Cultural Arts eNews

September Cultural Arts eNews

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.

The exhibition will be on view Oct. 23 - Jan. 3, 2027.

Visit the city's website for full details and FAQs.

Hispanic Heritage Festival

Saturday, Sept. 5

1 to 4 p.m.

Library Learning Center

3368 Eureka Place

Join us for this inclusive experience of live performances and cultural crafts that honor Hispanic culture. Enjoy baile folklórico as well as art-making booths like Ojo de Dios, flag ornaments and lotería.

Free.

Saturdays in the Courtyard

The Night Owls

Saturday, Sept. 12, 5 p.m.

Ann Kulchin Courtyard

1775 Dove Lane

From soulful favorites to rock-driven hits, enjoy the music that defined a generation and still gets people moving today.

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. Feel free to bring your own chair.

Art Walk

Saturday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Armada Drive (above The Flower Fields)

Celebrate the beauty of Carlsbad’s famous Flower Fields with a free, family-friendly art experience hosted by ArtWalk San Diego - Carlsbad.

Create your own floral artwork by adding color, pattern and personality to a hand-drawn flower design. Stop by the City of Carlsbad Cultural Arts booths Y1, Y2 and Y3 at 5790 Armada Drive block. Get creative and make a colorful keepsake inspired by Carlsbad in bloom!

Front Row Saturday

Patti Zlaket

Saturday, Sept. 26

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

Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium

1775 Dove Lane

A rich blend of storytelling, piano musicianship and heartfelt performance.

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.

Carlsbad’s Public Safety Open House is Saturday, Oct. 3

Join us at the City of Carlsbad’s Public Safety Open House on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carlsbad Safety Training Center, 5750 Orion Street. All ages can explore the public safety training center, watch firefighters in action, see a K-9 officer demonstration, tour public works vehicles and learn essential safety skills including using a fire extinguisher and performing CPR. The event coincides with Fire Prevention Week and National Crime Prevention Month, making it a great opportunity to learn important safety tips.

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.

Grantee Spotlight

New Village Arts, a City of Carlsbad Community Arts Grantee for FY 2026–27, presents "We Will Rock You", featuring more than 20 of Queen’s greatest hits, including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Somebody to Love,” “We Are the Champions” and “We Will Rock You.”

Set in a futuristic world where algorithms have erased original thought, this electrifying musical follows a group of young revolutionaries as they rediscover the power of rock ‘n’ roll, individuality and the unifying force of music.

Performances run through Sept. 20 with tickets starting at $35.

For more information on Community Arts Grantees and their upcoming events, visit our webpage.

Library Closure:

Labor Day

All Carlsbad City Library locations will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

All library locations will reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at

9 a.m.

If you have any questions, please contact the library at 442-339-2049 or email librarian@carlsbadca.gov .

Arts Commission updates

The next Arts Commission meeting is Thursday, Sept. 3 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.