Calendar
The Octagon Barn Center is open and available to host your public or private event.
Tours for rentals or education can be scheduled by emailing info@octagonbarn.org
Join us at these upcoming Public Events:
ONGOING: Returning April 2025
Docent Led Tours at The Octagon Barn
The Land Conservancy is excited to begin an on-going series of docent led tours for the public to learn about the history and significance of the Octagon Barn. The docents are taking a well deserved break over the Holidays. Tours will begin again April 2025 and continue through October of 2025.
Interested in becoming a docent for the 2025 season? Email Niki at nikiu@lcslo.org
Friday, October 4th & Saturday, October 5th
2024 Central Coast Bioneers Conference, A Bioneers Polinator Event
Join Ecologistics at the 2024 Central Coast Bioneers – Revolution from the Heat of Nature. With both national bioneers speakers and local presenters, be ready for an educational weekend.
Sat, October 12 2024, 4:00-8:00pm
Butterfly Ball: Crystals & Chrysalises
Join Central Coast State Parks Association for an evening filled with music, food & drink, inspiring presentations, and silent auction to support western monarch butterfly conservation! This year’s gala, themed Crystals, and Chrysalises will directly fund the restoration of The Pismo State Beach Monarch Grove! We hope to see you at the Octagon Barn in San Luis Obispo 4-8 pm in your finest greens and golds for this elegant and inspirational evening!
Dine, drink, dance and enjoy with us on October 12th, to help us reach our goal of $50,000 and protect this critical Central Coast western monarch habitat!
Past Public Events:
Friday, August 9th from 5-8 pm & Saturday, August 10th from 10-4 pm
Colors of Conservation Art Show
The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County is thrilled to invite you to this summer’s Colors of Conservation Art Show at the Octagon Barn Center on Friday August 9th from 5:00pm-8:00pm and Saturday August 10th from 10:00am-4:00pm. Come enjoy wine and bites while experiencing the San Luis Obispo Painters for the Environment (SLOPE) artists’ beautiful renditions of some of our most iconic open spaces protected by The Land Conservancy. A portion of all sales will be donated to The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County. All are welcome and we look forward to seeing you there!
Sat, July 20, 2024, 6:00-10:00pm
Midsummer Barn Dance
Dust off your dancing boots and join us for an evening of dancing (or spectating) in the big barn!
The evening will begin with a square dance called by Bay Area caller, Robin Fischer and live music from local old -time stringband, the SLO County Stumblers. No experience is necessary for this family-friendly dance as Robin will be guiding dancers throught the steps and having twirling and promenading in no time!
Following the square dance, grab a partner or form a line and two-step or line dance your heart out to Santa Cruz’s premier 90’s country band, Lane & the Longbeds. Good times guarenteed!
Not a dancer? No problem! Grab a seat and enjoy the music while watching the dancers.
Local beer and wine as well as non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase.
A portion of the profits will go to The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County.
Sat, October 14 2023, 5:00-9:00pm
Butterfly Ball: An Adventure in Wonderland
Central Coast State Parks Association invites you to a night filled with dance and entertainment, informative presentations from local experts, plated dinner by Trumpet Vine Catering, a silent auction and an awards ceremony.
This year’s gala, An Adventure in Wonderland, will be in support of western monarch butterflies and expanding the Western Monarch Trail by expanding outreach and education to more locations along their migration route. Come join the Central Coast State Parks Association in your best cocktail attire and/or Alice in Wonderland inspired outfits!
Thurs, October 5 2023, 5:00-10:00pm
Barn Dance! An Evening of Live Music and Dancing at the Octagon Barn
Pull on those dancing boots and come on out to The Land Conservancy’s Octagon Barn for an evening of live music featuring the SLO County Stumblers and North Carolina’s, Hearts Gone South.
The SLO County Stumblers are an energetic American string band based in California’s Central Coast. The band features fiddler Casy Meikle, guitarist Stuart Mason, banjo player Daniel Bohlman, and Jerry James on bass.
The Stumblers play hard-driving old time fiddle tunes and spirited songs, heavily influenced by the golden-era string bands of the 1920s and 30s. Their performance is filled with humorous stories and banter and is guaranteed to get feet moving across the dance floor.
