Seven Ways January Comes Alive on the Central Coast—A Season of Dining, Art, Music, Sports & Family Fun plus effortless travel with SLO Safe Ride!
- newjoan22
- Jan 1
- 7 min read
January on the Central Coast is a season of exceptional experiences and 2026 opens with a calendar full of flavor, culture, and unforgettable moments from San Luis Obispo’s Restaurant Month and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s French Impressionist exhibitions to Cal Poly basketball, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Monster Trucks Live, and the Cambria Art & Wine Festival.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying at a local hotel, enjoy it all with SLO Safe Ride for stylish, stress-free transportation, making every outing seamless, comfortable, and unforgettable.
1. January 1st – 31st: SLO Restaurant Month l San Luis Obispo
SLO’s food scene is already legendary, but Restaurant Month is about to take it to the next level. Indulge your taste buds with a month-long culinary adventure featuring innovative dishes from your favorite local restaurants
By dining out during Restaurant Month, you’re treating yourself and supporting the heart and soul of our community
What's the experience?
This January, San Luis Obispo Restaurant Month invites you to savor the rich flavors and creative spirit of our local dining scene. From beloved neighborhood favorites to innovative chef-driven kitchens, it’s a celebration of the diverse cuisine that makes SLO so special. Enjoy thoughtfully crafted menus, seasonal ingredients, and unique dining experiences that showcase the very best the Central Coast has to offer—all in one delicious month
2. Dates thru Janurary 25th: The Impressionist Revolution – Monet to Matisse plus ENCORE! 19th Century French Art Tues – Sun: 11 AM – 5 PM l Santa Barbara Museum of Art
The Impressionist Revolution:
The Impressionists broke with tradition in both how and what they painted, redefining what then constituted cutting-edge contemporary art. The unique innovations of its core members, such as Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Berthe Morisot, set the foundation against which following generations of avant-garde artists reacted, from Paul Gauguin and Vincent van Gogh to Piet Mondrian and Henri Matisse.
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the first Impressionist exhibition, The Impressionist Revolution invites visitors to reconsider these now beloved artists and the considerable impact they had on 20th-century art.
Encore: 19th Century French Art:
Featuring works by Claude Monet, Henri Matisse, Edgar Degas, Gustave Caillebotte, Berthe Morisot, Alfred Sisley, Eugène Boudin, and James Tissot. Think of it as a virtual tour of Paris and France with artwork as your guide. The journey begins with famous Parisian sites, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the bohemian enclave of Montmartre with its dancehalls and artist hangouts
What about Luxury Travel too?
Experience Santa Barbara at its finest with effortless luxury transportation from SLO Safe Ride. Begin your day with a leisurely stop at a charming café for artisan coffee, tea, and pastries before immersing yourself in the SB Museum's Impressionist exhibits.
Continue the indulgence with a visit to an award-winning winery before concluding the evening with an exceptional dining experience at a Santa Barbara restaurant by a celebrated chef. With professional chauffeurs and premium vehicles, SLO Safe Ride ensures a seamless, refined journey—so you’re free to relax and savor, every moment.
3. January 15th Men's Basketball — Cal Poly vs Hawaii l 7 PM Motts Athletic Center l San Luis Obispo
Cal Poly will play Hawaii in several sports in 2026, notably men's basketball with games in January in San Luis Obispo and February in Hawaii, and a baseball series in Hawaii in late February/early March, as part of their Big West matchups, according to early schedules released by the universities.
Exciting!
Cal Poly vs. Hawaii basketball games are typically exciting because they feature contrasting styles—Cal Poly's fast-paced, three-point heavy offense against Hawaii's more deliberate approach—leading to shifts in momentum, especially in the second half, with Cal Poly often overcoming deficits through strong shooting and ball movement, making for a tense, back-and-forth Big West conference battle.
4. January 23rd : Chicago Symphony Orchestra | 7:30 PM Granada Theatre l Santa Barbara
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra returns to Santa Barbara once again under the baton of its esteemed Music Director Emeritus for Life, Riccardo Muti. For more than five decades, Maestro Muti has been a commanding presence on the world's concert stages, shaping the sound of leading orchestras and opera houses as one of the last of the great Italian maestros in the tradition of Toscanini.
Concert Highlights?
The program features two pinnacle masterworks, Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 and then Maurice Ravel's Boléro with its mesmerizing orchestral crescendo that builds from a quiet whisper to perhaps the most most thrilling climax of the symphonic repertoire.
