Nine March Events to Love on the Central Coast—Sunset Dinners, Rhône & Zin Celebrations, Concerts, an International Flower Show, plus luxury rides with SLO Safe Ride!
- 6 days ago
- 8 min read
March 2026 arrives with longer days, vibrant scenery, and an event calendar that truly shines across the Central Coast. From an iconic evening with the Count Basie Orchestra and a stunning performance by American Ballet Theatre, to elegant, chef-created vineyard dinners and the celebrated Paso Zinfandel Weekend, the month is rich with culture, flavor, and celebration.
Add spring horse competitions, an oceanside sunset dinner featuring Rhône varietals, global flair from Afrique en Cinque, the beauty of the Santa Barbara Orchid Show, and live music from the Cal Poly Band—and March becomes the perfect time to savor every moment SLO County has to offer.
1. March 1st: The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra l 3 PM Clark Center for the Performing Arts l Arroyo Grande
Winner of 18 Grammy Awards, the Basie Orchestra has performed at every major jazz festival and concert hall, swinging with unmatched energy, style and soul. Among recent honors are a 2024 Grammy for Best Large Jazz Ensemble and the 2018 Downbeat Readers Poll Award as the #1 Jazz Orchestra in the world.
Directed by Scotty Barnhart With Jazz Vocalist Nnenna Freelon
What's the experience?
From classic hits to modern interpretations, the Basie band honors its rich legacy while keeping the music fresh, alive and full of joy. For their 90th Anniversary Tour, jazz royalty Nnenna Freelon (a 7-time Grammy Award nominee) is featured guest vocalist, bringing her luminous voice and commanding presence to this powerhouse performance.
A Little More about Nneena
During her career, Nneena Freelon has performed at The White House, headlined the Asia Pacific Economic Summit for three hundred Presidents and Head of States, toured the United States as a spokesperson for the National Association of Partners in Education.
She has toured with Ray Charles and many other jazz greats.. As one of Nnenna’s idols, Aretha Franklin, said of Nnenna, “If you’re looking for great music and great entertainment, look no further than Nnenna Freelon.”
2. March 8th: At Her Table Presents Untamed Dinner l 6 PM Ella's Vineyard l Creston
For 2026, Untamed Dinner centers fully on Chef Katie Prescott of 805 Coastal Kitchen—her talent, her voice, and her deep connection to the Central Coast. This is a rare opportunity to experience her work uninterrupted, unfolding course by course in an intimate vineyard setting.
How About This Picturesque Setting!
As the sun dips behind the hills of Ella’s Vineyard, all gathered will be surrounded by wines, great company, and amazing energy. The pace will be slow, the energy—warm, whimsical and quite beautiful.
And the Dining Experience?
This dinner is rooted in local ingredients, local land, and the beauty of this place.
A multi-course, chef-driven dinner by Chef Katie Prescott
Ingredients sourced with care, reflecting the Central Coast season
Wine enjoyed in rhythm with the meal
Dining designed for connection and conversation
Can the Evening be Any More Memorable?
Make the evening even morebreathtaking by booking SLO Safe Ride luxury transportation for this special Creston experience. As March wildflowers burst into full bloom, relax and enjoy a seamless, chauffeured journey to Ella’s Vineyard, where rolling hills and vibrant spring color set the scene for an unforgettable night presented by At Her Table.
Skip the winding roads, parking, and logistics—sip, savor, and soak in the beauty of the season while we handle every detail from pickup to drop-off. Reserve your SLO Safe Ride and arrive in comfort, style, and total peace of mind.
3. March 3rd – 8th: PCCHA Trainers Gold Cub Roundup
Paso Robles Event Center
The PCCHA Trainers Gold Club Roundup has been a staple event in Paso Robles for 23 years. Hosted by the Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Association (PCCHA), the premier cutting horse association on the West Coast, this event celebrates and preserves the heritage of the legendary cutting horse in the Western United States.
