Pioneer Day is one of Paso's greatest celebrations and oldest traditions, bringing visitors and longtime locals together for a day full of festivities, history, and beans. Take a trip to old California during this event-packed day of family fun.
The 89th annual Paso Robles Pioneer Day will return Saturday, October 12th 2019. This gratuitous event is constructed for the whole family to enjoy. During this celebration of history and tradition, downtown Paso Robles is transformed into the old west, with multiple throwback activities that are all spearheaded by a grand parade running down Spring Street, paying homage to the pioneers of our past.
Festivities kickoff at 8 a.m. with a children’s pet show followed by a little cowboy/cowgirl contest at 8:30 a.m; but we recommend arriving early if you want to get a sneak peak at the traditional bean cooking, the cauldrons are almost four feet high! All this and more happening in the Downtown City Park.
The star of the show is of course the Pioneer Day parade. Beginning at 10 a.m. and starting at 16th and Spring Street, four blocks from prime viewing location at the City Park. The parade enables visitors to step into history and view antique tractors, vintage cars, and horse-drawn wagons as marching bands, mounted equestrian groups, dancers, and floats add to the traditional flavor.
Following the parade, visitors are invited to relax in the park, enjoy a delicious meal at the free bean feed, and participate in the remaining activities of the day!
Plan your day with this full schedule of Pioneer Day Events:
- 7:00 Traditional Bean Cooking Begins - Downtown City Park
- 8:00 Children’s Pet Show/Little Cowboy/Cowgirl & Pioneer boy/girl contest - Downtown City Park Gazebo
- 10:00 PIONEER DAY PARADE - Starts at 16th & Spring St.
- 12:00 Free Bean Feed - City Park, bring your pots!
- 12:00 Carnegie Library/Historical Musem Opens - City Park
- 12:00 Pioneer Museum Activities (2010 Riverside Ave.)
- Tractor Demonstration
- Old Gas Engine Show
- Antique Equipment Display
- Wagon & Tractor Display - 12:30 Concert: The Carolyn Sills Combo - City Park Gazebo
- 1:00 Wiskerino Contest - Carnegie Library
- 1:00 Horseshoe Pitching Contest - City Park
- 1:00 Gymkhana - PR Event Center
About Paso Robles Pioneer Day: The first Pioneer Day was held on October 12, 1931. It was organized by community volunteers working with generous donations of time, materials and money from individuals, businesses, churches and service organizations. Their goal was to provide a day of community friendship and a commemoration of the heritage of the Paso Robles area.
It would also become a day set aside to say "Thank You" to all of the people who support the business and professional community of the area throughout the year. Most businesses closed so that their employees could enjoy and participate in the activities and family reunions. There were to be no charges for any of the events, no commercial concessions and lunch would be provided at no cost.
Learn more about Paso Robles Pioneer Day HERE
