What’s happening in SLO for Memorial Day weekend? See ceremonies & free events
Communities across San Luis Obispo County are gathering on Monday to honor military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces.
Local events planned for the Memorial Day holiday weekend range from concerts and ceremonies to barbecue lunches.
All events are open to the public.
Here’s a roundup of some of the Memorial Day events taking place around the Central Coast:
Atascadero
The Atascadero Veterans Memorial Foundation will host its annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Faces of Freedom Memorial.
The celebration will start with a military aircraft flyover by the Estrella Warbirds, followed by a presentation of colors by Cal Poly Army ROTC and a speech by pilot Melissa Hughes of the Women Airforce Service Pilots.
Veterans will lay a wreath in memory of Dan Phillips, the foundation said.
The Atascadero Kiwanis Club will host a barbecue for attendees after the ceremony.
When: 11 a.m. Monday, May 26
Where: 8024 Portola Road, Atascadero
Info: 805-461-0639 or facesoffreedommemorial.org
Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach will host a Memorial Day ceremony at the Pismo Beach Pier on Monday.
All are welcome to attend the family-friendly event presented by the Pismo Beach Police Department, the city said.
When: 11 a.m. Monday, May 26
Where: Pismo Beach Pier, Pismo Beach
Info: facebook.com/events
Cambria
American Legion Post No. 432 will hold a Memorial Day ceremony in the parking lot of the Cambria Veterans’ Memorial Hall.
The outdoor event will include a keynote speech from Joseph Skoka, a retired U.S. Air Force officer and the California commander of the Disabled Veterans of America.
The Sons of the American Legion and the Auxiliary will serve lunch following the ceremony for a suggested $5 donation.
When: 11 a.m. Monday, May 26
Where: 1000 Main St., Cambria
Info: cambrialegion432@gmail.com or legionpost432.com
San Luis Obispo
The Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum and American Legion Post No. 66 will hold a Memorial Day ceremony and barbecue on Monday.
The museum will feature new displays and a special exhibit, “250 Years of the Army,” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to the event flier.
The public is invited to an annual remembrance ceremony at 11 a.m., which will include music performances by the San Luis Obispo County Band, Morro Bay White Caps, and Central Coast Harmony Chorus.
It will be followed by a free community barbecue lunch featured pulled pork, coleslaw, chips, a drink and dessert. Lunch tickets can be reserved by calling 805-459-4015.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, May 26
Where: 801 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo
Info: 805-543-1763 or vetmuseum.org
Festivals, events in SLO County on Memorial Day weekend
A variety of other events and activities are scheduled across San Luis Obispo County this holiday weekend.
The San Luis Obispo Blues baseball team kicks off its season at Sinsheimer Park Baseball Stadium, 900 Southwood Drive in San Luis Obispo, at 6 p.m. Friday, May 23. Home games contibue throughout the weekend.
General admission tickets cost $6 to $12. Kids ages 12 and under get in free.
Avila Beach Golf Resort, 6464 Ana Bay Drive in Avila Beach, will host a free weekend-long beach party from Saturday, May 24, through Monday, May 26. The event will feature live music, DJs, games and food and drink specials. Free parking will also be available for attendees at 6464 Ana Bay Drive in Avila Beach.
The party is from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and from 2 to 4 p.m. on Monday.
The Cambria Historical Museum will host its 27th annual Cambria Heritage Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, at 2251 Center St. in Cambria.
The free event will include live music starting at noon, followed by chili dogs, root beer floats and lemonade. According to the event organizers, there will be a variety of vendors and informational booths. The museum will also be open for tours.
The 17th annual Golden State Classics Car Show will take place at Paso Robles’ Downtown City Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 24. More than 300 classic cars and trucks will be on display.
Day of show registration is $65 and visitors must bring the exact amount in cash, organizers said.
The Best of the West Antique Equipment show will be held at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch, 9000 Yerba Buena Ave. in Santa Margarita, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25.
The event will feature a variety of antique equipment on display, such as tractors, cars, steam trains, and airplanes.
General admission is $15 per day. Children ages 5 and under get in free.