The voice of West Coast cutters since 1950, the Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Association is dedicated to maintaining the standards of cutting and attracting new participants to the sport.
Exciting Western Vibe!
The Trainers Gold Club Roundup brings elite trainers and top competitors together for a high-stakes showcase of precision, power and horsemanship. From heart-pounding runs to time-honored traditions, this signature event delivers an unforgettable experience for lifelong fans and first-time spectators alike—where the spirit of the West rides on every turn.
4. March 18th: Lido at Dolphin Bay l 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Pismo Beach
Join us for a special evening celebrating Paso Robles and the Rhône Valley.All-Star producers alongside their French Rhône counterparts.
Enjoy an amazing Pismo Beach sunset
Sip your way through an unforgettable Wednesday evening featuring rare library wines from Paso Robles
This curated tasting journey highlights the elegance and depth of Rhône varietals, perfectly paired with French-inspired cuisine by Chef Chris Shackelford. Set against a scenic backdrop, the evening artfully blends Old World heritage with Central Coast innovation for a truly memorable culinary experience.
Elevate Your Experience
To make the evening even more effortless and indulgent, elevate your experience with SLO Safe Ride luxury transportation. Skip the parking, relax with every sip, and enjoy seamless, door-to-door service from pick-up to drop-off. With professional drivers and refined vehicles, SLO Safe Ride ensures your night is as smooth, safe, and memorable as the wines you’ll be savoring.
5. March 13th: Cal Poly Band Festival Finale Concert - Musical Journey Around the World l 7:30 PM l Performing Arts Center, SLO
The Cal Poly Wind Orchestra and Wind Ensemble will bring an exciting conclusion to the Band and Orchestra Festival as they continue their musical travels across the globe. Czechia, Japan and Spain will be the stops along this program, with Bin Kaneda’s "Japanese Folk Song Suite" and Gasper Cassadó’s "Toccata." Karel Husa’s monumental "Music for Prague 1968" will conclude the program.
6. March 18th: Clark Center Presents - American Ballet Theatre Studio Company l 7:30 PM l Arroyo Grande
ABT Studio Company captivates audiences with performances that blend classical and neoclassical masterpieces with innovative contemporary works. Each season, they collaborate with diverse choreographers, emphasizing female creators, to premiere new ballets tailored for these rising stars.
American Ballet Theatre Studio Company – sponsered bu FLEX Performing Arts
Featured Dancers
Composed of 12-18 extraordinary young dancers, aged 17 to 21, this elite group represents the next generation of top ballet talent.
Vibrant American Ballet Scene!
As ambassadors of American Ballet Theatre, the Studio Company tours extensively, enchanting audiences in cities worldwide, from London to Hong Kong, and across the United States. Come and witness the brilliance and potential of ballet’s brightest young talents.
7. March Mid-month: Vintage Paso: Zinfandel Weekend Iconic Zin Producer Wineries l Paso Robles Wine County Alliance
Vintage Paso: Zinfandel Weekend is a themed weekend in Paso Robles Wine Country featuring individual experiences at wineries. This year our Vintage Paso: 100+ local wineries celebrate with 3 days of experiences. Create your own Zinful itinerary to smell, sip, and savor the heritage of Paso Robles.
March 2026, Paso Robles celebrates its heritage with Vintage Paso: Zinfandel Weekend
What's the Story?
Paso Robles’ signature grape rises to celebrity status during Zinfandel Weekend, a three-day celebration of the bold, jammy wines that first put the region on the map more than a century ago. Wineries across the area host special zinfandel tastings, winemaker dinners and unique vineyard tours—each showing off their own spin on this beloved red wine varietal.
Where to Celebrate?
Check out winery calendars across Paso Robles for zinfandel-centric events at iconic zinfandel producers. Expect unique tastings, food pairings, and potential barrel samples, with 100+ wineries participating.
Make Your Evening or Weekend Extraordinary!
