Cultural Arts eNews

May Cultural Arts eNews

Call for artists

The City of Carlsbad invites artists to apply for the Carlsbad Beach Chairs public art project.

Four artists will be selected—three to design one chair each, and one to design a paired set—for installation at sites throughout the city. Selected artists will also lead two one-hour public art activities connected to their design within three months of installation. Artists not selected will be considered for future opportunities.

Emerging artists are encouraged to apply.

Important details

· Submission deadline: Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

· All materials must be emailed to arts@carlsbadca.gov.

Serve on the Public Art Advisory Committee

The City of Carlsbad is also looking for community members interested in serving on the Public Art Advisory Committee for the Carlsbad Beach Chairs public art project.

Summer arts programs -

Register now

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!

Sponsorships 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

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.

Saturdays in the Courtyard

Anna May

Saturday, May 9, 5 p.m.

Ann Kulchin Courtyard

1775 Dove Lane

A blend of acoustic warmth and folk-rock energy, Anna May carries soulful vocals and stories that linger long after the last note.

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. Admission is always free. In the event of rain, concerts will be moved indoors.

Front Row Saturday

New Sunset Strummers

Saturday, May, 23 p.m.

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

Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium

1775 Dove Lane

A ukulele collective radiating sunny harmonies and island inspired grooves for the ultimate feel-good experience.

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. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Performances for all ages.

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.

Free Comic Book Day

Saturday, May 2

Carlsbad City Library - all locations

All Carlsbad City Libraries will celebrate free comic book day with an event offering free comic books while supplies last. Visitors can explore new stories, revisit favorite characters and discover titles in the library’s graphic novel collection.

Grantee Spotlight

Sage Creek High School presents:

"The Path Forward"

Thursday and Friday, May 14 and 15, 7 p.m.

The Performing Arts Center at

Sage Creek High School

3900 Cannon Road

As a City of Carlsbad Community Arts Grant recipient, the Sage Creek High School Dance Department will showcase an exciting range of student choreographed works from Jazz and Contemporary to Hip Hop, Pom, Tap and more. This year’s performance features something special: two original ballet pieces performed by intermediate and advanced dancers as part of the department’s Artist in Residency program, made possible through the Community Arts Grant funding. Creative and full of variety, "The Path Forward" will be a fun, family-friendly show that celebrates student artistry and the vibrant dance community at Sage Creek High School.

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, May 7 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.