Where to Play After Dark: Carlsbad’s Nightlife Top Picks for 2024
Need a new place to enjoy date nights? Looking for night time activity for the entire family? Where is the best place to find live music and dancing after the sun goes down? Carlsbad’s got you covered! This summer, it’s all about discovering nightlife in Carlsbad—we've rounded up the top spots and activities to enjoy when the sun goes down in Carlsbad.
Get ready to explore Carlsbad after dark - this is your ultimate guide to nights out in Carlsbad in 2024:
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Coyote.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=5eec6c4580ac5cabbca95cb6245abe7b 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Coyote.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=b5df311ad1347ab768d3c7d3dbd0546a 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Coyote.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=768&s=ebf60e71c52f4b5101152e05a0684679 640w)
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.27.19-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=e614ca69030e29c033c2858f3b1c1193 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.27.19-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=81435377559441fb43415bf76cc02d1c 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.27.19-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=1b17a50757c118525c6113ba7ccbfa0c 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.27.19-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=0c40a81adf363ca7b6e487f7804ce22f 1024w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.27.19-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=5e62666db78fd1024bfde6051832729b 1200w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.27.19-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=fafa64042b40b82268a85ae9c47810a9 1440w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.27.19-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=11d298967756c176d74eb48460c8efc4 1908w)
TGIF Concert Series
This year, summer evenings kick off with the TGIF Concerts in the Parks series. These free concerts at Stagecoach, Calavera Hills, and Alga Norte community parks bring a mix of genres that keep the nights lit with lively tunes and great vibes.
Stagecoach Community Park
-July 12: Travel back to the Roaring 20s with the swing and jazz of The Mad Hat Hucksters.
Calavera Hills Community Park
-July 19: Kimba Light turns the park into a tropical paradise with Afro-Cuban rhythms.
-July 26: Brothers Igniting a Groove (B.I.G) bring 90s hip hop and R&B for a night of dancing.
-August 2: Polyester Express’s sets capture the fun-loving essence of the 70s.
Alga Norte Community Park
-August 9: Back to the Garden pays tribute to the iconic Laurel Canyon sound.
-August 16: Anthony Cullins, "The Fallbrook Kid," showcases exceptional blues guitar skills.
Arrive early to claim your spot with blankets and low-back chairs. Music starts at 6 p.m., and there’s a short intermission at 7 p.m. Free bike valet services and limited parking with shuttle options make getting there easy. So pack a picnic and settle into summer with outdoor concerts, now through the end of August.
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.30.18-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=e2d7b0063d836e53a1cef72ae9681c41 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.30.18-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=ee5080514212848c7e453babd6f279f5 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.30.18-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=8a0614e66aedf920e3183124d9c42dfd 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.30.18-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=45377ccfc39aa8223f4e8a568373a145 1024w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.30.18-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=19631e8da9f5b8bf5ba64f0e422ec01b 1100w)
Flicks at the Fountain
More summer adventures continue at Flicks at the Fountain, right downtown in the heart of Carlsbad Village. Running from July 11 to August 8, every Thursday night is a movie under the stars.
This year's lineup includes:
-Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (G)
-Trolls (PG)
-The Little Mermaid (G)
-The fifth movie is a community choice, for an interactive twist.
Seating opens at 6 p.m., so bring your chairs and blankets to secure a place to watch. You can take your own food or get pizza delivery right to your spot. Movies start at dusk, around 8 p.m., and wrap up by 10 p.m. - great for a date or a night out with the family.
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/DgBVcbRWFkVEh4tBFSmncF4O.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=673e19c71d218803588aabc48f1d66e1 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/DgBVcbRWFkVEh4tBFSmncF4O.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=85e47d9b49f94ce57dad5ef415a09099 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/DgBVcbRWFkVEh4tBFSmncF4O.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=a2d52a050f843fc21f8c769e81e54331 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/DgBVcbRWFkVEh4tBFSmncF4O.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=81acb17110b3b97bfaa238e95390c8dd 1024w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/DgBVcbRWFkVEh4tBFSmncF4O.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=a71daec270347d99bcce50f0aa623f4d 1200w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/DgBVcbRWFkVEh4tBFSmncF4O.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=d6f1fa0445d17be285965da01fee8766 1225w)
Endless Summer Neon Nights at Omni La Costa
Another way to light up the night this summer is the Endless Summer Neon Nights at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa. During after-hours access you can dive into an electrifying atmosphere of neon lights and house music, or get your game on with light-up lawn games, glow-in-the-dark pool floats and an interactive DJ.
This series is happening from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the following dates:
-July 13
-July 20
-July 27
-August 3
-August 10
After the pool fun, guests can retreat to luxurious accommodations for a relaxing end to a fun filled night, or head home to start the weekend off on the right foot.
