Events in Carlsbad today

This ride heads south to Cabrillo National Monument for a scenic outing. Inside the park, cyclists can choose to descend to the tidepools and climb back up, or spend time near the gift shop and enjoy the scenery. Riders with an annual Cabrillo pass should bring it, as it covers the holder plus three other cyclists. Passes are usually sufficient for the group, but if needed a one-day cyclist admission can be purchased at the gate for $10. The planned route is approximately 66 miles with about 2,648 feet of elevation gain.

Calafia’s Uncollared rapier gathering at Buddy Todd Park celebrates the joy of testing skill, sharing creativity, and supporting one another. The day features two lists. The rapier tournament uses single elimination, with an opportunity to earn a second life by showing a recent arts or sciences project. Finals are fought as a best-of-11 without repeating weapon forms, a format often called an Uberelf, and a prize recognizes the most versatile fighter. The Cut & Thrust bracket follows the same single-elimination structure and offers the same arts-based second life. Its finals are best-of-11 to first blood, with weapon styles set by agreement among the Masters of Defense present. Entrants may compete in both lists, but any extra life gained through the arts can be used for only one and must be chosen at entry. Masters of Defense do not enter the lists and instead support the field as marshals and mentors. An arts and sciences competition is open to all, with entries displayed throughout the day. If a piece will be carried onto the field, provide a photo and brief description for the display. Fighters who enter the competition receive a token that can be redeemed at the list table for a second life. Judging will be provided by the Ladies of the Rose. Registration is $20 for adults, with a $10 discounted rate for adult members. Those under 18 attend as guests of the Barony. Cash and checks are accepted at the gate, and checks may be made payable to SCA Inc./Canton of Summergate. This is a dry site, and dogs must remain leashed. Event steward: THL Timothy McBride of Aran.

At Poinsettia Community Park, Soccer Shots offers a summer soccer experience designed for young children with age-specific programs. Mini welcomes 2 to 3 year olds and introduces simple concepts like moving the ball with their feet, early dribbling, and basic rules through playful activities, music, and lots of encouragement. Classic serves ages 4 to 6, using imaginative play to build dribbling, passing, and shooting while reinforcing positive character values such as respect, teamwork, and appreciation. Premier is geared toward ages 6 to 10, emphasizing individual development, fitness, and sportsmanship, with fun games, team interaction, and a developmentally appropriate introduction to friendly competition. Enrollment is available for families seeking a fun, structured way to keep kids active and learning this summer.

Soccer Shots offers summer classes across San Diego County designed to build skills and confidence in young players. Mini sessions for ages 2 to 3 introduce using feet, dribbling, and simple rules through lively games, songs, and plenty of encouragement. Classic sessions for ages 4 to 6 focus on dribbling, passing, and shooting with creative activities while highlighting character traits such as respect, teamwork, and appreciation. Premier sessions for ages 6 to 10 develop individual technique, fitness, and sportsmanship through fun challenges and team interaction, with competition introduced in a developmentally appropriate way.

Set your mat in the sand and flow to the sound of the waves. This beach yoga session highlights ocean views while guiding you to build strength, confidence, and balance. Feel grounded with your toes in the sand and restore your energy with mindful breathing by the water. All experience levels are welcome, and the practice is intended to leave you refreshed in body and mind. Drop-in pricing is $20, and a 10-class punch card is available for $150. To find the group, watch for a pink yoga flag. Bring a yoga mat, an extra-large towel to place beneath it to keep sand off, any preferred props, a water bottle, and sunblock.

At Georgina Cole Library, the San Diego Fixit Clinic in Carlsbad provides an opportunity to bring broken or nonworking items for hands-on troubleshooting and possible repair. Electronics, appliances, computers, toys, bicycles, clothes, and more are welcome for assessment and careful disassembly. Workspace, specialty tools, and guidance are provided to help you take items apart, diagnose issues, and understand how they were made and how they work. Even if a repair is not possible, participants leave with practical skills and insight. Opportunities to volunteer as a Fixit Coach are available.

