2026 Concerts in the Plaza Artist Applications

Downtown SLO is proud to celebrate the 30th Anniversary Concerts in the Plaza series in Mission Plaza, the heart of Downtown San Luis Obispo. This is a 12-week, free, family-friendly event beloved by thousands of locals and visitors alike!

Every Friday, June 19 – September 4, 2026

Opening Act: 5:00 - 5:45 PM
Headlining Band: 6:00–8:00 PM

New this year! 30th Anniversary Block Parties

Join Downtown SLO on July 3rd and August 14th for two special block parties! Concerts in the Plaza will celebrate our 30th season with an expanded footprint, vendors, entertainment, and more. Block Party entertainment will be booked outside of this application process.

About Concerts in the Plaza

Established in 1996, Concerts in the Plaza is the largest free concert series in San Luis Obispo County! Concerts in the Plaza is operated by Downtown SLO, a 501c6 non-profit whose mission is to foster an economically vibrant downtown San Luis Obispo through business advocacy, iconic events, and Clean & Safe programming.

All applications will be reviewed by Downtown SLO and a Special Band Selection Committee made up of local media partners, music industry professionals, and downtown stakeholders. If you have any questions, please reach out to Events@DowntownSLO or call (805) 541-0286.

Application Deadline: Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM. No exceptions.

The 2026 Concerts in the Plaza application will open on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Apply to Concerts in the Plaza

There is a $20 fee to apply for headlining band, and $10 fee to apply for opening act.

Why the application fee? Concerts in the Plaza is a free concert series hosted by Downtown SLO, a 501c6 nonprofit organization whose mission is to foster an economically vibrant downtown San Luis Obispo. The application fee helps support the administrative and operational costs of organizing this event. Before applying, we encourage applicants to self-assess whether their quality and style will fit our concert series. We want the process to be worth your time and guarantee that your application will be given the dedicated attention it deserves once submitted.