Cultural Arts eNews

June Cultural Arts eNews

Summer arts programs -

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Club Pelican

Batiquitos Lagoon

7380 Gabbiano Lane

9 a.m. to noon

Week 1 | July 13 to 17

Week 2 | July 20 to 24

Week 3 | July 27 to 31

Join us at Club Pelican for a Science and Art summer experience for kids ages 7 to 11! Encounter science-based learning and nature walks at Batiquitos Lagoon with local wildlife, plants and ecosystems. Daily themes will inspire thinking about our surroundings while creating lagoon-inspired art that explores creativity, curiosity and self-expression. All materials are included, just bring your imagination and sense of adventure!

K-Pop Academy

Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium

1775 Dove Lane

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Week of June 15 to 19

Spend a week with us creating "golden" moments to unlock your inner K-Pop idol! Korean pop culture has been a force to be reckoned with and we're bringing that idol energy to you.

Participants ages 10 to 14 will explore personal development, self-expression and community-building through performance-based learning and create a final showcase.

No experience is necessary to join this fun-filled week of cultural immersion, performance arts and bonding with peers over a common interest.

2026 TGIF Concerts in the Parks

Join us for Summer Fun!

Stagecoach Park:

June 19 - The Pistol Blonde (Country)

June 26 - Chunky Hustle Brass Band (Funk/Jazz)

July 10 - Dance Dance Evolution (Top 40 thru the years)

July 17 - Harbor Party (Yacht Rock)

Calavera Hills Park:

July 24 - Sabrosas Latin Orchestra (Latin/Salsa)

July 31 - 90’s Rockshow (90's Alt Rock)

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

Alga Norte Park:

Aug. 14 - Flashpants (80's hits)

Aug. 21 - Daring Greatly (Rock & Soul)

We had such a good time last year, we’re bringing back pop-up art and dance lessons at every concert!

Sponsorship opportunities still available for the 2026 TGIF season:

Several sponsorship levels are available to provide enhanced brand visibility and the chance to connect with the community through:

Event signs and banners
Mentions on the city’s website and social media channels
Shoutouts onstage by the event announcer

Contact arts@carlsbadca.gov for more information.

William D. Cannon Art Gallery

alchemy + light

Open now through Aug. 23

William D. Cannon Art Gallery

Carlsbad City Library

1775 Dove Lane

The 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 Barbara Beck and Carole Massey

Wednesday, June 3

11 a.m. to noon

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.

Meet the Artists

Wednesday, June 17

7 to 8 p.m.

Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium

1775 Dove Lane

Join us for a night with the artists from alchemy + light as we discuss the industry, artistic choices and upcoming projects. Wednesdays the gallery is open until 7 p.m. so feel free to come early and explore the exhibition just before meeting the artists.

Open Studios - light

Saturday, June 27

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Ann Kulchin Courtyard

1775 Dove Lane

Guided by artworks that highlight imagery from nature and the interplay of natural light, participants will create layered compositions that build color and depth beneath white-outlined forms inspired by organic shapes.

As each piece develops, the final experience is revealed through light. When held up to the sun, the layered artwork becomes illuminated allowing the imagery to glow, shift and transform in unexpected ways.

Event is free and open to all ages.

Front Row Saturday

San Diego Chamber Music Society

Saturday, June 13

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

Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium

1775 Dove Lane

Experience a vibrant musical journey that spans classical brilliance and iconic American melodies. The program features selections by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Strauss, Cherubini and more, alongside works by 20th‑century American composers such as Burt Bacharach, Mitch Leigh, Jerry Bock and Henry Mancini.

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 for all ages, always free and open to the public. No food allowed. Drinks with lids permitted.

Saturdays in the Courtyard

Jabe Amato

Saturday, June 27, 5 p.m.

Ann Kulchin Courtyard

1775 Dove Lane

Kick off your Saturday evening with an exciting mix of classic rock, funk, punk, soul, jazz and R&B with classic rock guitarist, Jabe Amato.

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 for all ages, always free and open to the public.

Community Arts Grants

The Carlsbad Arts Commission will consider awarding community arts grants to 35 applicants on June 4 and approving the staff’s proposed allocations across three funding categories: arts organizations, emerging arts organizations and arts-in-schools. The total funding available for the year is $128,840. Nineteen panelists reviewed 39 grant submissions, the largest number of applications ever received for the community arts grants.

Learn more about this years recommended applicants.

Reel Wednesday

Wednesdays, 4 & 7 p.m.

Carlsbad City Library

1775 Dove Lane

Don't miss our Reel Wednesday series!

Cinema Club Friday

Fridays, 4 & 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.

Arts Commission updates

The next Arts Commission meeting is Thursday, June 4 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.