Looking for a memorable weekend of live music, wine, art and outdoor fun on California's Central Coast? The Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival returns September 19–20, 2026, bringing two days of music, wine and community to the vineyards of Paso Robles wine country.
Held at Castoro Cellars' Whale Rock Vineyard in Templeton, just outside Paso Robles, Whale Rock combines a diverse live music lineup with local wine, craft beverages, food, arts and family-friendly activities. The festival is an especially appealing destination for visitors looking for things to do in Paso Robles in September.
The 2026 festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20. Doors open at noon both days, with music continuing into the evening. The event is family friendly and welcomes music fans of all ages.
Whale Rock Music Festival 2026 at a Glance
Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival is a two-day vineyard music festival featuring multiple stages, live performances, wine and craft beverages, local artists, yoga, children's activities, food trucks and more.
The 2026 festival takes place at Castoro Cellars' Whale Rock Vineyard, located at 1315 North Bethel Road in Templeton, California. Although the festival is commonly promoted as a Paso Robles event, the venue itself is in Templeton, making it an easy addition to a Paso Robles wine country weekend.
Dates: September 19–20, 2026
Location: Castoro Cellars Vineyards & Winery, 1315 N. Bethel Road, Templeton, CA 93465
Hours: Doors open at 12 p.m. each day, with live music scheduled through 10 p.m.
Ages: All ages are welcome. Children ages 4 and under are complimentary with a paid adult ticket, while children ages 5–12 have discounted admission.
Camping: There is no onsite camping at the festival, although campgrounds, hotels and RV parks are available throughout the area.
Live Music at Whale Rock Music Festival
Music is at the heart of Whale Rock, and the 2026 lineup offers a wide variety of sounds across two stages. From indie rock and Americana to funk, soul, Latin music, bluegrass and electronic music, the festival is designed to give attendees plenty of opportunities to discover new artists while enjoying established performers.
Saturday, September 19 Lineup
Saturday's headliner is Local Natives, scheduled to perform at 8 p.m. The Southern California band is known for its layered arrangements, harmonies and energetic indie-rock sound.
Saturday's lineup also includes Cimafunk, Dylan Chambers, Sway Wild and Wolf Jett. The Stomping Grounds Stage adds performances from Dante Marsh & The Vibe Setters, Andy Arthur Smith, Late for the Train and Sweet Sally.
With performances beginning around noon and continuing into the evening, Saturday gives festivalgoers a full day to explore the vineyard, listen to live music, enjoy local beverages and take in the festival atmosphere.
Sunday, September 20 Lineup
Sunday's featured performance comes from Larkin Poe, scheduled for 7 p.m. The sister duo brings a blend of blues, rock and Americana to the Whale Rock stage.
Other Sunday performers include Rayland Baxter, Gaby Moreno, Polyrhythmics featuring Adryon De Leon and Wolf Jett. The Stomping Grounds Stage features Elysian Moon, Samba Loca, Josh Rosenblum and Cate Armstrong.
Sunday's lineup gives visitors another full day of music and activities, with performances spread across the festival grounds before the weekend concludes with evening music.
Wine, Craft Beer and Food in the Vineyard
One of the biggest draws of Whale Rock Music Festival is its setting in the Paso Robles wine country. Festivalgoers can enjoy Castoro Cellars wines while listening to live music among the vines.
The festival also features local craft beer, cider, kombucha and spirits from Bethel Road Distillery. Food trucks are available onsite, giving visitors plenty of options to enjoy a meal or snack without leaving the festival.
For wine lovers, the combination of live music and Central Coast wine makes Whale Rock a natural choice for a September getaway to Paso Robles and the surrounding wine region.
More Than a Music Festival
Whale Rock is designed as a broader arts and community experience rather than simply a concert. In addition to the music stages, the festival offers yoga, arts and crafts, a kids area, a silent disco, an artist lounge, a whale museum and other activities.
The festival's official ticket information also highlights a sunset lounge with pop-up music, cooling areas and other spaces where visitors can take a break between performances.
A Family-Friendly Paso Robles Event
Families looking for things to do in Paso Robles can include Whale Rock in their Central Coast weekend plans. The festival welcomes all ages, and children's activities are available in Kit's Corner.
Children 4 and under can attend free with a paid adult ticket, while children ages 5–12 have discounted tickets. Alcoholic beverages are restricted to guests who are 21 or older.
The Story Behind Whale Rock Music Festival
Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival has its roots in a Paso Robles wine country family and a celebration that began more than a decade ago.
Niels and Bimmer Udsen founded Castoro Cellars in 1983. In 2013, they joined sons Luke and Max and daughter-in-law Lauren to celebrate the winery's 30th anniversary with a special party called Beaverstock.
The celebration proved so popular that the family decided to turn it into an annual event. Beaverstock continued to grow, reaching approximately 4,000 attendees in 2016.
In 2017, the festival adopted its current name, Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival, inspired by the Whale Rock Vineyard where the event takes place. While the name changed, the festival's emphasis on music, community, arts and wine continued.
The festival's history and connection to the local community remain an important part of the event's identity.
A Festival That Gives Back to the Community
Whale Rock is also a benefit event supporting music education in the Templeton community. The 2026 festival benefits the Templeton Instrumental Music Boosters Association, which works directly with the Templeton Unified School District music program.
The festival's charitable roots go back to its first event, when proceeds were donated to MUST! Charities, a local nonprofit supporting children in the community. The Udsen family subsequently continued its charitable efforts by supporting organizations including the Templeton Education Foundation and Templeton High School Band.
According to the festival's official history, contributions over the years have totaled more than $150,000.
