Concerts in the Plaza FAQ

Every Friday, June 19–September 4, 2026

Mission Plaza, Downtown San Luis Obispo
989 Chorro Street, San Luis Obispo CA 93401

Is this event family-friendly?

Concerts in the Plaza is a family-friendly event! People of all ages are welcome, and there is plenty of grass to play on in the "Kid Zone" by the amphitheater. Please keep an eye on your little ones as they play!

Will Concerts in the Plaza be impacted by the construction in Mission Plaza?

We're thrilled that the new public restrooms in Mission Plaza are now open!

We are working closely with the City of San Luis Obispo as the cafe kiosk adjacent to Mission Plaza is still under construction. Concerts in the Plaza will continue this summer as usual, and no noisy construction will occur during the concerts.

Can I bring my dog?

Pets are not allowed at Concerts in the Plaza, with the exception of service animals. Emotional support animals and therapy dogs are not considered ADA Service Animals. If you have a trained service animal required for a disability, please ensure they wear their service vest.

In California, falsely claiming to be the owner of a service dog is a misdemeanor offense and can result in a fine of up to $1,000.

Will there be food and drink available?

Drinks from Firestone-Walker Brewing Company, SLO Cider, Talley Vineyards, and Red Bull will be available for purchase. Food will be available from Woodstock's Pizza and Quesadilla Gorilla.

Outside food and beverages are allowed, but outside alcohol is not. Pick up dinner downtown and bring it to eat at the concert!

How are drinks served?

Beer and cider are served in cans. If you’d like to enjoy wine, bring your own reusable cup or purchase a souvenir cup with your first pour!

Single-use cups and glasses will not be provided with the purchase of drinks. Please do not bring glass!

No outside alcohol is allowed. IDs will be checked upon entry.

The Plaza Main Bar is located on the Broad Street entrance to the Plaza, and serves wine, beer, and cider. The beer/cider bar is located to the right of the stage underneath the pergola, and serves beer and cider.

Non-alcoholic beverages are served at both bars (La Croix) and sodas are sold by our food vendors. Free water stations will be available.

What can I bring?

All bags will be checked upon entry.

No skating or rollerblading — Use of skateboards, rollerblades, or roller skates is prohibited in Mission Plaza. (City Municipal Code 12.20.130)
No smoking or vaping — All smoking and use of any tobacco products, including vapes, is prohibited in all public places in the City of San Luis Obispo. (City Municipal Code 8.16.030)
No glass — Please do not bring glass containers or drinkware into Mission Plaza. Reusable cups are encouraged!
No outside alcohol
No weapons

Is there seating available?

Folding chairs will be set up below the Mission Plaza steps, guests are also welcome to bring their own blankets or chairs to set up on the lawn or below the Mission steps.

Please refrain from placing chairs and/or other material on the grassy knoll before 11:30 AM. Downtown SLO is not responsible for damaged, lost, or misplaced items.

How do I get there?

Parking

We recommend using one of the four parking structures downtown. The brand new Cultural Arts District Parking Garage is located just one block away! Check out the City of San Luis Obispo Parking Guide.

Bikes

Park your bike in our free bike valet provided by Bike SLO County. Find the valet at the side of the Mission steps along Chorro Street!

Public Transit

See SLO Transit for bus routes and fares.

I lost an item. What do I do?

During the Concert, check in with a staff member at the Plaza Main Bar to find a lost item.

If the Concert is over, call our Downtown SLO Office at (805) 541-0286 on the Monday following the Concert to inquire.

Can I distribute flyers/advertise at Concerts in the Plaza?

We reserve the right to distribute marketing materials and advertise within Mission Plaza to our official sponsors and vendors. Outside individuals or organizations are not permitted to bring in or distribute materials during the event. This helps ensure a positive and clutter-free experience for all attendees.

Are you accepting vendor applications?

We cannot accommodate any additional food, drink, or retail vendors at this time. Only approved vendors are permitted to sell within Concerts in the Plaza.

Vendors interested in participating in one of our two block party events can apply here.

How do I apply to perform?

Applications for the 2027 season of Concerts in the Plaza will open in early 2027, and will be posted on our website. Want to be notified when applications go live? 2027 Interest Form →

Looking for a press kit?

View the official 2026 Concerts in the Plaza media kit here.