What’s happening in SLO County for Memorial Day weekend? Ceremonies, festivals and more
People will gather across San Luis Obispo County on Monday for Memorial Day ceremonies to honor soldiers who have died while serving in the U.S. military.
In Atascadero, the Veterans Memorial Foundation will host its annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Faces of Freedom Memorial on Monday at 11 a.m. The ceremony includes the presentation of the colors, a flyover by Estrella Warbirds, guest speaker Retired Gunnery Sgt. Todd Fredricks and a performance of the National Anthem by the Atascadero High School choir.
Family members will lay a wreath in memory of Robert “Bob” Wilkins, the foundation said. A barbecue will follow the event.
In Cambria, American Legion Post 432 will hold a Memorial Day ceremony at 11 a.m. in the Veterans Hall parking lot. The event will include a flag presentation by the honor guard and a wreath presentation. Speaker will be David Pierson, an active duty Navy officer. A barbecue lunch will follow with burgers and hot dogs available for a donation.
Pismo Beach will host a Memorial Day ceremony at the Pismo Pier on Monday at 11 a.m.
The Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum and American Legion Post 66 will host its annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday at 11 a.m. behind the San Luis Obispo Vets Hall at 801 Grand Ave.
In addition to a speech by Filipino American National Historical Society President Rosalie Salutan Marquez, the ceremony includes the presentation of the colors, the laying of a memorial wreath, and a performance of the National Anthem.
Afterward, a barbecue lunch including tri-tip sandwiches will be served from noon to 2 p.m. The lunch is free to veterans with a valid ID, and it costs $15 for any other attendees.
The Veterans Memorial Museum will show a new, temporary exhibit about World War II and the Philippines, which “honors Filipinos and Americans involved with the conflicts in the Philippines including the Battle of Bataan, The Bataan Death March, 1st and 2nd Filipino Infantry Regiments and the POW experience of thousands of surrendered troops,” the website said. The museum is open from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. on Monday.
At 1 p.m., author Kenneth Murphy will speak at the museum about his book, which tells the story of his father “who was taken captive by Japanese Imperial Forces, the website said. At 2 p.m., local historian Erik Brun will speak at the museum about the 1st and 2nd Filipino Infantry Regiments.
Festivals, events in SLO County this weekend
The holiday weekend will also feature a variety of other events and activities.
The Madonna Inn will host the SLO Taco and Beer Festival on Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Alex Madonna Expo Center. Tickets cost between $35 and $69.
Bang the Drum Brewery is hosting the second annual Fairy Festival in San Luis Obispo on Saturday. The festival offers face painting and vendors from noon to 4 p.m., a dance party from 4 to 5 p.m. and a drag show from 5 to 6 p.m. Tickets cost $5 to $10.
City Farm SLO will host a Sheep Shearing Shindig from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The festival includes sheep shearing demonstrations, hayride farm tours, an egg toss, live music, local artisan booths and produce sales, along with food, beer and wine. Tickets are free for children younger than 13 and $12 for all other attendees. City Farm SLO is located at 1221 Calle Joaquin.
The 16th annual Golden State Classics Car Show will take place at the Paso Robles Downtown City Park on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Day of show registration costs $65.
The Cambria Historical Museum will host Cambria Heritage Day on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2251 Center St. The free event will include live music by Bob Benjamin, root beer floats, beer and wine, food, family activities, face painting, butter churning, a mining and local rock exhibit in the museum and a Santa Rosa Schoolhouse update.
The Portuguese Holy Spirit Society with host the 113th annual Fiesta over the weekend to celebrate Portuguese history and culture.
The festivities start with a rosary on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Trinity Hall, located at 6565 Edna Road. At 7 p.m., the grand march will begin. The Sunday procession starts on Sunday in the Reis Mortuary parking lot at the corner of Palm and Nipomo streets, then ends with a coronation of queens and Mass at Mission San Luis Obispo. At 11 a.m., folks can enjoy an auction and sopas at Trinity Hall.
The Central Coast Cactus and Succulent Society will host its annual show and sale at Nipomo High School over the weekend. On Saturday, the succulent sale starts at 10 a.m. and the show starts at 10:30 a.m. The festivities end at 5 p.m. On Sunday, the succulent show and sale lasts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free, according to the website.
Folks can enjoy Morro Bay Art in the Park at the corner of Morro Bay Boulevard and Harbor Drive Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event showcases local artists.
The Avila Beach Golf Resort will host a free, weekend-long party that includes live music, DJs, lawn games and food. The party is from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and from 2 to 4 p.m. on Monday. Saturday’s live performers are DJ Vega, Route 66, Soundhouse and Steppin Out. On Sunday, DJ Vega, Mini Niva, Gypsy All Stars and Brass Mash will perform. Finally, on Monday, the Groove Collection will perform.
