Events in San Luis Obispo today

The Misery Loves Tour stops at Fremont Theater in San Luis Obispo for an evening of comedy as Gianmarco Soresi takes the stage. Recognized for quick, incisive takes on modern life, an energetic delivery, and a magnetic presence, he has appeared on The Tonight Show, Comedy Central, and Don’t Tell, and hosts the podcast The Downside with Gianmarco Soresi. Expect smart, rapid fire humor and a lively set from a standout voice in contemporary comedy.

A friendly, social poker night from Sunshine Poker League arrives at Humdinger Brewing SLO Taproom, designed for newcomers and seasoned players alike. Play is strictly non-gambling and focused on community and fun, with an appreciated $5 donation. Participants compete for prizes, league points, bragging rights, and Bar Poker Open virtual tokens. The top three finishers earn tokens for online qualifier tournaments that can lead to a seat in the $400,000 Bar Poker Open Championship in Las Vegas, where first place awards $100,000. Expect cold beer, great food, opportunities to meet new people, and a welcoming setting to learn the game or sharpen existing skills.

Ballets Jazz Montréal, celebrated on the international stage for contemporary innovation and passion, performs Dance Me, a creation shaped by the words and music of Leonard Cohen. Developed with the artist’s approval before his passing, the production charts the cycles of existence across five seasons. This presentation is by Cal Poly Arts and is supported by Ann and David Lawrence, Carol MacCurdy and Tom Nuckols, Roxy Peck, Brian and Jeri Roberts, and Hotel SLO.

Social poker at BA Start Arcade Bar with Sunshine Poker League welcomes newcomers and experienced players in a friendly setting. No gambling is permitted, and a $5 donation is appreciated. Players compete for prizes, earn league points, and collect Bar Poker Open virtual tokens along with bragging rights. The top three finishers receive tokens for online qualifier tournaments, creating a pathway to the $400,000 Bar Poker Open Championship in Las Vegas, where first place pays $100,000. There are cold beer, cocktails, and food, and it is a relaxed way to meet people, learn the game, or refine your skills. Sunshine Poker League hosts games here on Sundays and Wednesdays in SLO.

A free series of local concerts and storytelling at the Growing Grounds Downtown store takes place on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from early July through November. This installment features Miss Leo. The series has welcomed artists such as Derek Senn, Azere Wilson, Ricky Berger, Emily Laliotis, Natalie Haskins, Jody Mulgrew, Tipsy Duo, Max MacLaury, and Taylor Belmont Collins.

Fremont Theater welcomes The Airborne Toxic Event for a milestone celebration of two decades in music. The band brings its hallmark mix of indie rock and orchestral sweep, pairing intimate narratives with a cinematic sound. This anniversary tour reaches across the catalog with longtime favorites, deeper cuts, and new songs. Fans who first connected through hits like Sometime Around Midnight and those who have followed every chapter can expect a performance that balances big, sweeping moments with a personal touch.

Good Morning SLO brings the spirit of a community newspaper to life as a forum for exchanging ideas, updates, and inspiration. This monthly gathering connects community leaders, business owners, and nonprofit professionals to reconnect, engage, and learn with one another. The focus is on practical insight into business, community, and legislative topics, along with stories of people creating positive change. Attendees can expect to leave with useful takeaways for both professional and personal growth. Hosted at Grace Central Coast - San Luis Obispo. The series typically takes place on the fourth Thursday each month, shifting to the Tuesday before Thanksgiving in November. This month’s featured sponsor is Collaboration Business Consulting.

A new Qigong class is being offered at FitnessWorks of Morro Bay. Sessions take place every Thursday, providing a consistent weekly opportunity to practice at the venue.

Anyone grieving the loss of a pet, or preparing for a final goodbye, is welcome at a no-cost, confidential, drop-in support group. This compassionate gathering offers a gentle place to share memories, connect with others who understand, and take meaningful steps toward healing.

Downtown SLO Thursday Night Farmers' Market stretches across five blocks with more than one hundred vendors. Explore seasonal produce, barbecue, ready-to-enjoy meals, handmade crafts, and fresh baked treats, with entertainment throughout the market.

The 6th Annual Beach BreakaWave Rodeo returns to San Luis Obispo at its new home in Avila Beach, bringing a unique rodeo on the shoreline with after parties following the action. All activities happen in one convenient location. Tickets start at $48 all in and cover both the rodeo and the after party. A 2-Step Payment Plan is available for a limited time, and tickets go on sale to the public.

Now in its 87th year, the Arroyo Grande Valley Harvest Festival brings the community together for a family friendly weekend packed with free fun. Enjoy live music, food and vendors along with a lively parade, the Ball Drop and the popular Wiener Dog Races. Kids can look forward to a film in the park and an inflatable play area, and there are friendly competitions like the Diaper Derby, Scarecrow Contest and Baking Contest. It is a warm celebration of Arroyo Grande traditions, neighbors and the shared joy of gathering.

