Free concert series will return to SLO this summer. See who is set to take the stage
Back by popular demand, the largest free concert series on the Central Coast will return to San Luis Obispo for its 29th season this summer with a jam-packed weekly line-up.
The 2025 Concerts in the Plaza— sponsored by Downtown SLO, Sunset Honda car dealership and the city of San Luis Obispo — will put on free live music in SLO’s Mission Plaza at 989 Chorro St. nearly every week this summer, Downtown SLO said in a news release.
Starting on June 20 and lasting until Sept. 12, the community concert series will run every Friday for 12 weeks — with the exception of July 4 — bringing a new local musical act every week for all to enjoy free of cost, according to the release.
Opening acts will start every Friday at 5 p.m., with the main act taking the stage from 6 to 8 p.m., the release said.
But the fun won’t stop there — attendees can continue the party at Libertine Brewing Co., with an after-party following every concert starting at 8:30 p.m. The lineup for Libertine after-parties will be released in the spring, the release said.
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Who will perform at SLO’s summer concert series?
Kicking off the concert series, the Vintage Renegades will open for rock-Americana musical group the Moonshiner Collective. The concert will be sponsored by Luna Red Restaurant and Bar.
The second week, acoustic indie band Holding Pattern will open for funk artist Vince Cimo’s Hot Fire.
Skipping the weekend of July 4, the reggae group Ras Danny will come on before R&B artist Hot 45 on July 11.
On July 18, singer-songwriter Sadie Jasper will open for soul and soulful funk group The Vibe Setters, sponsored by Megan’s Organic Market.
The following week will see the cosmic California rock group About Time take the stage before main act, The Molly Ringwald Project, an ‘80s pop tribute band, sponsored by Woodstock’s Pizza on July 25.
On Aug. 1, R&B singer-songwriter Jineanne Coderre will perform the Josh Rosenblum Band takes the stage for a pop rock performance.
On Aug. 8 the rock Ghost\Monster Duo will go on before roots and reggae group Resination, sponsored by Rate mortgage lender.
While the main act is decided for Aug. 15 as the Damon Castillo Band, a rock and soul group, the opening act will be determined by the winner of the Battle of the Openers at Libertine on April 11. Ronca & Associates law firm will sponsor the summer concert.
On Aug. 22, acoustic bluegrass group TwoPaperSquares will open for indie rock-pop band B & The Hive.
Emily Smith will open for R&B artist IMVA on Aug. 29, sponsored by Nick The Greek.
On Sept. 5, folk singer-songwriter Cate Armstrong will perform, followed by the alternative indie rock band Carbon City Lights.
Finally, to wrap up the series on Sept. 12, singer-songwriter Dave Tate will introduce the all brass instrumental cover band Brass Mash, with the Novo Restaurant and Lounge sponsoring the show.
Every Friday, the bar at Mission Plaza will serve beer from Firestone-Walker Brewing Company, cider from SLO Cider and three wine options from Region wine bar, the release said. Food options include Woodstock’s Pizza and Nick the Greek.
While guests are welcome to bring outside food, outside alcohol is prohibited — but attendees are encouraged to bring their own reusable cups.
To avoid car parking downtown, ride your bike and enjoy the free bike valet provided by Bike SLO County. Unfortunately, you’ll have to leave your pets at home, as animals are not allowed at concert series.
