Community Events

Community Events

A beloved San Luis Obispo landmark since 1906, The Historic Octagon Barn now serves as a vibrant community gathering place where history, purpose, and connection come together. Thoughtfully restored by The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County and dedicated volunteers, the property offers three distinct event spaces designed to host celebrations, fundraisers, meetings, educational programs, and community events of all kinds.

When you choose The Octagon Barn, you’re not just booking a venue, you’re investing in your community. As a nonprofit-owned property, all proceeds directly support local conservation efforts across the Central Coast.

Our Spaces

The Barn & Plaza

banquets, fundraisers, dinner programs

The Shed & Couryard

cocktail hours, silent auctions, live music

The Milking Parlor

birthdays, presentations, meetings, showers

Octagon Barn + Plaza

A Covered Barn + Outdoor Plaza

5,000 Square feet

12 Hour Rental 

Barn

  • Eight-sided barn with 45-foot ceilings
  • Soft white, light-filled interior
  • Round layout centered around a dance floor
  • Ideal for fundraisers, dinners, and celebrations
  • Concrete floors, lighting, and catering amenities included

    The Plaza

    • Outdoor extension just steps from the Barn

    • Perfect for cocktail hour or lounge seating

    • Great for lawn games and dessert displays

    • Beautiful setting for sunset photos

    Shed + Courtyard

    An Outdoor Courtyard + Covered Breezeway + Getting Ready Room

    8 Hour Rental

    Shed

    • Landscaped outdoor space with lush greenery

    • Perfect for silent auctions, cocktail hours, and birthday parties 
    • Built in sound system for event programs and presentations
    • Naturally beautiful backdrop for photos

     

    The Courtyard

    • Covered extension adjacent to the Courtyard
    • Breezeway connecting directly to the Plaza
    • Private getting ready room included
    • Indoor catering and storage space

      Milking Parlor

      Indoor Space + Kitchenette

      2,200 Square feet

      8 Hour Rental

      Milking Parlor

      • Fully indoor space with heating and air conditioning

      • Comfortable, climate-controlled retreat in any season

      • Perfect for hosting a business event, birthday party, or baby shower

      • Built-in projector and sound system

      • Kitchenette with space for catering setup, prep, and refrigeration

      • Flexible storage space for personal items, décor, or backup setup needs

      Full Facility

      seamless flow with exclusive access to our three spaces

      Full Facility Overview: 

      • Access: Octagon Barn & Plaza, Shed & Courtyard, and Milking Parlor
      • Capacity: Up to 200 guests
      • Rental: 12-hour event rental + 8-hours setup in Barn day prior

      About the space: 

      A Full Facility Rental offers exclusive access to the entire Octagon Barn Center, creating a cohesive and intentional setting for your event. This option allows guests to move comfortably between indoor and outdoor spaces while maintaining a clear and thoughtful event flow.

      A typical full facility event flow:

      • Begin the evening in the Shed & Courtyard for guest arrival, cocktail hour, and silent auctions
      • Transition to the Octagon Barn for live auctions, cake or paddle raises, and the main reception

      • In the meantime utilize the Milking Parlor for catering setup, as a breakout meeting room, or as a volunteer/staff hub

      This revolving approach keeps guests focused in one area at a time while creating a natural progression throughout the event.

      Full facility access provides the flexibility and structure needed for successful, mission-driven gatherings, while directly supporting local land conservation efforts.

      Amenities

      Whether planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, our venue offers everything you need for a seamless and memorable experience:

       

        • Indoor & Outdoor Event Spaces – Flexible options to suit any event size or style
        • Guaranteed Furniture & Materials – All tables, chairs, and essentials provided
        • On-Site Venue Manager – Expert assistance throughout your event
        • Built-In AV & Sound Systems – Multiple spaces equipped for presentations, music, and more
        • Catering Facilities – Convenient, fully equipped spaces for your catering needs
        • Complimentary Wi-Fi – Stay connected with fast, reliable internet
        • Preferred Vendor List – Trusted professionals to make planning easy
        • Dedicated Parking Facilities – Ample parking including ADA-accessible spots

      Materials Available

      • 72″ round tables
      • white chairs
      • 6′ tables
      • 32″ round high top tables
      • umbrellas
      • outdoor heaters
      • Adirondack lounge chairs
      • bar/podium
      • padded chairs (for use in Milking Parlor only)
      • meeting tables (for use in Milking Parlor only)
      • trash cans & bags
      • cleaning supplies

      Community Event Rates

      Our community event and meeting rates offer clear, straightforward pricing with full access to our historic venue, on-site support, and essential amenities for a seamless event.

