Cultural Arts eNews

July Cultural Arts eNews

There is still time - register now! Summer arts programs

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!

2026 TGIF Concerts in the Parks

Join us for Summer Fun!

Stagecoach Park:

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

July 17 - Harbor Party (Yacht Rock)

Calavera Hills Park:

July 24 - Sabrosas Latin Orchestra (Latin/Salsa)

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

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

Alga Norte Park:

Aug. 14 - Flashpants (80s hits)

Aug. 21 - Daring Greatly (Rock and Soul)

We had such a good time last year, pop-up art and dance lessons will be at every concert!

Coming soon: Cannon Art Gallery Biennial Exhibition

The City of Carlsbad’s popular biennial exhibition is returning to the Cannon Art Gallery in fall 2026, with a theme of “everywhere home.” Creating opportunities for local artists to connect with Carlsbad residents is one way the city is delivering on the City Council's 5-Year Strategic Plan goal of strengthening community character and connectedness.

“everywhere home” will invite both emerging and established visual artists to explore the many facets of what it is to feel at home, a deeply personal experience that varies for everyone. The opportunity will be open to a variety of mediums.

Stay tuned for more details in the weeks ahead.

William D. Cannon Art Gallery

alchemy + light

Open now through Aug. 23

William D. Cannon Art Gallery

Carlsbad City Library

1775 Dove Lane

Local north county 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 Priscilla Monger and Susan Hill

Wednesday, July 8

11 a.m. to noon

William D. Cannon Art Gallery

Carlsbad City Library

1775 Dove Lane

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.

Special film screening to compliment the alchemy + light exhibit

Wednesday, July 15, 7 p.m.

Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium
Carlsbad City Library

1775 Dove Lane

Dorothea Lange: Grab a Hunk of Lightning

Biography/Documentary

(2014, TV-PG, 1h, 52m)

Few know the story, struggles and body of work of the woman who created the portrait Migrant Mother: Dorothea Lange.

Open Studios - portrait

Saturday, July 11

1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Library Learning Center, Room 14

3368 Eureka Place

Learn best practices for taking portraits from the experts! Join artists Brandy Sebastian and Susan Hill from the alchemy + light exhibit for tips and tricks of the trade.

Event is free and open to all ages, but please note this is not a beginner's workshop, and you must provide your own camera.

Open Studios - youth

Friday, July 17

11 a.m. to noon

Georgina Cole Library

Community Room

1250 Carlsbad Village Drive

Event is free

Interested in photography? Artists Barbara Beck and Priscilla Monger are teaching youth how to get started in photography. While some of the exhibit started later in life, you can start now! This beginner-friendly workshop will help you find your inspiration to get started on your artistic journey.

Workshop is for 18 and under.

Open Studios - alchemy

Saturday, July 25

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Ann Kulchin Courtyard

1775 Dove Lane

Event is free and open to all ages

Discover the magic of transformation through the art of cyanotype. Participants will design a camera-less photographic print using natural materials.

Participants will expose their compositions to sunlight, revealing rich blue tones and intricate silhouettes—capturing both the essence of nature and the spirit of experimentation.

Front Row Saturday

"Black Music: The Rhythm That Moves America"

Saturday, July 11

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

Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium

1775 Dove Lane

Join us for a journey celebrating the history of black music in America that is part lecture, part performance.

Besos Jazz Trio

Saturday, July 25, 5 p.m.

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

Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium

1775 Dove Lane

Enjoy the Besos Jazz Trio as they fuse soulful jazz guitar and bass with the percussive artistry of tap dance—turning movement into a vibrant, unexpected layer of live rhythm and sound.

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.

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.

Arts Commission updates

The next Arts Commission meeting is Thursday, Aug. 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.