What to Know Before You Go
Bring a Chair or Blanket
Festival seating is not provided, so guests are encouraged to bring low-back chairs and blankets. This can make it easier to settle in for a full afternoon and evening of music.
Plan for a Full Day
With music beginning around noon and continuing until 10 p.m., attendees can expect a long day of entertainment. Arriving early also gives you time to explore the festival grounds, grab food and beverages, and find a comfortable place to enjoy the performances.
There Is No Onsite Camping
Visitors planning a weekend trip should arrange accommodations before arriving. Whale Rock does not offer onsite camping, but hotels, campgrounds and RV parks are available throughout the surrounding area.
Consider Making It a Paso Robles Wine Country Weekend
Because Whale Rock takes place in the Paso Robles wine country, the festival can easily be combined with a larger Central Coast getaway. Visitors can explore Paso Robles wineries, restaurants, downtown attractions and other local destinations before or after the festival.
For visitors coming from Ventura County, Santa Barbara County or San Luis Obispo County, Whale Rock is also a convenient opportunity to enjoy a weekend closer to home while experiencing one of the Central Coast's popular music and wine events.
Whale Rock Music Festival Tickets
Tickets are available for individual festival days as well as a two-day weekend pass. The festival also offers discounted tickets for students and children, and children ages 4 and under are admitted free with a paid adult ticket.
Early access passes are available as an additional option for guests who want to enter the festival grounds one hour before general admission. Priority parking is also offered as an add-on for those who want parking closer to the festival entrance.
Because ticket prices, availability and festival details can change, visitors should check the official Whale Rock Music Festival website before making plans or purchasing tickets. Tickets are also available using our Evvnt powered platform link below.
Why Whale Rock Is Worth the Trip
There are plenty of music festivals in California, but Whale Rock has a distinctly Central Coast personality. The combination of live music, vineyards, local wine, food, art and a relaxed outdoor setting creates an experience that feels right at home in Paso Robles wine country.
For locals, it is an opportunity to enjoy a major music weekend without traveling far from the Central Coast. For visitors, it is a chance to pair a live music festival with a Paso Robles wine country getaway.
Whether you come for Local Natives and Larkin Poe, the diverse supporting lineup, the wine, the food, the family activities or simply the atmosphere, Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival offers plenty of reasons to spend September 19–20, 2026, enjoying music among the vines.
Whale Rock Music Festival 2026 FAQs
When is Whale Rock Music Festival 2026?
Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday, September 19–20, 2026.
Where is Whale Rock Music Festival located?
The festival is held at Castoro Cellars' Whale Rock Vineyard at 1315 N. Bethel Road in Templeton, California, in the Paso Robles wine country.
What time does Whale Rock Music Festival start?
Doors open at noon on both Saturday and Sunday. Live music continues through the evening, with performances scheduled until 10 p.m.
Who is playing at Whale Rock Music Festival in 2026?
The 2026 lineup includes Local Natives, Larkin Poe, Cimafunk, Rayland Baxter, Gaby Moreno, Polyrhythmics featuring Adryon De Leon, Wolf Jett, Dylan Chambers, Sway Wild and numerous other performers across two stages.
Is Whale Rock Music Festival family friendly?
Yes. Whale Rock is an all-ages, family-friendly festival. Children 4 and under are complimentary with a paid adult ticket, and discounted tickets are available for children ages 5–12.
Can children attend Whale Rock Music Festival?
Yes. Children are welcome at the festival. The event includes a kids area and activities in Kit's Corner. Children ages 4 and under are admitted free with a paid adult ticket.
Can I buy wine or beer at Whale Rock Music Festival?
Yes. The festival offers Castoro Cellars wines, local craft beer, cider, kombucha and Bethel Road spirits. Guests must be 21 or older to purchase alcoholic beverages.
Is there camping at Whale Rock Music Festival?
No. There is no onsite camping at Whale Rock Music Festival. Hotels, campgrounds and RV parks are available in the surrounding area.
Can I bring a chair to Whale Rock Music Festival?
Yes. Low-back chairs and blankets are welcome. The festival does not provide seating, so bringing your own seating is recommended.
What is the history of Whale Rock Music Festival?
The festival began in 2013 as Beaverstock, a 30th anniversary celebration for Castoro Cellars. The event became an annual festival and was renamed Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival in 2017.
What charity does Whale Rock Music Festival support?
The 2026 festival benefits the Templeton Instrumental Music Boosters Association, which works directly with the Templeton Unified School District music program.
Plan Your Whale Rock Music Festival Weekend
Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival is one of the Central Coast's unique combinations of live music, wine and outdoor entertainment. Mark September 19–20, 2026, on your calendar and make plans to enjoy a weekend in the Paso Robles wine country.
For the latest lineup, schedule, ticket information and festival updates, visit the official Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival website before your trip.
Find Local Hotels Near Whale Rock Music Festival
If you are traveling to Paso Robles for Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival, booking a nearby hotel makes it easy to enjoy the full weekend without worrying about a long drive home after the music and wine festivities.
Search and book local hotels, resorts, and other accommodations through our Trip.com link. By booking through our link, you can find a place to stay near Paso Robles while also supporting In 805, a local publication dedicated to connecting visitors and residents with the people, places, businesses, and events that make the 805 region special.
Whether you are looking for a hotel in Paso Robles, Templeton, Atascadero, or another nearby community, compare available accommodations and choose the location and amenities that work best for your Whale Rock Music Festival weekend.
Booking your stay through our Trip.com link is a simple way to support In 805 while planning your visit to the Central Coast.
Published September 14, 2026, In 805 Media (in805.com)