Shandon Library. Visit the library and pick out your costume. No donation needed to participate. Address: 195 N. 2nd Street, Shandon, CA 93461
• October 8 - 12, 2024 - Halloween Costume Exchange for Kids and Teens at Oceano Library. Visit the library and pick out your costume or share an old costume you don't need anymore. No donation needed to participate. For babies, kids, and teens only. Address: 1511 19th Street, Oceano, CA 93445
• October 12, 2024 (Sat) - Maritime Family Fun Day at Morro Bay Maritime Museum in Morro Bay from 10AM - 4PM. Free admission. Sandcastle building, fishing booth, chowder contest, treasure hunt, making fish prints and more. Free hot dogs for kids. Address: 1210 Embaracadero, Morro Bay, CA 93442
• October 12, 2024 (Sat) - Paso Robles Pioneer Day from 7AM - 1PM at Paso Robles. The Pioneer Day Parade starts promptly at 10 am on the second Saturday in October, in downtown Paso Robles. The parade route starts at 16th and Spring Street and ends surrounding the Paso Robles City Park. Bring your favorite lawn chairs, hats and sunscreen and plan on a memorable experience. See antique tractors, horse-drawn wagons, marching bands, mounted equestrian groups, youth groups, church groups, civic groups, floats, vintage cars, fire engines, tractors military vehicles and more. Main Address: Spring St &, 12th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446
• October 12, 2024 (Sat) - Avila Beach Children's Fair at Avila Beach Community Center from 10AM - 1PM. Free to public. Address: 191 San Miguel St, Avila Beach, CA 93424
• October 15 - 19, 2024 - Halloween Costume Exchange for Kids and Teens at Nipomo Library. Free! Visit the library and pick out your costume or share an old costume you don't need anymore. No donation needed to participate. For babies, kids, and teens only. Address: 918 W. Tefft, Nipomo, CA 93444
• October 16, 2024 (Wed) - Halloween Crafts for Kids at Shandon Library from 2:30PM - 3:30PM. They will be making Halloween-themed pinecone projects. No registration required. This is for kids who are 5 years old and up. Address: 195 N. 2nd St., Shandon, CA 93461
• October 16, 2024 (Wed) - Kids' Craft Club at Atascadero Library Polin Community Room from 3:30PM - 4:15PM. Make a Halloween craft to take home! This is for ages: 6 - 12 years old. Address: 6555 Capistrano Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422
• October 19, 2024 (Sat) - Halloween Costume Exchange at San Miguel Library. Free! Visit the library and pick out your costume. No donation needed to participate. Address: 254 13th Street, San Miguel, CA 93451
October 19, 2024 (Sat) - Frankenpumpkin Kids Craft at Outdoor Supply Hardware in Pismo Beach from 10AM - 1PM. Decorate a mini pumpkin and take it home. They will supply hardware, decorations, and a free pumpkin. Free for kids 12 and younger, accompanied by an adult. I took my kids to this event last year and they really enjoyed it! Address: 825 N. Oak Park Blvd., Pismo Beach, CA 93449
• October 19 & 20, 2024 (Sat & Sun) - 78th Annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival starting with the Clam Festival parade at 10AM on October 19. This is a two day event and it is free admission and includes free kids zone with bounce house and inflatables. I go to this event almost every year. Read my review and past experience of the Pismo Beach Clam Festival with pictures I took.
  Pismo Beach Clam Festival Address for GPS: 100 Pomeroy Ave, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
• October 19 - 20, 2024 (Sat & Sun) - Mid-State Fair Fall Market at Paso Robles Event Center from 10AM - 5PM. Free admission and free parking. Find jewelry, apparel, fashion accessories, home décor, health and beauty products, art, antiques, handmade eats, used items and more. Address: 2198 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles, CA 93446
• October 19, 2024 (Sat) - Golden Oak Honey & Pumpkin Festival and Kids' Flea Market from 10AM - 5PM in Downtown City Park in Paso Robles. Free admission. Honey, pumpkin pie eating contest, antiques, arts, crafts, and misc merchandise along with a special area for the Kid's Flea Market. Address: Spring St &, 12th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446
