Welcome to Avila Beach, California

Hosted by Pale Kai Outrigger Canoe Club and the Avila Beach Tourism Alliance, the Avila Beach Outrigger Expo is a one-of-a-kind event on California’s Central Coast that brings paddlers, families, and visitors together in the spirit of aloha.

October 9 | Early Registration & Paddler Happy Hour

October 10 | The Main Event

Please note: This event is intended for experienced paddlers only. Due to the open-ocean conditions and course length, all participants should have prior race experience and be comfortable paddling 10+ miles.

We are excited to announce the 2026 Concert Series at the stunning Point San Luis Lighthouse, perched high above the Pacific Ocean. This is your exclusive opportunity for an unforgettable series of intimate concerts, all while supporting the arts in our community.

With only 8 concerts in the series, these shows will sell out quickly, so don’t miss your chance to be part of something truly special!

Celebrate Pacific Leatherback Day at the ribbon-cutting for the 8-foot, life-size bronze leatherback sea turtle sculpture in Avila Beach. Designed by artists Pamela Blotner and John Pearson, the sculpture honors the giant, ancient mariners that cross the entire Pacific to feed off the Central Coast.

Meet at Avila Beach Community Park, adjacent to the corner of Front Street and San Juan Street. Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg will open the ceremony, Upwell Executive Director George Shillinger will give a few words of thanks, and sponsor John Swift will share a personal story about leatherbacks before cutting the ribbon.

The project was spearheaded by the Monterey-based nonprofit Upwell, with significant support from the Swift Family, the Avila Beach Tourism Alliance and the Avila Beach Community Foundation, along with other generous anonymous donors. The installation was made possible through partnerships with San Luis Obispo County Parks and Recreation, the Central Coast Aquarium, Gaia Graphics, the Urena-Elenes Family and Artworks Foundry.

The public is warmly invited.

Join us from September through May for another season of Big Fish Little Fish!

• Every other Tuesday, 10:00-11:00AM

  • $60/month (nonmember fee),
  • $50/month (member fee) (member fee – contact us to receive a custom member rate),
  • $30/child (drop-in fee, while spots last)

• Fees include interactive instructor led programs, craft and activity materials, and aquarium admission for the day of your program.
• Each session is limited to 24 students.

Join us from September through May for another season of Big Fish Little Fish!

• Every other Tuesday, 10:00-11:00AM

  • $60/month (nonmember fee),
  • $50/month (member fee) (member fee – contact us to receive a custom member rate),
  • $30/child (drop-in fee, while spots last)

• Fees include interactive instructor led programs, craft and activity materials, and aquarium admission for the day of your program.
• Each session is limited to 24 students.