Get ready for a year of Main Street fun
Central to everything the Carlsbad Village Association (CVA) does is to brand downtown Carlsbad as a premier destination. In doing so, CVA supports the several hundred small businesses in Carlsbad Village. One key way we showcase our downtown businesses is through unique events. CVA’s certified organic farmers market and approximately 30 additional events draw tens of thousands of people downtown each year. Here are a few of our events that you don’t want to miss:
Carlsbad’s downtown farmers market is turning 30 this year! From humble beginnings in a parking lot on Roosevelt Street, it has enjoyed a decade being front and center in the heart of Carlsbad Village on State Street. Businesses on State Street and the surrounding area receive a weekly boost with the market’s annual attendance of roughly 150,000 people per year with both locals and visitors relying on it week after week. The State Street Farmers Market hosts over 60 independent and family-owned businesses every week starting at 2:30pm with local produce, flowers, seafood, meat, eggs, artisan foods, and international hot food to-go too.
In February CVA celebrates Valentine’s Day by packing the Village with a two-day “hunt” for glass blown hearts created by Barrio Glassworks, and a double-bus blood drive during Hearts of Carlsbad Village. This is not only a local’s favorite, but it also serves as a tourism campaign with the help of Visit Carlsbad and area hotels, drawing a couple thousand people downtown for a weekend of fun.
CVA continues to expand its juried, fine art show, Art in the Village, that has been bringing exceptional local and regional art to the Village for over two decades. In addition to offering 115 art booths, over 20 local musicians fill our downtown streets with music, as close to 10,000 people enjoy this exceptional open-air art experience.
The summer would not be complete without Flicks at the Fountain, a unique event that celebrates community on every level. For five consecutive Thursday nights in July and August, a couple hundred people pack the fountain parking lot at the corner of Grand and State for a night of free movies under the stars. This family-friendly event is a local’s favorite that has been going strong for over a decade.
Taste of Carlsbad Village is CVA’s signature event that has helped shine a bright spotlight on the incredible dining and beverage scene in downtown Carlsbad. It celebrates everything from its fast casual eateries to its Michelin starred dining. This ticketed event introduces 1,000 foodies to nearly 40 Village restaurants and 15 beverage providers during one epic culinary night. Tickets go on sale around Labor Day weekend and sell out in a matter of hours due to its popularity.
CVA’s newest way to celebrate downtown Carlsbad and brand it for lasting impressions is through its Carlsbad Village merchandise. Combining the most beloved elements of our downtown from its iconic street sign to the seven miles of pristine beach, we encourage people to Experience the Village with our t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, onesies, tote bags, ball caps, license plates, and even dog bandanas. Carlsbad branded merchandise is on sale at the weekly farmers market and at CVA’s office at 2695 State Street.
Every Carlsbad Village Association event or activation is designed to help increase the awareness of downtown Carlsbad and showcase its small businesses to keep “Mainstreet” thriving. We are looking forward to a robust year of programming in 2024.
Visit carlsbad-village.com for a list of this year’s new and signature events. And we look forward to seeing you in the Village soon!