Atascadero Fall Festival 

October celebrates Colony Days and the Fall Festival

Atascadero’s Fall Festival runs from October 17-19, with the annual Colony Days parade on Saturday, October 18.

The 6th annual Atascadero Fall Festival is a 3-day free family-friendly event taking place at Sunken Gardens and the surrounding area! Enjoy carnival rides and games, live music from over 30 bands on two stages, street fair and food vendors, and local craft beer, seltzer, and wine! See you there! More information at visitAtascadero.com!

The Colony Days parade starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, behind the Administration Building on Lewis Avenue, continuing onto Capistrano Avenue towards CA-41, and then downtown. Applications are being accepted for the parade; participation is free! For parade applications and more information, visit colonydays.org.

Bovine Classic for world-class cycling

Get ready for a weekend of world-class cycling and a taste of the SLO Life at the 5th Annual Bovine Classic, America’s 4th Hardest Cow-Themed Gravel Cycling Ride! The ride starts at 8:30 a.m. on October 30 from Atascadero’s beautiful Sunken Gardens. The event has limited space and multiple routes with varying difficulties. To participate in this year’s event, visit thebovineclassic.com for full event information and registration.

Holiday happenings

The holidays in Atascadero kick into full gear with the annual Holiday Boutique at Atascadero Lake Park and Pavilion at 10 a.m., November 7. Check out a variety of handmade and unique gifts for that special person or for yourself!

Holiday events continue with:

• Veterans Day at the Faces of Freedom Veterans Memorial, November 11 at 11 a.m.
• Garden Lights & Winter Nights from December 4 through January 11 is an opportunity to experience holiday lights and décor throughout Historic City Hall and Sunken Gardens.
• Holiday Musical Walk Around the Lake on December 5.
• Winter Wonderland Downtown on December 11.

Find more information about Atascadero’s holiday happenings and locations at visitatascadero.com/events!

Zoo Boo and Holiday Magic at the Central Coast Zoo

Visiting the Central Coast Zoo is an amazing experience, and it gets better when the family joins in the many popular events! Zoo Boo and the Pumpkin Smash get the Halloween experience off to an early start, followed by more fun events in December.

• Zoo Boo, October 23 and 24 from 4-7 p.m. Dress up the family in their favorite costumes and enjoy Halloween decorations, carnival games, a haunted maze and barn, tricks and treats, and a costume contest.
• The Pumpkin Smash is on October 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn what a spider monkey does with a pumpkin and watch the other animals delight in a pumpkin-filled extravaganza.
• Holiday Magic, December 19, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Experience the magic of the season as the zookeepers prepare gifts for the animals that the community has provided. Santa will be there, too!
• Noon Year’s Eve, December 31, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring the kids for a countdown to the New Year at noon instead of midnight. There’s a ball drop and cider toast at noon.

Are you looking for a fun and unique holiday gift? Consider the Central Coast Zoo’s membership program.

Most events are included with the price of general admission. For more information about zoo activities, admission, and directions, visit centralcoastzoo.org.