San Luis Obispo summer events

—San Luis Obispo offers an abundance of events this summer, providing endless opportunities to connect, celebrate, learn and be entertained. With a variety of activities to choose from, there’s something for everyone.

Concerts in the Plaza

Through September 6, every Friday evening 5-8 p.m.—Downtown SLO hosts Concerts in the Plaza, the largest concert series on the Central Coast. Get the full schedule of free performances at downtownslo.com/events/concerts.

Central Coast Shakespeare Festival

Through August 11—Tickets are on sale now for The Central Coast Shakespeare Festival. Located outdoors at Filipponi Ranch, 1850 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo. Bring standard-height lawn chair and a picnic meal to watch drama unfold under the stars and trees. Filipponi Ranch wine is available by the glass. For tickets and times, visit centralcoastshakespeare.org.

38th Annual Central Coast Renaissance Festival

July 20 – 21, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.—Go back in time and experience Elizabethan Renaissance at the 38th Annual Central Coast Renaissance Festival. Held at San Luis Obispo’s Laguna Lake Park, 3120 Lakeview Dr. Attendees are treated to a time-travel adventures of armored battle scenes, music, dance, puppetry and magic. Costumes are not required, but can add to the fun! For tickets and more information visit ccrenfaire.com.

SLO Blues Baseball Fireworks Show

July 26—The SLO Blues play the Walnut Creek Crawdads in Sinsheimer Stadium, 900 Southwood Dr, San Luis Obispo. The aftergame fireworks show is the last one of the season. This game will sell out. For tickets and more information visit bluesbaseball.com.

Orchestra Novo presents Pops ON!

August 4, 4 p.m.—The 7th annual Pops ON! “Pops Heard ‘Round the World” is at the Alex Madonna Expo Center, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo. Picnics and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome. Wine, beer and spirits are available to purchase. Costumes from around the world along with table decorations are encouraged! For tickets and more information visit orchestranovo.com.

Colors of Conservation

August 9 -10—The Land Conservancy of SLO County is hosting the Colors of Conservation art show on August 9 from 5-8 p.m. and August 10 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Octagon Barn, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo, featuring art sales and live painting demonstrations by San Luis Obispo Painters for the Environment. A portion of the sales are donated to The Land Conservancy. The event is free but RSVP is asked. Sign up at my805tix.com/e/colors-of-conservation-art-show.

SLO Overdose Awareness Day

August 31, 2-4 p.m.—SLO Overdose Awareness Day, Mitchell Park, 1400 Osos St., in San Luis Obispo. It’s a day of learning and remembering for anyone affected by overdose or substance abuse and for those who wish to learn more about the issue. There will be a resource fair, a memorial and a candle-lighting ceremony. To register and for more information visit sloendoverdose.org/events.