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.36.24-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=0bb1475842cfdabf989dd1dcf2d14c6a 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.36.24-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=e5b8a811051cdf2f290407817f8f6c32 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.36.24-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=6a519c7223890ddcd82f0303c733bacd 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.36.24-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=54dec978df1300079d2a0d559a2f23b8 1024w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.36.24-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=89518abc55b32db2357629d27d0d96f8 1200w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.36.24-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=eb80c5b8ccaf304e1362d9122a465c05 1440w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.36.24-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=edd1090f1aec60ffebe94369ecf75da5 1920w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.36.24-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=d268a310e86802332160853de8367084 2048w)
Row in the Dark at the Carlsbad Lagoon
After a fun day exploring Carlsbad, why not mix things up with an adventure on the water? As the summer evenings roll in, the Carlsbad Lagoon is offering something new this year, turning the quiet lagoon waters into a playground with their newest Row in the Dark opportunity.
Event Details:
-Dates: Select nights throughout the remainder of the summer—July 12, August 16 and September 13, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
-Pricing: $49 for a three-hour rental of paddle boards, kayaks, or aquacycles, complete with a glow stick package. Bring your own gear for $29 or just enjoy the vibe for $20.
If you’re not out on the water, there’s live music and beach games to keep the good times rolling. Not many people get to experience the Lagoon after dark but Row in the Dark is shedding light (quite literally) on the Lagoon in a new way.
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/425961599_18034522639753914_7773671739125969143_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=12d6ade2a36480f1f2632024ed689c98 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/425961599_18034522639753914_7773671739125969143_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=a08526bb0aa4fa8d46e02d4666a6fd94 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/425961599_18034522639753914_7773671739125969143_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=63091f6352559b5e523d911080a94af7 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/425961599_18034522639753914_7773671739125969143_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=35b1d7c3b07db8f50c8e948824ef25ed 1024w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/425961599_18034522639753914_7773671739125969143_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=77b50fbdf52c6a59a3d84d38d4f1f7f0 1200w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/425961599_18034522639753914_7773671739125969143_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=3fa593a9976798e0b47d9d0043b6c714 1440w)
The Camp Store
For nightlife on the coast, The Camp Store in Carlsbad is where to go for a fun vibe for the entire family. Located at South Carlsbad State Beach, this hotspot offers ocean views, tasty food, live music and epic sunsets.
July’s schedule includes:
-July 12: Reggae/Maka Roots
-July 13: Rockin’ Blues and Classics/Blues Farms
-July 18: Jason Jenkins - Dazzling guitar techniques from this acclaimed musician.
And many more performances this summer!
Along with the live entertainment, there is authentic woodstone pizza, firepits and tables so that you can enjoy Pacific breezes while you jam out under the stars.
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Coyote.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=621cc4ea683c9cd24b83f9ddfd154e74 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Coyote.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=ac20889debee14ee054bc4a92ce84625 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Coyote.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=2c2c4fe4b56d16fb83f9db1072baecb2 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Coyote.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=0fc162327f93774f166cfee8c5fe2e19 960w)
Coyote Bar and Grill
If you’re looking for a go-to spot to enjoy a night out, Coyote Bar and Grill in Carlsbad Village is where it’s at. This place is buzzing with live outdoor entertainment, an energetic dance floor and delicious Southwestern and American food.
Every night at Coyote Bar and Grill is a party and the lineup is always diverse. You can catch acts like the Goodtime Party Band or Whiskey on the Rox with jams from the '70s, '80s and '90s.
If karaoke is your thing, grab the mic every Monday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and show off your vocal skills. Plus, you can enjoy a full dinner and cocktails, making sure your night is as cozy as it is entertaining.
For the late-night crowd, the club scene at Coyote Bar and Grill is lit. On Fridays and Saturdays from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. the place transforms with the hottest dance tracks and hip-hop beats, making it the perfect spot to end your night in Carlsbad on a high note.
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.41.44-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=2d674aaad121dff1e81acc9bac46f26d 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.41.44-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=7c4c6d07a75afa6dab8d8c5ebb499c53 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.41.44-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=6f6fc7fef30ecad566dd10b74d16cdf8 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.41.44-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=bf3198cb257194c51b1f9f9d8cb3a5eb 1024w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.41.44-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=3fca05c50d01b6e863ffddac46753d2d 1200w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.41.44-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=6573059980ba38f4a4d1f9125d1b54ce 1440w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.41.44-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=e160a52cd6b0dcddc5cef8ed07e4be18 1920w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screenshot-2024-07-08-at-1.41.44-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=fd1da3d1dc64cdcb4583c34ff2233894 2222w)
Witch Creek Winery
Fine wines and laughter go hand in hand. At Witch Creek Winery’s Stand-Up Comedy Nights, you can enjoy local comedians and headliners every other Monday with Cool Cat Comedy Open Mic Night while enjoying some of the best wine in the state.