Framed by the rolling landscapes and picturesque vineyards of Paso Robles, Allegretto Vineyard Resort by Ayres is a world unto itself, encouraging joyful discovery. From the Tuscan-style architecture and museum-caliber artwork to the locally farmed and foraged delights at Cello Ristorante & Bar, our 20-acre hideaway is a celebration of life lived joyfully, harmoniously and with intention.
Zin-Perfect Travel!
Make Vintage Paso Zinfandel Weekend unforgettable with SLO Safe Ride luxury transportation. Explore Paso Robles’ iconic Zinfandel wineries in comfort, style, and total peace of mind—no driving, no parking, no worries. Our experienced chauffeurs curate the perfect Zin-focused itinerary, allowing you and your guests to savor bold flavors, scenic vineyard views, and exclusive tastings while we handle every detail from pickup to drop-off. Sit back, sip freely, and experience the region’s most celebrated weekend the way it was meant to be enjoyed—safely and effortlessly.
8. March 20: Cirque Kalabante: Afrique en Cinque l 7:30 PM Performing Arts Center, San Luis Obispo
Experience the vibrant energy of West Africa with Cirque Kalabanté's Afrique en Cirque, featuring breathtaking acrobatics, live music, and colorful performances
A Riveting Performance!
Afrique en Cirque is a show by Yamoussa Bangoura, inspired by daily life in Guinea. This performance shares the beauty, youth and artistry of African culture. A colorful show beyond its scenery, costumes and staging, it makes any theatre vibrate with energy and represents the strength, agility and life’s joys of young Africans.
Watch acrobats execute gravity-defying moves and human pyramids on Harold Miossi Hall’s grand stage, accompanied by the contemporary sounds of live Afro-Jazz, percussion, and kora.
9. March 20th – 22nd: Escape to Nature l International Orchid Show: Orchid Escape l 9 AM – 5 PM l Earl Warren Showgrounds, Santa Barbara
Step into a breathtaking world of color, fragrance, and wonder
Wow International!
Santa Barbara's International Orchid Show—one of the largest and most celebrated orchid showcases in the United States. This year’s theme, “Orchid Escape,” invites you to immerse yourself in a lush paradise where rare and exotic orchids from around the globe transport you to another world.
Will I be Inspired?
Absolutely! As you wander through spectacular displays designed by master growers and artists, each one capturing the mystery of tropical landscapes. Discover extraordinary orchid species you’ve never seen before, and experience the joy of being surrounded by nature’s most captivating creations.
And There's More!
Don’t miss your chance to attend exclusive workshops, engaging lectures, and behind-the-scenes VIP tours, where you’ll learn from experts and gain insights into the art and science of orchid cultivation.
Whether you’re a passionate orchid collector or simply seeking a rejuvenating escape into beauty, this unforgettable event promises inspiration, wonder, and a moment of serenity among the blooms.
Ready to Ride into SLO Central Coast February Events? Here’s how to make the most of it:
Lock in your SLO Safe Ride early. Popular dates fill up fast.
Group going out? Charter a private shuttle and ride together in comfort and style.
Just two of you? Book a scheduled pickup and skip the rideshare roulette.
Need help planning? We can help coordinate pickups for events, wine tours & more.
Whether you’re savoring world-class wines, strolling through a festival, or dancing the night away, February is packed with opportunities to celebrate.
And with SLO Safe Ride handling the driving, you can skip the hassle of traffic, parking, and post-party worries—just relax and enjoy!
Reserve your ride now at SLOSafeRide.com — and make this February memorable.
SLO Safe Ride isn’t just a ride — it’s the way the Central Coast gets around. Voted 2025 New Times Best of SLO and named Sunset Travel’s 2025 “How to Get There” Award winner, we’re the region’s go-to for safe, stylish, stress-free transportation. From wine tasting to weddings to nights out on the town, our pro drivers, premium fleet, and seamless service make every trip feel like an upgrade. When you want reliability, comfort, and a little fun along the way, there’s only one choice: SLO Safe Ride all the way.
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