A summer bus excursion explores the history of Encinitas, hosted at the Encinitas Historical Society and 1883 Schoolhouse. The tour travels by bus to share a look at the area's past.

Explore Fox Point Farms on a weekend tractor train tour guided by a farm ambassador. Meet the animals, learn about regenerative growing practices, and find out what is being cultivated. Help cut down on food waste by feeding overripe vegetables to the animals. Hear how the farm’s micro-economy works, including growing, brewing, coffee roasting and making, cooking and baking, herbalism, and the live music and community events that support it. These tours follow the weekday format, with the added tractor ride. No advance booking is required, and tickets are available for purchase on site.

Explore the world of honeybees during a hands-on beekeeping experience at Fox Point Farms. It begins with a guided introduction to bee biology, how colonies are organized, and the important role bees play in regenerative farming, so participants feel ready before heading to the hives. Guests then suit up in protective veils and gloves to examine a live hive with the beekeeper. There is an opportunity to look for the queen, watch honey being made, distinguish workers, drones, and queens, and observe the bee life cycle up close. The experience also covers why pollinators matter to sustainable agriculture and how local farms care for their hives. Questions are welcomed throughout, and participants can take photos in their gear by the hives. The visit concludes with a Q&A to answer common curiosities. Capacity is limited to 30 people per tour, the activity is open to ages 4 and up, and it is presented by the beekeepers of Bee Leaf USA.

The Chicano Block Party honors California’s Chicano Heritage Month with a free, day-long celebration of art, music, culture, and community at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. Highlights include a lowrider car show, live music, an art market featuring local artists and printmakers, hands-on activities, pop-up installations, artist demonstrations, and a live mural created by José Hugo Sánchez. Presented in conjunction with Amoxtlis, Sánchez’s immersive exhibition at the CCAE Museum, the event recognizes the artists, histories, and communities that have shaped Southern California’s cultural landscape. Families are welcome to explore creative experiences across the campus and connect with local creatives.

Meet adoptable dogs at this dog adoption event at Petco in Encinitas. Attendees can explore adoption and fostering options, spend time petting and playing with the dogs, and learn about volunteer opportunities. The focus is on finding loving forever homes, with support from fosters and volunteers helping dogs on their way to adoption.

Petco in Oceanside hosts a welcoming dog adoption event featuring rescue dogs and puppies who are ready for loving families. Visitors can interact with the pups through meet and greets and playtime, learn about adopting, and explore other ways to help such as fostering or volunteering. Families and friends are welcome to spend time with the animals. Each interaction and act of support brings these dogs closer to a forever home.

Bingo and Beats offers an all-ages blend of lively bingo games and feel-good music from DJ MandyMixes. Expect a welcoming, family-friendly setting with prizes available during the games. Activities take place in Center Court on Level 1 at Mershops North County Mall, and participation is free.

Take part in a Saturday Weiss Schwarz session with a $6 entry fee.

Knowhere hosts the Godzilla Card Game. The entry fee is $6.

Step into a neon-lit silent disco where glow paint meets the dance floor. Express your creative side as you move to the music in a bright, color-soaked setting. This lively experience takes place at Oceanside Art Collective.

Kenny Hale leads a powerhouse ensemble of seasoned musicians devoted to bringing Neil Diamond’s music to life with striking authenticity and heart. Many consider his vocal work the most faithful and heartfelt Neil Diamond tribute, capturing the signature voice, emotional nuance, and charismatic presence that define these songs. Paired with the band’s superb musicianship, the performance rises above simple imitation and creates a fully immersive concert experience. From the opening notes to the final encore, audiences are carried along, and with eyes closed it can feel as though Neil himself is on stage. Seating options include Grand Orchestra in rows A through H at $65, Orchestra in rows J through Q at $55, and Rear Orchestra in rows R through V at $45. A VIP Mezzanine table for two is available for $150, providing premium seating and an exclusive experience.

A fresh production showcases the music of the B 52's, performed by Hot Lava.

