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News from the City of Carlsbad | July 3, 2025

As we head into Fourth of July weekend, I’d like to wish you and yours a safe and happy celebration. The holiday weekend is always busy in Carlsbad, so today I’ll be sharing some community safety tips, as well as a volunteer opportunity to help clean up one of our beaches after the festivities. Also, a friendly reminder that there’s no TGIF concert tomorrow so we don’t conflict with your own Independence Day plans.

And seeing as how July is officially Park and Recreation Month nationwide, I want to make sure you see a new video highlighting the extraordinary behind the scenes work of our Parks & Recreation Department city staff who support the amazing quality of life residents enjoy so much.

Now, here’s this week’s full lineup:

• Tips for a safe and happy Fourth of July 
• Independence Day city services schedule
• No TGIF concert on the Fourth
• Beach cleanup event next week
• Celebrating Park and Recreation Month
• Carlsbad Fire Department to co-host regional CPR training
• Community events and activities
• Plan ahead to avoid traffic delays
• Upcoming meetings
• Serve on the city’s new Investment Review Board

Tips for a safe and happy Fourth of July

Our Police Department and lifeguard service will be out keeping an eye on things over the Fourth of July weekend, and we’re also asking everyone in Carlsbad to do their part to help keep our community safe. Here are some important tips for celebrating the holiday safely: 

General safety tips

• Fireworks: Discharging fireworks is illegal and can cause fires. Attending professionally organized fireworks displays is always a safer option.
• Responsible drinking: Designate a driver or use rideshare services if you plan to drink. Providing alcohol to minors is prohibited under the city's Social Host Ordinance. Call 911 to report drunk drivers.
• Traffic safety: Record travel numbers are expected for the holiday, according to the Auto Club of Southern California. Please plan for heavier than normal traffic, give yourself extra time to get where you need to go and look twice for people biking and walking. If you’re biking, remember to wear your helmet, stay aware of your surroundings and follow the rules of the road.
• Pet safety: Keep your pets secure, especially if you won't be home. If a pet gets lost or you find a lost pet, the San Diego Humane Society can assist in reuniting pets with their owners.

Beach safety tips

• Crowds: Expect large crowds, especially at our beaches. Bring your sunscreen and patience.
• Rules and regulations: Alcohol and pets are not permitted on city beaches. Fires are allowed only in designated fire pits.
• Personal security: Secure your vehicle and personal belongings. Do not leave valuables in your car.
• Water conditions: Check for signage when you arrive, including signs showing rip current locations. Swim near a lifeguard tower. Check our beach safety page for more information.
• Litter: Help keep our beaches clean by picking up after yourself.

Report any suspicious activity by calling our 24-Hour Non-Emergency Hotline at 442-339-2197. In an emergency, always call 911. 

Independence Day city services schedule 



City offices will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of the holiday. A full holiday schedule for city services is listed below:

Trash pickup: No delay

City offices: Closed

Emergency services: Regular service

City libraries: Closed

Cannon Art Gallery: Closed

City sculpture garden: Closed

Alga Norte Aquatic Center: Closing at 2 p.m.

Community centers: Closed

Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park: Closed

Senior Center: Closed

No street sweeping on city holidays

Transit: For the holiday transit schedule, please visit gonctd.com or call 5-1-1

No TGIF concert on the Fourth

Just a reminder that there will be no TGIF concert this Friday, July 4, to avoid conflicts with other holiday events and celebrations. Don’t worry – we've extended the season by a week this year so there will still be nine concerts.

Here’s the remaining lineup for the season:

Stagecoach Community Park

• July 11, The Reflexx (80s pop and new wave)
• July 18, The Cold Fact (soulful R&B)

Calavera Hills Community Park

• July 25, Kimba Light (Cumbia)
• Aug. 1, Shakedown String Band (Americana/jam band)
• Aug. 8, The Honeydrops (doo-wop, rockabilly from 40s-60s)  

Alga Norte Community Park

• Aug. 15, Wayward Sons (power chord rock nostalgia)
• Aug. 22, Euphoria Brass Band (modern New Orleans-style jazz)

The gates open at 4 p.m. with concerts from 6 to 8 p.m.

