Fifth Annual Atascadero Fall Festival to Feature More Than 40 Bands and 60 Vendors

The fifth annual Atascadero Fall Festival will take place Friday, Nov. 14, through Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Sunken Gardens in Atascadero. Festival hours are Friday from 4 to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 10 p.m. This free, family-friendly event promises something for everyone, including a carnival with rides and games, over 40 bands performing on two stages, and more than 60 food and merchant vendors.

Event organizers have announced that this year’s festival will feature more carnival rides, headlining acts, and themed entertainment nights.

Friday, Nov. 14 — Country Night

Friday marks Country Night, with performances by Jayden Secor, Stephen Styles Band, The Mother Corn Shuckers, and headliners Los Hermanos Mendoza. Central Coast line dance instructor Vanessa Robertson will also entertain attendees.

Los Hermanos Mendoza, a first-generation Mexican-American country band from Bakersfield, blends the Bakersfield Sound with regional Mexican influences. Their music is inspired by artists such as Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Vicente Fernandez, and Ramon Ayala.

Saturday, Nov. 15 — Colony Days Parade and Themed Entertainment

Saturday kicks off with the annual Colony Days Parade starting at 10 a.m., traveling around downtown near the Sunken Gardens.

“To be able to welcome Colony Days into the Fall Festival weekend was a no-brainer,” said event organizer and En Fuego Events co-owner Andres Nuño. “We know how important Colony Days is to the community, and we are excited to enhance the weekend. We encourage families to join us after the parade ends, with our 12 p.m. opening perfectly aligned to follow.”

Saturday’s entertainment features an 80s and 90s Dance Party on the Visit Atascadero Main Stage, showcasing Ultra, Way Out West, Club DV8, and the 90s Babiez. DJ sets by Traffic Records will be performed throughout the weekend.

Saturday evening will be dedicated to Reggae Night, featuring local band True Zion and Grammy-nominated reggae artist Pato Banton. Banton, known for collaborations with The English Beat, Steel Pulse, UB40, and Sting, is returning by popular demand.

“Having Pato come back and do this free concert during the Atascadero Fall Festival is going to be amazing for the community,” Nuño said. “Many people reached out hoping to have him return, and we’re thrilled to make it happen.”

Sunday, Nov. 16 — Fiesta Sunday and Block Party

Sunday’s lineup begins with Fiesta Sunday, featuring Flor de Luna Folklorico dancers and Norteño bands La Nave Especial and Equipo Elite. The festival will conclude with the Funk ‘n’ Rock the Block Party, featuring Wordsauce, False Puppet, and Carbon City Lights.

Carnival Rides and Attractions

The carnival includes popular rides such as the Century Ferris Wheel located in front of City Hall, the Zipper, bumper cars, a carousel, Super Slide, Extreme, Kamikaze, and Pharaoh’s Fury.

Presale all-you-can-ride wristbands are available for $38 online until Thursday, Nov. 13, at 10 p.m. Wristbands and individual ride credits will also be available both online and at the event.

In-person wristband purchases can be made at the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce, Wild Fields Brewhouse, Ancient Owl Beer Garden, and Decades Hi-Fi Lounge.

Suds at Sunken Gardens — Beer and Wine Festival

Guests 21 and over can attend the Suds at Sunken Gardens boutique-style Beer and Wine Festival on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 12 to 3:30 p.m. The event will feature more than a dozen breweries, cideries, and wineries.

Presale tickets are $35 and available on the festival’s official website.

Additional Amenities

To make attending easier, the festival will offer a free shuttle service on Saturday for guests. The shuttle has room for chairs, blankets, and strollers to ensure everyone can enjoy the festivities comfortably.

Don’t miss this exciting weekend filled with music, food, rides, and community fun at the Atascadero Fall Festival! For more information and ticket purchases, visit the official festival website.
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