Summer Festival Vacation Ideas

Summer reigns in San Luis Obispo, California where the sun shines on acres of parks, beaches, rolling hills and charming shopping districts. From May through September, foodies can enjoy the area’s abundant strawberries, olives, wine, beer, and lavender by attending the official food and wine festivals named for each. Family travelers will be entertained by a slew of often-free, family-friendly summertime fairs and concerts which turn most weekends into cause for a three-day-weekend celebration.

Begin any summer festival vacation at the world-famous farmer’s market held every Thursday night in downtown San Luis Obispo, where thousands flock each week for the organic fruits, veggies, and local specialty foods, artisan’s crafts, live music performances and entertainment, and hot-off-the grill corn on the cob, barbecue, and other tasty fare.

The summer festival fun continues on Friday evenings with the free Concerts in the Plaza, also in the heart of downtown. A lively crowd of locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy the live performances and libations while dancing and picnicking in the historic, creek-side mission plaza.

Then, nearly every Saturday and Sunday of the summer offers a food and wine festival or concert in or around San Luis Obispo. Here are some of the hottest highlights to plan your summer vacation around:

June

• Music Festival, Morro Bay
• FREE Art in the Park, Pismo Beach
• Classic Car Show, Pismo Beach

July

• Central Coast Wine Classic, San Luis Obispo
• Outdoor Shakespeare Festival, Paso Robles
• Lavender Festival, Paso Robles
• Renaissance Festival, San Luis Obispo
• Mid-State Fair, Paso Robles

August

• FREE Sunday Art in the Park, Pismo Beach
• Olive Festival, Paso Robles

September

• Pops by the Sea, Avila Beach
• FREE Sunday Art in the Park, Pismo Beach
• FREE I Madonnari Chalk Festival, San Luis Obispo
• Avocado and Margarita Festival
• Savor the Central Coast Food & Wine Event by Sunset Magazine

What else can you do during Summer?

Summer is a great time of the year to enjoy warm outdoor activities as well.

• Surfing and tidepooling during summer Beach Vacations
• Hiking and biking during summer Outdoors Vacations
• Tours, museums and family fun during summer Family Vacations
• Summer Pet-Friendly Vacations with Fido