• October 20, 2024 (Sun) - Free "Boo-tanical" Family Day at San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden from 10AM - 2PM. Come and decorate a pumpkin, go on a photo scavenger hunt, get your face painted, and listen to a story! There will be a crafts, activities, balloons, and a tasty treat or two. Costumes encouraged! (From the description, this does not look like a trick or treating event.) In the past, sometimes, I still just had to pay $3 to park there when I came for Free Family Day. Address: 3450 Dairy Creek Road San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
• October 22 - 25 (Tues - Fri) - Halloween Exchange for Kids & Teens at Shell Beach Library. Visit the library and pick out your costume or share an old costume that you don't need anymore. No donation needed to participate. For babies, kids, and teens only. Address: 230 Leeward Ave., Pismo Beach, CA 93449
• October 25, 2024 (Fri) - Boo Bash at Meadow Park from 4PM - 7PM. Free event. Canned food donations are encouraged to support the local SLO Food Bank. Sensory-free Haunted House is from 4PM - 4:30PM, Lights-on-kid-friendly Haunted House is from 4:30PM - 5:30PM and Traditional Haunted House is from 5:30PM - 7PM. There will be games, Photo Booth, food trucks, a movie and haunted house. Address: 2251 Meadow St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
• October 25, 2024 (Fri) - Annual Trunk or Treat at Ramona Garden Park in Grover Beach from 5PM - dark. Free event. Safe trick-or-treating. I've been to this event before! It's a great community event. See picture below for a photo I captured.
   Ramona Park Address: 993 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach, CA 93433
• October 25 & 26, 2024 - SLO Elks Lodge 15th Annual Haunted House and Carnival. Free entry event from 5PM - 9PM. Bounce house, carnival games, candy and treats. Address: 222 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
• October 25 & 26, 2024 (Fri & Sat) - Zoo Boo at the Charles Paddock Zoo from 5PM - 8PM. They have two different dates now! Get costume ready and bring the entire family out to a not-too-scary evening at Zoo Boo! You can expect Halloween decorations throughout the Zoo, carnival games, a costume contest, Halloween-themed activities, a haunted house, and tricks & treats to enjoy! Admission is $16 for regular admission, $15 for Zoo members and free for kids 2 years old and under. Tickets are purchased at the zoo. We went to this event before! See my instagram reel of our experience from the past at Zoo Boo at Charles Paddock Zoo. Address: 9100 Morro Rd., Atascadero, CA 93422
• October 26, 2024 (Sat) - Pumpkins in the Park at Dinosaur Caves from 10AM - 1PM, followed by Downtown Trick or Treating in Pismo Beach from 12PM - 2PM. There are two locations to these events but they are planned by the same organizers. In order to get a map of the trick or treating businesses in the past that I've attended for this, you'd come to the Pumpkins in the Park first and get a a list of businesses that are participating in the trick or treating event that takes place in downtown. I'm guessing it'll be the same thing this year. Address to Dinosaur Caves: 2701 Price St Pismo Beach, CA 93449 and Address to Downtown for GPS as a guess without attending the event yet this year: Pomeroy Ave & HWY 1, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
• October 26, 2024 (Sat) - Wiggle Waggle Fall Festival 2024 at Woods Humane Society from 12PM - 3PM. This is a community pet celebration event. Address: 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA
• October 26, 2024 (Sat) - Halloween at the Market at SLO Public Market from 1PM - 6PM. Live music, trick or treat, costumes, vendors, photobooth, food and drinks for sale, bounce slide. Address: 3845 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
• October 26, 2024 (Sat) - Morro Bay Trick or Treat from 2:30PM - 5:30PM. 10th Annual Morro Bay Trick or Treat in Downtown Morro Bay is an event for kids to go trick or treating at businesses. There will also be face painting, photo booth, haunted trolley and live music. Address for GPS: 307 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay, CA 93442
• October 26, 2024 (Sat) - Trunk or Treat at SLO City Church from 5PM - 7PM. Open to the public. There will be inflatables, candy, games, prizes and pizza. Costumes encouraged. Address: 1150 Laurel Ln., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
