Starting in two weeks, everyone will have more reasons to celebrate downtown in the City of San Luis Obispo with free garage parking.
“Downtown is the hub of all holiday activities in San Luis Obispo. You can still get the lowest possible parking rates and we are happy to continue the tradition of providing free garage parking during Thanksgiving Day and weekend, Sundays in December and Christmas & New Year’s,” said Jennifer Rice, Deputy Director of Mobility Services for the City’s Public Works Department. “To spread even more holiday cheer, we will again provide free parking downtown during the annual holiday parade.”
Free parking will be available in all three public parking garages (842 Palm Street, 919 Palm Street, and 871 Marsh Street) on the following days:
- Thanksgiving Day & Weekend – Thursday, November 28 – Sunday, December 1
- Every Sunday in December -1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
- 48th Annual Holiday Parade -Friday, December 6 from 6 p.m.to midnight
- Christmas Eve -Tuesday, December 24
- Christmas Day – Wednesday, December 25
- New Year’s Eve -Tuesday, December 31
- New Year’s Day – Wednesday,January 1
In November 2021, City Council established free parking in the City’s parking garages during the holiday season to encourage economic activity downtown. In addition to the free garage parking, community members are encouraged to shop locally by participating in the City’s Buy Local Bonus program and Small Business Saturday.
- Buy Local Bonus: Starting Friday, November 29, 2024, spend $100 or more on gifts at any retail business in the City of SLO and receive a $25 gift card to other local businesses.
- Small Business Saturday: Shop at your favorite local businesses in downtown San Luis Obispo on Saturday, November 30, 2024 and receive a free “Shop Local” tote bag.
“Thanksgiving weekend kicks off the holiday events happening in Downtown SLO and everyone can enjoy free garage parking all weekend, but it doesn’t end there! Every Sunday in December the City encourages residents and visitors to spend the season downtown all while enjoying free garage parking,” said Jacqui Clark-Charlesworth, Tourism and Community Promotions Manager. “Bring the kids to Santa’s House, take pictures at the Holiday Plaza, participate in the Buy Local Bonus program or catch a movie with your friends.”
Holiday Activities in Downtown SLO
Locals can enjoy fun activities throughout downtown this holiday season, including:
- Holiday Plaza & Santa’s House Opening Day Celebration on Friday, November 29, 2024, at 12 p.m.
- Light Up the Plaza on Friday, November 29, 2024, at 5 p.m.
- Lights & Sights in Mission Plaza, including the Classic Carousel beginning Friday, November 29, 2024
- Santa’s House from November 29 to December 24, 2024 (fill out an interest form if you would like to be a volunteer photo elf)
- 48th Annual Downtown Holiday Parade on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 7 p.m. All public parking in downtown (on-street and in garages) is free from 6 p.m. to midnight!
For more details about parking options downtown, visit slocity.org/Parking.