October in Atascadero is one of my favorite months for two reasons. The earth is shifting on her axis, and so the sun sits lower in the sky slanting the angle of light instead of coming straight down, like it does in the summer. Sunlight takes on more of a golden honey tone, and it feels magical to me. The other reason is that our weather is still warm enough to enjoy all the great things happening in Atascadero!
The 6th Annual Atascadero Fall Fest is a three-day, free admission event at the beautiful Sunken Gardens in Downtown Atascadero from October 16-18. There is a carnival for kids of all ages, delicious food, unique vendors, and great music. I love riding the ferris wheel at night and seeing all of downtown lit up, even though it does scare me a little at the top! I look forward to this event all year.
Another quintessential Atascadero event is the Colony Days Parade, which I have been going to since I was a kid in the parade with my Girl Scout Troop. The parade is on Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by the Atascadero Fall Fest with all its carnival rides, food, vendors, and music. Come support our kids and organizations that make Atascadero a desired community to live in as they walk or ride down El Camino in the parade.
The Central Coast Zoo invites kids and families to the annual Zoo Boo with Halloween decorations throughout the zoo, carnival games, a costume contest, Halloween-themed activities, a haunted maze and barn, and tricks and treats to enjoy. You have two nights to choose from, either Friday, October 23, or Saturday, October 24, from 4 to 7 p.m. Don’t worry — it’s not scary, but there is lots of laughter, fun, and candy!
Come cheer for your friends and guests from around the world for the fifth annual Bovine Classic — America's fourth-hardest cow-themed gravel cycling ride. Yes, cow-themed bike riding is a thing! The race starts downtown at Sunken Gardens on Saturday, October 24, at 8:30 a.m. Grab a hot beverage from Malibu Brew, Amstrdm, or Binx Coffee and send the cyclists off with flair. Feel free to dress up, too.
October would not be complete without pumpkins. Pumpkin Smash at the Central Coast Zoo helps you answer the question of what a lemur or spider monkey would do when faced with this orange squash. Pumpkin Smash is Sunday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with activities throughout the event.
Family and community spirit is what makes Atascadero the best city to live in. While I may be biased in my preference for Atascadero, we have cultivated a connected community with great events to enjoy our time spent with loved ones. I hope you get out and experience the magic of Atascadero in October!
