SLO Concerts in the Plaza adds block parties, new features. Here’s who’s performing

By Joan Lynch

March 26, 2026 12:00 PM

San Luis Obispo’s Concerts in the Plaza is returning for its 30th season — and this year’s lineup just dropped with some new festivities to mark the anniversary.

Every Friday evening for 12 weeks starting June 19, free live music will play in San Luis Obispo’s Mission Plaza — the largest free concert series on the Central Coast, according to a news release from Downtown SLO.

This year, the downtown association will throw expanded block parties on two of the concert nights, including street vendors, photo opportunities and a second stage with live entertainment.

These block parties will be held on July 3 in celebration of both the 30th anniversary and Fourth of July weekend, featuring Moonshiner Collective and Max MacLaury & The Compromisers; and on Aug. 14 to celebrate the end of summer with a family night featuring interactive children’s activities on Broad Street and entertainment from Holding Pattern and instrumental pop group Brass Mash.

All concerts will kick off with an opening act at 5 p.m., followed by the main act from 6-8 p.m., according to the release.

Hot 45 performs at Concerts in the Plaza. The soul act is set to play in the plaza again in the summer of 2026. Courtesy of Downtown SLO

Who is performing during SLO’s Concerts in the Plaza?

Here’s the full schedule for the Concerts in the Plaza 30th anniversary season:

June 19

Opening act: Ras Danny; authentic Jamaican reggae
Main act: The Loving Mosh; funk, rock and R&B

June 26

Opening act: Colleen Rhatigan; R&B and pop
Main act: Manuel the Band; pop and rock

Americana quartet Moonshiner Collective, featuring Dan Curcio and Ryan House, pictured here, plus Daniel and Vince Cimo, will perform at Concerts in the Plaza in summer 2026.

July 3: 30th anniversary block party

Opening act: Max MacLaury & The Compromisers; folk and rock
Main act: Moonshiner Collective; Americana rock

July 10

Opening act:: Kenny Taylor; rock and singer-songwriter
Main act:: B & The Hive; indie rock

July 17

Opening act: The Rivalry; acoustic duo
Main act: The Vibe Setters; funk and soul

July 24

Opening act: Jineanne Coderre; R&B and pop fusion
Main act: Resination; reggae

July 31

Opening act: Graybill; coastal folk
Main act: The Molly Ringwald Project; 80s pop, rock and dance

Aug. 7

Opening act: Noach Tangeras; Americana
Main act: The Mother Corn Shuckers; Americana, country

Brass Mash is a local all-brass instrument mash-up band. It’s an eclectic group of musicians ranging in age from 21 to 70. Many members are classically and jazz trained and possess advanced music degrees. Brass Mash plays the first Friday of every month at Liquid Gravity brewery in San Luis Obispo. Laura Dickinson The Tribune

Aug. 14: Family Night block party

Opening act: Holding Pattern; acoustic indie
Main act: Brass Mash; instrumental pop

Aug. 21

Opening act: Jamie Pennelly; pop
Main act: Damon Castillo Band; rock and soul

Aug. 28

Opening act: Sami Rouissi; pop and folk
Main act: IMVA; R&B and soul

Sept. 4

Opening act: Forever Green; soft rock
Main act: Hot 45; R&B, soul and pop

The Molly Ringwald Project performs at Concerts in the Plaza. The 80s pop act is set to play in the plaza again in the summer of 2026. Courtesy of Downtown SLO

Food and drink available all summer

According to Downtown SLO’s release, food and drink will be sold on-site from several local companies.

While outside food is welcome, outside alcohol is not allowed, according to the release.

Instead, the bar will serve beer from Firestone Walker Brewing Company, cider from SLO Cider and three wine options from new wine partner Talley Vineyards, while non-alcoholic energy drinks will be offered from new Concerts in the Plaza partner Red Bull.

Food from Woodstock’s Pizza and Quesadilla Gorilla will be sold on-site, according to the release.

Joan Lynch

The Tribune

(805) 781-7812

Joan Lynch is a housing reporter at the San Luis Obispo Tribune. Originally from Kenosha, Wisconsin, Joan studied journalism and telecommunications at Ball State University, graduating in 2022.