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News from the City of Carlsbad | Aug. 6, 2026

Thanks to everyone who joined our Police and Fire departments for National Night Out on Tuesday! It was a great evening of connecting with neighbors and strengthening the partnerships that help keep our community safe.

In this week’s update, you’ll find details for this Friday’s TGIF concert – the last at Calavera Hills before we move to Alga Norte Community Park for the final two shows of the season.

Plus, I’ll give you a sneak peek at our fall recreation classes and programs before registration opens next week.

Here's the full lineup:

• TGIF concert brings the funk this Friday night
• Get ready to register for fall recreation programs
• Be part of the 2026 Cannon Art Gallery Biennial Exhibition
• Get your items repaired and enjoy summer-themed activities
• Improvements take shape in the Barrio
• Upcoming events and activities
• Carlsbad celebrates National Night Out

Carlsbad celebrates National Night Out

On Tuesday, our city public safety personnel visited block parties around Carlsbad, part of an annual tradition called National Night Out.

This event encourages neighbors to get to know each other and build relationships with the city’s Police and Fire departments. The goal is to create strong community connections that help keep Carlsbad safe.

Thank you to all of our public safety personnel and the community members who invited them to swing by!

TGIF concert brings the funk this Friday night

Treat yourself to R&B jams and old school funk with a fan favorite, B.I.G. (Brothers Igniting a Groove), at this Friday’s TGIF concert at Calavera Hills Community Park. The Southern California-based band’s repertoire includes more than 100 songs.

Friday, Aug. 7

Field opens at 4 p.m.

Concert starts at 6 p.m.

Calavera Hills Community Park

2997 Glasgow Drive

Family-friendly activities

• Scratch your unique guitar designs on decorative paper from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.  
• Groovy Hip Hop dance lessons with Bella Lux Entertainment from 5 to 5:45 p.m.

Getting there

• Free shuttles will run continuously from 4:15 to 9:15 p.m. between Sage Creek High School and the concert.
• Our complimentary bike valet service will be available if you prefer to get there on two wheels. 

Sponsor shout-out

TGIF sponsors help make this beloved summer tradition possible. Thank you to this year’s sponsors:



• Beach Genie
• Carlsbad Friends of the Arts
• Carlsbad Library & Arts Foundation
• Crispý Cones
• Gyminny Kids La Costa 
• H.G. Fenton, Tower24 Ponto Beach
• The Op Games

Get ready to register for fall recreation programs and more

The City of Carlsbad is offering a full lineup of classes and programs this fall, including sports lessons, creative and performing arts classes, and science and exploration classes. Registration opens next Wednesday, Aug. 12, and it’s always a good idea to sign up early because classes may fill up. Here are just a few of our popular programs:

• Sports classes for youth and adults interested in learning tennis, karate, pickleball and volleyball
• Special interest classes for kids and teens, like babysitting training, sewing and painting
• Dance lessons for all ages, including ballet and country line dancing
• Early childhood programs for children ages 1 through 4 to practice hands-on learning, sensory development and social skills

The complete schedule of programs is available in the city’s Fall Community Services Guide, now online.

Be part of the 2026 Cannon Art Gallery Biennial Exhibition

While I’m talking about ways to connect our community, the City of Carlsbad is bringing back its popular biennial exhibition to the Cannon Art Gallery this fall and inviting emerging and established local artists to be a part of it.  

This year’s exhibition, titled “Everywhere Home,” invites visual artists to explore the many facets of what it is to feel at home, a deeply personal experience that varies for everyone. Several different types of visual arts could be featured, including painting, sculpture, photography, fiber art and more.

If you know a local artist who may be interested, encourage them to apply. There is no application fee, and both new and established artists are welcome. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 31.

The exhibition offers an opportunity for local artists to connect with Carlsbad residents, one more way the city is delivering on the City Council's 5-Year Strategic Plan goal of strengthening community character and connectedness.

More details about the opportunity are available on the city’s website.

To get the latest information about the upcoming exhibition or future opportunities, sign up to receive email updates.

Get your items repaired and enjoy summer-themed activities

A special Fixit Clinic is coming to Georgina Cole Library on Saturday, Aug. 8, with a Dog Days of Summer theme, focusing on repairing summer gear such as surfboards, wetsuits, skateboards and roller skates.

Community members can bring broken or non-working items, including electronics, small appliances, bicycles, clothing and more, to work alongside volunteer coaches who can help troubleshoot and make repairs. The city will provide workspace, specialty tools and guidance. Even if an item cannot be fixed, you will learn more about how it was made and how it works.

In addition to repair support, attendees can take part in special summer activities, including:

• Making personalized, embroidered pet bandanas
• Creating upcycled dog toys
• Bringing blankets and towels for animal shelter donations
• Learning how to repair surfboard dings and wetsuits 

Advance registration is highly recommended to ensure participants are paired with the best coaches. Walk-ins are welcome until 12:30 p.m. 

Fixit Clinic

Saturday, Aug. 8

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cole Library

1250 Carlsbad Village Drive

Improvements take shape in the Barrio

Crews are busy in the Barrio installing new pedestrian lighting, updating water and sewer pipes and making other important infrastructure improvements.

Work started earlier this month on a project to improve traffic safety and walkability while updating water and sewer utilities. The project includes installing new stop signs, painted crosswalks, flashing pedestrian signs, a raised crosswalk and a traffic circle at the intersection of Pine and Harding. This first phase of the project includes installing sewer maintenance holes, storm drain components and water pipelines. The full project is expected to be finished next spring.

As part of another project in the area, we are installing more than 100 new pedestrian lights throughout the Barrio. This work is moving forward on schedule, and we expect the lights to be turned on in about a month. These new 17-foot light poles will help improve visibility and safety for people walking after dark. 

Upcoming events and activities

Here are some of the events and activities happening soon at our city libraries, community centers and the Carlsbad Senior Center:



• Cinema Club Friday: “The Summer Book” – Friday, Aug. 7, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dove Library
• Grow Your Garden: Preserving Your Harvest – Saturday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m. to noon, Cole Library
• Saturdays in the Courtyard music: The Heart – Saturday, Aug. 8, 5 to 6 p.m., Dove Library
• Carlsbad Cruisers Walking Club – Tuesdays, 9 a.m., meet at Carlsbad Senior Center
• Reel Wednesday: "A League of Their Own" – Wednesday, Aug. 12, 4 and 7 p.m., Dove Library
• Adult Craft Night – Wednesday, Aug. 12, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Dove Library

Upcoming meetings

There are no City Council meetings scheduled for August, and no city boards or commissions are scheduled to meet next week. See the full meeting schedule on our city calendar.

Before I wrap up, just a reminder that we’re entering back-to-school season, so you may see students biking or walking to and from school in the coming weeks. Please slow down and drive carefully.

Have a great weekend!

Geoff Patnoe

City Manager