Cultural Arts eNews

April Cultural Arts eNews

New Exhibit Now Open in the

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.

Please join us on April 18, 3 to 5 p.m., for a free artist reception open to the community.

Chestnut I-5 underpass public art design heads to Arts Commission

The public art project at the Chestnut Avenue I-5 underpass is heading to the Arts Commission next week with a design shaped by community input.

More than 300 responses helped shape the latest version of the design. Key themes from the feedback included:

• Appreciation for adding color and visual interest to the underpass

• Interest in stronger connections to Carlsbad

• Questions about how the design reflects the ocean

• Desire for stronger representation of Barrio history and culture

• Suggestions for specific plants or design refinements

The artist and project team used this feedback to refine the design, which will be presented to the Arts Commission at its meeting on Thursday, April 2. The commission will consider whether to recommend the design for City Council approval.

Summer Arts Programs - Registration Now Open

Club Pelican

Batiquitos Lagoon

7380 Gabbiano Lane

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon

Week 1 | July 13-17

Week 2 | July 20-24

Week 3 | July 27-31

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

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Week of June 15-19

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 experience their personal journeys of development, self-expression and community-building through performance-based learning and design 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 Sponsorship Opportunity

Sponsorships now available for 2026 TGIF season

The City of Carlsbad invites local businesses to take part in our most popular community event, the TGIF Concerts in the Parks summer series.

The nationally-recognized TGIF concerts are exciting, high-visibility events that attract thousands of community members from Carlsbad and neighboring cities across multiple generations.

Sponsorship opportunities:

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

Deadline to commit is May 1, contact arts@carlsbadca.gov

Saturdays in the Courtyard

Soto Six

Saturday, April 11, 5 p.m.

Ann Kulchin Courtyard

1775 Dove Lane

Elegant and inviting, this café jazz style band blends silky swing rhythms and classic standards into an atmosphere made for courtyard vibes.

Join us for Saturdays in the Courtyard, a vibrant outdoor performance series that brings the Carlsbad community together for fun, music, and connection. Set in the beautiful Ann Kulchin Courtyard, this free event offers a festive atmosphere filled with live entertainment and great company.

Front Row Saturday

Sean Bostrom

Saturday, April 25, 5 p.m.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium

1775 Dove Lane

A true piano raconteur, weaving stories through sound in an intimate, genre-blending performance that captivates every listener.

Experience the magic of Front Row Saturday, a free live performance series held in the cozy and intimate 215-seat Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium. This series celebrates the vibrant talent of emerging and established artists from San Diego and North County, offering an exciting mix of music, theater, dance and more.

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.

We’d Love Your Input!

The City of Carlsbad is seeking community input to help guide planning for future film screenings, including the number of screenings and start times.

Whether you’re a regular attendee, drop in occasionally or haven’t had the chance to join us yet, your perspective is important and appreciated.

Please complete the survey by April 26.

Carlsbad Sculpture Garden

Open to the public Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays 1 to 5 p.m. 2955 Elmwood Street (near Georgina Cole Library and City Hall)

Explore the newly updated Sculpture Garden, a hands-on space designed for families and community members to connect through interactive art. This dedicated space invites visitors to engage with artistic sculptures in playful ways, incorporating percussion to support syllable learning while creating joyful moments together.

We’re thrilled to recognize our sponsor the Carlsbad Library and Arts Foundation, whose passion and generosity continue to enhance our community.

Grantee Spotlight

La Jolla Playhouse: POP Tour

Saturday, April 18, 11 a.m.

New Village Arts

2787 Sate Street

This spring, La Jolla Playhouse will bring its signature learning & engagement initiative, the Performance Outreach Program (POP) Tour, to Carlsbad. Each year, the POP Tour features a world‑premiere production commissioned by the Playhouse and presented directly inside local classrooms. This season’s production will be performed for students at El Camino Creek Elementary, offering them an up‑close, immersive theatre experience.

The 2026 play, "Colorín Colorado", follows Georgie, a shy fourth grader who discovers newfound courage through an unexpected friendship with his bold classmate, Inez.

City of Carlsbad Community Arts Grants offer funding support to individuals, schools and arts organizations for various art related projects within the city.

Arts Commission Updates

The next Arts Commission meeting is Thursday, April 2 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.