By Christine Davis Program Manager Carlsbad Village Association

The much-anticipated Flicks at the Fountain, movies under the stars, returns to Carlsbad Village Thursday nights in July and August. To many locals and regular visitors, this is their favorite event of the year in the Village.

Grab a low-backed chair, a light blanket, and gather up your friends and family for a night out at the movies. The parking lot tucked behind the iconic fountain at the corner of Grand Avenue and State Street becomes a cozy theater for the night, for movie-goers of all ages. 

Pack a picnic dinner for dining al fresco or, if tight on time or looking for something new, take a short stroll into the Village to visit one of the many restaurants nearby for a bite to eat or dinner-to-go. On any given movie night, it’s not uncommon to see dozens of pizzas being delivered to the fountain parking lot.

Flicks at the Fountain is not a new event to the village. The Carlsbad Village Association has been hosting this free, family-friendly, community event for years. It continues to grow in popularity, however, and soon might outgrow its quaint venue. Generous sponsorships from chamber members Ampersand, Clever Element, Coolest Shoes in California, Dancin’ Soul, and Humble Olive Oils, along with village businesses Beach City Smoothies, HomeLife Village Realtors, Roosevelt Pizzeria, and The UPS Store helped make this summer’s event possible.

With animated blockbuster Zootopia, that grossed over $1 billion worldwide showing, along with Academy Award-winning Inside Out, the Flicks at the Fountain playlist is sure to please. Field of Dreams, one of the most popular baseball movies of all time, is guaranteed to draw a large crowd. And the 1960’s adventure classic, Swiss Family Robinson, will definitely be a first for many young movie-goers. There are eight movies in all with each being rated either G or PG.

The large format, inflatable screen, high quality sound and DLP/HD projection provides for a top-notch viewing experience. The same production company that puts on the highly-regarded La Costa Film Festival at the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa handles Flicks at the Fountain.

Movies start at dusk but seating begins at 6:00 p.m. Come claim your spot in the fountain lot, and don’t let this memorable summer experience pass you and your family by.

While you are in the village, be sure to notice the new curb café on State Street in front of Vigilucci’s Gourmet Market. With the addition of several new curb cafes to enhance outdoor dining, four new restaurants opening this summer, and a new winery just newly opened, Carlsbad Village will become your new favorite destination of choice for dining and playing in Carlsbad.