October is National Arts and Humanities Month

On Oct. 6, the City Council is set to proclaim October as “National Arts and Humanities Month” in the City of Carlsbad. Organized as a national celebration by Americans for the Arts, this year’s theme, “Stories Unite Us,” recognizes that stories have the power to connect us—to reveal who we are, where we’ve been, and who we aspire to become. Across the nation, artists, educators, veterans, arts administrators, and community leaders are using creativity to strengthen democracy, fuel our economy, and tell America’s story.

Every day we hear stories of how the arts make life better in Carlsbad, thanks to the city’s longstanding investments in arts and culture. The City of Carlsbad launched its Art in Public Places program in 1985 to create opportunities to bring the community together and enhance quality of life. When the program was launched 41 years ago, it was the first of its kind in San Diego County. Since then, the city has installed 35 permanent public art pieces in parks, city buildings, street medians, and other public spaces throughout Carlsbad.

Creating opportunities for local artists to connect with Carlsbad residents continues to be a priority for the city, as one way we are delivering on the City Council’s 5-Year Strategic Plan goal of strengthening community character and connectedness. 

This year, the city is creating another opportunity for community members to connect to the arts with the return of the popular Cannon Biennial Exhibition.

Resuming after a five-year hiatus, this exhibition will showcase the work of dozens of emerging and established regional artists under the theme “everywhere home.” The exhibition invites artists to explore the many facets of what it is to feel at home, a deeply personal experience that varies for everyone. A wide variety of artistic mediums will be displayed in the exhibition, from paint and photography to sculpture and fiber art.

Cannon Biennial Exhibition

Oct. 23, 2026 through Jan. 3, 2027

William D. Cannon Art Gallery 

1775 Dove Lane

The community is invited to vote for their favorite artwork, and the artist will receive a “Community Choice” cash prize, courtesy of the Carlsbad Library and Arts Foundation, during a reception on November 7. Additional interactive events will be scheduled throughout the fall, offering a chance to meet the artists, learn about different art styles and mediums, and create your own artwork.  

The city’s Library & Cultural Arts Department is also presenting a wide variety of free arts events, perfect for all ages. Programs take place at Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Lane.

Front Row Saturday:
Memphis Soul Revue of San Diego

Oct. 10 at 5 p.m.

Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium

This dynamic 10-piece San Diego ensemble delivers a high-energy celebration of timeless hits guaranteed to get audiences moving, grooving, and singing along. 

Saturdays in the Courtyard:
Frank Lazzaro and the Middle-Earth Ensemble

Oct. 24 at 5 p.m.

Ann Kulchin Courtyard

Blending Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Mediterranean influences with dynamic percussion and live belly dance, this colorful outdoor performance is full of movement, energy, and world music flair.

Cinema Club

Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium

Free film screenings on Wednesdays and Fridays at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Find out what’s playing at www.carlsbadca.gov/cinematic-arts

For more information,
visit www.carlsbadca.gov/culturalarts