Annual Events

Get ready to fill your calendars! Morro Bay has no shortage of exciting festivals, triathlons, holiday events and more, year round, to keep you busy.

From kites soaring above the shoreline to witches paddling across the bay, Morro Bay knows how to celebrate. This small seaside town may be mellow at heart, but the calendar stays full of events that bring visitors and locals together year after year.

If you’re planning a getaway and want to catch something special while you're here, these annual events offer a great way to experience the personality, creativity, and charm of Morro Bay. From longtime favorites to unique seasonal traditions, there’s something happening year-round that adds just the right amount of energy to your coastal escape.

Winter

Morro Bay Bird Festival (January)

Each year, birders gather in Morro Bay to spot more than 200 species during one of the top bird festivals in the country. This long-running event includes guided tours, educational workshops, and plenty of chances to connect with fellow nature lovers.

Spring

Citywide Yard Sale (March)

For a weekend in March, Morro Bay becomes a treasure hunter’s dream. Over 150 yard sales pop up across town, from cozy front yards to sprawling estate sales. Locals and visitors roam the streets in search of vintage finds, quirky gifts, and one-of-a-kind bargains.

Morro Bay Kite Festival (April)

Bright kites fill the sky and families fill the beach during this high-flying coastal tradition. The festival features free kites for kids, a candy drop, and a Friday night kickoff with food, s’mores, and light-up kite flights. It’s colorful, creative, and the best part - it’s completely free.

Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show (May)

Engines rev, chrome gleams, and the streets of Morro Bay transform into a rolling tribute to classic cars. This three-day celebration draws car lovers from across California for live music, local food, and more than 500 eye-catching vehicles parked throughout town. It’s part show, part social hour, and all-around nostalgic.

Fall

Witches and Warlocks Paddle (October)

Costumed paddlers take to the water in support of the Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County. It’s a spooky (but lighthearted) tradition that sees witches and wizards crossing the bay by kayak or paddleboard in a scene you have to see to believe.

Morro Bay Maritime Festival (October)

The Maritime Festival offers a full weekend of waterfront experiences, including live music, food vendors, family activities, museum tours, and yacht races. The weekend wraps up with a classic pirate movie screening and themed prize drawings.