Joining the Stumblers will be square dance caller, Mike Lewinski. Mike will teach all of the dances called so no experience is necessary.
Sun, August 6 2023, 10:30am-1:30pm
Wild at Heart — A Bubbles Brunch for Wildlife
Pacific Wildlife Care is excited to have you join to enjoy a glass of bubbly and a sumptuous Sunday Brunch catered by one of SLO County’s favorite restaurants, TASTE Craft Eatery, while we celebrate and support wildlife rehabilitation and education in San Luis Obispo County.
Sip & support wildlife — alcoholic and non-alcoholic sparkling beverages
Enjoy live music by Craig Nuttycomb, Pacific Wildlife Care Volunteer, during the Reception
Bid on creative and unique Silent Auction items
Meet our Wildlife Animal Ambassadors
Watch a live Plein Air pastel in process by well-known local artist, Jim Tyler
Be among the first to hear exciting news about PWC’s Campaign for Wildlife
Sat, July 15 2023, 4:00-9:00pm
Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center – Bootleg at the Barn
The Dunes Center cordially invites you to enjoy a grand ol’ evening benefiting the Dunes Center’s educational programs and activities. Experience an entertaining evening of lively, toe-tapping gypsy jazz, libations, and local fare!
- Festive Period Attire
- Jazz Music
- Cash bar featuring 1920s-themed craft cocktails, local wine, beer and more
- Local fare
- Silent Auction
- Live Auction
Wed, June 28 2023, 5:30-7:00pm
Experiencing Loss in Pieces: Dementia and Anticipatory Grief Workshops
Experiencing Loss in Pieces: The unique experience with dementia care and grief is a collaborative project between the Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter and Hospice of San Luis Obispo County to support those impacted, in varying capacities, a dementia diagnosis.
Please join us for an interactive and informative 2-part workshop on the unique topic of the anticipatory grief journey felt by those impacted by dementia.
It is recommended, but not required, to attend both sessions.
RSVP Required – click here
Sat, June 3 2023, 4:30-8:30pm
Cirque Du Stray – A Tails Gala
We are thrilled to announce that our Tails Gala 2023 “Cirque Du Stray” will take place on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the historic Octagon Barn in San Luis Obispo! More details to come soon. In the meantime, save the date for an evening of wonder, food, wine, lively auctions and fun, all in support of the cats, dogs, kittens and puppies of Woods Humane Society.
Get Your Tickets Here!
Wed, May 31 2023, 5:30-7:00pm
Experiencing Loss in Pieces: Dementia and Anticipatory Grief Workshops
Experiencing Loss in Pieces: The unique experience with dementia care and grief is a collaborative project between the Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter and Hospice of San Luis Obispo County to support those impacted, in varying capacities, a dementia diagnosis.
Please join us for an interactive and informative 2-part workshop on the unique topic of the anticipatory grief journey felt by those impacted by dementia.
It is recommended, but not required, to attend both sessions.
RSVP Required – click here
Sat, May 6 2023
Tolosa Children’s Dental Sunset BBQ
You may also like the following events from Tolosa Children’s Dental Center:
- Next Saturday, 1st April, 12:00 pm, Flower Sale in San Luis Obispo
- This October, 15th October, 02:00 pm, Sip for Smiles in San Luis Obispo
Get Your Tickets Here!
Thu, April 27, 2023 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
The Land Conservancy of SLO’s Annual Conservation Reception
LCSLO is excited to host our Annual Reception at our Octagon Barn Center again!
Program of Events:
5:30-6:30 PM: Mingle with staff, board members and your neighbors while participating in our silent auction and enjoying complimentary food and beverages. Drinks poured by local breweries and wineries. Non-alcoholic drinks also available.
6:30 PM: Gather in the Barn for greetings and updates from our board and directors, including highlights of some of our latest projects and a look at what’s ahead for 2023 and beyond!
7:30 PM: Program ends. Center closes at 8pm.
This event is open to our current members, check your inboxes for the ticket link – RSVP Required
Not yet a member? Join here!
