Cultural Arts eNews

August Cultural Arts eNews

2026 TGIF Concerts in the Parks

Only a few weeks left!

Calavera Hills Park:

Aug. 7 - (B.I.G.) Brothers Igniting a Groove (R&B/Funk)

Alga Norte Park:

Aug. 14 - Flashpants (80s hits)

Aug. 21 - Daring Greatly (Rock and Soul)

Pop-up art and dance lessons at every concert! Want more info? Know before you go!

Calling all artists: The 2026 Cannon Biennial Exhibition

The City of Carlsbad's popular biennial exhibition is returning to the William D. Cannon Art Gallery this fall with "everywhere home," a curated group exhibition inviting artists to explore the many facets of what it is to feel at home.

Both emerging and established visual artists from the San Diego region are welcome to apply, and there is no fee. The exhibition is open to 2D or 3D visual arts in a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, fiber art, installation, ceramics and mixed media.

Online applications will be accepted Aug. 1 – 31 and the exhibition on view Oct. 23 – Jan. 3.

View the call for artists or visit the city's website for full details and FAQs.

William D. Cannon Art Gallery

See the exhibit before it closes Aug. 23!

alchemy + light

William D. Cannon Art Gallery

Carlsbad City Library

1775 Dove Lane

Local north county artists of True North Photo Society, explore the interplay of alchemy and light in their newest collection of photographic works. This exhibit highlights their innovative approaches to transforming moments into luminous visual experiences. Visitors are invited to discover the subtle magic found in each image.

Artist Talk with Brandy Sebastian, Judith Preston and Patricia Grabski

Wednesday, Aug. 5

11 a.m. to noon

William D. Cannon Art Gallery

Carlsbad City Library

1775 Dove Lane

Dive deeper into the exhibit's pieces during our intimate gatherings where the artists will discuss their own work during a tour of the gallery.

Pillars of Photography Workshop

Tuesday, Aug. 11

1 to 2 p.m.

Gowland Meeting Room

Carlsbad City Library

1775 Dove Lane

It's all about the angles! And lighting... and composition! Judith Preston and Patricia Grabski will share trade secrets on how to capture the perfect photo. Participants will have the opportunity to learn through hands‑on practice.

Event is free. Prior to attending, please make sure you understand the basic functions of your camera, whether you’re using a full‑body camera or a phone.

Special film screening to compliment the alchemy + light exhibit

Wednesday, Aug. 12, 7 p.m.

Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium
Carlsbad City Library

1775 Dove Lane

"The B-side: Elsa Dorfman's Portraits"

Documentary

(2017, R, 1h, 16m)

Portrait photographer Elsa Dorfman found her medium in 1980: the larger–than–life Polaroid Land 20x24 camera.

Saturdays in the Courtyard

The Heart

Saturday, Aug. 8, 5 p.m.

Ann Kulchin Courtyard

1775 Dove Lane

An acoustic duo known for feel-good favorites spanning Top 40, classic and modern rock, folk, indie, country and reggae.

Saturdays in the Courtyard is a vibrant outdoor performance series that fills the beautiful Ann Kulchin Courtyard with music, energy and community spirit. Bring friends, enjoy the festive atmosphere and experience the best new and emerging artists in North County and San Diego under the open sky. In the event of rain, concerts will be moved indoors. Performances are free, open to the public and suitable for all ages.

Front Row Saturday

Elizabeth Bowersox

Saturday, Aug. 22

Doors open at 4:30 p.m., curtain at 5 p.m.

Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium

1775 Dove Lane

A performance full of grit, precision and pedal-to-the-metal energy singing the latest in pop country hits.

Front Row Saturday is our signature series that brings audiences an intimate and memorable experience in the state-of-the-art Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium. Join us for a variety of nationally touring performers as well as new and emerging local artists. Performances are free, open to the public and suitable for all ages. No food allowed. Drinks with lids permitted.

Reel Wednesday

Wednesdays, 4 and 7 p.m.

Carlsbad City Library

1775 Dove Lane

Don't miss our Reel Wednesday series!

Cinema Club Friday

Fridays, 4 and 7 p.m.

Carlsbad City Library

1775 Dove Lane

Join us for our Cinema Club Friday series.

*Doors will open 30 minutes before showtime. All films are free to the public and are subject to change. All films will be shown in original language with English subtitles excluding the Wednesday at 7 p.m. screening. No food allowed. Drinks with lids permitted.

Provide input on Barrio traffic circle public art

We’re inviting the community to help shape the design of a new public art piece planned for the future traffic circle at Pine Avenue and Harding Street in the Barrio.

Artist Mario Torero, the co-founder of San Diego's Chicano Park and longtime collaborator of "Four Stages of History" muralist Victor Ochoa, is gathering the stories, memories, symbols and ideas that will inform the design concept.

How to share your thoughts

Take a survey by Friday, Aug. 7
Call or text the artist team's bilingual hotline at 760-306-3270

The input will inform a draft design concept, which will be shared with the community for additional feedback before moving to the Arts Commission and City Council for review.

Learn more .

Grantee Spotlight

We would like to extend a grateful thank you to our 2025-26 Community Arts Grants recipients and celebrate their incredible work. 

Our 26 grantees represented creativity and education across our three funding categories: Arts Organizations, Emerging Arts Organizations and Educational Institutions - Arts in Schools or Affiliated Groups. Thanks to their dedication, innovation and community spirit, to date, this year’s programs engaged 3,785 participants and reached a combined audience of 27,138 people. Together, these initiatives inspired creativity, supported local artists and expanded access to arts experiences across Carlsbad.

We extend our appreciation to each grantee recipient for enriching our community through artistic expression, learning and collaboration. Thank you for being part of this ongoing commitment to community arts in Carlsbad.

Arts Commission updates

The next Arts Commission meeting is Thursday, Aug. 6 at 5:30 p.m., in City Council Chambers, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive. See what’s on the agenda, attend in person or watch online. The Arts Commission typically meets on the first Thursday of the month.