Experience Art After Dark

Art After Dark (AAD), hosted by SLO County Arts, is a monthly event held on the First Friday of each month. Participating businesses transform into vibrant creative spaces, showcasing local art, music, performances, and more in a free, community-centered walking tour that highlights the artistic heart of San Luis Obispo.

AAD Locations: October 3, 2025

  • Blackwater

    705 Higuera St. SLO

    "Once Quick Draw" - Originally from Arizona, Savannah Santa Cruz now lives in the Central Coast, where her passion for music and film influences her artwork. Each piece is crafted after hearing a song that sparks inspiration.

  • The Bunker SLO

    810 Orcutt Rd. SLO

    Opening reception for Mark Bryan. Bryan has exhibited his work throughout the US, Canada, Europe and Japan and lives right here on the Central Coast! Big Wave Sushi will be there so grab some dinner, meet the artist and see his latest work!

  • Central Coast Wines

    712 Higuera St. SLO

    Guy Kinnear lives at the intersection of surrealism, and expressionism, using the myth of the Golem combined with art making practices of the Old Masters in an exploration of sustainable off-the-grid living in a lovely place where GPS gets lost.

  • Century 21 Masters

    1103 Toro St. SLO

    October’s featured artist is Impressionist painter Pamela Susan Held who will be exhibiting “I dream my painting,…” during Art After Dark. Pamela’s paintings reflect the ever-changing light, color, and rhythm of the natural world—particularly the seasons, mountains, oceans, and skies of California’s Central Coast.

  • Drew Davis Fine Art

    393 Pacific St. SLO

    What makes Drew’s art experience truly special is his one-of-a-kind studio gallery. Visitors are greeted not only by Drew’s stunning artwork but also by his charismatic cats, Picasso and DaVinci, who add a playful and welcoming touch to the space.

  • EDNA Contemporary

    967 Osos St. SLO

    New work by Charlie Rugg and Sommer Roman! This exhibition was birthed from a history of ongoing studio visits over the last 3 years and a friendship of mutual respect and curiosity of one another’s work.

  • The Gala Pride & Diversity Center

    1060 Palm St. SLO

    Join us for "Leaded Hands," a multi-media art show featuring work by local SLO artist Giovanni Ortega. Originating from the commuter desert communities of L.A county, their work explores themes of displacement and autonomy in the queer body.

  • Hands Gallery

    777 Higuera St. SLO

    Hands Gallery, a downtown SLO gem for 35 years, showcases unique handcrafted works by local, national, and international artists. They will be featuring works from the kindergarten class of St. Rose Catholic School for the month of October!

  • HumanKind Fair Trade

    947 Monterey St. SLO

    Claudia Cabrera Olsen, originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, has dedicated her life to promoting inclusivity, community service, and Mexican culture. Enjoy some traditional treats, learn about the tradition of making ofrendas from Claudia and add the name of a loved one to our beautiful ofrenda.

  • JunkGirls

    870 Monterey St. SLO

    Local artist/owners Jenny Kompolt & Melissa James invite you to explore their curated blend of antiques, vintage and found items that have been transformed into art, lighting and furniture by Jenny K, metal stamping by Melissa and more!

  • Making SLO

    751 Higuera St. SLO

    Featuring Love Moore Arts: Erin’s vibrant landscapes reflects her love of nature and the unique flora and fauna found on the Central Coast of California.

  • MYLR Gallery & Books

    1238 Monterey St. SLO

    Artist Angela Bracco is an educator, designer, and fabricator. Her show, titled Entara and Vedra, explores the integration of plant husbandry into the domestic space through vessels designed for the cultivation of mushrooms and microgreens.

  • Region Event Center

    858 Monterey St. SLO

    Experience the 2025 Open Studios Art Tour Preview Show! View works by local artists participating in this year’s tour all while enjoying some wine and good company. Grab a catalog and get ready for this year’s tour!

  • SLO Gallery

    1023 Broad St. SLO

    SLO Gallery is on Broad Street, across the street from SLOMA. They have moved a few feet to front the creek, and will be upgrading that walkway as an art venue. Their spacious and airy gallery focuses on work by SLO County artists, in all its variety!

  • SLO Museum of Art

    1010 Broad St. SLO

    SLOMA invites you to join us for wine, music, and art!

  • Two Broads Ciderworks

    860 Capitolio Way, Suite B, SLO

    Sip cider or enjoy tea while pondering the art of Lena Rushing. Her oil paintings and shadow-boxes are recognizable thanks to her dark fascination with symbolism and strange women.

View all of this month’s locations on the AAD map! Virtual and printable options available.

View the Art Walk Map