A year of connection and community

With a new year comes a fresh wave of motivation. Maybe you’re planning to eat healthier, move more, or finally carve out time for a long-lost hobby. But here’s something you may not have considered: getting involved in your community might be one of the best things you can do for your health.

Decades of research across public health, psychology, and sociology consistently show that community connection boosts both physical and mental well-being. When we feel part of something bigger, stress levels drop, and our sense of purpose grows. People who volunteer or engage in community activities report greater happiness, deeper fulfillment, and stronger resilience. And at a time when loneliness is increasingly recognized as a serious health concern, community involvement offers powerful protection.

Here in downtown Carlsbad, the Carlsbad Village Association hosts more than 80 events each year. Yes, they encourage visitors to shop, dine, and explore—but they’ve always been about much more than foot traffic. These events are designed to spark meaningful moments of connection.

Whether you’re pitching in at a Village clean-up on a sunny Saturday morning or bumping into old friends at the farmers market on a classic 70-degree afternoon, Carlsbad Village is a place where community truly comes to life. So grab your calendar and mark down a few highlights in the first half of 2026—and make this your year of connection.

State Street Farmers Market
— Every Wednesday at 2:30pm

With more than 60 vendors offering fresh seafood, meats, cheeses, baked goods, produce, flowers, honey, nuts, and more, the Farmers Market is a weekly tradition. Hot food-to-go also makes it the perfect solution for nights you’d rather spend with family than in the kitchen.

Carlsbad Village Clean-Up — Saturday, January 10th

Kick off the year with purpose. So far, volunteers have removed 4,554 pounds of trash from downtown—and we’re just getting started. Thanks to support from Handel’s Ice Cream and Pure Project Carlsbad, these clean-ups continue to make a real impact.

Hearts of Carlsbad Village — Saturday, February 14th

Featuring the artistry of Barrio Glassworks, this beautiful and beloved event is returning with an all-new format. Keep an eye out for details—you won’t want to miss the creative twists in store.

Heart of the Village Blood Drive – Saturday, February 14th

Thanks to the generosity of our community donors, we’ve collected enough blood to help save 1,034 lives. It’s a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together. We’re grateful for the chance to make such a meaningful impact—and we’d love for you to be a part of it.

Taste of Carlsbad Village: Brunch Edition — Saturday, May 16th

Back by popular demand! Our newest culinary event celebrates the vibrant brunch scene in downtown Carlsbad. Last year’s debut sold out quickly, and we expect the same this time around.

Art in the Village — Sunday, June 28th

Now in its 28th year, this open-air fine art festival is bigger than ever, with an expanded venue, more artists, and over a dozen artistic mediums on display. Add live music, and you have a signature Carlsbad experience.

As we step into a new year, these events offer more than just things to do—they offer opportunities to feel connected, supported, and part of something meaningful. When you show up for your community, you nurture your own well-being too. So join us, get involved, and experience firsthand how belonging to your Village can be one of the healthiest choices you make. For additional details on these events and many more, please visit carlsbad-village.com and click on the Events tab.