Seven Crisp Autumn Events in November: Harvest Festivals, Art, Music and Marathons Across SLO County slide in with SLO Safe Ride
- newjoan22
- Oct 31
- 7 min read
November on the Central Coast is a feast for the senses—crisp air, golden vineyards, and communities alive with harvest celebrations, live music, and coastal charm. From art festivals and wine tastings to family carnivals and concert nights under the stars, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the season.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a full day of festivities, slide into SLO County November Events with SLO Safe Ride, your go-to for comfortable, stylish transportation to every event worth celebrating across San Luis Obispo County.
1. November 7th - 9th: Harvest on the Coast l SLO Coast Wine County
Celebrate the bounty of the season at Harvest on the Coast, SLO CAL’s most anticipated wine weekend! Savor the best coastal wines and indulge in harvest-inspired pairings, live music, and one-of-a-kind experiences. From intimate tastings to festive celebrations, every participating winery offers something unique—so craft your perfect itinerary and toast to the flavors that make the Central Coast shine.
This year’s Harvest on the Coast is the perfect opportunity to experience our wineries, and these beautifully crafted wines, all grown right here along the SLO Coast.
How Can I Participate?
Each winery is hosting its own unique events, so you can curate your perfect itinerary. No tickets are needed—simply book directly with the wineries you want to visit.
Any Ideas on Traveling to the Wineries?
Enhance your experience with SLO Safe Ride’s luxury transportation, offering private service to the wineries of your choice. Relax and take in the rolling hills and sunlit vineyards as you travel in comfort—no need to worry about directions or driving. From the first toast to the final sunset, your harvest weekend can be as effortless as it is unforgettable.
2. November 8th: Autumn Soirée: The SLO Way l 5 – 8 PM Hotel San Luis Obispo
Hotel SLO and executive chef Ryan Fancher invite you to the Fourth Annual Autumn Soirée: The SLO Way. Enjoy a delectable and fun evening at the award-winning Hotel SLO celebrating the Central Coast’s most acclaimed wineries and food purveyors and enjoy interactive art installations and performers.
Continue the celebration at the After Party with our chefs and vintners, featuring more local bites and pours. It’s an evening you don’t want to miss
What's Happening?
Talent: Meet, mingle and taste wine and food from Central Coast vintners and chefs.
Silent Auction: Get ready to bid, sip, and celebrate at the 2025 Autumn Soirée Silent Auction, where every winning bid supports our local charities
Arts & Entertainment: View a collection of studio work by internationally recognized artist MOMO, take your chances at the Wine Wall, experience the creative process with live and interactive sculpting
Make the Evening Extraordinary!
Let SLO Safe Ride take care of the driving! We’ll get you there and back safely, comfortably, and in style. Relax, sip, dine and enjoy—leave the keys to us!"
3. November 7th - 9th: Buellton Fall Festival l Fri 4 – 10 PM; Sat & Sun 12 PM – 10 PM l Avenue of the Flags, Buellton
Join the celebration as Avenue of Flags bursts to life with live music, carnival rides, local bites, and good vibes all weekend long. From the beer garden to the big stage, it’s a free family-friendly festival that captures the best of the Central Coast in one unforgettable weekend.
What's the Vibe?
Downtown Buellton transforms into a three-day celebration of community and California charm for the annual Buellton Fall Fest. The Avenue of Flags comes alive with over 40 live bands on two stages, the scent of sizzling food truck fare, and the laughter of families spinning through the carnival.
Really Free Admission?
Sip local wine or craft beer while exploring artisan booths, or dance into the evening under glowing lights as the hills fade into twilight. With free admission, easygoing small-town vibes, and a lineup that captures the spirit of the Central Coast, the Buellton Fall Fest is the perfect autumn escape for friends, families, and festival lovers alike.
4. November 15th – 16th: Art Under the Moonlight | 5:50PM –8:00 PM l Hearst Castle l San Simeon
The “Art Under the Moonlight” tours will offer guests a unique opportunity to explore William Randolph Hearst's world-renowned art collection like never before – under the enchanting glow of the moon.
What's It All About?
View illuminated outdoor works of art while learning their significance through time and enjoying their beauty as a guest would have seen them during the 1930s.
How About Viewing Art Inside the Hearst Castle?
Inside, have an intimate look at the collection that Mr. Hearst amassed during his time here. This tour’s unique focus on select works of art, both indoors and outdoors, will leave you feeling like an honored guest of William Randolph Hearst with an understanding and appreciation of the cherished collection he displayed.
Want to make your San Simeon Adventure more Luxurious?
Make your visit to Hearst Castle as dazzling as the destination itself. SLO Safe Ride can provide anything from a sophisticated luxury sedan through multiple-motor coach, stress-free transportation for an evening of art, elegance, and ease. Sit back, unwind, and let the luxury begin the moment you step aboard.
