In today’s Carlsbad Scoop:
North County shines with fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and family-friendly Halloween events, alongside plenty of dog-friendly fun.
Autumn vibes thrive with arts and crafts fairs, cozy outdoor concerts, and seasonal markets in Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Oceanside.
Carlsbad prepares for the return of United Airlines flights next spring, boosting regional travel options and economic opportunity.
The Del Mar Fairgrounds invites community input for its “Fairgrounds 2050” master plan, shaping the future of a beloved event hub.
Farmers markets, social hours, and weekend happenings keep North County buzzing through October.
Let’s get to it.
🗓️ Upcoming Events in (and around) Carlsbad
Thursday 10/23:
🎃 Del Mar Pumpkin Station | San Diego Fairgrounds East Lot, Del Mar | Oct 23–Oct 26, A San Diego family tradition with free parking and admission. Explore the pumpkin patch and enjoy mechanical rides including Ferris wheel, swing ride, train (kids only), sky fighter, tubs of fun, antique carousel, and giant slides. Most rides $5 per ticket; adults ride free on carousel.
👻 Sleepy Hollow Festival at LCC | La Costa Canyon High School, Carlsbad | 6–9pm, The LCC meadow turns into a harvest celebration with games, local food, and a live Sleepy Hollow performance. Stop by the Haunted Lobby for spooky fun and stay for a cozy community night under the stars. Free event.
Friday 10/24:
🍺 Paulaner x Union Oktoberfest | Union Kitchen & Tap, Encinitas | 6–9pm, Celebrate Bavarian style with live German music, pretzels, bratwurst, schnitzel, and games on the Garden Patio. Free entry with festive drinks and prizes throughout the evening.
🎸 Halloween Bash with The Sticky Sweets | The Landings, Carlsbad | Fri 10/24, 6–9pm, Rock out in costume with The Sticky Sweets' mix of classic rock, funk, and new wave at this free party. Great music, drinks, and fun vibes await. No cover charge.
🎶 The Revivalists | The Sound, Del Mar | 8pm, The eight-piece rock band marks the 10-year anniversary of Men Amongst Mountains with a high-energy show at The Sound. Tickets $61.
🌀 Pink Talking Fish: Wish You Were Here | Belly Up, Solana Beach | 9pm, A fusion tribute to Pink Floyd’s legendary album with groovy jam-band flair. Tickets $25 advance / $28 day of.
🌽 Haunted Corn Maze | Carlsbad Strawberry Company | Fri–Sat 10/24–10/26, 7pm–10pm Navigate a 1.5-mile corn maze with family-friendly spooky fun. GA $25, Fast Pass $45.
🎬 Not-So-Scary Movies on the Lawn | The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa | Fridays during Fall at 7:45pm, Bring your little ghouls and goblins for family-friendly movies under the stars on the Pacific Lawn. Cozy vibes, classic Halloween favorites, and warm community spirit all season long. October 24 features The Addams Family.
Saturday 10/25:
🎭 Halloween in the Village | Carlsbad Village | 2–7pm, Take part in downtown Carlsbad’s favorite fall tradition with trick-or-treating, carnival games, a costume contest, and sensory-friendly calm zones. Free community event.
👻 Halloween Spooktacular | The Forum Carlsbad | 2–5pm, Afternoon trick-or-treating, live music, and family games with appearances from Jack, Sally, and the Sanderson Sisters. Free.
🧵 SD Fixit Clinic | Georgina Cole Library, Carlsbad | 10am–1pm, Swap costumes, mend clothes, and bring your gadgets for repair. Family-friendly activities include DIY Halloween decor and recipe demos. Free RSVP.
🌊 Beach Cleanup | Tamarack Beach, Carlsbad Tower 34 | 9–11am Help keep our coastline clean at this community cleanup. Family-friendly and free.
💐 Encinitas Día de los Muertos Celebration | MiraCosta College San Elijo Campus, Encinitas | Sat 10/25, 12pm–4pm, Celebrate culture and remembrance with dance, art, and music at this free family festival. Enjoy dance performances, art workshops, sugar skull crafts, and a community events. All ages welcome.
🎪 Creepy Carnival – Halloween Party | Hangar 76, Oceanside | Sat 10/25, 1–8pm, Enjoy carnival games, spooky activities, beer, wine, and carnival eats at this free-entry event for all ages. Tickets for games and activities available inside. Parents, keep an eye on your little goblins!
🛼 Oceanside Roller Skate Halloween Party | Oceanside Municipal Pier | Sat 10/25, 3–7pm (doors 2:30pm), Get your skates and costumes ready for a Halloween bash by the beach! Music, a costume contest, and fun for all skill levels. Family-friendly and festive.
🍂 Pacific Ridge School Fall Fest | Pacific Ridge School, Carlsbad | 12–4pm, Celebrate student creativity with booths, live performances, and family fun. Free event supporting student-led projects.
🐾 Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival | Helen Woodward Humane Education Campus, Rancho Santa Fe | Sat-Sun 10/25-10/26, 9am–1pm, Enjoy hands-on animal encounters, a pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating, and crafts for kids.
🎸 North City Live: Music by Eras | North City, San Marcos | 5–9pm, A nostalgic evening of rock and Americana under the lights. Bring a chair, unwind, and browse local eats and shops during this free concert.