At the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, a co-production with Six String Society brings the music and stories of The B-52s to life through Hot Lava. The performance traces the group’s beginnings in Athens, Georgia, their rise to stardom, and a salute to the famed Capitol Theater show in New Jersey. Hot Lava delivers tight harmonies, striking visuals, and a set packed with favorites such as Rock Lobster, Roam, Love Shack, Planet Claire, Private Idaho, and more, creating a high-energy New Wave celebration from start to finish. Standard tickets range from $37.20 to $85.20 including fees, with face value from $31 to $71, and there are no fees for in-person purchases at the CCAE Box Office. A pre-show VIP Meet and Greet add-on is available for $25, and Orchestra Row A seats include the VIP Meet and Greet as part of the ticket price. A 15 percent discount is available with code DRAGONFLY.

Neon Night Parties bring fresh after dark experiences to the Splash Pool at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, blending creativity, play, and summertime fun. Expect after hours access to the Splash Pool along with light up lawn games and a movie shown by the pool. S’mores kits and popcorn are available for an additional fee, and food and drinks can be purchased. Each themed evening is crafted to glow with lively energy and memorable moments.

Spend the day at LEGOLAND’s water park with thrilling water slides, sandy beaches, and attractions like the Build-A-Raft River, Pirate Reef, and LEGO Legends of CHIMA Water Park. The park is open daily.

Explore Fox Point Farms on a guided tour that includes a tractor train ride. Meet the farm animals, learn about regenerative growing practices, and see how food is nurtured from soil to harvest. A farm ambassador leads the experience, sharing insights into what is being grown and how the land is cared for. Guests can help cut down on waste by offering overripe vegetables to the animals. The tour also highlights the farm’s micro-economy of businesses, spanning growing, brewing, coffee roasting and making, cooking and baking, and herbalism, with live music and community events contributing to the wider farm experience. No advance booking is needed, and tickets are available for purchase on site.

A free, kid-focused live music session with Kathryn the Grape brings upbeat songs and interactive fun for children and their families. Kids can sing, move, and participate while caregivers share the moment. The experience takes place at Center Court on Level 1.

Find a new furry companion at a pet adoption event at Petco. Friendly rescue dogs will be on site and ready to meet new families. Walk-ins are welcome, and you can also schedule an appointment in advance to meet a specific dog. Making a reservation will hold your selected pup for the event so they are available for you to meet. Every dog comes with health records and has received vaccines, de-wormer, flea and tick treatment, a microchip, and spay or neuter surgery. Adoption fees vary by dog and start at $250, treated as a partially tax-deductible donation that supports care for over 500 dogs. For details, call or text 888.508.8943.

Keep pets healthy without the high price tag at a low cost veterinary clinic featuring vaccines, testing and more. Walk-in service is available for most care, while teeth cleaning for dogs and cats requires an appointment arranged through the local store. Services are provided by Advanced Pet Service veterinarians and technicians in partnership with Kahoots. Offerings include individual vaccinations, package options, microchipping and nail trimming, all aimed at making routine pet care accessible. A service menu is available online.

Riftbound Nexus Nights has moved to Knowhere. Attendees can expect a best-of-one format with a $6 entry fee.

Gym Leader Challenge tournaments welcome Pokemon players every Sunday in the Eternal format. The event runs as Constructed GLC and is run by a Pokemon Professor. Entry is $6. Prize support is casual, with store credit added to the prize pool for each participant and awarded to the top finishers. The format is presented as easy to build for and a strong value for long term deck construction.

Paul and Brian appear at O'Sullivan's Irish Pub & Restaurant Escondido. Following the recent clock change, the summer schedule shifts to an earlier start, setting the tone for an easy evening in a welcoming Irish pub setting.

Celebrate summertime discovery with a camp filled with animal encounters, creative crafts, and plenty of hands-on learning. Weekly sessions spotlight two rotating themes, Bio Science and Beyond and Amazing Animal Athletes, offering fresh activities from one week to the next. Participants range from PreK through 8th grade, with a special Critter Careers option that gives 7th to 8th graders a behind-the-scenes look at working with animals. Space is limited. Pricing and additional information are provided during booking.

