2019 Parent and Supporter Events
Throughout the year, Parent and Family Programs hosts several events that connect families and supporters to Cal Poly. Be sure to mark your calendars and join us on the following dates. We look forward to seeing you!
SLO Discovery Weekend
January 24-27, 2019 | March 7-10, 2019
This winter, discover your student's home away from home! SLO Discovery Weekend offers special events and excursions to experience San Luis Obispo (SLO) both on and off campus.
Registration is $30 a person and includes a swag bag full of exclusive Cal Poly and SLO goodies, your choice of a local SLO walking tour (see below schedule for details), a Cal Poly Men’s basketball ticket, basketball pregame tent access, family fun campus activities and access to local excursions throughout the weekend!
Registrants staying in SLO hotels will also receive exclusive local business deals and discounts, including a Downtown SLO Farmers' Market dinner token*, an Old SLO Trolley token*, and $100 cash**, so be sure to register and book your hotel today!
*Please note: Downtown SLO Farmers' Market dinner and Old SLO Trolley tokens are only available to those checking into a SLO hotel on Thursday, Jan. 24.
**View cash rules and restrictions.
Registration for January's SLO Discovery Weekend is now closed. The March 7-10 weekend schedule will be available soon.
January 2019 Schedule
Thursday, January 24
| Event | time | location | description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaning Pine Arboretum | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Cal Poly | Stroll through Cal Poly's Leaning Pine Arboretum, which occupies five acres overlooking the campus and features dramatic views of the nearby coastal mountains. Admission is free. |
| SLO Discovery Weekend Check-in | 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Check in to SLO Discovery Weekend and pick up your swag bag full of exclusive Cal Poly and SLO goodies! | |
| Old SLO Trolley | 5-9 p.m. | Downtown SLO | Just when you thought Downtown SLO couldn’t get any more charming, the classic cable-car-style trolley rolls by. Covering the heart of Downtown and its surrounding hotel areas, the Old SLO Trolley is perfect for traveling to and from Downtown for dinner, shopping, and the Farmers’ Market, picking up every 20 minutes. |
| Downtown SLO Farmers' Market | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown SLO | Use your dinner token to enjoy a delicious (and free!) meal at the world-famous Downtown San Luis Obispo Farmers’ Market. |
Friday, January 25
| event | time | location | description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaning Pine Arboretum | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Cal Poly | Stroll through Cal Poly's Leaning Pine Arboretum, which occupies five acres overlooking the campus and features dramatic views of the nearby coastal mountains. Admission is free. |
| SLO Discovery Weekend Check-in | 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. | SLO Visitor Information Center | Check in to SLO Discovery Weekend and pick up your swag bag full of exclusive Cal Poly and SLO goodies! |
| Mustang Lanes Bowling | 5-8 p.m. | Cal Poly | Enjoy free bowling and shoe rentals at San Luis Obispo's only bowling alley! |
Saturday, January 26
| event | time | location | description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaning Pine Arboretum | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Cal Poly | Stroll through Cal Poly's Leaning Pine Arboretum, which occupies five acres overlooking the campus and features dramatic views of the nearby coastal mountains. Admission is free. |
| SLO Discovery Weekend Check-in | 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. | SLO Visitor Information Center | Check in to SLO Discovery Weekend and pick up your swag bag full of exclusive Cal Poly and SLO goodies! |
| Heart of SLO Walking History Tour* | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Downtown SLO | Walk Downtown, Chinatown and Tiger Town from the Mission Era to modern times. See where good, bad, and weird history was made and hear the people who made San Luis speak through the words and buildings they left behind. |
| SLO Walking Beer Tour* | 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Downtown SLO |
Visit breweries in downtown SLO - Central Coast Brewing, Barrelhouse Speakeasy, SLO Brew and Libertine Brewing Co. Your personal beer guide will lead you through the city's rich Prohibition history and highlights of every brewery. |
| Taste of SLO Walking Food Tour* | 12-3 p.m. | Downtown SLO | Do you like tasting really delicious food? Do you like fun? This tour is a brilliant marriage of social interaction, food, wine and beer. This is not your typical tour - you will laugh, eat, drink, all while enjoying beautiful downtown San Luis Obispo. Join Taste of SLO for a walking tour of five unique destinations created to give you a personal taste of SLO. |
| Mustang Lanes Bowling | 4-6 p.m. | Cal Poly | Enjoy free bowling and shoe rentals at San Luis Obispo's only bowling alley! |
| Basketball Pregame Tent | 6-7 p.m. | Cal Poly Mott Gym | Come to the Men's Basketball pregame tent outside of Mott Athletic Center and enjoy free snacks, beer and wine before the game! |
|
Men's Basketball vs. Cal State Fullerton |
7-9 p.m. | Cal Poly Mott Gym | Cheer on the Mustangs during an exciting basketball game vs. Cal State Fullerton! |
Sunday, January 27
| event | time | location | description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check-in | 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. | SLO Visitor Information Center | Check in to SLO Discovery Weekend and pick up your swag bag full of exclusive Cal Poly and SLO goodies! |
| Explore SLO | All day | SLO | SLO is bursting with fun for everyone. Learn more |
Receive $100 for Staying in SLO!
Winter may have arrived, but that shouldn’t keep you from a relaxing getaway. Book two consecutive nights at a San Luis Obispo hotel and receive $100 to spend as you choose. Rules and restrictions apply. Learn more
SLO Restaurant Month
Treat yourself this January and indulge in San Luis Obispo County Restaurant Month! Participating restaurants in San Luis Obispo will offer delectable three-course meals and one-of-a-kind menus, starting at $30 per person. Learn more
Plan Your Visit
Looking for additional activity ideas during your weekend stay? SLO is bursting with fun for everyone. Learn more
March 2019 Schedule
A full weekend schedule for March 7-10 will be available soon.
Open House
April 11-13, 2019
Open House is an annual event that showcases Cal Poly's campus to new students, their families, and the community while offering a glimpse into life as a Mustang.
During your visit, be sure to stop by the Parent and Family Programs booth, Coffee House Resource Fair, and Morning Cup with the President to hear insights about Cal Poly firsthand from our knowledgeable staff and Parent Advisory Council.
Visit the Open House website to learn more!
Mustang Family Weekend
October 25-27, 2019
Save the date for Mustang Family Weekend 2019! Registration opens this summer!
This October, discover your student's home away from home! At Mustang Family Weekend, you and your family will:
- Explore campus through interactive tours and hikes
- Engage in Learn by Doing lectures and labs led by esteemed faculty
- Enjoy special events, live music and fun activities
- Attend athletic and performing arts events
- ... and so much more!
Registration is for the entire family and includes:
- One weekend parking pass
- One swag bag filled with exclusive Cal Poly gear
- Entrance to exclusive weekend events and programming