Why You’ll Love It:
-Date Nights: Ideal for couples looking to try new wines while laughing through the night.
-Historic Charm: As San Diego's oldest urban winery, Witch Creek Winery, founded in 1993 and relocated in 1996, has a touch of history and innovation.
Expert Wines: With Paul Warson as their esteemed Wine Consultant, expect award-winning wines crafted from grapes sourced from renowned vineyards like Valle De Guadalupe, El Dorado, Clarksburg, Paso Robles and Napa Valley.
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/IMG_9342.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=05c9b92b783924cce74aacab46892e28 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/IMG_9342.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=ee274e3efed027939bde68cb3a027bf8 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/IMG_9342.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=4bc449347c1bb36df000055d7b81d733 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/IMG_9342.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=17b15943beeb62d300d0a016ed0cf3ba 1024w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/IMG_9342.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=e2fa9318927ea03f54c9537a97fd5915 1170w)
New Village Arts
New Village Arts is a cultural hub celebrating 22 years of artistic innovation, drawing over 30,000 patrons annually. The White Family Next Stage, a new addition to the Dea Hurston New Village Arts Center, is its newest addition to the space with a series of music and spoken word events throughout the year.
This summer, New Village Arts is also getting in on the laughs with Nerd Comedy nights. Events feature acts like Dana Eagle and other top ‘nerd’ comics, followed by the Nerd Olympics, a lively game show with geek-themed trivia.
Why Visit:
-Inclusive and Engaging: Strong partnerships with local schools and a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion ensure accessibility for all.
-Community Connection: Support from the City of Carlsbad and local businesses highlights New Village Art's importance in the cultural fabric of the area.
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/419722946_872934021502845_791375997797330358_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=b145b108e548b2261f9d28d7f486fe4a 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/419722946_872934021502845_791375997797330358_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=8178de2b2d288e3a99712f23ce4f1b82 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/419722946_872934021502845_791375997797330358_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=1df43adfb9442b000823d53ce069a69e 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/419722946_872934021502845_791375997797330358_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=76cd4f320bed06778e86387b8b608414 1024w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/419722946_872934021502845_791375997797330358_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=f7869c4c89139a0a3e05d78ffb0a2f7e 1200w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/419722946_872934021502845_791375997797330358_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=aa319bdc1f2adeeb4432f3553b1e580b 1440w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/419722946_872934021502845_791375997797330358_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=fffe9100e050fe2ccd8e4d1c48a38f26 1920w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/419722946_872934021502845_791375997797330358_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=efa59127630a2a244ce294540eb13e15 2048w)
Park 101
Another fun place smack dab in the middle of Carlsbad Village is Park 101. Park 101 has dining, lounging and entertainment, all sprawled out in a plaza-style complex.
The menu is loaded with comfort food and snacks, including options like:
-Juicy tri-tip sandwiches
-Flavor-packed pulled pork
-Grilled or buttermilk fried chicken
Every week, you can mark your calendars for:
-Taco Tuesday: Dive into a fiesta of flavors.
-Burger N' Beer Wednesdays: Unwind with the perfect combo.
With flexible hours and a lineup of live events, this place transforms into somewhere that you can really let your hair down during the warm summer nights. Chill with a drink or dance under the stars, Park 101 is where Carlsbad's nightlife comes alive.
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/19883935_1638423906177570_4712221775724460889_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=24af0a674ba761c8132b55db1150e02b 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/19883935_1638423906177570_4712221775724460889_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=5f88ee7c879344995983cbec7768474f 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/19883935_1638423906177570_4712221775724460889_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=89180060efe78bf025f802e31453ee91 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/19883935_1638423906177570_4712221775724460889_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=13b180267721b3583a58b343526c2e5a 960w)
The Alley Carlsbad
The Alley Carlsbad features music, dancing and cocktails to keep the energy high, no matter what day of the week it is.
Here's a breakdown of their weekly events:
-Sunday to Tuesday: Belt out your favorite tunes during karaoke nights with beer specials.
-Wednesday to Friday: Live DJs are on stage spinning new hip-hop hits.
-Saturday: Rock out with live bands starting at 9:30 p.m.
The Alley is a clean, welcoming environment with a spacious dance floor and daily drink specials.
Next time you’re ready to get out on the town, remember that Carlsbad has an entire nightlife scene just waiting to be explored. Here’s to days in the sun and nights you won’t forget. Cheers to the nightlife in Carlsbad!
Related Content:
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa2100 Costa Del Mar Road
Carlsbad, California 92009
Carlsbad Village Association2695 State Street
Carlsbad, California 92008