September, the Atascadero way

By Angela Cisneros · Thu Sep 03 2026

September is the time of year that I start thinking about the amazing fall weather in Atascadero. One of the great things about living above the grade is that our September evenings are still warm and magical. It makes strolling through our downtown and visiting the great businesses we have that much better!

One of my favorite events in Atascadero is Brew at the Zoo on Saturday, September 12, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Central Coast Zoo. Not only do you get to sample a variety of craft beers, distilled spirits, ciders, seltzers, and wine while listening to great music with your friends, you get to hang out with the amazing animals we have at our zoo! This year, the Central Coast Zoo has some new additions, like the red-ruffed lemurs and new male meerkats. If you are feeling a little wild yourself, please dress up as your favorite animal because there will be prizes for best dressed. Come party with a purpose and sip to support wildlife conservation.

Care for a leisurely stroll downtown Atascadero with your besties? The Atascadero Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Fall Sip & Shop Walk Downtown on Friday, September 25, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. With over 20 different downtown businesses hosting a different winery, you are able to taste the best wine of the Central Coast. This is another event that I really enjoy even though I don’t drink. For me, it is all about getting a group of friends together to enjoy the beautiful evening and amazing Atascadero businesses. Don’t forget to end the night at one of the restaurants, like Cielo, Lebbers Pizza, Kula Hawaiian Kitchen, or Barley & Boar.

The Atascadero Farmers Market is still going strong every Wednesday from 3 to 5:30 p.m. in the Sunken Gardens. It is the perfect time of day to stop by on your way home to get some fresh ingredients for dinner and sip on a coffee pick-me-up from Malibu Brew. If you have the kids with you, there is plenty of space for them to run around and let go of pent-up energy. We have such a healthy way to live in Atascadero!

This time of year is a good time to shop the end of summer sales at our local stores, like Farron Elizabeth, Bloke, Dewy Rose Clothing, and Ametza. Since we still have warm weather to enjoy the summer styles, it is a win-win. Be sure to check out their fall and winter collections too and be the first one to snag the best pieces!

Coffee shops begin to become a bigger part of my life in September, too! Binx Coffee is the newest one downtown, and they serve a great Chai tea. The owners are really nice and have a magical story on how they ended up in Atascadero. They are centrally located, so grab a beverage and enjoy a stroll around town.

We have so much to enjoy and be grateful for in Atascadero. See you moseying around!