If you are a live sports fanatic, San Luis Obispo has some fun events for you to attend next time you are visiting the central California coast! From college games to surf contests, come check out the athletes that convene here and compete to win:
Surfing for Hope Longboard Classic: On October 9-11, 2026 the Surfing for Hope Longboard Classic comes to Pismo Beach for their 15th Annual event and Hope Longboard Classic Benefit Weekend. The weekend celebrates community, healing through the ocean and raises vital funds and awareness for local cancer patients and families while world-class longboarders battle the waves in an action-packed 3-day competition. This WSL (World Surf League) Pro Longboard Contest happens from Friday, October 9 to Sunday, October 11 at the Pismo Beach Pier, along with their annual fundraising gala on Friday night at the Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach, a Cancer Resource Health Fair and Vintage VW Expo on Saturday. Aside from the Gala fundraiser, all beach activities are free and open to everyone. Families are invited to bring the spotlight to the fight against cancer and share the healing power of the sea.
San Luis Obispo Blues Baseball: The SLO Blues are a wooden-bat summer collegiate baseball organization that competes annually from late May to early August. Home games are played at Sinsheimer Stadium, located at 900 Southwood Drive in San Luis Obispo, California. The Blues compete in the prestigious California Collegiate League (CCL) and are consistently ranked among the top 25 teams nationally out of over 260 summer collegiate programs.
The Blues' history dates back to 1946, when founding manager Sandy Leguina gathered a group of World War II veterans returning home to San Luis Obispo. Joined by a handful of younger players, the team began playing against semi-pro and town teams throughout California. Originally known as the “Merchants,” the team was renamed the “Blues” just weeks into the season. George Baker, sports editor of the Telegram-Tribune, gave the team its new name in reference to their blue lettering and stockings, noting that “any team worth anything needed a more colorful name.” He added that any objections should be directed to his desk.
The California Collegiate League (CCL), founded in 1993, is one of the premier college summer baseball destinations in the country. The league features 10 teams from across California: the MLB Academy Barons, Arroyo Seco Saints, Conejo Oaks, Menlo Park Legends, Orange County Riptide, San Luis Obispo Blues, Santa Barbara Foresters, San Francisco Seagulls, Sonoma Stompers, and Walnut Creek Crawdads.
Cal Poly State University Athletics, San Luis Obispo: Everyone knows a college athletics game holds high energy and excitement and Cal Poly Mustangs are no different! At Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo, located just a quick 10 minute drive from Pismo Beach, there are many sports games to watch in men’s and women’s teams. Here are the highlights that you might want to catch this next season when you are visiting the central California coast:
Cal Poly Women’s Soccer: The Cal Poly Women’s soccer team is not to miss with an exciting season underway and a strong defense in place. The Big West Opener starts on September 23 and games run through October 31, 2026 at Spanos Stadium at the Cal Poly SLO campus.
Cal Poly Football: Get the party started early with tailgating starting at 1:00 pm, four hours before kickoff at 5:02pm at Mustang Memorial Field on the Cal Poly campus in San Luis Obispo. At 2:20 pm, join the Stampede March from the University Union to the Richard O'Neill Green and get ready for the Corral BBQ.
The following days, kids 12 and under get free admission to the Cal Poly Athletics home games:
Men's Soccer vs. California Baptist - October 4, 2026
Volleyball vs. UC Santa Barbara - October 24, 2026
Women's Soccer vs. UC Irvine - October 25, 2026
Volleyball vs. Cal State Fullerton - November 7, 2026
Play ball!