Dads, Cal Poly grads and protests: What to know as SLO braces for busy weekend
Heading to downtown San Luis Obispo?
The area will likely be much busier than usual over the weekend due to a number of events.
A massive protest is scheduled to take place downtown on Saturday, June 14, coinciding with Cal Poly graduation ceremonies at the San Luis Obispo university’s campus.
Father’s Day falls on Sunday, June 15, which means that fathers and their families will also be out celebrating.
Here’s how to prepare for the upcoming events:
‘No Kings’ anti-Trump protest planned in downtown SLO
Demonstrators will be participating “No Kings” rallies in three San Luis Obispo County communities on Saturday, June 14 — including one in downtown San Luis Obispo.
National organizers said the No Kings protests will act as a “nationwide day of defiance.”
Protests are planned as President Donald Trump’s administration stages a massive military parade in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday.
“While tanks roll through Washington, we’ll be showing what real democracy looks like here in SLO County,” Linda Baker, San Luis Obispo County event coordinator, said in a news release. “This isn’t about partisanship — it’s about standing up for the fundamental American principle that no one is above the law or beyond accountability.”
In San Luis Obispo, protesters will rally from 10:30 a.m. to noon in front of the San Luis Obispo Superior Courthouse at 1050 Monterey St.
The local protest is expected to draw about 2,000 to 3,000 participants in total, organizers said.
Will local roads close due to rally?
The San Luis Obispo Police Department will close Monterey Street between Santa Rosa and Osos streets to vehicle traffic during the protest, according to Christine Wallace, the agency’s public affairs manager.
The closure is meant “to improve the safety for folks attending” the protest, Wallace told The Tribune.
Wallace couldn’t say how many police officers would be stationed downtown on Saturday, but said San Luis Obispo police will follow protocols similar to those used for past protests.
What to expect at demonstration at SLO courthouse
Saturday’s No Kings demonstration in San Luis Obispo will start with a rally featuring speakers and music, the release said.
That will be followed by a march starting at the San Luis Obispo Superior Court courthouse steps.
The event is being organized by SLO 50501, the SLO County Democratic Party and Indivisible San Luis Obispo County.
According to event organizers, the No Kings protest in San Luis Obispo County will be a non-violent, peaceful demonstration that prioritizes safety.
First aid stations will be available, along with trained safety monitors.
“The demonstrations emphasize positive community engagement and constitutional principles, creating spaces where neighbors can come together to affirm shared democratic values through peaceful, family-friendly civic action,” the release said.
Attendees should bring water and wear sun protection, organizers said.
Where can I park?
There will be street and paid parking within walking distance of the protest site, No Kings protest organizers said in the release.
Wallace encouraged folks coming downtown for the protest or graduation events to carpool or use alternate forms of transportation, such as bicycles or city buses.
“Park in the parking garages, park out in the neighborhoods, walk in,” she said. “Pre-plan for how you’re going to travel because it could be a lot of delays and a lot of people.”
When are Cal Poly graduation ceremonies in 2025?
More than 53,000 people are expected to descend on San Luis Obispo to celebrate Cal Poly graduates, according to a university news release.
A record-setting 6,821 Cal Poly students are eligible to graduate in 2025, the release said.
“This year’s graduates have met challenges, pushed boundaries and achieved incredible milestones,” Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong said in a news release. “We are excited to see all they accomplish.”
The San Luis Obispo university’s commencement ceremonies will take on Saturday, June 14, and Sunday, June 15, in the Alex G. Spanos Stadium.
Graduation ceremonies will be held at 8:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on both days.
How to celebrate SLO university commencement safely
Cal Poly officials warned graduates and visitors that the potential for incidents could increase with a flood of people coming to campus.
“Commencement is one of the most popular events on campus each year, and as a result it’s going to be crowded,” the university said.
Cal Poly encouraged visitors to follow these tips to stay safe:
Remain vigilant and watch out for pedestrians and cyclists while driving.
Try to carpool to campus and plan to arrive early.
Stay hydrated.
Leave micro-mobility devices behind. All electric scooters, skateboards and one-wheels are prohibited on campus.
Check beforehand what parking lots and roads will be open.
SLO police officers will help manage traffic flow at the entrances and exits to the university over the weekend, Wallace said.
According to Cal Poly, visitors should use Highland Drive to access commencement parking lots.
During the ceremonies, California Boulevard, Cuesta Avenue, College Avenue and South Perimeter will be closed to vehicle traffic.
Commencement shuttles will run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., the news release said.
This story was originally published June 13, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
