Local mental health organizations, treatment providers, community partners, and wellness leaders are coming together for Connect & Thrive: Community Celebration and Resource Fair, a free Mental Health Awareness Month event at the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the corner of Broad Street and Higuera Street.
The event is designed to bring mental health support, community connection, and creative wellness activities directly to the public in an open and welcoming space. Community members are invited to explore local mental health and community-based resources, enjoy live music, participate in creative expression, join drum circles, and take part in a mindfulness exercise.
Connect & Thrive is hosted by Aspire Counseling Services, Balance Treatment Center, San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health, and Transitions-Mental Health Association. The goal of the evening is to reduce stigma, increase awareness, and make support more accessible to individuals and families throughout San Luis Obispo County.
“We believe healing and wellness happen in the community,” said event organizers. “This event is about creating connection, reducing stigma, and helping people know that support is available.”
Event Activities
The evening will include a variety of free activities open to all community members:
Resource Fair and Art Therapy Tent
Available from 6 to 9 p.m., featuring multiple mental health and community-based resources, creative expression with Aspire, free handouts, resources, and giveaways.
Live Music Tent
Featuring local artists throughout the evening:
-Amar Sohi from 6:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m
-Drew Gonzales of Looking East Music from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
-Kielo Smith of Big Shiny Music, starting at 7:45 p.m.
Activity Schedule
6:15 p.m. – Drum Circle led by Dee DiGioia, Mindful Kindful YOUniversity
6:45 p.m. – Mindfulness Exercise led by Brita Connelly, SLO County Behavioral Health
7:15 p.m. – Drum Circle led by Dee DiGioia, Mindful Kindful YOUniversity
Special thanks to event donors including Starbucks Coffee, Fatte’s Pizza, Woodstone Chicken & Waffles, SeaBreeze Cupcakes & Sweet Treats and United Rentals in SLO.
Event Details
What: Connect & Thrive: Community Celebration and Resource Fair
When: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market, corner of Broad Street and Higuera Street
Cost: Free and open to the public