Best Community Event (name & city)
Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market
Higuera Street, downtown SLO
(805) 541-0286
facebook.com/DowntownSLOFarmersMarket
Best Food/Drink Event
The Macaroni & Cheese Festival
Avila Beach
(805) 781-2750
events@americangeneralmedia.com
facebook.com/TheMacandCheeseFest
Best Movie Theater
The Palm Theatre
817 Palm St., SLO
(805) 541-5161
Does the Palm Theatre have cutting-edge equipment and state-of-the-art technology? No. Does it have roomy, reclining, heated seats? No. Is it an IMAX? Does it have a stunning exterior and stately marquee? Does it offer free parking? No, no, and no. And yet, New Times readers know when it comes to what really matters to movie lovers—an amazing selection of films, fascinating special events, a true sense of community—the Palm Theatre checks every box. Since 2024 and the retirement of owners Jim and Patty Dee, the theater has been operated by the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival and has become home to the SLO Film Center. Whether you want to see select new releases, international films, classics, or curated series like the Flickerhead Friday Night Features, the Palm has it all. Oh, and yes, that’s real butter on that freshly popped corn. Become a member, and join the fun.
—Glen
Best Theater Group
The Great American Melodrama
1863 Front St., Oceano
(805) 489-2499
Best Dance Company
CORE Dance Company
882 Ricardo Court, SLO
(805) 541-2669
Best DJ
LaDell Erby
920 huber st. suite a, Grover Beach
(805) 295-8555
facebook.com/EpicEntertainmentInc
Best Band/Musician
Brass Mash
(805) 801-4889
Best Live Music Venue
Vina Robles Amphitheatre
3800 Mill Road, Paso Robles
(805) 286-3680
facebook.com/vinaroblesamphitheatre
Best Place for Karaoke
Bill’s Place
112 E. Branch St., Arroyo Grande
(805) 489-9989
Best Trivia Night
Farmhouse Corner Market
1025 Farmhouse Lane, No. 1G, SLO
(805) 234-9010
facebook.com/farmhouseSLO
Best Arcade & Entertainment
BA Start Arcade and Taproom
647 Higuera St., SLO
(831) 524-5389
facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088582455836
Best Record Shop
Boo Boo Records
978 Monterey St., SLO
(805) 541-0657
facebook.com/booboorecords
Best Bookstore
Monarch Books
201 E. Branch St., Arroyo Grande
(805) 668-6300
facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065631907175
Best Place to Buy an Instrument
Lightning Joe’s Guitar Heaven
100 E. Branch St., Arroyo Grande
(805) 481-2226
facebook.com/lightningjoesguitarheaven
Best Kids Arts Program
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
1010 Broad St., SLO
(805) 543-8562
Best Art Classes
Art Central
1329 Monterey St., SLO
(805) 747-4200
Best Photographer
Jleigh Photography
(805) 235-9597
Best Artist
Susan Kounanis
(805) 441-4238
facebook.com/SusanKounanisFineArt
Best Public Art
SLO Box Art Program
SLO
(805) 781-7100
Best Museum
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
1010 Broad St., SLO
(805) 543-8562
Best Art Gallery
Studios on the Park
1130 Pine St., Paso Robles
(805) 238-9800
Best Escape Room
The Locked Inn
750 Farroll Road, suite C, Grover Beach
(805) 270-3259
Best Event Venue
The Cliffs Hotel and Spa
2757 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach
(805) 773-5000
frontoffice@cliffshotelandspa.com
facebook.com/thecliffshotelandspa
Best Event Planner
Anna Fergus – The Cliffs Hotel and Spa
2757 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach
(805) 773-5000
frontoffice@cliffshotelandspa.com
facebook.com/thecliffshotelandspa
Best Place to Get Married
The Cliffs Hotel and Spa
2757 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach
(805) 773-5000
frontoffice@cliffshotelandspa.com
facebook.com/thecliffshotelandspa
Best Tattoo Shop
Traditional Tattoo
251 Higuera St., SLO
(805) 784-0822
facebook.com/slotraditionaltattoo
Best Limo Service
Elegant Image Limousine
990 Quintana Road, Morro Bay
2460 Victoria Ave., unit 104, SLO
(805) 772-5390
elegantimagelimousine@gmail.com
facebook.com/elegantimagelimousine
Whether it’s reserving a stretch limo for eight passengers or booking a private charter bus with 50-plus seats, Elegant Image Limousine is a one-stop shop for anyone looking to get from point A to point B in style. The Best Limo Service winner covers Morro Bay, Cayucos, Cambria, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande, and beyond. From Mercedes Benz Sprinters (for up to 12 passengers) to luxury motor coaches (for up to 56 passengers), Elegant Image Limousine’s vehicle lineup includes rides fit for all kinds of occasions, group sizes, and personal preferences. For short, intimate trips and airport drop-offs/pickups, the company recommends booking its 2024 Tesla Model Y sedan, which seats up to two passengers comfortably.
—Caleb
Best Radio Station
KJUG 98.1
3620 Sacramento Drive, suite 204, SLO
(805) 549-8698
Best News Source
KSBY
1772 Calle Joaquin, SLO
(805) 541-6666
This article appears in Best of SLO County 2026.