There's almost always a fun special event taking place in Carlsbad. The city boasts a year-round schedule of annual happenings.
Kick off the new year in January , with the Carlsbad Marathon (formerly the San Diego Marathon) and Half Marathon. A boutique marathon run on a coastal course with an emphasis on quality and individual service sets this event apart from the mega running events.
April brings the Carlsbad 5000 and the Junior Carlsbad. Participate in one of the most prestigious 5ks in the country! Compete against your own age group and gender on this flat and fast seaside course that has seen 16 world records shattered. Fitness is fun with Southern California's largest running event just for kids 12 and under! The Junior Carlsbad with ten different races for every age group gives each child a chance to shine!
The Carlsbad Village Street Faire is held the first Sunday in May and November and is the largest one-day festival in the nation.
The Carlsbad Triathlon ranks in the World's top 5 Longest Running triathlons. The course follows the coastline of Carlsbad, past scenic beaches, lagoons and a wildlife preserve. It boasts a calm ocean swim, a rolling bike course and a smooth run for the finish. This July event attracts competitors from all over the state.
August is the time to browse over 200 of the finest arts and crafts vendors in the most beautiful of settings in the Village of Carlsbad, just two blocks from the beach. Held the second Sunday in August, Art in the Village highlights fine art, sculpture, photography, ceramics and handmade jewelry, furniture, clothing and wood crafts. Live onstage soft jazz music helps to cultivate a leisurely atmosphere of the arts.
September is a busy event month with ArtSplash, and the Beach'n 101 Cruise. Get ready for fabulous art, great entertainment, tasty foods and non-stop family fun at ArtSplash on the fourth weekend of September. The event features juried artisans showing original designs in stone, bronze sculptures, skimboard art, art glass designs, paintings, jewelry and pottery. The street is transformed into a virtual asphalt art gallery as professional and novice chalk artists take to the street creating masterpieces for all to enjoy. Taste at ArtSplash (Saturday only.) offers ArtSplash attendees a chance to sample fine food from local restaurants.
Beach'n 101 Cruise is a beautiful Southern California drive along the Historic Highway 101 from Oceanside to Del Mar. With over 500 classic, pre-1972 cars this is the cruise to take.
Oktoberfest is a traditional German festival celebrated on the first Saturday of October each year in Carlsbad. The festival features great German food, lots of family fun and the toe tapping oomp pah pah music.
Seasonal Events in Carlsbad
Mid-March – Mid-May The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
June-August, Fridays Jazz in the Parks
August Weekends Shakespeare in the Park