Wed, April 19 2023 6:00-9:00pm
An Evening of Venezuelan and Appalachian Folk Music with Larry & Joe
7 Sisters Folklore Society presents Llanera and Joropo master Larry Bellorín and GRAMMY-nominated bluegrass and old time star Joe Troop
Larry & Joe is the duo of Llanera and Joropo maestro Larry Bellorín (Monagas, Venezuela) and GRAMMY-nominated bluegrass and oldtime star Joe Troop (Winston-Salem, North Carolina). These two virtuosic multi-instrumentalists fuse their respective Venezuelan and Appalachian folk traditions on the harp, banjo, cuatro, fiddle, upright bass, guitar, and maracas to prove that music has no borders. Their bilingual (esp / eng) program includes storytelling, humor, and singalongs.
Get Your Tickets Here!
2 DATES:
Fri, March 3 2023 4-7:00pm
Sat, March 4 2023 10am-4:00pm
Colors of Conservation Art Show
San Luis Outdoor Painters for the Environment – SLOPE and The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County welcome you to “Colors of Conservation”, Spring 2023, an annual exhibit of original landscape paintings from local artist members of SLOPE.
Original paintings and prints will be available for sale. A portion of art sales will benefit The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County. Enjoy refreshments on Friday evening and live artist painting demonstrations at Saturday’s event.
The event is a unique opportunity to support local artists as well as local conservancy efforts to preserve our precious county open spaces, historic ranch lands, waterways, and coastal areas.
Participating SLOPE artists are Dennis Curry, Jan French, Dotty Hawthorne Fine Art, SandiHellerArt, Daniel Jones, Joe McFadden, Laurel Sherrie Studio, and Jim Tyler with Emeritus SLOPE Guest Artist, Bruce Everett.
Thurs, Feb 23 2023 5:30-8:00pm
Plugging in to the Central Coast’s EV Future
While interest in electric vehicles (EVs) is growing, some people are held back because they don’t have a place to charge. By adding EV chargers on-site, you can become an instant hero to your employees & customers. Sign-up for this free workshop to learn about EV charger installations & help available to make it happen! Presentation topics include:
- Business & Community Benefits: Why adding EV chargers will benefit your business & our community.
- EV Charger Installation Process: What it takes to start and finish an EV charger installation…and who can help.
- Financial Incentives: What financial resources are now available for EV charger installations.
Complimentary appetizers, beer, and wine reception included!
Reserve your spot here!
Sun, Feb 19 2023 7:00-9:00pm
Molsky’s Mountain Drifters at the Historic Octagon Barn Center
An evening of music from the southern Appalachian songbook and other musical traditions from around the globe.
Bruce Molsky’s Mountain Drifters trio has been leading the current wave of interest in old time mountain music with a distinctive and high-powered take on southern old time tunes and songs. They also bring their collective voice to other traditional styles. The result has great diversity, drawing many styles into a common space that audiences love to be a part of.
Get Your Tickets Here!
Sun, Jan 22, 2023 2pm
Octagon Barn Docent Training
The Land Conservancy plans to offer docent lead tours for the public to learn about the history and significance of the Octagon Barn. We are seeking volunteers who are interested in leading these tours
Volunteer responsibilities:
- Attend a training to learn about the rich dairying history of San Luis Obispo and the Octagon Barn
- Lead a tour of the Octagon Barn Center one weekend per month (flexible)
Interested in becoming a docent? Email Niki at nikiu@lcslo.org
Wed, Jan 18 2023 5:30-7:30pm
Wedding Industry Mixer
We are opening our doors to wedding industry coordinators and professionals to celebrate a successful season and ring in the new one. Vendors welcome, come show off!
Sat, Nov 5, 2022 12pm
SLO Symphony Family Fall Fundraiser
You don’t want to miss the Family Fall Fundraiser! Join us for an afternoon of food, fun prizes, music, a pie walk, surprises, silent auction, raffle, and games for your entire family! This is the first of its kind event to benefit the Youth Symphony, Music Education, Strings in the Schools, Petting Zoo, and the Music Van. Save the date to your calendar! Click the button below to purchase your tickets now! If you are interested in volunteering donating, or becoming a sponsor please contact Symphony Operations Manager Sarah Raines at sarah@slosymphony.org. No contribution is too big or too little to be appreciated!
Many thanks to our first Fall Festival sponsors John and Becky Baer!
