Octagon Barn Center, San Luis Obispo, CA

The Historic Octagon Barn Center is an iconic special events venue conveniently located just minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo. Beautifully restored by the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo, the site offers 3 buildings on the property to accommodate weddings, concerts, fundraisers, corporate meetings, family gatherings and more! Whether you are looking for an open-air outdoor space lit by bi

stro lighting, an AV-equipped meeting space, or a large open circular open floor plan, we have the perfect space for your gathering. Showcasing original 1906 architecture, ample parking, California native landscaping, and large plaza area with vehicle access, the site has everything you need for the perfect event! History:

A rare and iconic landmark unique to San Luis Obispo County, the Octagon Barn was on the verge of collapse when The Land Conservancy stepped in to save the building and revitalize the site for community benefit. Today, thanks to many dedicated volunteers and generous donors, The Land Conservancy has restored the historic Octagon Barn and has opened it's doors to the community

The structural restoration of the Octagon Barn has been a community effort that has involved tremendous local support since 1996. Hundreds of volunteers donated thousands of hours, and many local businesses have helped with materials and construction expertise. Today, we can proudly say that the century-old Octagon Barn structure has been saved from collapse. The Octagon Barn Center is a multi-use community asset that will host private and public events and serve as a new trailhead for the Bob Jones City-to-Sea Trail. Fast Facts:

Built: Circa 1906 for dairy farming

Location: 4400 Octagon Way (on S. Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo, less than 1/4 mile south of Los Osos Valley Road)

Size: 77 feet wide and 80 feet tall

Volunteer Hours Accumulated: 8,500

Completion Target Date: 2015

Octagon Barn Center Project Highlights

Raising a Barn, Raising a Community

The restoration of the Octagon Barn has been a community effort that has involved many people and local businesses. Literally thousands of volunteer hours have helped repair the barn piece by piece, making this project one of the Land Conservancy’s most popular efforts. Our volunteers have shared their memories of seeing the barn over the years and have woven their own stories of the barn with those of past generations. We have also had the support of many local businesses that have helped with materials and construction expertise. Today we can proudly say that the Octagon Barn structure has been successfully restored. Vision for the Future

Plans are underway to transform the formerly private site into a public amenity with the fully restored Barn as the keystone element. The Octagon Barn Center will be a multi-use community asset that provides for local private and public events, and a place for generations of local residents, school groups, and area visitors to learn about the importance of agriculture in San Luis Obispo County. With an anticipated opening date of 2015, the Octagon Barn Center will celebrate local agriculture and land conservation with displays highlighting the history and future of San Luis Obispo County’s landscapes. Rental fees for moderately scaled events such as barn dances, weddings, and festivals will provide self-sustaining funding for maintenance and upkeep of the facility. History: How We Got Here

In 1997, while The Land Conservancy was working with the Hayashi Family to plant trees along San Luis Obispo Creek, the nearby Octagon Barn was a vacant shell of its historic past. The crumbling structure known by area residents and visitors for over 100 years was on its last legs. The Land Conservancy’s Executive Director at the time, Ray Belknap, approached the Hayashi Family with the idea of restoring the old barn. Ray recognized the rarity of the architecture, the symbolism- tying it to an agricultural landscape, and its potential for new life. In 1998, The Land Conservancy leased the Octagon Barn and began the huge undertaking of its restoration. Read more. How You Can Help

Back when the barn was built, it was common for farmers, ranchers, and town folk to work together on barn raising events. We hope to capture this community vitality to support our current effort. Your help is needed to realize the dream of the Octagon Barn Center. Join us in raising a barn and raising our community! Click here for more ways you can help. Major Project Funding Partners
•Forbes Family Foundation
•Utility Telephone
•Westland Engineering
•Hind Foundation
•PG&E
•CalTrans
•San Luis Obispo County Parks

Thank you to all our community donors and partners who have supported this project in the past and who still continue to do so. Thank you to B.K. Richard, Land Conservancy Honorary Board of Trustee, who voluntarily acts as the Octagon Barn Project Coordinator. This project would not be possible without all of you!

Photos from Octagon Barn Center, San Luis Obispo, CA's post

08/14/2024

Did you know that hosting your event at the Historic Octagon Barn supports local conservation?

Our property is owned and operated by , your local non-profit land trust that has been conserving and caring for San Luis Obispo County’s diverse wildlands, farms, and ranches since 1984. Here at the Octagon Barn, you can host memorable weddings, parties, receptions, fundraisers, and meetings – while also doing good!

Learn more about The Land Conservancy’s mission and how you can get involved at lcslo.org.🌱

08/02/2024

Join us at the barn August 9th & 10th for the annual Colors of Conservation Art Show! Come enjoy original landscape paintings of local conserved lands by San Luis Outdoor Painters for the Environment (SLOPE) artists. Original artwork and prints will be available for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting ! Admission is free and all are welcome to come enjoy beautiful scenes from around our county. 🎨🖼️

Friday, August 9th from 5:00pm-8:00pm
Saturday, August 10th from 10:00am-4:00pm

Paintings in order:
🔹Hilltop View by Dotty Hawthorne
🔸On the Move by Joe McFadden
🔹Buckingham Ranch by Jim Tyler
🔸Poppy Glow by Hilda Freyre
🔹Camatta, Black Mountain by Laurel Sherrie

07/23/2024

We look forward to hosting the Colors of Conservation art show at the Octagon Barn Center on August 9 & 10. Follow along for more information as we get closer.

