The impact of a heartfelt community event



The Carlsbad Village Association works daily to benefit the businesses downtown while also branding Carlsbad Village as a premier destination. Whether through its weekly certified organic farmers market, movies under the stars at Flicks at the Fountain, or its Small Business Saturday celebration, increasing foot traffic and elevating business awareness is central to all we do.



One of our most impactful community events – Hearts of Carlsbad Village – is a perfect example of how one single day can leave a lasting impression.

“Lifelong memories were made today. Thank you for pouring your heart into this event.” What started as a way to encourage people to return to downtown Carlsbad to shop, dine and play, following the pandemic, has turned into an annual tradition that draws over two thousand people to the Village on one very special day of exploration.

On February 8th a total of 300 gorgeous blown glass hearts, created by Barrio Glassworks, Families, couples, and kids of all ages light up with joy at the annual Hearts of Carlsbad Village—just look at those smiles! buzzing, and retail stores were busy. And the Heart of the Village Blood Drive ran concurrently, collecting 68 pints of life-saving blood. were hidden by 30 stealthy volunteers in plain sight throughout a designated area in the Village. The hearts, valued at $10,500, were found by young and old alike; people searching included couples, families, mother and son duos, and a lot of very enthusiastic four-legged friends. To make the day even better, 28 Village businesses participated in our “Sweet Savings” program offering dining specials and shopping discounts to the eager hunters. Restaurants were full, coffee shops were buzzing, and retail stores were busy. And the Heart of the Village Blood Drive ran concurrently, collecting 68 pints of life-saving blood.

This year four businesses, including Handel’s Ice Cream, GelatoLove, and Village Faire Shopping Center, sponsored 120 custom hearts that were created with the brand color and logo of each business. Their sponsorship, along with a placemaking grant from Visit Carlsbad, helped make this free community event possible.

What sets Carlsbad Village apart from other coastal towns, where the competition for shopping, dining, and playing is very real, is its community character and willingness to collaborate. Not every coastal town can so seamlessly blend both Michelin-starred dining and Village-wide scavenger hunts, or luxury ocean view accommodations along with safe business-to-business trick or treating. But, somehow, Carlsbad Village pulls it off with ease.