Fri, Oct 28, 2022 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
2022 Annual Wildlife Symposium
The California Central Coast Chapter of The Wildlife Society is symposium intended to bring local professionals from the Central Coast together to share ideas, professional knowledge, and information on projects, and/or on-going research.
Thurs, Oct 27, 2022 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
The Community Foundation
Professional Advisor’s Luncheon
The 2022 Professional Advisors Luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, October 27 at the Octagon Barn in San Luis Obispo. This year’s event will focus on local impact of Foundation grants and scholarships. We will reach out with program details once finalized. If you or your firm would like to become a sponsor, if you would like to attend, or if you have any questions about the event, please click here or contact Cecelia Mazelin, Donor Services Coordinator, at Cecelia@cfsloco.org.
Sun, Oct 9, 2022 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
An Evening of Haunting Folk Music with Mama’s Broke & Cinder Well
Seven Sisters Folklore Society is proud to present an evening of exceptional folk music featuring Cinder Well and Mama’s Broke. These two acts weave haunting musical tales steeped in myriad musical and folkloric traditions. This show will be held in the milking parlor at the Historic Octagon Barn Center.
cinderwellmusic.com
mamasbroke.ca
$20 in advance, $25 at the door subject to availability
Click for more details and Tickets
Thurs, Oct 6, 2022 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Book Signing with local historian Marilyn L. Darnell
Join us for a presentation and to get a copy of her newest book!
Woven through the decades before the turn-of-the-century, between two world wars, and the evolution of the dairy industry, the history of dairying in San Luis Obispo County is revealed in Cow Heaven.
Author: Marilyn is the historian of the Pereira Octagon Barn for the Land Conservancy and a recipient of the Award for Preservation from the
History Center of San Luis Obispo County.
Sat, Sept 10, 2022 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Butterfly Ball by Central Coast State Parks Association
The third annual Butterfly Ball will take place again at the Octagon Barn! Proceeds from this event will go towards the continued support of the Western Monarch Trail project and the restoration of native nectar habitat in our local State Parks which sustain overwintering monarchs.
We are looking forward to sharing a beautiful evening of elegant performances, meaningful programming, a silent auction, and a delicious dinner from Trumpet Vine Catering. Tickets are on sale now, grab yours today!
Sat, Sept 3, 2022 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Colors of Conservation: Art Exhibit and Open House
The Historic Octagon Barn Center is hosting a free event featuring tours, an art exhibit, food trucks and shaved ice!
Artists of the San Luis Outdoor Painters for the Environment (SLOPE) have explored the hills and valleys of some of the most beautiful conserved properties throughout SLO County to bring you this vibrant exhibit. “Colors of Conservation” celebrates the diverse beauty of the Central Coast through spring and summer, from the coastal oak woodlands to inland valleys. Properties such as Buckingham Ranch, Santa Rita Ranch and the Pismo Preserve are featured in this show. The Octagon Barn will also be open for tours, and food trucks and refreshments will tempt you to stay a while!
Mon, Aug 22, 2022 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Cal Skate Roller Derby Skate-a-thon
Cal Skate Roller Derby is raising money for their team and partnering with San Luis Obispo Land Conservancy! Please reach out to sponsor a Cal Skate skater. Donations are per lap or donate a flat amount! 50% will go to CSRD and 50% will go to The Land conservancy
Feel free to come by and cheer us on while we skate our laps or tune in on Cal Skate Roller Derby page where we will be streaming it live!
Thurs, June 30, 2022 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Slow Money 10’th Anniversary Celebration
Slow Money SLO is a nonprofit dedicated to assisting the sustainable growth of local food and farm businesses. As part of our mission, we bring the community together around local food and beverage to help you get to know our outstanding local business owners!
We have invited some of our favorite local producers to showcase their products for you at our 10th Anniversary Celebration. Please join us for an evening reminiscent of our original events – sample sips and bites from local businesses while getting to know owners and learning about their passion, vision, and progress!
This event will introduce you not only to local food business owners, but will look back on some of the work we have done, and forward to the work we will do. Please join us for a lovely evening!
LIMTIED TICKETSl Get your tickets here
Thurs, June 14tc, 2022 4:00 PM
The Community Foundation
Scholarship Celebration Ice Cream Social
We are excited to host an Ice Cream Social which will bring together volunteers, scholarship recipients, donors and board members. We recognize that it truly “takes a village” to support our students and could not do it without your help. This year, we will be awarding a record breaking $308,000 scholarships. Big THANK YOU from The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County.
