The packed weekend includes the 31st Annual Hot El Camino Cruise Nite, the Mid-State Cruizers Car Show and Dancing in the Street

ATASCADERO — This weekend the city welcomes the annual Atascadero Cruisin’ Weekend. The weekend kicks off with the 31st Annual Hot El Camino Cruise Nite on Friday, August 16th at 6:30 p.m. and continues on Saturday with the 33rd Annual Mid-State Cruizers Car Show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Atascadero Lake Park, followed by our 8th Annual Dancing in the Streets downtown from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Plan to be in downtown Atascadero on August 16th and 17th to take part in this popular annual tradition.

Hot El Camino Cruise Nite is one of the largest and most popular annual events in San Luis Obispo County and one of the most well-known events in town. On Friday night, 350 local cruisers from the 1950s and 1960s (plus earlier and later years) come downtown, ranging from local residents to a variety of cruisers from all over California. These beautifully restored vintage cars cruise up and down El Camino Real from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Over the years, Cruise Nite has grown and evolved into a weekend event where locals and tourists alike can enjoy a full weekend of fun.

Cruise Nite festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, August 16th, and the Mid-State Cruizers Car Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 17th at Atascadero Lake Park, where you can check out the inside and outside of a wide variety of vintage vehicles. The weekend then continues downtown at 5 p.m. with the 8th Annual Dancing in the Streets.

Saturday night at 5 p.m., the evening kicks off with Dancing in the Streets. Community entertainment performances will be offered on the steps of City Hall, and several bands will perform on designated stages in the Sunken Gardens area. Listen to a diverse lineup of music, from the Cassie B Band to the Vibe Setters and the Steppin’ Out Band to the 90’s Babiez Ultimate Party Band. There will be a variety of food trucks, craft beer and wine vendors ready to celebrate a fun evening of music and dancing. The evening promises a diverse lineup of music for everyone’s enjoyment and entertainment, whether you want to dance or just enjoy the music and the rousing atmosphere. Special community entertainment will include the California Mid-State Fair Queen’s Court and Motion Academy of Dance in Atascadero, as well as dance instructors Sharon and Dan Davis, who will help open the event and get everyone on their feet.

With all that dancing, everyone is guaranteed to work up an appetite and there will be a variety of food trucks on site including Heavenly Hot Dogs, Mary’s Cuisine, The Dough Connection, Quick Comfort Cuisine, Puerto El Grande, Templeton Greek Food, Atascadero High School Greybots, G. Brothers Kettle Corn, Savina’s Tamales, Huatulco Tacos, Sweet Creations, Zen Dog, Wandering Eats, Paradise Shaved Ice, Vaandez Grilled St. Dogs and Crave Mini Donuts.

A selection of beer, wine, cider, margaritas and spirits will be available on tap. Special thanks to the nonprofit beverage vendor, Friends of the Charles Paddock Zoo, who organized the beverage vendor pickup.

The Cruisin’ Weekend events are free to attend. Food and beverages are available for purchase and many local merchants are open! For more information about the event, road closures and where to register your car for the cruise, visit VisitAtascadero.com/Cruise

Cover photo by Rick Evans

Related