What to Know About Downtown SLO’s Annual Holiday Parade

Prepare for your trip to the 49th Annual Holiday Parade in Downtown SLO with these tips.

Join us for a parade down Candy Cane Lane during the largest holiday parade on the Central Coast. The 49th Annual Holiday Parade will be filled with gumdrops, lollipops, sugar, spice and everything nice this Friday, December 5 at 7 p.m. and will last about two hours.

Here’s what you need to know to plan your trip.

Important Safety Reminders

There will be heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic before and after the parade. DRIVE WITH EXTREME CAUTION AND PATIENCE, many families with small children will be present, and pedestrians can be difficult to see at night. Respect all barricades and street closures; they are essential for ensuring a safe event. During the parade, please stay on the sidewalk or outside the barricade fences at all times, and keep an eye on children! Attendees are encouraged to leave pets at home.

Getting to the Parade

The City of SLO encourages everyone to carpool, ride the bus, walk, or bike to the parade. Please take your time and avoid rushing in or out of the downtown area, as community members of all ages and abilities will be attending, and your cooperation helps keep the event safe for all.

• TAKE THE BUS: SLO Transit buses will operate on their regular schedule. Routes may shift slightly due to road closures, but all bus stops will continue to be served. Please note: The Holiday Trolley will not be in service on parade night, as it will be participating in the parade.
• RIDE YOUR BIKE OR WALK: Biking or walking are great ways to get to and from the parade. A free bike valet will be available in Mission Plaza along the parade route. Be sure your bike has front and rear lights and always wear a helmet.
• DRIVE SAFELY, PARK FOR FREE: Parking is free from 4 to 11 p.m. Parade-goers are encouraged to carpool and park in one of the three city garages (842 Palm Street, 919 Palm Street or 871 Marsh Street), as most roads will be closed and vehicles left on the street will be towed after 4 p.m. Garages will be staffed and will close once they reach capacity, so please plan to arrive early. Traffic may be redirected as needed; we appreciate your patience when entering and exiting.

Parade Route & Road Closures

Most downtown roads will be closed starting at 4 p.m., so please plan accordingly (see the road closure map below, please note that access to the 842 Palm Street garage will remain open until full). The parade will begin on Palm Street near the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and will wind through downtown, ending near the Creamery Marketplace on Nipomo Street. Downtown storefronts and businesses are open during the day of the parade and you are welcome to arrive early, but please do not leave personal items unattended to save your spot. If you arrive early, be sure to park in the parking garages for FREE or move your vehicle from the street before 4 p.m. to avoid being towed.

Click the maps below to enlarge. 

Road Closures Map Parade Map