      As a property owned and operated by The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County, all proceeds directly support local conservation efforts, meaning your gathering gives back to the land and community we cherish.

      Have questions or need a custom option? Our team is happy to help.

      Venue access 8-hours day before and 12-hours day of with access to Barn, Shed & Courtyard, and Milking Parlor

      Peak

      – Friday & Saturday from March – October

      Non-Peak

      -All Monday – Thursday’s

      – Friday & Saturday’s from November – February
      $8000 $6000

      Venue booked security and cleaning fees may apply at an additional charge.

      12-hour rental of the Octagon Barn and Plaza

      Peak 

      – Friday & Saturday’s from March – October

      Non-Peak

      – All Monday – Thursday’s

      – Friday & Saturdays from November – February
      $6000 $4500

      Venue booked security and cleaning fees may apply at an additional charge.

      8-hour rental of the Shed and Courtyard

      Peak

      – Friday & Saturday’s from March – October

      Non-Peak 

      – All Monday – Thursday’s

      – Friday & Saturdays from November – February
      $1400 $1200

      Venue booked security and cleaning fees may apply at an additional charge.

      8-hour rental of the Milking Parlor

      Milking Parlor – Celebration Milking Parlor – Meeting
      $1200 $800

      Venue booked security and cleaning fees may apply at an additional charge.

      *Non-profit rates available by request, typically up to a 30% discount off community rates*

      FAQ's

      What are next steps if I am interested in booking?

      Please complete our Interest Form and expect a response within 2-3 days. Venue management will provide availability, pricing, and schedule a tour. After a tour, a questionnaire is sent over for completion, followed by the contract and proposal.

      How do I secure my event date?

      We require a signed contract and 50% deposit to book. Final payment is due 30-days before the event. A fully refundable security deposit is collected for any time the renter and/or vendors are onsite.

      Is the Audio / Visual System and kitchenette included in my Milking Parlor rental?

      Yes, the AV system and kitchenette are both included in the Milking Parlor Rental.

      The audio visual system includes a projector and screen, microphones, and full sound system suitable for slideshows, presentations, and music!

      The kitchenette features a full kitchen prep space with a fridge, microwave, and sink.

      Are there charges to rent the tables and chairs?

      Materials are included in the rental rate with the exception of the heaters. Use of the heaters costs $100 to cover the cost of propane. Materials are available in as-is condition. Reach out for more information on quanities. Final quantities are available 30-days before the event.

      Available materials include round banquet tables, white chairs, six-foot rectangular tables, a bar, cocktail tables, umbrealls, adirondack chairs, meeting tables (milking parlor), black padded chairs (milking parlor), trash containers and cleaning supplies. 

      Is alcohol allowed at meetings?

      Alcohol service is not included in a meeting rental. Please refer to our General Events Page for other event bookings if you would like to include alcohol, such as Milking Parlor Celebrations. 

      What vendors are required?

      Requirements vary depending on the event, however, many events require a coordinator, security guard, and licensed and insured bartender.

      Are there alcohol requirements?

      The venue is not associated with a restaurant or winery. You may bring in your own alcohol, however, shots are not allowed. A licensed and insured bartender is required for all alcohol service and an event liability policy must be submitted with liquor liability coverage.

      Can we bring our own vendors?

      Venue managment will provide a preferred vendor list. If you choose a vendor not on the list, management must approve the vendor and vendor must be able to provide liability insurance. For larger vendor categories (caterer, coordinator, installs, etc.), new vendors must schedule a tour with the venue to review plans and review expectations.

      Can we have candles?

      We welcome LED and other battery powered candles. The Octagon Barn Center is a non-smoking venue. Catering setups with cooking must be 20+ feet away from any structure.

      What hours can we book?

      Full Facility and Octagon Barn rentals are 12-hour rentals while Courtyard & Shed and Milking Parlor rentals are 8-hours. Additional hours can be purchased at an hourly rate. All amplified sound must be turned off at 10 pm and the property is locked by 11 pm.