Discover epoxy resin techniques while crafting a charcuterie board with delicate, ocean-like waves in an introductory, beginner-friendly workshop. Participants will work on a compact serving board, with a special option in this session to choose either a small or a medium bamboo board. The class is limited to about 10 people, all materials are provided, and pricing starts at $105. It takes place at a newly opened location in Oceanside, just minutes from Carlsbad, Vista, and San Marcos. The finished board is made with food-safe resin and can elevate a dinner table or appetizer bar, and it also makes a thoughtful gift.

Kick up your heels with line dancing at Fox Point Farms in Encinitas. Everyone is welcome, from first timers to experienced dancers, and all ages can take part. Lessons are offered during the event to help you learn new steps or brush up on your skills, and there will be time for social dancing. Song requests for the social dancing are welcome.

Work alongside herbalists at Fox Point Farms to learn practical gardening techniques while connecting with medicinal plants. Each hands-on session focuses on regenerative practices, with tasks that change week to week, including seeding, transplanting, weeding, preparing beds, harvesting, watering, and mulching. Participation is capped at 10 people to keep the group manageable. Children 8 and older may take part with a parent or guardian present, and teens ages 13 to 18 need a parent or guardian to sign a liability waiver at drop-off. Closed-toed shoes are required. Wear comfortable farm-ready clothing with good sun coverage, and bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and an optional snack. Plan to arrive a little early since activities begin promptly, and for safety and logistics late arrivals cannot be accommodated. Meet in the radial herb garden by the picnic table seating area.

Discover ways to uncover the stories hidden in old family photographs in this free hybrid class. The in-person session takes place at the City of Carlsbad Faraday Administration Building, Room 173B, and does not require registration. A Zoom option is also available and requires registration. The class explores questions such as who the people in the photos were, what may have driven them, and how each image connects to the moments and milestones of their lives.

A welcoming gathering focused on support for those affected by Alzheimer’s, offering information, encouragement, and a sense of community. Participants connect with peers to share personal experiences, trade tools for coping, and receive guidance that can help with everyday challenges. It is open to caregivers, family members, and people living with Alzheimer’s, with an emphasis on practical tips and collective insight in a respectful setting.

Join for a baby and toddler-friendly music class with live music, dancing, bubbles, and parachute fun. This is a complimentary experience that pairs with a valid play pass, and it runs during the scheduled class window at Kids & Coffee.

Kathryn the Grape leads a free community dance party at The Shoppes at Carlsbad, filled with interactive songs and guided movement created for young children. Sponsored by The Shoppes at Carlsbad, this family-friendly experience supports community-focused entertainment and encourages singing, dancing, and playful participation.

Connect with people affected by stroke or brain injury, including caregivers and family members, in a welcoming group focused on learning and mutual support. Discussions highlight practical self-care, sustaining purpose and meaning in daily life, and building uplifting peer relationships, with space to share experiences and gather helpful strategies.

Set at Frontwave Arena, this free community carnival is a feature of the Frontwave Arena Summer Series presented by True Care. Enjoy bright midway fun with games, music, and family friendly entertainment. Try plinko, cornhole, and other classics, then stop by for face painting, inflatables, and photo opportunities. Expect lively tunes, appearances by mascots, raffles, and plenty to keep kids busy while adults unwind. Concessions will be available for purchase, including popcorn, cotton candy, hot dogs, and other refreshments.

Embark on a curated taco tasting tour showcasing everything from classic al pastor and carnitas to specialty tacos. Each stop is chosen for its quality, flavor, and its place in Carlsbad’s local food scene. Sample a range of styles while getting to know local taco spots.

Leucadia Listening Lounge brings neighbors, friends, and music lovers together for a weekly showcase of thoughtfully curated live music. This free series takes place at Fox Point Farms in collaboration with Barn Time Music, a local Encinitas production company that champions area musicians and live performance. The lineup changes each week, offering a setting to listen, connect, and discover new sounds within the local music community. While the restaurant kitchen is closed, the bar serves drinks and food is available from Huerta Taco Stand and Fox Point Pizza throughout the evening. A taco special features any three fresh tacos with a beer or select nonalcoholic beverage for $20. No RSVP is required, and attendees are welcome to stay for a short visit or linger longer.

