Events and Activities 7-2-2026

Written by Theresa-Marie Wilson

Theresa-Maria Wilson has been a journalist covering the North Coast and South County area for over 20 years. She is also the founder of Cat Noir CC and is currently working on a novel.

July 5, 2026

The Cayucos Friends of the Library Kirk Wilson Memorial Used Book Sale is set for Friday, July 3, at the library patio at 310 B Street, Cayucos. Shopping begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m. Search the tables for great books, CDs, puzzles, and more! Most items are available for $1-$2. Discount shopping begins at 12 p.m. — fill a bag for $5. Friends of the Library memberships are available. Call (805) 710-1031 for more information.

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This Fourth of July weekend, the community is invited to celebrate 30 seasons of Concerts in the Plaza in SLO at

a special festival and block party on Friday, July 3. The afternoon will consist of six hours of live music, two full-size stages, vendors, art installations, photo opportunities, and the closure of Broad Street between Monterey and Palm, adjacent to Mission Plaza.

Event Performance Schedule

Friday, July 3, -| Extended Concert: 2–8 p.m.

Five bands will perform live throughout the event, making this the largest Concerts in the Plaza event

yet. With two full-size stages and staggered sets, live music will continue nonstop all afternoon and into

the evening. Community members are encouraged to come and go throughout the day; entry is free,

and alcohol will not be allowed to leave the premises.

Start at the Plaza stage just before the music kicks off for a special reading of the Declaration of

Independence by SLO City Council members, and hear remarks from Mayor Erica A. Stewart before

Moonshiner Collective takes the stage at 6:30 p.m.

Plaza Stage (Mission Plaza)

• 1:45 p.m. – Special Reading of the Declaration of Independence by SLO City Council

members

• 2:00–3:15 p.m. – Soul Kool performs R&B, classic rock, dance, and Latin

• 4:15–5:30 p.m. – Max MacLaury & The Compromisers perform folk, country

• 6:15 p.m. – Remarks from Mayor Erica A. Stewart

• 6:30–8: p.m. – Moonshiner Collective performs Americana rock

• Block Party Stage (Broad Street)

• 3–4:30 p.m. Ghost\Monster performs rock ‘n’ roll

• 5:30–7 p.m. – Wolf Jett performs Americana, soul

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Art and Soul is a monthly art fair providing a queer safe space for artists and musicians throughout the Central Coast to share their work and cultivate community. Hosting around 20 vendors, four live musicians, interactive tables, and various live artists. First Saturday of every month, 1-5 p.m. at 1773 Pereira Dr., San Luis Obispo. Entry is free, but if you want to attend the comedy show that follows, it is $15. Tickets are at eventbrite.com. Call (609) 805-4688, for more information.

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Kick off your holiday weekend with Cambria Nursery’s 4th of July Freedom to Grow Sale July 3 – 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Get tickets at www.cambrianursery.com/. Enjoy 20% off storewide, from vibrant blooms and garden décor to tools, pots, and more. Stop in Friday, Saturday, or Sunday to shop for your favorite plants, supplies, and seasonal finds at a great value. Come stroll the Nursery, soak in the summer vibes, and take home something beautiful. Whether you’re a seasoned plant lover or just getting started, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.

Sale excludes vintage, Christmas, German, consignment & fresh produce from 46 Ranch.

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This year, AvoMargFest returns to its original home in the heart of Morro Bay’s iconic waterfront district on the Embarcadero again on Sep 12, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There’s just something magical about thousands of people roaming the waterfront with tacos in one hand and margaritas in the other. Enjoy California-grown avocados in every food vendor dish, the return of the legendary Avocado Margaritas, tacos, snacks and avo-infused deliciousness everywhere, Live music all day, and the Grom Zone for the kiddos (10 & under are free). Only 6,000 tickets available this year. Tickets are $15 for general admission and are available at avomargfest.ticketsauce.com.

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San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre (SLO REP) is proud to announce its highly anticipated 80th Season, celebrating eight decades of live theatre, community, and storytelling on California’s Central Coast. The milestone season features a dynamic lineup of acclaimed dramas, side-splitting comedies, and award-winning musicals that showcase the breadth of SLO REP’s artistic vision while honoring the organization’s rich history. “Our 80th Season is a celebration of where we’ve been and where we’re headed,” said Kevin Harris, Managing Artistic Director of SLO REP. “For eighty years, audiences have gathered at SLO REP to laugh, reflect, connect, and experience the transformative power of live theatre. This season offers all of that and more.” 

The first main stage show is “The Father” running August 28 – September 13. It is A gripping and profoundly moving drama that places audiences inside the shifting reality of a man confronting memory loss and dementia. Season ticket packages are available by mail, phone, online and at the Box Office. On July 8, Individual tickets for all performances go on sale. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit SLO REP’s Box Office, call (805) 786-2440, or go to slorep.org.

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The Morro Bay Art Association (MBAA) presents Art in the Park, a celebration of the creative community and one of the longest-running outdoor art festivals on the West Coast. Held three times annually over Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day weekends, the event brings more than 100 artists to Morro Bay Park, located at 750 Harbor Street, for a vibrant, open-air celebration of creativity.

Set against the iconic backdrop of Morro Rock and the Pacific Ocean, Art in the Park invites visitors to experience a diverse range of fine art and craft, meet artists in person and enjoy a unique creative event. Admission is free and open to the public.

