This weekend in Atascadero, CA

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.

Central Coast DS Group presents the second annual walk supporting Down syndrome awareness at Atascadero Lake Park. The day begins with a group walk, then transitions to games, music, and plenty of fun. Event T-shirts will be available for purchase. Attendees can bring a picnic to enjoy in the park after the walk.

Experience a candlelit performance of Halloween Classics at King David's Masonic Lodge in San Luis Obispo, where live music and an intimate ambiance create a multi-sensory evening. This tribute concert celebrates iconic themes such as Thriller by Michael Jackson, Funeral March of a Marionette by Charles Gounod, music from Shostakovich’s String Quartet No. 8, Tubular Bells from The Exorcist by Mike Oldfield, the Stranger Things theme by Dixon and Stein, the Beetlejuice main title by Danny Elfman, The Addams Family theme by Vic Mizzy, the Halloween theme by John Carpenter, the Prelude from Psycho by Bernard Herrmann, Ghostbusters by Elmer Bernstein, Danse macabre by Camille Saint-Saëns, Night on Bald Mountain by Modest Mussorgsky, Time Warp from The Rocky Horror Picture Show by O’Brien and Hartley, a suite from The Nightmare Before Christmas by Danny Elfman, and In the Hall of the Mountain King by Edvard Grieg. A Listeso string quartet from San Luis Obispo brings these pieces to life by candlelight. The performance lasts 60 minutes, doors open 45 minutes beforehand, and there is no entry after the music begins. The event is open to ages 8 and up, with anyone under 16 accompanied by an adult. The venue is ADA compliant, and seating is assigned within each zone on a first come, first served basis. This is a tribute experience that is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the original artists, their estates, or official representatives.

With a donation and registration, attendees are welcomed to a Sanctuary Sound Journey benefiting Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary, created to help find center and restore the spirit. The experience starts with a meet and greet with rescued donkeys and mules, followed by a light snack donated by Graze Charcuterie and refreshing lemon cucumber mint water. Dee DiGioia of Mindful Kindful YOUniversity then leads a one hour sacred sound bath held near the herd for a calm, grounding atmosphere. Open to ages 8 and up with an adult, and all proceeds directly support the rescued donkeys and mules who live at the sanctuary.

In the courtyard, live musical performances are accompanied by bites and drinks.

Opera San Luis Obispo brings the comic operetta The Mikado to the Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo in a lively, large scale staging. Expect plenty of laughs, memorable melodies, a full orchestra, eye-catching sets, standout singing, and elegant costumes with big production energy. It carries double gold recognition from Best of the Central Coast.

Enjoy the Central Coast with a view of Morro Rock while listening to favorite songs and savoring delicious seafood.

Randy Feltface, the purple puppet comedian from Australia, brings his brand-new stand-up show, Gimmick, to Fremont Theater. Expect rapid-fire wit, sharp observations, and a uniquely offbeat style in a set full of big laughs and delightfully absurd comedy. Open to all ages.

At The Siren, an ensemble of accomplished musicians led by Claudia Sue Conrad, a BMI and ASCAP published songwriter and School of Rock Palo Alto teacher, delivers a set that balances precision with grit. Featuring players from New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, and San Francisco, the show channels danceable Nashville grooves linked to Sheryl Crow alongside the Brit pop bite of Chrissy Hynde and The Pretender. The booking stretches from Morro Bay and Placerville to San Jose, Roseville, Belmont, Palo Alto, Pacifica, Russian River, and Los Gatos.

Rusted Stone takes the Holiday Inn Express Stage at the Atascadero Fall Festival.

Next Stop Comedy brings a rotating slate of standout comics to Wild Fields Brewhouse for a high-energy night of standup in a close-up setting. The lineup includes Gregory Hoffman, Juliet Simon, Natalie Diaz, and Carolyn Glaude, with Heather Winter as host. The evening offers fast-paced sets, fresh material, and performers from around the country, making it a fit for a date night, devoted comedy followers, or anyone looking for a fun night out.

This seasonal favorite offers a hands-on chance to make fused glass ornaments. Design and assemble pieces from a colorful array of glass, then, after firing, each ornament is finished with a silver bale attached to the back. All supplies are included, and the price covers three ornaments for $65.

Opera San Luis Obispo stages the comic operetta The Mikado at the Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo. A complete orchestra drives the score, while vivid sets, striking costumes, and expressive singing animate the work with abundant humor. Expect big laughs, catchy tunes, and the polish of a large scale production. Honored as a double gold recipient in Best of the Central Coast, it arrives with notable accolades.

Enjoy a relaxed, social day of cards at BA Start Arcade Bar in San Luis Obispo with Sunshine Poker League. This beginner-friendly gathering keeps gambling off the table and focuses on a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers and seasoned players alike. Compete for prizes, points, bragging rights, and Bar Poker Open virtual tokens, with the top three finishers earning tokens for online qualifier tournaments. Those qualifiers offer a path to the $400,000 Bar Poker Open Championship in Las Vegas, where first place pays $100,000. A $5 donation is appreciated. Expect cold beer, tasty cocktails, and great food, plus plenty of opportunities to meet people and either learn the game or polish your skills.

Explore Brazilian Zouk in a focused 90 minute workshop that begins with the essentials of timing, feel, and flow, then progresses into key movements such as the lateral, simple turn, viradinha, and Gostosinho. The session also covers lead and follow communication, elasticity, and frame, with attention to control, comfort, and musicality instead of memorizing patterns.

Shakey Graves brings a night of raw-hearted songs and spontaneous storytelling to Fremont Theater, turning the stage into an adventure. His music blends folk, rock, and country with unguarded emotion, creating moments that move from intimate quiet to surprising bursts of energy. Over the years he has built a personal, ever-evolving world around his work through special releases and fan-focused surprises, and that same spirit drives an unpredictable, immersive live show.

BLACK FLAG, pioneers of American punk rock, performs live at the Pour House in Paso Robles. This is the actual band, not a tribute act. General admission is $30 in advance and $40 on the day of show. VIP options are limited and include tables with seating and entry for four, plus the Diamond Lounge, a private upper-level mezzanine space for groups of up to 15. This show is expected to sell out.