60 upcoming events near Carlsbad — concerts, theater, markets, library programs and more. Free to browse; each links to the source.
Theater & film
June 5 through July 19, 2026
Evenings 7:30 p.m., matinees 2 p.m.
New Village Arts Theatre, Carlsbad Village · Carlsbad, CA
New Village Arts Theatre, Carlsbad Village
You can see the big-hearted, high-energy musical Hairspray in a multi-week run at New Village Arts in Carlsbad Village.
Senior programs
A day in June 2026
10 a.m.
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane · Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane
You can learn how to spot and stop scams that target older adults at this free fraud-prevention workshop at the library.
Senior programs
A day in June 2026
2 p.m.
Carlsbad Senior Center (Spreckels Center) · Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad Senior Center (Spreckels Center)
You can sharpen your camera, phone and computer skills in this free technology class geared to older adults.
Classes & arts
A day in June 2026
11 a.m.
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane · Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane
You can hear two local artists discuss their work and process in this free gallery talk at the library.
Lifelong learning
Monthly (e.g. May 16, June 2026)
1 p.m.
Georgina Cole Library · Carlsbad, CA
Georgina Cole Library
You can compare notes on DNA testing and genetic genealogy with other family-history buffs at this free monthly meetup.
Lifelong learning
A Saturday in June 2026
11 a.m.
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane · Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane
You can meet area authors, browse their books and chat about writing at this free annual library author fair.
Food festivals
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Evening
Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Campus, Carlsbad · Carlsbad, CA
Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Campus, Carlsbad
You can dress up for a disco-themed evening of dining and dancing at the lagoon foundation's annual fundraising gala.
Music & concerts
Sunday, June 21, 2026
From 10 a.m.
Museum of Making Music, Carlsbad · Carlsbad, CA
Museum of Making Music, Carlsbad
You can join free hands-on music activities and performances at the Museum of Making Music for the global Make Music Day celebration.
Music & concerts
Saturday in June 2026
5 p.m.
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane · Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane
You can hear a free chamber music performance by the San Diego Chamber Music Society in the library's Front Row Saturday series.
Music & concerts
Saturday, May 23, 2026
5 p.m.
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane · Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane
You can enjoy a free ukulele performance by the New Sunset Strummers in the library's Front Row Saturday concert series.
Music & concerts
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Evening
New Village Arts Theatre, Carlsbad Village · Carlsbad, CA
New Village Arts Theatre, Carlsbad Village
You can hear roots and blues musicians Nathan James and Ross Garren play an intimate live set at New Village Arts.
Dance & fitness
Fridays (June through summer)
8:30 a.m.
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane · Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane
You can practice gentle tai chi designed to improve balance and prevent falls in this free weekly Friday morning class at the library.
Music & concerts
Friday, August 14, 2026
Site opens 4 p.m., concert 6 to 8 p.m.
Alga Norte Community Park · Carlsbad, CA
Alga Norte Community Park
You can dance to 80s hits performed by Flashpants at this free outdoor evening concert in Carlsbad.
Pickleball & rec
Ongoing weekly (check center schedules)
Varies by center
Calavera Hills, Stagecoach and Pine Avenue Community Centers · Carlsbad, CA
Calavera Hills, Stagecoach and Pine Avenue Community Centers
You can drop in for pickleball open play on the indoor and outdoor courts at Carlsbad's community centers throughout the week.
Markets
Every Wednesday
2:30 to 6 p.m. (open an extra hour to 7 p.m. after daylight saving)
State Street between Grand Avenue and Carlsbad Village Drive · Carlsbad, CA
State Street between Grand Avenue and Carlsbad Village Drive
You can stroll a fresh-air grocery store of local produce, fish, cheese, eggs, honey, bread and flowers in the heart of Carlsbad Village every Wednesday afternoon.