Make the Day Extraordinary!
Enjoy tastes of Santa Barbara's exquisite wine country cenered around the stunning Santa Ynez Valley. The area boasts award-winning wineries known for Syrah, Burgundian style wines, Rhone varieties, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Book your SLO Safe Ride luxury transportation for ease and safe travels as you sit back and enjoy the beauty of the rolling hills, oak-studded valleys, and coastal vistas on the Central Coast!
5. January 24th: Monster Trucks Live Tour l 12 PM - 4:30 PM Paso Robles Event Center
Join in on an unforgettable day of monster truck action and family fun at 2X Monster Trucks Live. This event features some of the biggest names in the sport — including Shark Bite, Roarin’ Rex, King Sling, Jekyll & Hyde, Brutal, Knucklehead, and Redneck Road Trip — as they compete in racing, wheelies and freestyle events.
You’ll feel the rumble as these powerful trucks soar through the air and crush cars in a high-energy show that’s perfect for fans of all ages
What's the Main Event?
Alright Paso Robles! The Main Event is where the monster trucks show off everything they’ve got—racing, big jumps, crazy tricks, and freestyle fun that will have the whole crowd cheering! Get ready for nonstop action!”
Whether you’re a longtime fan or attending for the first time, 2X Monster Trucks Live offers an exciting mix of entertainment, community, and family fun.
So it's a Kid-friendly Day?
Absolutely special 'Kids’ Activities' – they'll enjoy Power Wheels races, driver meet-and-greets, and fun giveaways throughout the day. So grab a snack, explore local vendors, and shop official 2X Monster Trucks gear like tees, hoodies, puzzles and toy trucks!
What about the Grown-ups?
A fun pre-show event where you can meet drivers, take photos with the trucks, and get autographs. Ride in a Real Monster Truck – take a spin in one of our full-size ride trucks for an experience you’ll never forget!
6. January 18th - January 31st: Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks
Foodies flock to Santa Ynez Restaurant Week for an unbeatable chance to explore the region's burgeoning food scene and renowned wineries through special, chef-crafted, three-course prix fixe menus at attractive $30, $40, $50 price points, offering incredible value and access to culinary gems not always available, making it perfect for tasting diverse local flavors and supporting the area's rich agricultural heritage during a slower season.
Why Not Make the Ride Part of the Fun?
Make Santa Ynez Restaurant Weeks even more indulgent with SLO Safe Ride’s transportation to top wineries and restaurants throughout the valley. Whether you’re a solo foodie, a couple planning a romantic evening, or a group ready to savor every course, our professional chauffeurs and premium vehicles let you relax, sip, and enjoy the journey without worry. With a fleet of all sizes—from intimate rides to spacious group transport—we turn your dining plans into a seamless, elevated adventure from the first pickup to the last toast.
7. January 29th - February 1st: Cambria Art & Wine Festival Cambria
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable celebration of artistry and flavor! The Cambria Art
and Wine Festival is a 4-day event of creativity, culture and the finer things in life ….
Including the best of the wineries on the Central Coast!
What's the Experience?
A celebration of art, local wines, food, and shopping throughout Cambria's galleries and village, hosted by the Cambria Chamber of Commerce, featuring wine tastings, artist demos and and unique dining experiences. Wander through Cambria's galleries, meet artists, and sample local wines from numerous wineries.
Stay Close! Stay in Cambria!
Let your Cambria adventure continue by booking a comfy room at Cambria Pines Lodge and enjoy the festival for more than a day!
Cozy Nights, Glowing Lights — Make Cambria Pines Lodge Your Peaceful Hideaway
Discover one of the most tranquil and relaxing places to stay in Cambria. A boutique hotel surrounded by 25 acres of wooded grounds and lush, colorful gardens, Cambria Pines Lodge provides an alluring blend of natural beauty and warm, woodsy charm of a lodge.
Sip craft cocktails by the fire, savor hearty, garden-fresh dishes, and unwind in a cozy room surrounded by towering pines. It’s the perfect spot to eat, drink, relax, and keep the evening glowing. Did we mention pet-friendly rooms too!
Keeping it real, keeping it local
From Paso to SLO and Santa Ynez, we've shown you seven ways January comes alive on the Central Coast bringing together the very best of our local wineries, artists, and community events. Join in, support local, and make memories all month long.
Ready to Ride into SLO Central Coast January 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, January 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 January 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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