5. November 16th: Judy Collins & Tom Rush | 7 PM – 9 PM Lobero Theatre l Santa Barbara
Experience a night of timeless music and storytelling with two legendary voices in one evening. These iconic singer-songwriters, whose artistry helped shape the folk revival of the ’60s and beyond, take the stage for an intimate and unforgettable concert.
Judy Collin's Music Vibe?
Judy Collins has captivated audiences for decades with her luminous voice, fearless songwriting, and unwavering spirit. A defining voice of the 1960s, she gave sound to a generation’s fight for justice and hope. More than 55 albums later, her timeless artistry and radiant presence continue to inspire new generations.
Tom Rush's Music Vibe?
A pioneer of modern folk, Tom Rush helped define the sound of a generation and set the stage for those who followed. His recordings introduced Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, and James Taylor to the world, while his own songs inspired legends from James Taylor to Garth Brooks. Decades later, Rush’s artistry endures—rich, resonant, and unmistakably American.
Enhance Your Day
From sunlit ocean walks to sunset concerts, discover Santa Barbara in style. Enjoy fine dining, wine tasting, and the rhythm of the coast while SLO Safe Ride provides seamless, luxury transportation. Sit back, relax, and let the day unfold beautifully.
6. November 14th – 16th: Atascadero Fall Fest | Until 10:00 PM Sunken Gardens l Downtown Atascadero
What's Happening at the Fest?
Carnival rides and games, live music from over 30 bands on 2 stages, street faire and food vendors, and local craft beer, seltzer and wine!
Is the Festival Family Friendly?
The 2025 Atascadero Fall Fest is a three-day, family-friendly event from November 14-16 that features a large carnival, live music, food and craft vendors, and a beer tasting. This year, the festival will also incorporate the Colony Days Parade and Festival, which is a long-standing local tradition. The parade will take place on Saturday, November 15th.
Max the experience!
Make the most of your day at the Atascadero Fall Festival with SLO Safe Ride. Whether you're heading out with family, friends, or a special someone, our safe, comfortable transportation lets you focus on the fun—not the parking or the drive. Enjoy the music, food, and festivities to the fullest, knowing your ride is taken care of.
7. November 16: City to the Sea — Half Marathon & 5K l Start time 6:45 AM l San Luis Obispo & Avila Beach
Running Warehouse — Half Marathon l Start Time 6:45 AM
The City to the Sea Half Marathon, presented by Running Warehouse, is a breathtaking point-to-point race that begins in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo. The course guides runners past iconic local landmarks, through scenic country backroads, and along the picturesque Bob Jones Trail, culminating at the edge of the Pacific Ocean in the charming coastal community of Avila Beach
Avila-Seaside — 5K l Start Time 7:15 AM
The Avila-Seaside 5K is a beautiful course with roughly 75% of the route showcasing breathtaking views of the beach, harbor, and the Pacific Ocean. Keep a keen eye open for sea lions, otters and whales along the route. The course briefly joins the scenic Bob Jones Trail before finishing at the beautiful Avila Beach Resort.
Where Do the Races Start?
Half Marathon: 989 Chorro Street l Mission Plaza
5K: Avila Beach Resort Festival Grounds
There's a SLO Safe Ride Shuttle for Runners!
A SLO Safe Ride shuttle will be available to transport runners from Avila Beach to the start line in San Luis Obispo. Shuttle will depart at 5:30 AM from a location in Avila Beach.
Supporting Our Community, One Mile at a Time
SLO Safe Ride is proud to be a sponsor of the 2025 City to the Sea Half Marathon & 5K, celebrating our community’s passion for fitness, fun, and the beautiful Central Coast. This beloved event takes runners on a stunning journey from downtown San Luis Obispo to the Pismo Beach pier—and this year, members of our own team will be joining the race! As both sponsors and participants, we’re thrilled to lace up alongside our community while providing safe, clean, and reliable transportation for runners, volunteers, and spectators. Whether we’re behind the wheel or crossing the finish line, SLO Safe Ride is honored to go the extra mile for our hometown.
We’re honored to be nominated for The Tribune’s 2026 Best of the Central Coast!
SLO Safe Ride has been recognized in two categories this year:
STAY & PLAY → Land Tour
WINERIES → Wine Tour
We couldn’t do what we do without you — our amazing riders, partners, and community! ❤️
Help us bring home the win by voting once per day through November 14th at VoteCentralCoast.com
Every vote helps spread the word that we’re proud to be the Central Coast’s trusted choice for Safe, Clean, Reliable transportation!
Ready to Ride into November? 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, November 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 November memorable.
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