Community & civic
First Sunday in May and November
Carlsbad, CA
A huge street fair that takes over the Village twice a year, on the first Sunday in May and the first Sunday in November. There are more than 750 vendors with crafts, food, and music. It is one of the biggest one-day events on the coast.
Music & concerts
Friday, August 21, 2026
Site opens 4 p.m., concert 6 to 8 p.m.
Alga Norte Community Park · Carlsbad, CA
Alga Norte Community Park
You can close out the free summer concert season with the rock and soul sound of Daring Greatly at Alga Norte park.
Senior programs
First Saturdays, June 6, 2026
10 to 11:45 a.m.
Carlsbad Senior Center (Spreckels Center) · Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad Senior Center (Spreckels Center)
You can connect with other family and professional caregivers and share practical support at this free monthly club.
Outdoors & nature
Saturday, May 9, 2026
10 a.m.
Georgina Cole Library, Carlsbad · Carlsbad, CA
Georgina Cole Library, Carlsbad
You can learn inclusive gardening techniques and the mental health benefits of gardening at this free library talk.
Music & concerts
Friday, June 26, 2026
Site opens 4 p.m., concert 6 to 8 p.m.
Stagecoach Community Park · Carlsbad, CA
Stagecoach Community Park
You can settle in for an evening of New Orleans street funk and R&B from the Chunky Hustle Brass Band at this free outdoor park concert.
Lifelong learning
Monthly Thursdays (e.g. May 14, June 2026)
2 p.m.
Georgina Cole Library · Carlsbad, CA
Georgina Cole Library
You can talk books over a relaxed afternoon at the Georgina Cole Library's free monthly Thursday club.
Lifelong learning
Thursdays
1 p.m.
Carlsbad Library Learning Center · Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad Library Learning Center
You can practice conversational Spanish in a relaxed weekly group at the Library Learning Center.
Lifelong learning
Ongoing semester courses
Varies
CSU San Marcos Extended Learning (near Carlsbad) · Carlsbad, CA
CSU San Marcos Extended Learning (near Carlsbad)
You can take relaxed college-level courses in music, art, history, politics and more with no tests or grades through OLLI for adults over 50.
Music & concerts
Friday, July 31, 2026
Site opens 4 p.m., concert 6 to 8 p.m.
Calavera Hills Community Park · Carlsbad, CA
Calavera Hills Community Park
You can revisit 90s alt-rock favorites with the 90's Rockshow at this free outdoor Carlsbad concert.
Community & civic
Saturdays (e.g. June 6, 13, 20, 27, 2026)
2 p.m.
Carlsbad Library Learning Center · Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad Library Learning Center
You can play casual chess with other enthusiasts of all skill levels at this free Saturday afternoon drop-in at the Library Learning Center.
Outdoors & nature
Second Friday each month
Daytime
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, Carlsbad · Carlsbad, CA
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, Carlsbad
You can explore the ranch's gardens and plantings on a free guided botanical tour offered the second Friday of each month.
Music & concerts
1st and 3rd Fridays
9 to 10:30 a.m.
Carlsbad Senior Center (Spreckels Center) · Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad Senior Center (Spreckels Center)
You can play and sing popular songs from the 20s through the 80s at this free intermediate ukulele jam for older adults.
Music & concerts
Thursday, July 30, 2026
7 p.m.
Museum of Making Music, Carlsbad · Carlsbad, CA
Museum of Making Music, Carlsbad
You can enjoy a live performance in the Museum of Making Music's acclaimed concert series on a Thursday evening.
Music & concerts
Saturday, July 18, 2026
7 p.m.
Museum of Making Music, Carlsbad · Carlsbad, CA
Museum of Making Music, Carlsbad
You can catch an intimate evening concert in the Museum of Making Music's listening room, with a member ticket discount available.
Lifelong learning
Monthly Thursdays (e.g. May 7, June 2026)
5:30 p.m.
