About the Program

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be based in SLO County
• Show demonstrated benefits for residents of SLO County
• Meet all standard Octagon Barn Center event deadlines
• Declare funding sources they are seeking or have been granted (sponsorships, ticket sale prices, etc)
  • Tickets may not be sold for more than $20 (exclusions apply)
  • Event’s primary objective may not be a fundraising opportunity

Ineligible applicants:

• Organizing a for-profit commercial venture
• Religious or political events
• Events that promote discrimination or conflict with LCSLO policies
• Private celebrations (e.g weddings, reunions, birthdays)
• Organizing primarily a fundraiser or charity event
• Organizations that did not fulfill obligations associated with prior LCSLO supported events

Cost & Responsibilities

Community Access events may be approved at no cost or at a reduced rate, based on availability and community benefit. Applicants may be responsible for deposits to hold event dates, required security, event insurance, licensed vendors, and alcohol compliance.

All events are subject to the Octagon Barn Center Event Agreement. 

Application Process

• Submit a completed Community Access Program application (application below)
• Applications reviewed by the Octagon Barn Center Selection Committee following the application window.
• Selected Applicants must:
  • Sign the applicable event agreement
  • Submit any required deposits to secure the date

Selection Criteria

Priority will be given to events that: 

• Are scheduled for November – April or July
• Are first time applicants
• Provide broad community access and benefit
• Include an educational or public engagement component
• Involve collaboration among multiple organizations
• Commit to tracking attendance and outcomes

Submission of an application does not guarantee approval or availability. All selection decisions are final.

Important Dates

• Applications open: April 15 – May 15, 2026
• Selected Applicants Notified: June 1, 2026
• Eligible Event Dates: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027

We are excited to announce that 2026 is the pilot year of the Community Access Program. If initial reservations are not fully allocated, additional applications may be accepted on a rolling basis. Information regarding rolling applications will be posted on June 1, 2026. The application timeline for the 2027-2028 program year may change.

Available Community Access Event Opportunities

Full Facility

Overview

• Five Community Access reservations per year
• Includes access to the Milking Parlor, Shed and Courtyard, and Octagon Barn
• Versatile to fit any event from cultural/heritage festivals to community markets.
• Capacity: up to 200 guests

Investment 

•  $800 for up to 12 total hours including setup and teardown
• $1500 refundable deposit to hold the day, refunded within 10 business days following the event, assuming no damage. No discount available for single-space use within the Full Facility reservation

Approved Applicants are responsible for all applicable event related expenses which may include:

• Required Security ($55/hour, when applicable)
• Insurance naming the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County as additionally insured at levels required within the agreement
• Use of licensed and insured vendors
• Alcohol service compliant with ABC requirements
• Listing the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County and any applicable Community Access Program sponsor (s) as event sponsors in marketing materials and allowing acknowledgement on facility structures

*All Community Access Program events are subject to the cancellation terms outlined in the event agreement. Deposits may be forfeited if an event is cancelled after agreement signature. LSCLO reserves the right to reallocate Community Access reservations if an event is cancelled.*

Application

Thank you for submitting your application to our Community Access Program. Our selection committee is excited to learn about the vision for your event!