VAGA Restaurant at Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas hosts a trivia night with food, drinks, and prizes. Specials include $35 bottomless margaritas and half off the lounge food menu. Prizes include a $125 VAGA gift card and more.

Join an expert-led, hands-on cooking class at Sur la Table. You’ll learn new recipes, cooking techniques, and helpful tips during an interactive session designed for both beginners and experienced cooks. The class runs for two hours, and it’s described as a premium event.

Enjoy the LEGO Festival at LEGOLAND California Resort, a family-friendly event made to spark creativity and self-expression. There are multiple interactive zones for kids to play and imagine, including Music, Creative, and Chill-Out Zones, along with new headliners in the Thrill and Play Zones. The festival runs through August 30.

This eight-week workshop uses drawing as a pathway to observation, imagination, and storytelling, guided by an instructor who brings experience as both a visual artist and theater educator, including exhibiting at the Día de los Muertos Festival and teaching set design at CCAE. Participants begin with core fundamentals such as line, value, composition, and careful looking, then move into design ideas that connect images to narrative. Through practical exercises and conversation, the group explores how artists and set designers shape mood, character, and space. The course concludes with a personal project, where each student develops either a small series of drawings or a simple set or design concept inspired by a meaningful story or theme. The class takes place at the CH Art Studio at CCAE. Enrollment is limited to 20 students, and the full workshop fee is $225.

A dance party with Kathryn The Grape features live music in Center Court on level 1. Kids can dance, meet new friends, and burn off some energy. Admission is free, and the event is open to all ages.

Unwind at The Spa at La Costa within Omni La Costa Resort & Spa as the Secret Garden becomes a serene hideaway for an evening devoted to self-care. Each ticket includes private after-hours spa access and two drink vouchers. Live music sets a relaxed tone, and a restorative sound bath in the garden encourages deep relaxation. Take a break from routine and spend time reconnecting, recharging, and finding calm.

Bring your curious little explorer to Kids & Coffee for Sensory Bin Play, a weekly hands-on activity designed for preschool-age fun. Each session features a brand-new themed sensory bin with different textures, colors, and tools for scooping, pouring, and discovering. Reservations are required, and the activity is included with admission.

This monthly sound bath invites you to meet what is present, building flexibility to move with both the highs and the lows. You will recline in zero gravity chairs as layered sound frequencies create a gentle, wave-like sensation that supports your nervous system in remembering it can ride the surf of change. This is not background music. It is a fully immersive experience that weaves crystal singing bowls, binaural tones, and breath cues to align with your body’s natural rhythms, including the ebbs and flows. Expect an unhurried pace, a floating feel that eases pressure on your spine, and simple somatic prompts that help you notice comfortable and uncomfortable sensations alike. The intention is to grow real capacity, not chase constant calm. It is well suited for anyone tired of staying perpetually “on,” for athletes and movers who value recovery as much as training, and for people navigating real stress who want something more honest than forced positivity. No prior experience is needed, only a willingness to feel what is true in a safe, supported setting. Wear comfortable clothing you can lie down in and consider bringing a favorite blanket if you tend to run cool, along with a water bottle. Zero gravity chairs, bolsters, and eye masks are provided. Capacity is limited to four participants to keep the space spacious and contained. Late entry can disrupt the immersion for everyone. This offering is not a substitute for medical care. If you have a pacemaker, sound sensitivity, or are in the first trimester of pregnancy, please consult your provider. Free on-site and street parking are available, and the space is on the ground floor with restroom access.

Bingo gets a loud, music-driven makeover as Game Night Live turns the playlist into the playing field. Instead of numbers, you’ll listen for songs across the map, from classic rock and beloved oldies to hip hop, country, and the movie and TV themes that everyone knows, then mark them off on a card that is truly one of a kind. Custom cards keep the pace quick and the rounds surprising. When the last track fades, the challenge shifts to eight high-energy trivia questions that fire up the room and put knowledge to the test. It all adds up to a lively blend of bingo, music, and trivia that keeps the crowd buzzing from start to finish.