Out of Time Highlights:
- The Graduate is catered towards guests 18 and over with a club and dancehall atmosphere.
- SLO Brewing Co. is a restaurant and bar that turns into a music venue with both all ages and 21+ events.
- San Luis Obispo Performing Arts Center hosts local and touring talent in two state-of-the-art theatres on Cal Poly’s campus.
Before I begin throwing events at my readers, I want to make sure everyone is familiar with some of the more popular venues in San Luis Obispo, California. This post features a few of the most frequented entertainment venues in SLO. Whether it’s music, dancing or theatre, these are the places to know.
The Graduate
The first place of interest, The Graduate (or “The Grad”), is a bar and club that hosts 18 and over and 21 and over events. The Grad has a dance hall feel and often hosts local and well-known DJs. There is a different themed night every night starting on Wednesdays. However, they’re most well known for their country line dancing nights on Thursdays.
Third year kinesiology major, Hannah Tappe, has been line dancing for two years now. Ever since her first time her freshman year, Tappe has been going consistently with her friends.
“I like line dancing because it’s something to do on a Thursday night even if you’re not 21,” Tappe said, “The Grad is a fun place to dance with your friends.”
The Grad attracts many ages, but mostly appeals to college students and, appropriately enough, graduates.
The Graduate’s Entertainment Info
SLO Brewing Company
San Luis Obispo Brewing Company, commonly known as SLO Brew, is downtown SLO’s most active music venue. By day, SLO Brew is a restaurant and bar. By night, it becomes a hotspot to a variety of musicians.
Fourth year journalism major Lindsey Lewis is SLO Brew’s events and promotion intern. San Luis Obispo’s small town feel appeals to both artist and audience, Lewis said.
“Everyone feels at home in SLO. Big cities can be crazy and could be harder to visit around town,” Lewis said, “Too $hort was able to go around downtown without too much hassle.”
This month, SLO Brew is hosting 15 acts from all different genres, Lewis said.
SLO Brewing Company’s Event Calendar
San Luis Obispo Performing Arts Center
The San Luis Obispo Performing Arts Center, or the PAC, hosts all talents and genres. Located on Cal Poly campus, the PAC is home to many local performing arts organizations including the Cal Poly music department, San Luis Obispo Symphony, Opera San Luis Obispo, and Cal Poly Arts. The PAC also hosts touring Broadway shows, famous comedians, dance troupes, and music ensembles. If it can be performed, the PAC can host it.
The PAC is comprised of two auditoriums: Christopher Cohen Center, and Alex and Faye Spanos Theatre. The Christopher Cohen Center, the larger of the two, hosts most of the main acts. The Alex and Faye Spanos Theatre hosts smaller acts and speakers.
Outside of Alex and Faye Spanos Theatre
Inside of the Christopher Cohen Center
Fourth year theatre major, Christopher Gormley, has performed multiple times in the Alex and Faye Spanos Theatre. “It’s always a joy performing on that stage and just as much of a joy to sit in the audience,” Gormley said. “Spanos is a comfortable theatre. I’ve seen such a wide array of performances at Spanos, in terms of content.”
San Luis Obispo Performing Arts Center Event Calendar
So there you have it, the need-to-know venues in San Luis Obispo. There are still many places to find great sources of entertainment in SLO. But, you’re bound to find something to do any day of the week at one of these entertainment destinations.
Until next time, enjoy your time out!
Time Out: San Luis Obispo 
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