Beach cleanup event next week

Even with everyone doing their part, more visitors over a holiday weekend can mean more litter on Carlsbad beaches. To help pick up any trash that’s left behind, the city’s Beach Preservation Commission is hosting a volunteer beach cleanup on Saturday, July 12. 

This event takes place at the north end of the beach, near Grand Avenue. Volunteers will help remove litter and debris, with special attention to small items such as plastic fragments and fishing line, which can be especially harmful to wildlife.

If you’re looking for a way to give back and help keep our coastline clean, here are the details:

Carlsbad Beach Cleanup

Saturday, July 12

8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Check in at sign-in station on Ocean Street at Grand Avenue

Know before you go

• Bring a reusable water bottle and wear sunscreen, a hat and comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting a little sandy.
• The city will provide trash grabbers, disposable gloves and trash bags.

Celebrating Park and Recreation Month

July marks the 40th anniversary of national Park and Recreation Month, and here in Carlsbad, we’re joining communities across the country in celebrating the important role that getting outdoors, staying active and connecting with neighbors plays in our daily lives.

This year’s theme, “Build Together, Play Together,” reflects how parks, programs and community spaces help bring people together and promote healthy living.

To kick off the month, we’ve put together a video to spotlight some of the staff in our Parks & Recreation Department who are dedicated to making Carlsbad a great place to live, work and play.

Supporting our parks initiatives and recreation activities is one way we are delivering on the City Council’s 5-Year Strategic Plan goals of connecting the community and promoting a high quality of life.

Throughout July, we’ll share more stories about park improvements, programs, events and services happening across the city.

Carlsbad Fire Department to co-host regional CPR Training

Join the Carlsbad Fire Department and other regional agencies for a free hands-only CPR training event next Wednesday at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas.

At the event, you will learn key lifesaving skills, including:

• How to recognize sudden cardiac arrest
• The simple steps of hands-only CPR
• How your actions can double or even triple a person's chance of survival

Free hands-only CPR training at the beach

Wednesday, July 9

10 a.m. to noon

Moonlight Beach

400 B Street

Encinitas, 92024

No registration is required

Community events and activities

Here are some City of Carlsbad events and activities coming up soon at our libraries, community centers and the Carlsbad Senior Center.

• Carlsbad Cruisers Walking Club (adults 50+) – Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., meet on western steps of Carlsbad Senior Center
• Reel Wednesday, “Beaches" – Wednesday, July 9, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dove Library
• Bilingual Adult Craft Night – Thursday, July 10, 5 p.m., Carlsbad Learning Center
• Classic Car Show  – Saturday, July 12, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park

Find more activities and information in our city calendar, the Senior Center’s Seaside Insider newsletter and our Summer Community Services Guide.

City construction map

While you’re planning for the week ahead, don’t forget to check the city’s construction map to see where large city projects are happening that could impact traffic. Remember, the map only shows city projects. It doesn’t include construction projects by local utilities, private companies or other agencies. Don’t worry, there won’t be any work occurring on the Fourth of July.

Upcoming meetings

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, starting at 5 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. Next week, several of our city boards and commissions are scheduled to meet, including the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission and the Housing Commission.

Board and commission meetings are also livestreamed on the city’s website and available to watch afterward. You can see the meeting schedule on our city calendar.

Serve on the city’s new Investment Review Board

Also, just a reminder that the deadline to apply for our new Investment Review Board is July 14 at noon. This is an advisory body that will provide independent oversight of the city’s investment practices, so financial education or experience is required.

Applicants must be Carlsbad residents who are registered to vote in the city. Apply online or pick up an application at the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive.

Again, happy Fourth of July. Enjoy the holiday and thank you for celebrating safely.

Geoff Patnoe

City Manager