🎩 Halloween Fare & Live DJ | Fairmont Grand Del Mar | 5–9pm An enchanting outdoor evening with craft cocktails, seasonal bites, and a live DJ spinning Halloween classics. Adults $50, kids $30.
Sunday 10/26:
🧘 Haunted Flow: Halloween Beach Yoga | Tamarack Beach, Carlsbad | Sun 10/26, 9:30–10:30am, Start your Sunday with a Halloween-themed beach yoga session set to the rhythm of the waves. Costumes encouraged (witch hats, pumpkin leggings), with a prize for Best Costume. All skill levels welcome—just bring your mat.
🎃 Make Your Own Pumpkin Paperweight | Barrio Glassworks, Carlsbad | Sun 10/26, Create a unique glass pumpkin in this hands-on workshop using professional tools and guidance from expert instructors. Choose your colors and shape your piece in the hot shop. Ages 10 and up. $60 per person. Walk-ins welcome if space allows.
🏒 San Diego Gulls: Pumpkins & Pucks | Carlsbad Strawberry Fields Pumpkin Patch | Sun 10/26, 10am–3pm, Enjoy fall family fun with the San Diego Gulls! Explore the pumpkin patch and corn maze, win signed gear and tickets, and cheer on our hockey team.
🍊🥑Farmers Markets:🍓🧺
Wednesday: Carlsbad: 2:30pm-7pm | State Steet | details
Thursday: Oceanside: 9am-1pm | Pier View Way | details
Friday: San Marcos: 4pm-8pm | N City Drive | details
Saturday:
Sunday:
🌤️🌊 Carlsbad Weather and Wave Forecast
Weather 🌤️
Thursday 10/23
72 🌡️ 49 | 🌤️ | 0% | 💨 SW 3 mph
Friday 10/24
72 🌡️ 56 | 🌤️ | 0% | 💨 SW 2 mph
Saturday 10/25
72 🌡️ 56 | 🌤️ | 0% | 💨 SW 3 mph
Sunday 10/26
72 🌡️ 56 | 🌤️ | 1% | 💨 SW 4 mph
✈️ United Airlines Adds Twice-Daily Flights Between Denver and Carlsbad—Service Begins March 30, 2026
United Airlines is returning to McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) in Carlsbad with twice-daily nonstop service to Denver (DEN) and San Francisco (SFO) starting March 30, 2026. The flights will be operated by United Express using Embraer E175 regional jets, offering economy and premium seating. This marks United’s return after more than a decade, having last served Carlsbad in 2015.
The airport has seen significant upgrades since then, including a new terminal and runway improvements, making it more capable of handling regional jets. The return of United complements existing American Eagle service to Phoenix, providing North County travelers with more convenient options beyond San Diego International Airport.
Patrick Quayle, United’s Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning & Alliances, remarked that airports like Carlsbad play a vital role in connecting communities and nurturing future pilots. With United now serving more California cities than any other airline, the Carlsbad routes strengthen the airline’s network and boost regional accessibility. Tickets for the new service are on sale now.
🏟️ Del Mar Fairgrounds Seeks Public Input on Its Future
The Del Mar Fairgrounds, a longtime hub for major events like the San Diego County Fair and Del Mar horse races, is planning for the next 100 years. The 22nd District Agricultural Association, which owns the site, is developing a new master site plan and inviting community feedback through “Fairgrounds 2050 Open Houses” held across San Diego County through mid-November.
“Our goal is to envision what this property needs to look like to stay sustainable and vibrant for generations,” said Tristan Hallman, 22nd DAA spokesperson. Key topics include transportation access, promoting tourism, generating revenue, and protecting the natural environment.
The plan also covers future possibilities for the Del Mar Racetrack, Horsepark, and Surf & Turf Recreation Center. Early ideas being discussed include potential affordable housing and a special events rail platform to improve transit connection. Residents are encouraged to attend forums or submit input online as planning moves forward. Link to register and attend a forum discussion.
🎃 Fall Fun: Pumpkin Patches Around North County
If last week’s newsletter missed your radar, don’t worry! North County offers plenty of fantastic pumpkin patches to jumpstart your fall celebrations. Check out these top spots to enjoy seasonal fun with family and friends:
Carlsbad Strawberry Company
1050 Cannon Rd, Carlsbad
Open daily 9am–6pm, with extended hours until 10pm Fridays and Saturdays in October.
For $15 (free under age 4), you get access to a vibrant pumpkin patch, marigold fields, and extras like tractor rides, a corn maze, and a petting zoo. Plus, the Haunted Corn Maze opens Oct 3 for thrill seekers.
Pumpkin Patch & Polar Palooza
1200 Laurel Tree Ln, Carlsbad
Hours vary: 2-8pm Mon-Thurs, 9am-9pm Fri-Sun
Just $3 for entry, with optional fun zone tickets. Expect giant slides, a petting zoo, wagon hay rides, snacks, and weekend movie nights in the patch.
Mellano Farm Stand Fall Festival
5714 North River Rd, Oceanside
Saturdays & Sundays 10am–4pm through October
Tractor rides, a pumpkin patch, corn maze, live music and kids activities make it a festive weekend stop. Parking is $5.
Del Mar Pumpkin Station
15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar
Sept 26–Oct 26, open daily 10am–7pm Sun-Thurs, and 9am–9pm Fri-Sat
Free admission with free parking, plus rides like a miniature train, giant slides, carousel, Ferris wheel, and other carnival classics.
Until next time,
Carlsbad Scoop