Festival delivers wine, music, and family fun while raising funds for local zoo and chamber programs

ATASCADERO — The 27th Annual Atascadero Lakeside WineFest returned to Atascadero Lake Park on Saturday, June 21, and once again delivered an afternoon of wine and music that lived up to its reputation as one of the North County’s favorite summer events.

From 4 to 8 p.m., an estimated 1,300 guests — mirroring last year’s record-breaking attendance — filled the park, the Central Coast Zoo (formerly Charles Paddock Zoo), and the surrounding garden and band areas to sample over 100 wines from more than 50 wineries, alongside offerings from craft breweries, cideries, and specialty food vendors. The family-friendly festival also featured live music, artisan booths, and interactive activities that entertained guests of all ages.

The crowd-favorite “Roar-and-Pour” experience at the Central Coast Zoo once again stole the show. Guests sipped their wine while enjoying smooth jazz from the Andrew Sedley Trio and observing zoo animals in the early evening light. Young attendees — many clutching stuffed animals from the zoo gift shop — added a charming family-friendly vibe to the scene.

“This year’s turnout was nearly identical to last year which was our largest ever with around 1,300 folks. The park, zoo, zoo garden, and band area all were full of happy attendees and vendors,” said Josh Cross, president and CEO of the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce. “The ‘roar-and-pour’ is a favorite among festival attendees.

Beyond fun, the festival had a meaningful impact. Organizers expect to donate at least $10,000 to the Central Coast Zoo, helping support animal care, education programs, and conservation efforts. Additional proceeds will go toward Chamber programs such as Jr. CEO, Women of Influence North County, and North County Latinos in Business.

Out-of-town visitors, including many from across the U.S., also contributed to the local economy, staying in area hotels and dining at local restaurants.

“We saw an uptick in out-of-state visitors this year, which was nice to see,” Cross added.

Thanks to years of planning and a seasoned team, the event went off without a hitch.

“This year went extremely smooth. Our team has been working together for a few years now and I think we’ve mostly figured out the formula for success,” said Cross.

Looking ahead, organizers hope to continue evolving the festival. One idea on the horizon: pairing wine with curated food experiences.

“One of these years, I’d like to see an elevated experience that combines food and wine,” Cross shared. “Putting those together in a public setting is not as easy as it sounds due to health department regulations. Fingers crossed we can figure that part out in 2026.”

For now, wine lovers and community members are already looking forward to next year’s celebration — another chance to sip, savor, and support Atascadero in style.

Feature Image by Rick Evans