• October 26 & 27, 2024 - Halloween Carnival and Haunted Maze: 2 Day Monster Mash in Arroyo Grande from 3PM - 8PM. This is a 2-day Halloween event at Elm Street Park (corner of Ash and Elm streets). Children of all ages and adults are invited to enjoy unlimited bounce-n-play, carnival games for candy and toy prizes, food vendors, the haunted maze, a costume contest and a pumpkin decorating contest, and more (all costs money)! To enter the pumpkin decorating contest participants should bring decorated pumpkins from home. Tickets for the carnival and maze can be purchased at the Recreation office, 1221 Ash Street, or at the door. Address for GPS: 1221 Ash St, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
• October 27, 2024 (Sun) - 1st Annual Halloween Bash at Nipomo Feed & Ranch Supply from 12PM - 5PM. Nipomo Feed and Ranch Supply presents our first annual Halloween Event! We will have Face Painting by Inspirational Art Center (Free), games, arts and crafts, hay maze, roping and bounce houses. Nipomo Presbyterian Church will be having a Trunk or Treat from 3PM - 5PM. Address: 1275 North Thompson Ave., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
• October 27, 2024 (Sun) - Trunk or Treat at Sunken Gardens from 4PM - 6PM. Free event hosted by 5 local churches. There will be candy, games and food vendors. Address: 5545 Ardilla Ave, Atascadero, CA 93422
• October 29, 2024 (Tues) - Trunks, Tricks & Treats by Creston Village Assisted Living & Memory Care in Paso Robles from 4PM - 7PM. Trick-or-treating adventures for little monsters and their families. free hot dogs and drinks. Decorate your trunk and join the fun in our parking lot. Address: 1919 Creston Rd., Paso Robles, CA 93446
• October 30, 2024 (Wed) - Trunk or Treat at SLO County YMCA Parking Lot from 5PM - 6PM.Address: 1020 Southwood Dr., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
• October 31, 2024 (Thurs) - 1st Annual Halloween Trick-or-Treat & Costume Contest at SLO Ranch Farms from 3PM - 5PM. Address: 871 Froom Ranch Way, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
• October 31, 2024 (Thurs) - Pismo Beach Premium Outlets is gearing up to celebrate this year’s spooky season with a fang-tastic family-friendly Halloween Celebration from 4PM - 6PM! From little ghosts and goblins to vampires and pirates, the property is opening its doors to all Bring the family down to get a head start on trick-or-treating at California Welcome Center, Calvin Klein, Coach, Kate Spade New York, Polo Ralph Lauren and The Natural Toolbox. Address: 333 5 Cities Dr, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
• October 31, 2024 (Thurs) - Safe & Fun Halloween Downtown Paso Robles from 3PM - 6PM. Free event. Trick or treat and take photos with witches. Address for GPS: Spring St &, 12th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446
• October 31, 2024 (Thurs) - Templeton Trick or Treat on Main Street from 3:30PM - 6PM. Businesses between Gibson Rd and 8th St., will open their doors for trick or treaters. Address for GPS: Gibson Rd & S. Main St., Templeton, CA 93465
• October 31, 2024 (Thurs) - Trunk or Treat at San Simeon Restaurant/Lodge from 4:30PM - 6PM. Address: 9520 Castillo Drive., San Simeon, CA 93452
• October 31, 2024 (Thurs) - Trick or Treat Downtown in Atascadero from 5PM - 8PM. Free event. People and pets of all ages are welcome to come and enjoy family, children, and pet costume contests, games, and of course, Trick or Treating! Address for GPS: 6905 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422
• October 31, 2024 (Thurs) - Oceano Plaza 1st Annual Trunk or Treat from 5PM - 8PM. Free event. There will be classic vehicles, a dj, games, churros, popcorn, candy, food for purchase & more! They will present trophies for best costume contest & a pet costume contest, as well as a car contest. All are welcome to join this fun, filled, family, community event. Address: Corner of 17th & Beach street in Oceano, CA 93445
• October 31, 2024 (Thurs) - Halloween Festivities at the Downtown SLO Farmers Market from 6 - 8PM. Fun-filled evening of costumes, candy, and karaoke! Activities include the beloved Trick-or-Treat Trail at dozens of downtown businesses, a Costume Contest in Mission Plaza, festive photo opportunities, and more. This event is free, family-friendly, and open to the public! We've attended this event in the past. See our video clip below: 
   
