Free events in Atascadero, CA

The Atascadero Colony Days Committee will meet at Bridgeworks Coworking Atascadero to welcome new board members, committee volunteers, and community helpers who want to support the hometown parade. Roles include parade planning, publicity, sponsorship support, logistics, and volunteer coordination. Whether you have a lot of time to give or just a little, there is a place to contribute. Meetings take place at Bridgeworks and shift from monthly to weekly as the big day approaches.

The 6th annual Atascadero Fall Festival brings a free, family-friendly celebration to Sunken Gardens in downtown Atascadero with a full carnival of rides and games, live music from more than 40 bands across two stages, and over 60 food and merchant vendors. The music lineup is topped by Los Hermanos Mendoza along with a Fall Fest debut from national touring reggae artist Vana Liya. Admission and parking are free. Highlights include the Suds at Sunken Gardens Beer & Wine Festival, attractions for all ages, and a wide range of dining and shopping. Featured beverages include craft beer from Wild Fields Brewhouse, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., and Firestone Walker Brewing Co., mead from Honest Abe, cocktails by Rod & Hammer SLO Stills, and wine from Ruby Cellars. Colony Days takes place alongside the festival, including the Colony Days Parade, adding even more to experience in the center of town. Lodging partners include Holiday Inn Express & Suites of Atascadero, Fairfield Suites, and The Carlton. This En Fuego Event production is presented by Visit Atascadero, Tecate, and Dos Equis.

A fall festival brings live music, games, and free admission for all. The MainStage will host a performance as part of the festivities.

Colony Days returns to its traditional fall timing through a new collaboration with Atascadero Fall Fest. The theme, Wild About Atascadero!, sets the tone for a community parade that is free and open for public participation. Following a rain impacted year, the updated approach emphasizes a stronger partnership and a full weekend of fall activities in Downtown Atascadero, including a carnival and more. Appreciation is extended to volunteers, parade participants, spectators, sponsors, the City of Atascadero, and community partners for their dedication, rain or shine.

Waste Management offers Atascadero residents a weeklong free waste drop-off along with a complimentary one yard of compost at the WM SLO County Transfer Station. To take part, participants must be Atascadero residential customers and present a photo ID together with a Waste Management bill that matches the service address. Bring a personal car or pickup. Do not tow a trailer behind a personal truck. Small trailers roughly the size of a pickup bed may be used when attached to a personal vehicle. Accepted materials include common household items such as sofas, chairs, rugs, mattresses, washers and dryers, as well as trash and recyclables. Rocks and similar materials are allowed when loose items are bagged. Scrap metal is accepted if kept separate. Yard debris is welcome, including leaves and larger branches up to 6 inches in diameter or 4 feet in length. Items that are not accepted include appliances containing freon, commercial construction or landscape debris, electronic waste, and tires. Electronic and hazardous waste should be taken to Chicago Grade Landfill.

Waste Management is offering Atascadero households a weeklong opportunity to clear out unwanted items with free residential drop-off, plus a complimentary yard of compost. The event takes place at the WM SLO County Transfer Station and is limited to Atascadero residential customers. Bring a photo ID along with a Waste Management bill that shows the same service address to participate. Arrive in a personal vehicle or pickup truck. Small trailers about the size of a pickup bed are allowed when towed by a personal vehicle, but trailers are not permitted with personal trucks. Accepted items include bulky household goods like sofas, chairs, rugs, mattresses, washers and dryers, along with regular trash and recyclables. Rocks and similar materials are accepted if loose items are bagged, scrap metal should be kept separate, and yard debris such as leaves and large branches is welcome when sized up to 6 inches in diameter or 4 feet in length. Items that will not be accepted include appliances containing freon, commercial construction or landscape debris, electronic waste, hazardous waste, and tires. Electronic or hazardous materials can be taken to Chicago Grade Landfill.

A gentle, sound-centered wellness session at the Cancer Support Community Resource Center offers comfort and renewal for people affected by cancer. Patients and survivors are welcome, as are caregivers, loved ones, healthcare professionals, and those navigating recovery or loss. This offering is part of a free series made possible by the Cancer Support Community Resource Center and Adventist Health. The session is guided by Dee DiGioia, founder of Mindful Kindful YOUniversity, a certified therapeutic sound practitioner, HealthRhythms drumming wellness facilitator, mindfulness and meditation teacher, grief educator, and nature connection guide. Capacity is limited, so advance registration is encouraged since sessions often reach full attendance.