Join us August 9 & 10 for “Colors of Conservation” art exhibit.
The Land Conservancy of SLO County hosts SLOPE artists at the Octagon Barn Center. Over 75 original works of art for sale. Scenes of local ranches and preserved open spaces. Attendance is free. Live painting demonstrations on Saturday.

09/22/2023

Open to the public! 💃🕺Grab your dance partners and join us at the Octagon Barn for an evening of live music and dancing featuring the and ! Come two-step, line dance, and learn square dancing from caller Mike Lewinski.

Doors open at 5pm with music starting at 6. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting The Land Conservancy. All ages are welcome.
Link in bio for tickets 🎫

08/22/2023

Colors of Conservation showcases paintings of the Central Coast to help preserve natural beauty According to local artist Joe McFadden, there's no denying the bounty of beauty present on the Central Coast, especially around San Luis Obispo. "As a...

07/12/2023

Did you know we have four different location options for your ceremony, indoor and outdoor? What is your dream setup?
📸

Congratulations Ariana & Joaquin!

06/24/2023

🚨Reposted!🚨
We’re hiring! The Land Conservancy is looking for an events and venue management professional to lead customer and community experiences at the . This is a full-time benefitted position with an expectation of regular weekend availability. Visit LCSLO.org/jobs for more details and to apply!

04/29/2023

Thank you to all of our devoted members of who were able to make it out last night for our annual conservation reception. It's your support, time, and care that makes what we do possible!

04/23/2023

We're so excited to be launching our Docent Tours today! Check the link in our bio to sign up

The Land Conservancy » Job Opportunities

03/22/2023

We’re hiring! The Land Conservancy is looking for an events and venue management professional to lead customer and community experiences at the Octagon Barn Center, San Luis Obispo, CA This is a full-time benefitted position with an expectation of regular weekend availability. Visit LCSLO.org/jobopportunities for more details and to apply.

The Land Conservancy » Job Opportunities The Finance Director performs professional non-profit accounting functions in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), including preparation of monthly financial reports, grant expense and net assets tracking, annual budget preparation; management of the annual independent au...

03/04/2023

Today 10am to 4pm!

09/29/2022

Tune in TODAY from 3-4 as Dave Congalton talks with local historian Marilyn Darnell on her upcoming book about SLO Dairy history!

Dave Congalton Hometown Radio 3p-7p Monday - Friday

09/11/2022

Such a lovely event tonight by - thank you for making the barn so beautiful and for all you do supporting and our natural habitats!

08/27/2022

Elsie the cow is staying cool today, how are you enjoying the last days of summer?

08/23/2022

We want to send a huge THANK YOU to for their hard work helping to build and fund a new fence at the Octagon Barn Center!

08/10/2022

Join us for our open house and art show with tours, food and shaved ice!

08/05/2022

The Milking Parlor is the perfect space for your staff retreat. COVID-conscious groups will love the open windows with lots of space to distance. Screen, projector, speakers, microphones, a kitchenette all included to make your day a breeze.
Thanks to the board for all their hard work making what we do possible!

08/01/2022

Congratulations to Sarunas and Kristen, the first couple to be married on site here at the Historic Octagon Barn! We wish you a long and happy life together!
Photographer Michelle Lara Photography
Coordinator

Photos from The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County's post

07/19/2022

Check out these great photos from a recent event in our Courtyard by The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County!

07/16/2022

The perfect canvas for your dream wedding

04/22/2022

Get your networking on here at the Historic Octagon Barn! Prices go up soon, don't wait

Be sure to get your tickets before the price goes up!!

Save $5 on your ticket now through 4/25.

This event is going to be amazing, you won’t want to miss it!

All proceeds will be going to help and their amazing cause.

Member News | "Meet SLO Village At The Octagon Barn" Set For May 10

04/19/2022

We are so excited to be hosting SLO Village on May 10th! Currently full, but you can join the waitlist!

Member News | "Meet SLO Village At The Octagon Barn" Set For May 10 SLO Village and the Land Conservancy of SLO County will be at the Octagon Barn on Tuesday, May 10.

04/01/2022

The poppies are poppin' off here at the Historic Octagon Barn!

02/24/2022

We are excited about this upcoming event open to the public being held here at the Octagon Barn Center!

02/11/2022

This heat spell has us reminiscing on this amazing photo of our frosty barn with a peaking around! Thanks Mike Bush of Los Osos for sharing!

10 Most Popular Wedding Venues in San Luis Obispo, CA (2021)

01/21/2022

We are SO proud to be named in the 10 Most Popular Wedding Venues in San Luis Obispo by Wedding Rule! Rustic setting with modern amenities, minutes from town. Schedule your tour today.

10 Most Popular Wedding Venues in San Luis Obispo, CA (2021) EDITOR'S CHOICE: We've handpicked the best of the best wedding venues in San Luis Obispo CA to help you pick the right one for your big day.

01/13/2022

A local business that has supported the Octagon Barn Center.

01/06/2022

As your local land trust we are so grateful to be surrounded by businesses looking to do good in our community. Thank you American Riviera Bank for your ongoing support of The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County, the Octagon Barn Center and our local lands and wildlife!