Georgina Cole Library (hybrid on Zoom and in person) · Carlsbad, CA
Georgina Cole Library (hybrid on Zoom and in person)
You can dig into a nonfiction title in person or on Zoom at this free monthly evening club at Cole Library.
Music & concerts
Friday, July 10, 2026
Site opens 4 p.m., concert 6 to 8 p.m.
Stagecoach Community Park · Carlsbad, CA
Stagecoach Community Park
You can dance to live disco, funk, pop and R&B hits from the 1970s to today with Dance Dance Evolution at this free park concert.
Outdoors & nature
Saturdays and Sundays
10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, Carlsbad · Carlsbad, CA
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, Carlsbad
You can take a free 90-minute guided walking tour of actor Leo Carrillo's historic working ranch every weekend.
Music & concerts
Friday, August 8, 2026
Site opens 4 p.m., concert 6 to 8 p.m.
Calavera Hills Community Park · Carlsbad, CA
Calavera Hills Community Park
You can sway to doo-wop and rockabilly from the 40s through the 60s with The Honeydrops at this free park concert.
Community & civic
Fridays, starts June 19, 2026
6 to 8 p.m.
Carlsbad, CA
Free Friday-evening concerts in the city parks all summer, from about 6 to 8 p.m. People bring chairs, blankets, and a picnic. The 2026 season starts June 19 and moves between parks each week.
Classes & arts
Ongoing class (MiraCosta Community Education)
Varies
MiraCosta College Community Education, Carlsbad area · Carlsbad, CA
MiraCosta College Community Education, Carlsbad area
You can learn a creative approach to painting landscapes in watercolor through this community education class.
Pickleball & rec
Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays
Wed 8 a.m. to noon; Fri 3 p.m. to close; Sat 8 a.m. to close; Sun 11 a.m. to close
St. Michael's by-the-Sea, Carlsbad · Carlsbad, CA
St. Michael's by-the-Sea, Carlsbad
You can join friendly community pickleball open play multiple days a week on the courts at St. Michael's by-the-Sea.
Classes & arts
Thursdays, May 21 and 28, 2026
2 p.m.
Georgina Cole Library · Carlsbad, CA
Georgina Cole Library
You can learn to put your life stories on the page in this free afternoon memoir writing series at Cole Library.
Dance & fitness
Wednesdays, June 10 to 24, 2026
4 to 5 p.m.
Stagecoach Community Center · Carlsbad, CA
Stagecoach Community Center
You can take a gentle Hatha and Yin yoga class built to improve balance and flexibility for older adults, just $10 per session.
Senior programs
Wednesdays and select days (June 2026)
10 a.m.
Carlsbad Library Learning Center / Exploration HUB · Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad Library Learning Center / Exploration HUB
You can get one-on-one help with your phone, tablet or laptop from library staff at these free drop-in tech sessions.
Markets
Wednesday afternoons, year round
Carlsbad, CA
A Wednesday afternoon market where State Street meets Grand Avenue, running more than twenty years. Local growers bring produce, flowers, and prepared food. After daylight saving it stays open an extra hour.
Theater & film
Fridays, e.g. June 5, 12, 19, 26, 2026
4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane · Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane
You can catch an international or independent film screening, with afternoon and evening showtimes, at the library's free Friday cinema club.
Outdoors & nature
Twice monthly, June through August 2026
Evenings
Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Campus, Carlsbad · Carlsbad, CA
Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Campus, Carlsbad
You can enjoy expert talks, live music and catered appetizers at these twice-a-month summer evening experiences for lagoon members.
Senior programs
Monday, June 15, 2026
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Carlsbad Senior Center (Spreckels Center) · Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad Senior Center (Spreckels Center)
You can join a facilitated discussion on aging well, covering topics like transportation, purposeful living and social engagement.
Theater & film
Fridays, August 21, August 28 and September 4, 2026
Evening, under the stars
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, Carlsbad · Carlsbad, CA
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, Carlsbad
You can watch nostalgic films on an outdoor screen across three Friday evenings at the historic Leo Carrillo Ranch.
