Carlsbad events worth the hype
Imagine Louisville without the Kentucky Derby. Or New Orleans without Mardi Gras. Or even Indio without Coachella.
Sure, you can picture it. But arguably, these events are part of the fabric of these cities. They’ve helped put these places on the map.
Here in Carlsbad, we have several events that have done that for us. Year after year, they serve as a critical way to generate tourism—and the many economic benefits that come from that. They’re also a great reminder of why we’re so lucky to call Carlsbad home.
Carlsbad offers a steady stream of top-notch events, but springtime is one of my favorite times to soak them in. Here’s a round-up of some of the not-to-be missed events happening soon:
Carlsbad Music Festival
April 22, 2023
Now in its 19th year, the Carlsbad Music Festival has long been billed as ‘adventurous music by the sea;’ and proclaimed “one of the area’s most innovative music showcases” by KPBS. Not so surprisingly, the event draws thousands every year. After this April, the next festival won’t be until this fall, however the organizers are offering Eclectic Lawn concerts throughout the year.
The next Eclectric Lawn concert is slated for April 22 from noon to 6 p.m. While organizers haven’t announced who will be featured, you can bet it’ll be something that makes you want to move. For example, last year’s Carlsbad Music Festival featured a New Orleans-style brass band, Latin orquesta, and psychedelic-soul group.
Carlsbad 5000
April 2, 2023
Dubbed the ‘world’s fastest 5K’, the Carlsbad 5000 is perhaps one of the region’s most loved races—thanks to a largely flat course and dazzling ocean views most of the way.
The event attracts about 11,500 spectators and 8,000 runners, including world-class international athletes. In fact, past champions have included marathon gold medalist Eluid Kipchoge and former American marathon record holder Deena Kastor, just to name a few. 
Carlsbad Village Street Faire
May 7, 2023
Twice per year, this sprawling event draws more than 100,000 people to Carlsbad—and with good reason. The bi-annual event features more than 900 vendors offering a variety of local and international artisan-crafted goods, clothing, accessories, art, jewelry and antiques. There’s also a beer garden with live entertainment, children’s rides and activities, and an international food court.
The 48th annual event has become so popular, in fact, that people come from other states to enjoy it. Some even plan their vacations around it, according to the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, which hosts the event. Remarkably, this Carlsbad event has grown to become the “largest one-day street faire in the nation,” according to its website.
No doubt, when you consider the collective impact of these events, it’s tremendous. Not only do they enrich our local culture, but they keep our local economy strong.