Building community through Carlsbad events



Events have the power to transform communities. From temporary pop-up markets to large art festivals, local events provide opportunities to bring people together, stimulate economic growth, and celebrate unique traditions. Events create a network where you can connect and build relationships with others. These benefits extend well beyond the event itself, leaving a lasting impact on the community. And you. That is why the Carlsbad Village Association is proud to host a wide variety of events in downtown Carlsbad, all designed to build community while also putting a well-deserved spotlight on the hundreds of small businesses in the heart of our city. In addition to the State Street Farmers Market, now in its 31st year of operation, which runs 52 weeks per year (rain or shine), CVA programs downtown Carlsbad with 30 additional community events from January through to December. And 28 of them are completely free and open to the public! While it’s impossible to highlight all of them here, below are a few new and notable ones.



THE HEART OF THE VILLAGE BLOOD DRIVE The Heart of the Village Blood Drive (Sat., Feb. 8th from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm) is back with two mobile buses and we would love your help making an impact. To date, CVA’s blood drives have helped collect enough blood to save 966 lives. This year we want to push it over the 1,000 mark. Every donor will walk away with a complimentary Handel’s Ice Cream Cone Card and other goodies as our way of saying thank you! Schedule your appointment while spots are still available.

THE TASTE OF CARLSBAD VILLAGE The Taste of Carlsbad Village – Spring Edition (Sat., May 17th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm) is our newest addition and one that you don’t want to miss. With the incredible response each year to our Fall Taste of Carlsbad Village, with 1,000 tickets selling out in just 44 minutes this past October, we realized it was time to add a sister event. This May, the Spring Taste of Carlsbad Village will feature brunch at downtown Carlsbad’s best eateries. For one price you can sip and taste your way through the sweet and savory brunch menus of your dreams. Tickets will sell out fast, so keep an eye out for more details coming soon.

CARLSBAD VILLAGE CLEANUPS Carlsbad Village Cleanups – this year the Carlsbad Village Association, along with sponsors Handel’s Ice Cream, Pure Project Carlsbad, and Baba Coffee, are hosting six cleanups. Incredibly dedicated volunteers will help pick up hundreds of pounds of trash from our downtown streets adding to the 2,990 pounds of trash already collected! This family-focused event is a hit with the kids who are eager to chip in and do their part. New this year is a contest for the person, family, or business that gathers the most trash throughout 2025. Winners will receive free trash service from Republic Services and wonderful prizes from downtown businesses.

From its open-air art show in its 27th year to movies under the stars a new holiday weekend extravaganza, and so much more, the Carlsbad Village Association is looking forward to an adventure-packed 2025 with memorable events for locals and visitors alike. If you are not already receiving our weekly eNewsletter, please visit us online at carlsbad-village.com and subscribe. And follow us @carlsbadvillage for the very latest updates.

Thank you for supporting the small businesses in downtown Carlsbad. We look forward to seeing you in the Village soon!