  Address for GPS: Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
• October 1 - 31, 2024 - Hundreds of imaginative and whimsical scarecrows descend upon the seaside villages of Cambria and San Simeon in San Luis Obispo County. See pictures that I've taken of the Cambria Scarecrows.
• November 11, 2024 (Mon) - Happy Veteran's Day! See a list of freebies that veterans can get, in celebration of Veteran's Day.
• November 11, 2024 (Mon) - Veterans Day Community Celebration at Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum from 10AM - 3PM. Free event. Address: 801 Grand Ave., Suite 102, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
• November 11, 2024 (Mon) - Veterans Day Celebration at Pismo Beach Pier at 11AM. This is an annual event that takes place right on the pier. Address for GPS: 100 Pomeroy Ave., Pismo Beach, CA 93449
• November 11, 2024 (Mon) - Veteran's Day Ceremony at Faces of Freedom Memorial in Atascadero at 11AM. Address: 8024 Portola Rd, Atascadero, CA 93422

Already occurred events are moved to the bottom for relevancy. Scroll up to the top to see a list of fall and holiday events that have not occurred yet!

Wineries and San Luis Obispo county go hand in hand. If you're a wine enthusiast, you're definitely in for a treat when you visit SLO! The wine culture here is amazing, relaxed and friendly.

One of our first favorite wineries as a local was Tolosa Winery. As you drive towards the tasting room from their road, the vineyards engulf you as you continue towards the parking lot. Here's the video that I took (non-edited and not a boomerang-type effect) from our drive from entering the road.

I've been to this winery more than a dozen of times and have taken 3 different groups of friends for tastings, since we get 4 free tastings with each visit as a wine club member. A bonus for wine tasting here is there are a couple EV (Electric Vehicle) charging stations in their parking lot so this is a very convenient place for electric vehicles.

Usually when we visit Tolosa Winery, there is a host or hostess in front of the double doors outside to greet you and take your name down. When it's during the week in the slower season, we may not see a host but once entering the tasting room, there's someone who greet you. 

Compared to Napa Valley, the tasting cost and experience here in Edna Valley, and specifically Tolosa Winery, are truly a comparable choice. There is also still a lot of pride in winemaking and delivering a good wine tasting experience here. They also have a sister property called Alpha Omega Winery and there's a tasting room in Paso Robles. 

The Tolosa Winery staff there is friendly but I do have two favorite attendants and they are Jeremy and Karl.The chardonnays are refreshing and the pinot noirs are full of body and teasing to the tastebuds. They only serve dry wines here so if you're into sweet wine, this may not be the place for you!

Their pinot noir is still my number one favorite among my tasting list right now. 

If you're tasting inside their tasting room, don't forget to walk go outside near the patio area to enjoy the pretty vineyards view with the mountain backdrop to take a picture for memories. However, I recommend sitting outside in the patio if the weather is nice because you can see airplanes passing by overhead.

During the week days when it is not tourist season, you can have a much quieter tasting experience. Here is my video clip below of a tasting during the week day that you can view it easily on this instagram video reel (video of Tolosa).


I've seen others brought their kids and set out picnics out here. However, in order to enjoy the picnic that you brought, you have to sit in their picnic area and order bottle service. Call them to check on their rules to make sure their policies haven't change. Address of Tolosa Winery: 4910 Edna Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Wine Club Members Only Tasting Room at Tolosa Winery

The members only indoor tasting room for Tolosa Winery wine club members is called the Primera Room and it's only open on the weekends from Friday - Sunday.

We took advantage of this perk one time so far as we've become wine club members here off-and-on over the years. Sometimes the weather is just so nice and it's great to enjoy the weather by siting outside. However, if you can come during a weekend, it is worth checking out. You'll feel the extra special service by tasting some straight from the barrel samples. Furthermore, the view of the hills and valleys is just so beautiful.


See a video collage of our visit at Tolosa Winery in the Barrel Room.

Edna Valley is located in San Luis Obispo, California and not just San Luis Obispo County but actually in San Luis Obispo, California city area; and near the airport! Their central location also makes it wonderfully close to downtown, the beach areas and with the best weather! And in Edna Valley, there are over a dozen different wineries! You're not going to get scorching hot summer weather like Paso Robles (also in San Luis Obispo county) so if you're afraid of the heat, go to Edna Valley for some wine and cooler weather and then hang out at the beach (15 minutes from Edna Valley) afterwards.

Reading Suggestions:

• Read about other wineries that I've visited in Edna Valley and Paso Robles in San Luis Obispo County.


• See my top 10 favorite local wineries in Edna Valley and Paso Robles, as a local.


• See this IG reel of different wine tasting rooms that I've personally visited.

My first-born is starting kindergarten next month. Back in May, he had his Kindergarten Round-up (something that they have around San Luis Obispo county for the little ones who are about to start kindergarten in a few months) where they tested him on at least 10 things: like drawing a picture of himself, writing his name, counting to 20 and more! I was surprised that they were testing them on all that because I was expecting a 'round-up' to be like an orientation. My son passed all of it, thankfully, but I saw another little boy cry while he was being tested. Talk about pressure! I truly feel like kids can't miss preschool like the old days or else they'll be behind. Before we left the round-up, one of the school staff members gave me a big packet for my son to work on over the summer before he starts preschool and a list of what my child should know before his first day of kindergarten. Here is the list below:

What Your Child Should Know Before Kindergarten

Reading:

• Recognize 26 of the 52 letters (upper and lowercase)
• 10 letter sounds
• Readers read left to right
• All letters in their first name