28 years of creativity at the coast

For nearly three decades, the Carlsbad Village Association’s Art in the Village has transformed downtown Carlsbad into a vibrant, open-air gallery—where creativity spills onto the streets, and the coastal breeze carries the sounds of live music and artistic expression. Returning Sunday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., this beloved tradition continues to grow, bringing more artists, more performances, and more immersive experiences than ever before.

This year’s event will feature 160 juried fine artists representing an impressive range of mediums—from oil, watercolor, and mixed media to glasswork, sculpture, jewelry, and photography. Artists travel from across the West Coast and beyond—including Baja, Oregon, Arizona, Utah, and even Hawaii—making this a truly regional showcase with a distinctly coastal soul. Guests are invited to stroll along State Street and Grand Avenue, just steps from Carlsbad State Beach, meeting artists in their booths and purchasing one-of-a-kind works directly from the creators themselves.

But Art in the Village is more than an art show—it’s a full sensory celebration. Live music fills the air from the State Street Main Stage and throughout the event, while live demonstrations bring art to life in real time. This year, local artist Taylor Gallegos will create a mural live during the event, offering visitors a rare chance to witness a large-scale work unfold before their eyes. Sculptors will shape their pieces alongside live models, and chalk artists will transform pavement into vivid, temporary masterpieces. Attendees can also experience innovation up close with a display from Aptera Motors, showcasing their groundbreaking solar-powered electric vehicle.

Families will find plenty to explore, including a free interactive art pavilion hosted by the City of Carlsbad Cultural Arts, along with face painting and hands-on creative activities for children.

Set against the backdrop of Carlsbad Village’s thriving culinary scene—where coffee houses, wine bars, craft breweries, and restaurants are just steps away—the event creates an atmosphere that is as social as it is artistic. Each year, approximately 10,000 attendees come not only to admire and purchase art, but to shop, dine, and experience the Village in full swing—making Art in the Village a powerful driver of economic vitality for local small businesses and a highlight of the summer season.