Bovine Classic routes roam through private vineyards and the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County properties.

Bovine Classic—ranked in the top ten gravel events in North America

Join Atascadero for the 5th Annual Bovine Classic, ranked by Bicycle Magazine as one of the 2025 top ten gravel events in North America. Register by October 23rd for a weekend of world-class cycling. Sign up for the shakeout rides happening October 23 and 24, and line up at Atascadero’s Sunken Garden for the Bovine Classic for the 8:30 a.m. start on October 25.

Choose from three routes through the very best, most scenic dirt and asphalt roads in North SLO County. The routes roam through private vineyards and the property of the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County:

• Happy Bovine—a 45-mile round-trip ride reaching an elevation of 4000 feet.
• Feisty Bovine—70.6-mile round-trip up to 6800 feet elevation.
• Big Bovine—an 88.8-mile round-trip challenge topping out at 10,027 feet elevation.

Show up to moovingly cheer on your favorite cyclist, and meet at the Sunken Gardens for the post-race festival with food, beer, wine, live music, local vendors, and cycling brand booths. Festival hours are 12:30-6 p.m.

Cow attire is strongly suggested!

Registration is open now until October 23. Local artisans are encouraged to sign up for vendor booth space. To register and for more information, visit https://www.thebovineclassic.com/.

Fall Festival, fun for the whole family’

The 4th annual Atascadero Fall Festival takes place November 15-16. This three-day free family-friendly street fair is held at the Sunken Gardens and the surrounding area. This year, the festival features the Colony Days Parade, which has moved from it’s usual October date. The parade starts at 10 a.m. behind the Administration Building on Lewis Avenue, moving toward CA-41 and continuing into downtown. After the parade, enjoy the Fall Festival with a variety of vendors, entertainment, and food in and around the Sunken Gardens.

Come on down and enjoy the parade, carnival rides and games, live music from over 30 bands on two stages, food vendors, and local craft beer, seltzer, and wine! See you there!

Parade will feature floats, bands, and community groups downtown

– The Atascadero Colony Days Committee, in partnership with En Fuego Events and the City of Atascadero, announced that this year’s Colony Days Parade and Festival will move from its traditional October date to Saturday, Nov. 15. The event will align with Atascadero’s Fall Festival in downtown.

Holiday happenings

Atascadero holiday happenings fill your calendar from November until January 11 in the New Year!

• The annual Holiday Boutique starts the holiday rolling. Find a variety of one-of-a-kind handmade gifts for yourself and the other special people in your life. November 8, 10 a.m. at Atascadero Lake Park and the Pavilion, 9315 Pismo Ave.
• Celebrate Veterans Day at the Faces of Freedom Veterans Memorial on November 11 at 11 a.m., 8024 Portola Rd.
• Light up downtown with Garden Lights & Winter Nights, and experience holiday lights and décor throughout Historic City Hall and Sunken Gardens from December 5 through January 11.
• Holiday Musical Walk Around the Lake on December 6. A free evening walk around the Atascadero Lake with carolers, community singing, holiday decorations, and more. December 6, 5:30-9 p.m. A special visit with Santa starts at 5 p.m. for a fee.
• Winter Wonderland Downtown is one of the Central Coast’s largest holiday events and a snow-driven evening of fun. The Sunken Gardens and the entire downtown are transformed into a magical snowy paradise. Over 70 tons of snow will create a massive snow slide (brought to you by Kiwanis), and snow pile areas for the kids. This year’s snow-themed event includes bungee jumps, obstacle courses, community entertainment, Joe’s Little Train, Santa and his Elves, holiday shopping at over 50 craft and food booths, and more. December 12, 5-9 p.m., Sunken Gardens.
• Holiday Magic at the Central Coast Zoo, when the zoo’s dedicated zookeepers prepare special gifts for the animals. Santa will be there to welcome visitors and deliver gifts to the animals. Along with watching the animals open their gifts, family-friendly events are offered throughout the day, and the zoo is sporting its best holiday decorations. December 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 9305 Pismo Ave. Admission includes all of the activities for the day.

Mark your calendars and check out the holiday event line-up at www.visitatascadero.com/events!

Central Coast Zoo happenings

The Central Coast Zoo rounds out Atascadero’s fall and holiday events with special, family-friendly activities all its own! A trip to the Central Coast is an amazing experience, and even better when you plan it to coincide with zoo activities.

• The Zoo Boo, when the entire family enjoys a not-too-scary evening at the zoo. Wear your best costume, enjoy the Halloween decorations, carnival games, a costume contest, a haunted maze, and tricks and treats! Two dates, October 24 or 25, 4:30-7:30 p.m., tickets at the gate.
• Pumpkin Smash, the annual pumpkin-filled extravaganza when the animals enjoy pumpkins and visitors enjoy watching them! October 26, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., tickets at the gate.
• Dia de los Muertos at the zoo. A new event on November 1, for everyone to celebrate this special day.
• Noon Year’s Eve, celebrate the New Year at noon!

Check out the Central Coast Zoo’s membership program. Memberships make great gifts.

The zoo is located at 9305 Pismo Ave. For hours, event schedules, admission prices, and more information, visit www.centralcoastzoo.org