Summer’s last hurrah |
August always feels like summer’s last heyday before the return of school days and the autumn traditions of Octoberfest, Halloween and Día de los Muertos, looming spectrally on the horizon. Many of us squeeze in that last family getaway or finalize our Labor Day plans for a backyard barbecue or day at the beach. For Cultural Arts, we hope your summer provided you with days of relaxation and fun, resulting in cherished memories. We’re wrapping up summer events, like TGIF Concerts in the Parks, and at the same time, planning for the fall season which debuts in October with Arts & Humanities Month. For now, adieu to summer and, as the golden oldie by The Happenings proclaims, See You in September! (Check it out on YouTube; it’s the ideal theme for summer’s last hurrah.) |
TGIF Concerts wrap up successful comeback
Comebacks can be tricky. Yet, Cher does it continually well and the Rolling Stones are just timeless. For the beloved TGIF Concerts in the Parks, it has been a successful return to the summer spotlight. It’s been a season of great music, harmonious audiences, and spirited dancing. The final two concerts of the season at Alga Norte Community Park showcase favorite tunes and will generate new memories.
Event Schedule
4 p.m. Concert site and shuttles open
6 p.m. Let the dancing begin
8 p.m. Final Bows
9 p.m. Park site, parking lots and shuttles close

Fri., Aug. 12, 2022
The Detroit Underground
Funk, soul, R&B, you name it, they can play it.

Fri., Aug. 19, 202280’z All Stars Cut footloose to the music of this totally retro and gnarly band. |

Pop Up fun at TGIF Concerts
There’s more art to be created as the music plays this summer. Visit the TGIF Pop Up Art Booth (formerly Family Open Studios) for a different musically inspired art project at each concert. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please leave beverages and food outside the booth and bring your creativity. It’s art for all ages!

Wednesday Film Series spotlights Academy Awards winners
See 2022 Oscar recipients on the big screen at 6 p.m. in the Schulman Auditorium. More info
![]() Wed., Aug. 10The Eyes of Tammy Faye | ![]() Wed., Aug. 17West Side Story |
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Community Arts Grants applications open Aug. 29

Designed to encourage an enriched environment of artistic, creative and cultural activity in the City of Carlsbad, the Cultural Arts Office manages funding programs to provide financial support to organizations, schools and individuals for various projects through a competitive application and review process. With 2023 guidelines coming soon, highlights of this new grant cycle are:
- Aug. 29, 2022 – Applications open
- Oct. 7, 2022 – Application deadline
- Nov. 3, 2022 – Arts Commission reviews 2023 Funding Plan
- Jan. 6 to Aug. 31, 2023 – Project activity period
Fire Station 2 Public Art blazes forward |

On Tuesday, July 26, the Carlsbad City Council unanimously approved the design for a new public art piece that will be permanently installed as part of the new-and-improved Fire Station 2 in south Carlsbad. This colorful illuminated glass will be kiln-fused onto the windows of the new-and-improved Fire Station 2 in La Costa, set to open in the fall. The artwork was designed by artist Mary Carter Taub in collaboration with firefighters, the community, city staff and other stakeholders. It’s a “map mashup” of aerial views of Carlsbad with colors inspired by beach sunsets, the Flower Fields, Batiquitos Lagoon and colorful Victorian homes in Olde Carlsbad. City staff will work with the artist and key stakeholders on fabrication and installation. More Info |
Sculpture Garden exhibit in its final weeks |

Sculpture Garden exhibit in its final weeks
Tues. ‒ Sat. 10 a.m. ‒ 5 p.m. -Free
Check out this beautiful exhibit before it closes on Aug. 26! Another Glance: Celebrating 25 Years in the Garden celebrates nine works of art by artists who have been showcased in the sculpture garden. Hear from our featured artists!

Carlsbad Sculpture Garden group tours available Free
Schedule a docent-led tour by emailing arts@carlsbadca.gov. Also, pick up a Sculpture Garden special edition coloring book at a Carlsbad library location while they last.

Seeking Artists for the next Carlsbad Sculpture Garden exhibit! |
• Open to southern California artists
• Submission deadline: Sept. 2, 2022, by 4 p.m.
The City of Carlsbad’s Cultural Arts Office is seeking regionally established and emerging artists to lend their sculptural work for a group exhibition at the Carlsbad Sculpture Garden. Review the Call for Artists guidelines for submission details! More Info
Volunteer with Cultural Arts
Are you interested in ushering an event in the Schulman Auditorium or assisting at a Pop Up Art experience, just reach out to arts@carlsbadca.gov and we’ll put you in touch with our Volunteer Coordinator.
Carlsbad Friends of the Arts Dedicated to making the arts an integral part of the community experience. To become a member or volunteer, visit carlsbadfriendsofthearts.org | Carlsbad Library & Arts Foundation Financially supporting and enhancing Carlsbad libraries and arts facilities, programs and events. carlsbadlibraryartsfoundation.org/ | Quick Links Event Calendar Public Art |
City of Carlsbad | 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