Founded in 1955, Art in the Park was created with a simple but enduring vision: to bring the public to the art while providing artists a place to exhibit, sell, and connect. Today, the event continues to serve as the Morro Bay Art Association’s most significant annual fundraiser.

Proceeds from the event directly support the MBAA’s mission to champion art as essential to life and give the community a creative voice. Funding from the event supports programs including student scholarships and the ongoing vitality of the Art Center Morro Bay gallery, which offers year-round exhibitions, classes, and community programming.

Visitors can expect a dynamic mix of painting, photography, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, jewelry, and more, along with a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere in the heart of Morro Bay.

For more details, visit Art in the Park on Facebook or follow @artcentermorrobay on Instagram.

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The City of Arroyo Grande will hold a July 4 concert at Heritage Square Park, 201 Nelson St., from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The show is free. Events: 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. the Honor Guard Flag Celebration & National Anthem, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Village Band will play traditional, patriotic tunes, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. The Mother Corn Shuckers will play Americana/bluegrass. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and sun protection. South County Historical Society will be serving their famous hot dogs, and the Arroyo Grande Rotary Club will be selling beer and wine.

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The Morro Bay “Rockfish” Book Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Morro Bay Library, 625 Harbor St. from 4 to 6 p.m.

The book, “Catch 22” by Joseph Heller, will be discussed at the July 28 meeting. All readers are welcome.  Free of charge. For more information, reach out to Doug Rogers at smoothfoam2000@yahoo.com.

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Upcoming free youth programs in July at the Morro Bay Library – 625 Harbor St, (805) 772-6394. 

• Explore Snap Circuits – Wednesday, July 8, 3 – 5 p.m. Hands on circuitry fun for kids! Come tinker with our Snap Circuits kits. For ages 5+.

• Reptile Ron Animal Show – Wednesday, July 15, 3 – 4 p.m. Meet Reptile Ron and all his animal friends. All ages. 

• Sensory Playtime – Saturday, July 18, 10-11a.m. Let your little ones lead the way in this open-ended playtime! Parents and caregivers, we also have early literacy tips for you! For ages 0-5. 

• Paper Airplane Competition – Wednesday, July 22, 3:00-5:00. Come test your paper airplane making skills! Will your plane be fast? Acrobatic? Colorful?

PG Movie Day – Saturday, July 25, 10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. It’s the eve of the American Revolution! War is imminent with Britain, and the continental congress is trapped in gridlock.

• Play Nintendo Switch – Wednesday, July 29, 3:00-5:00. Master your gaming skills and make new friends with our Nintendo Switch! We will provide one Switch for up to 4 players at a time – feel free to bring your own too. Games include Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, and Just Dance.

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The Reboot Speak•Easy (aka Storytelling ReImagined) returns this summer with three live shows featuring local folk and well known pros sharing entertaining, true personal stories around each monthly theme at the Red Barn in Los Osos. 7-9 p.m. Always free (seating for 100).  

July 17 – Regrets

We’ve all had a few! Stories about if-only moments, things left unsaid and undone, plotting a do-over and seizing second chances.

Aug. 28 – Not As it Seems

Stories of masks, facades and hidden gems, the perks of deception, defying expectations and reveling in the big reveal.

Sept. 25 – Ambition

Stories about risking everything for mighty and mini aims, clawing your way to the prize, and discovering what really matters.

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Join Casa Ramos Art Gallery for a special morning with acclaimed Central Coast artist Mike Golling on Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Enjoy coffee, pastries, and conversation while previewing Mike’s newest collection of original oil paintings, Central Coast Summer.

Known for his expressive impressionistic style and rich color palettes, Mike captures the beauty and spirit of the places we hold dear from Morro Bay to Big Sur. His latest series explores the quieter side of summer: soft marine layers drifting over the coast, peaceful trails winding through coastal hills, and the calming atmosphere that makes the Central Coast feel like home.

These new paintings are filled with moody, tranquil tones and luminous coastal light, inviting viewers to reconnect with favorite beaches, hiking paths, and unforgettable views. Inspired by the landscapes of Cayucos, Los Osos, Morro Bay, and Big Sur, Mike’s work celebrates the beauty that surrounds us every day.

Throughout the event, Mike paint live in the gallery, offering guests a rare opportunity to watch his creative process unfold in real time. Attendees will also be the first to witness the unveiling of a brand-new original work created especially for this occasion.

Meet the artist, hear the stories behind the paintings, enjoy a leisurely morning with fellow collectors, and be among the first to experience this new collection of original works. Painting by Mike Golling

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First Fridays at Libertine Brewing Company in SLO are magical nights filled with the vibrant energy of Brass Mash, an all-horn band. Join the festivities and immerse yourself in the unique fusion of your favorite rock and pop songs on July 3. It’s a musical journey that promises to be unforgettable, so make sure to wear sensible shoes for the dance-worthy beats.

This event has become a very popular event. It is not uncommon to see an hour-plus wait at the door for our “first come first serve” seating and standing area. We have created this reservation system so that everyone can plan a great evening.

Reservations begin at 7 p.m.

Brass Mash plays 8 p.m.- 11 p.m.+. This is a 21 and over show. General admission is $22 and students are $12. Get tickets at my805tix.com under First Friday at Libertine.

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Send your event listing at least three weeks in advance to EditorEBN@gmail.com. Make sure to include the who, what, why, where and when of the event and contact information. Please, type out in paragraph form rather than attaching flyers. We do not guarantee publication but try to include as many as we can.

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