Cultural Arts eNews

November Cultural Arts eNews

Enjoy live music beginning at 5 p.m. Seating opens at 4:30 p.m. and is limited, so please feel free to bring your own chair. Performances take place outdoors, weather permitting. Cannon Art Gallery and Chapters Cafe will also be open so you can enjoy an early evening full of culture with friends.

Special Día de los Muertos Event

Jarabe Mexicano

Saturday, Nov. 1, 5 p.m.

Carlsbad City Library

Ann Kulchin Courtyard

1775 Dove Lane

Jarabe Mexicano is a multi-generational ensemble that embraces change while still honoring the past as educators, cultural ambassadors and arts advocates.

Jarabe, which translates to ‘concoction,’ highlights the eclectic mix of genres ranging from Mexican Folk, Rock & Roll, and Norteño/Tex-Mex to Latin Rock, Trio Romántico, and popular Cumbia. They’ve performed alongside Louie Pérez of Los Lobos, Gaby Moreno and La Santa Cecilia.

Mando Basso

Saturday, Nov. 8, 5 p.m.

Carlsbad City Library

Ann Kulchin Courtyard

1775 Dove Lane

Brought together by their shared love of Irish and traditional American music, this unique pairing of mandolin and bass promises an unforgettable performance filled with energy, warmth, and tradition.

Creative Cultures Arts Festival

Saturday, Nov. 8

noon to 2 p.m., performances begin at 1 p.m.

Carlsbad City Library Learning Center

3368 Eureka Place

Creative Cultures Arts Festival is back for its third installment. Creativity Suitcase will boast six arts booths and three vibrant dances from around the world.

To celebrate Native American Heritage Month, there will be a regional dance and game, as well as marigold and monarch art-making to honor Día de los Muertos and plenty more. Join this family-friendly event and connect through cultural expressions.

Hands-on arts-marking workshops

Monarch butterfly painting
Leaf-rubbing printmaking
Paper marigold-crafting
Ojo de Dios weaving
Native American game playing
Bookmark-making

Vibrant music and dance

Native American cultural dance
Flamenco Fusion Dance
Egyptian Folklore Cane Dance

"Printed & Stitched" exhibit at Cannon Art Gallery

Carlsbad City Library

William D. Cannon Gallery

1775 Dove Lane

Exhibit extended through Dec. 14.

The William D Cannon Art Gallery is thrilled to host "Printed & Stitched", which examines the storied overlap between printmaking and textiles.

This exhibit features 58 original artworks created by members of the California Society of Printmakers and Studio Art Quilt Associates of California & Nevada regions.

New gallery hours:

Tuesday - Saturday: noon to 5 p.m.

Friday: noon to 7 p.m.

Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m.

Reel Wednesday

Wednesdays, 4 & 7 p.m.

Carlsbad City Library

1775 Dove Lane

This November, join us for a three-part film and discussion series exploring Hollywood’s resilience and reinvention during the Great Depression. Presented in partnership with the Carlsbad High School Film Academy, each evening blends learning, screening, and open conversation—offering a fresh perspective on how cinema both reflected and reshaped a nation in crisis. Come for the films. Stay for the conversation. Discover how the silver screen helped America dream again. Admission is free and open to the public.

Wednesday, Nov. 5, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 7 p.m.

Our beloved Wednesday Cinema Series is back with a fresh new name—Reel Wednesday!

Cinema Club Film Fridays

Fridays, 4 & 7 p.m.

Carlsbad City Library

1775 Dove Lane

Join us for our Cinema Club Film 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 or drinks allowed.

Grantee Spotlight

Sage Creek High School Drama Department, a City of Carlsbad Community Arts Grant recipient, kicked off the 2025-26 school year with their presentation of their annual "The Fall Curtain Call: A Showcase." The production, held in the Performing Arts Center at Sage Creek High School, featured a mix of scenes, songs, and performances from a variety of musicals, movies, and plays that were all brought to life by the Theatre 3 class.

Cultural Arts Volunteer Program

Volunteers play a vital role in enhancing the programs and events we provide to the Carlsbad community.

If you are interested in volunteering with Cultural Arts, please reach out to Volunteer Coordinator Samantha Yeilding at Samantha.Yeilding@carlsbadca.gov

Arts Commission Updates

The next Arts Commission meeting is Thursday, Nov. 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.