Outdoors & nature
Weekends, ongoing
Daytime
Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Center, Carlsbad · Carlsbad, CA
Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Center, Carlsbad
You can join a docent for a free guided walk along the lagoon to spot herons, ducks and native plants.
Lifelong learning
Monthly Mondays (e.g. May 18, June 2026)
2 p.m.
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane · Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane
You can dig into classic literature with fellow readers at this free monthly afternoon book club at the library.
Community & civic
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Daytime
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, Carlsbad · Carlsbad, CA
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, Carlsbad
You can celebrate the ranch's heritage with music, food and family activities at this annual fiesta at Leo Carrillo Ranch.
Music & concerts
Friday, July 24, 2026
Site opens 4 p.m., concert 6 to 8 p.m.
Calavera Hills Community Park · Carlsbad, CA
Calavera Hills Community Park
You can enjoy Latin and salsa rhythms from Sabrosas Latin Orchestra at this free summer evening concert in the park.
Lifelong learning
Mondays (e.g. June 1 - The FamilySearch Universal Tree)
2 p.m.
Carlsbad Library Learning Center · Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad Library Learning Center
You can learn to trace your family history using historical newspapers and FamilySearch tools in these free genealogy classes.
Music & concerts
Friday, June 19, 2026
Site opens 4 p.m., concert 6 to 8 p.m.
Stagecoach Community Park · Carlsbad, CA
Stagecoach Community Park
You can bring a picnic and a low chair to kick off Carlsbad's free summer concert season with country band The Pistol Blonde, complete with free bike valet.
Outdoors & nature
A Saturday in June 2026
10 a.m.
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane · Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane
You can pick up practical soil and gardening know-how in this free library talk in the Grow Your Garden series.
Lifelong learning
First Wednesday monthly (e.g. June 3, 2026)
2 p.m.
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane · Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane
You can join a friendly afternoon book discussion on the first Wednesday of each month at the Dove Lane library.
Classes & arts
Saturday, May 30, 2026
5:45 p.m.
Carlsbad area studio · Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad area studio
You can hand-build your own ceramic ramen bowl in this beginner-friendly intro pottery workshop.
Outdoors & nature
Tuesdays in May 2026
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Pine Avenue Community Garden · Carlsbad, CA
Pine Avenue Community Garden
You can work a senior center raised-bed vegetable garden with a Master Gardener for $5, learning planting, pruning and organic pest control.
Community & civic
Weekly (check venue for night)
Evening
Pizza Port Brewing Co., Carlsbad · Carlsbad, CA
Pizza Port Brewing Co., Carlsbad
You can test your knowledge over craft beer and pizza at the weekly trivia night at Pizza Port in Carlsbad.
Classes & arts
Fridays
6 p.m.
Carlsbad area studio · Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad area studio
You can make whatever you like on the pottery wheel at this relaxed Friday evening date-night class.
Classes & arts
Sunday, June 28, 2026 (session start)
3 p.m.
Museum of Making Music, Carlsbad · Carlsbad, CA
Museum of Making Music, Carlsbad
You can join a string ensemble as an intermediate adult player in this $150 summer session at the Museum of Making Music.
Theater & film
Select Wednesdays, e.g. June 3, 10, 17, 24, 2026
4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane · Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane
You can watch classic and cult films like My Blue Heaven and Almost Famous at the library's free midweek movie afternoons and evenings.
Senior programs
Friday, June 19, 2026
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Carlsbad Senior Center (Spreckels Center) · Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad Senior Center (Spreckels Center)
You can try hands-on low-vision devices and learn rehabilitation services at this free demo day for living independently with vision loss.
Music & concerts
Saturday in June 2026
5 p.m.
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane · Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane
You can enjoy a free outdoor live music set from Jabe Amato in the library courtyard on a Saturday evening.