Register now! Sign up for this event by Tuesday, March 24th to reserve your spot.
Sat, May 21, 2022 5:00 PM
Tolosa Children’s Dental Sunset BBQ
Dust off your boots & pull on your jeans!
- Local Wine Tasting
- Cake Auction
- Exciting Live & Silent Auctions
Sat, May 7 2022 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
YPNG Spring Soirée
Join the Young Professionals Networking Group (YPNG) on May 7, 2022 for our annual event and silent auction, dubbed this year as our Spring Soiree! Hosted at the historic Octagon Barn in San Luis Obispo, we’ll be auctioning off items large and small including gift cards from local businesses, staycations, wine tours, and more! Enjoy the afternoon by eating from the delicious local food trucks, Baguette About It and Beachwalk BBQ, as well as grabbing beer or wine from Tap Truck SLO.
Tickets: www.ypng.org/events/spring-soiree
Tues, May 3 2022 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
County Candidate Forum
With all of the confusion surrounding the new County Board of Supervisors districts, it is more important than ever to be an informed voter. This candidate forum will make it convenient, easy and fun.
On May 4, we are bringing together the Supervisorial District 2, 3, and 4 candidates as well as candidates for the only contested countywide seat, the County-Clerk Recorder, to answer your questions in a dynamic, small group format.
You will have the opportunity to sit with each candidate and discuss the concerns you have about your district and countywide issues in a small, round-table conversation.
Register now to become a more informed voter and to find the candidate that best represents you.
Thu, April 28, 2022 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The Land Conservancy of SLO’s Annual Conservation Reception
LCSLO is excited to host our Annual Reception at our Octagon Barn Center for the first time! This year’s reception will feature a new free flowing “open house” style of event, celebrating all aspects of our conservation work throughout the county. Guests will enjoy local beer and wine, silent auction and live music. Space is limited. Please RSVP by April 20th.
This event is open to our current members, check your inboxes for the ticket link – RSVP Required
Not yet a member? Join here!
Mon, April 25, 2022 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Think Differently – Creating More Sustainable Events
Join us at this FREE event on hosting events large and small with a lower carbon footprint. Audience Q&A and will follow the moderated conversation. Guests will also have the opportunity to network and meet multiple vendors that can help them get their sustainable practices started.
We are bringing together experts in regenerative practices and event planning to teach us how to look at events with a greener lens, and help us tackle the most common problems for event producers including:
- Making sustainable choices that fit your event budget
- Engaging vendors and sponsors in new ways
- Reducing or eliminating single-use materials
- Avoiding last-minute emergency purchases
- Creating a lasting impact towards sustainable solutions in your organization
Thu, April 21, 2022 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Jake Blount at the Historic Octagon Barn Center
Jake Blount is an award-winning banjoist, fiddler, singer and ethnomusicologist based in Providence, RI.
Learn more about Jake and his music here: https://jakeblount.com/home
Doors open at 6 with an old time jam prior to the show. Show starts at 7.
Sat, March 26 2022 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Sinsheimer Buzzin’ Barn Bash & Auction
Enjoy an adult night out and help support Sinsheimer Elementary
Don’t Dilly Dally – get your tickets today! $45 now through March 21.
Western theme, so dress accordingly!
Dinner by Old SLO BBQ. Dessert by Batch.
Many silent and live auction items + raffle prizes.
Thu, March 10, 2022 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
SLOBC Rare and Unusual Bike Show
The evening will feature a display and commentary on frame-sets made in America by the master frame builders of the 1970’s thru the 1990’s.
We’ll learn how these bicycles were acquired and their amazing history!
Vendors will also be present to introduce useful products! Plus, the evening includes complimentary dinner from Choco’s Mexican Grill!
Our speakers, Jim & Bob, will not disappoint you with their collections, knowledge and personal stories regarding the history of each rare bicycle!
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As a member of The Land Conservancy you are helping to ensure that San Luis Obispo County’s most irreplaceable places are protected for our enjoyment today and for future generations to enjoy tomorrow.
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