We are so lucky to partner with some of the amazing venues around the scenic Central Coast. We love our venues and they all play a crucial part in our community, so please consider donating, buying gift cards or visiting them outside of the festival!
PRE-FEST: APRIL 3-20
Friday, Monday 4 PM – 6 PM// Sat, Sun 1 PM – 2:30 PM, Sat, Sun 3 PM-6 PM
PRE-FEST: APRIL 21-22
3 PM – 6 PM
Please note that prior to the week of the festival, the Festival Box Office will be operating between regular Palm screenings, purchasing tickets and picking up passes must be done during the hours listed above.
FESTIVAL: APRIL 23
Opening Night – 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
FESTIVAL: APRIL 24-28
Daily : 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
During the Festival, we will be operating out of Theater 3. A volunteer will point you in the right direction at the entrance.
Thursday, April 23: CLOSED
Friday, April 24: Noon–10PM
Saturday, April 25: 10AM–10PM
Sunday, April 26: 10AM–9PM
Monday, April 27: Noon–9PM
Tuesday, April 28: Noon–9PM
Our largest venue and biggest screen! The Fremont is a historic and iconic staple in SLO featuring art deco ceilings, a glowing marquee, and has been host to the SLO Film Festival’s largest events for many year. When not being used during the festival it hosts lively concerts and performances.
Venue Capacity: 770
The Palm Theatre, located at 817 Palm St. is an independently owned and operated movie theatre which showcases a variety of independent, foreign, arthouse, and mainstream cinema. The Palm Theatre was the first movie theatre in the United States to be run by solar energy.
Venue Capacity: 120, 90
Located in the heart of Downtown SLO, this 7-Screen venue has hosted the SLO Film Festival since our inception. The venue has large reclining seats, sells alcohol and we are lucky to be able to take over 5 of their screens at the 2023 Festival!
Venue Capacity: 140, 100, 85, 85, 50
Located across the street from the Downtown Center Cinemas. This legendary Event Center, built in 1913, is one of the oldest and largest buildings in downtown. It can host large events and banquets as well.
Entering the Grand Hall, it is like stepping back in time to a bygone era that creates a very unique and mystical experience. From the art to the architecture, this is an experience you just do not want to miss. Call to plan your next very special event.
805 545-5680
Venue Capacity: 386
The Bay Theatre has been family owned and operated since 1975. The building was constructed in the early 1940’s as a single screen motion picture theatre.
Venue Capacity: 300
We do our best to make our festival accessible for all and work with our venues to get accurate accessibility information. Please visit slofilmfest.org/access for more detailed venue and parking information.
For all access and inclusion bookings or enquiries, and to notify us of your needs so we can make your visit as enjoyable as possible, please call us on 805-546-3456, email [email protected] or make a note when booking your tickets!
Parking downtown SLO? The best place to park is our parking structures, there are four main parking structures:
In the parking structures it’s $2 an hour and if you’re spending most of the day downtown we recommend paying the daily rate of $8.00.
Street parking rates in downtown San Luis Obispo range from $3 to $4 per hour depending on where you park. It is more expensive to park in the downtown core than in outlying streets.
Paying for parking:
Use one of on-street parking pay stations with cash or credit card, or when you exit the parking lot.
Accessible Parking
Anyone with a valid disabled parking placard, displayed correctly, can park on the streets of San Luis Obispo for free as long as the vehicle is not in a commercial zone, a passenger loading zone, or a Red curb.
You can view accessible spaces here:
Please notify us if you need additional parking support for accessibility needs.