Samantha Fish brings Paper Doll Live to Fremont Theater in SLO. Recently recognized with a GRAMMY nomination for Paper Doll, she is a formidable performer known for fearless guitar work, high-energy sets, daring songwriting, and refined musicianship. This show is crafted to channel the intensity, emotion, and onstage command that define her live performances.

The 5th annual Central Coast Ride, Walk & Roll to Cure ALS at Dinosaur Caves Park in Pismo Beach is a community event focused on ending ALS. Participants can choose from family-friendly routes suited to different skill levels and accessibility needs, followed by a finish line festival with food, entertainment, and an ALS Resource Fair. The event is open to everyone. Funds raised support free care services along the Central Coast and advance the search for treatments and cures for ALS.

Take in coastal views and refreshing ocean breezes on mostly flat routes of 40, 65, or 75 miles along Highway 1. A full century option adds an out and back segment on Highway 46 that brings roughly 3,000 feet of climbing, followed by a long descent before reconnecting with the other courses. Riders will find well stocked rest stops with plenty of tasty food, along with robust support and gear coverage and on route mechanical help. Friendly volunteers keep spirits high from start to finish. After the ride, enjoy a post event meal that participants consistently rate as excellent. Event photos are available to download at no charge. Online registration is available.

Now in its second year at Camp San Luis Obispo, this community ruck centers on resilience, wellness, and connection. Choose between a 5K route or a 1-mile option, then enjoy a vendor fair after the finish. A canned food drive will be held to support local veteran and military food banks.

Dave Blunts brings the Still Standing Tour to the Fremont Theater in San Luis Obispo, delivering a live set shaped by unfiltered storytelling, intense emotion, and a razor-sharp sound. Known for weaving pain, honesty, and dark wit into his songs, he has been gaining momentum quickly. The music lands with force and connects with listeners, and he has become a widely discussed new voice.

The courtyard comes alive with live music, small bites to enjoy, and refreshing drinks in a casual, welcoming setting.

Experience a scenic, limited-capacity lighthouse concert at Point San Luis Lighthouse in Avila Beach, set high above the blue Pacific. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Attendees may arrive by land with a ticket that includes round trip transportation from Wild Cherry Canyon in Port San Luis, or arrive by sea by paddling their own craft. VIP reserved tables include tickets and transportation for eight guests along with a couple of bottles of wine. Sponsor a Band packages include tickets and transportation for eight guests and a couple of bottles of wine, plus business recognition on marketing materials, posters, banners, and tickets, as well as on-stage acknowledgement. Zongo All-Stars deliver a high-energy blend of Afro-Latin, Afro-Caribbean, funk, reggae, and calypso that they call “CaliCubano,” featuring robust percussion, a horn section, Spanish-language vocals from a lively frontman, and a tight rhythm section. The band has been voted Best Local Band in SLO County for two years in a row and is known for lighting up dance floors across the Central Coast.

Rancho Burro Sanctuary hosts the second annual Brighter Days for Donkeys fundraiser in San Luis Obispo, benefiting the rescue, recovery, and lifelong care of neglected and abandoned donkeys and mules. The evening features live and silent auctions, a barbecue dinner, dancing, and drinks. Admission is 160 dollars per person, and tickets are available, with proceeds supporting the sanctuary’s ongoing work.

Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo marks three decades with a venue-wide celebration in collaboration with SLO Rotary. Local Rotarians receive early entry for an exclusive Rotary pre-party before the main festivities begin. Throughout the evening, guests can explore the PAC while enjoying offerings from local restaurants, along with beverages from local breweries, wineries, and distilleries, plus live entertainment and dancing. Tickets are $125 per person and include early access to parking, admission to the Rotary pre-party, and full access to all anniversary activities. For each ticket, $50 supports Rotary’s charitable work for 2026 to 2027, including programs such as scholarships for local students. This milestone honors a beloved community hub and contributes to Rotary’s ongoing impact in the area.

Presented by Sweet Seasons, this concert honors the music of Carole King with a tribute led by seasoned performer Carla Buffa and a skilled ensemble. The first set features the album Tapestry performed from beginning to end. The second set showcases hits King recorded herself along with songs she wrote for other artists. Expect faithful renditions of classics like "It’s Too Late," "So Far Away," "I Feel the Earth Move," "Jazzman," "You’ve Got a Friend," and "Locomotion," delivered with close attention to the sound and detail of the originals.

Rooted in soul, grit, and a Tennessee-inspired spirit, The Staples honor Chris Stapleton with a tribute centered on his music, talent, and voice. Lead singer Adam Ribota delivers vocals that closely capture his sound, while guitarist Vic Hernandez brings each riff to life. Drawing on more than twenty years of friendship and shared stage time, the band crafts a Chris Stapleton concert experience that feels true to the source. Expect a full live band with no backing tracks, smooth transitions between songs, and a polished, professional presentation suited to festival, corporate, and private settings.

Get The Led Out brings the music of Led Zeppelin to Fremont Theater with a high-energy tribute that honors the originals. The band delivers faithful performances backed by standout musicianship and a big, immersive sound, spanning beloved staples as well as deeper cuts. All ages are welcome.