Discover the Carlsbad Village Street Faire 2025
Mark your calendar! The iconic Carlsbad Village Street Faire will be taking over the bustling streets of Carlsbad Village on Sunday, May 4, 2025.
Get ready for a fun-filled day! The Carlsbad Village Street Faire will be taking place on Sunday, May 4, from 8am to 5pm, bringing the Village to life with shopping, food and community spirit. Whether you’re wanting to shop from small businesses, try new foods or have a fun day out with the family, there is something for everyone. Read on to discover how to prepare before your visit and everything you need to know for your day at the faire.
About the Event
The Carlsbad Village Street Faire has been running since 1975 and welcomes visitors from all over as one of the largest street fairs in the United States. Organized by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, this twice-yearly event transforms the Village into an open-air marketplace.
Each year, the faire brings together a mix of small businesses, local artisans and talented makers creating a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. This spring, visitors can look forward to exploring an astounding 900 booths, featuring everything from handcrafted art and antiques to unique fashion finds, jewelry, home décor, specialty foods and more.
With so much to see and discover, be sure to plan plenty of time to stroll the streets and browse all the vendors. To make the most of your day, check out the event map in advance to become familiar with all the can’t-miss spots.
Food and Beer Garden
Be sure to visit the International Food Court and Beer Garden so that you can fuel up during your day at the faire. You’ll find no shortage of delicious food and drink options with all the different vendors. Try a range of curated dishes from across the globe at the food court and sip on a refreshing beverage at the beer garden. For early risers, head to the faire at the start of your morning for the beloved tradition of their famous old-fashioned pancake breakfast.
Entertainment and Activities
No visit to the Carlsbad Village Street Faire is complete without soaking up the sounds of live music filling the air. Wander over to the entertainment stage, where talented local musicians will be performing upbeat music throughout the day. From lively bands to acoustic sets, the music creates a perfect backdrop for a day of shopping, dining and exploring the booths at the faire. Feel free to dance, sing along or simply relax and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Families with little ones will love the designated kids’ zone that is packed with fun! Kids can bounce, jump and laugh their way through a variety of inflatable rides and interactive attractions. It’s a great spot for the youngest visitors to burn off some energy and enjoy the family-friendly vibe that makes the faire a loved community event.
Transportation and Parking
The faire brings in over 100,000 visitors to Carlsbad Village which is why it’s best to plan your transportation ahead of time. Enjoy some time in the sunshine and head over to the faire on your bike! Carlsbad is an incredibly bike-friendly city, and the event organizers have made it easy for you to ride your bike or e-bike to the faire. Free bike valet service will be provided by the City of Carlsbad at the Lily Field Realty parking lot on Roosevelt Street. Ride your bike to the valet check-in station and an attendant from the San Diego County Bike Coalition will attach a tag to your bike and provide you with a matching tag wristband so that you can easily pick up your bike after the event.
Taking the bus is also a convenient option with the free shuttle bus serviced provided from The Shoppes at Carlsbad as well as at the Poinsettia Coaster Station on Avenida Encinas. The shuttle will be running a loop from 8am – 5pm in 20-minute intervals so that you can hop on at any point in the day.
While biking, walking and the shuttle bus are the recommended modes of transport, driving is also available. Please keep in mind street parking will be limited and you may have to park quite far from the event location. Be sure to allow extra time to find a spot and make your way to the faire, which spans several streets throughout Carlsbad Village including the popular State Street.
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The Carlsbad Village Street Faire is a staple for Carlsbad and a highlight of year. With a culmination of local vendors from small businesses to iconic restaurants, you’re sure to have a wonderful day out in the beautiful Carlsbad Village. Plan to leave with a unique piece of art, full stomach and nothing but smiles. If you happen to miss the event in May, the faire will be returning this fall on November 2, 2025.