In today’s Carlsbad Scoop:
A full lineup of Friendsgiving events, live music, makers markets, and family activities across Carlsbad, Oceanside, Encinitas, Vista, and Escondido.
A rainy Friday storm brings cooler temps and wet roads, but clears by Saturday for a sunny weekend finish.
The Children’s Museum hosts a hands-on alpaca encounter, while Encinitas is having their annual Holiday Street Fair.
Plus: a new dignity-focused indoor market helping local families, Carlsbad’s rise as a top U.S. startup hub, and a friendly property tax deadline reminder.
Community updates keep you in the know on neighborhood news.
Let’s get to it.
🗓️ Upcoming Events in (and around) Carlsbad
Thursday 11/20:
🍷 Thursday Wine Social at allmine | 119 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside | Thu, Nov 20, 5:30–8 pm | A monthly guided tasting featuring natural, small-production wines paired with thoughtful bites. Learn how to taste with intention and explore new wine regions in an intimate, welcoming setting. Led by sommelier Roxana and guest winemakers. details
🎶 Live Music at The Jazzy Wishbone | 234 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside | Thu, Nov 20, 7–10 pm | Another night of intimate live music, soulful sets, and lounge-style drinks at Oceanside’s favorite downtown music spot. Free admission. details
💡 Quick Pitch Competition | ELB 102 Innovation Hub, CSU San Marcos | Thu, Nov 20, 5:30–7:30 pm | Students from across disciplines pitch Shark Tank–style business ideas to a live judging panel. Expect bold concepts, creative energy, and light apps + refreshments while you cheer on your favorite entrepreneur. Free to attend with RSVP. details
Friday 11/21:
🌱 Farming Fridays | Fox Point Farms, 1150 Quail Gardens Dr, Encinitas | Fri, Nov 21, 9–11 am | Hands-on community farming workshop where you’ll learn regenerative techniques like seeding, transplanting, weeding, harvesting, and basic animal care. All ages welcome, closed-toe shoes required. details
🦙 Fun Animal Friday: Alpacas | Children’s Museum of Discovery, 320 N Broadway, Escondido | Fri, Nov 21, 10–11:30 am | Meet real alpacas during this hands-on family event featuring a live presentation, story time, and a themed craft. Animal meet-and-greets are limited and given via timed tickets at check-in. Free with museum admission. details
😂 Improv Comedy Show | White Family Next Stage, 2787 State St, Carlsbad | Fri, Nov 21, 7:45 pm | A fast-paced night of improv blending “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”–style games with SNL-inspired sketches. Hosted by Patrick McInnis and packed with quick wit, crowd interaction, and nonstop laughs. Tickets $15 adults / $10 kids. details
Saturday 11/22:
🍂 Friendsgiving at Aura Gardens | 1850 Marron Rd, Carlsbad | Sat, Nov 22, 6–9 pm | A festive indoor Friendsgiving with Thanksgiving-inspired bites, two signature cocktails, games, and warm community vibes. Come solo or with friends and enjoy a beautifully hosted seasonal gathering. Ages 21+, free parking. Tickets required. details
💪 EFMP Family Olympics | Paige Field House, 1110 13th St, Oceanside | Sat, Nov 22, 9–11 am | A morning of family relay races, obstacle courses, and team-based fitness games designed for all ages and abilities. Exceptional Family Members Program (EFMP) enrolled families can register once per household for a fun, active start to the weekend. Free to attend. details
🦃 Friendsgiving at Local Roots Kombucha | The Boochyard, 1430 Vantage Ct, Vista | Sat, Nov 22, 6–10 pm | Cozy Friendsgiving celebration with Friends-themed trivia, seasonal charcuterie, fall drink specials, permanent jewelry, and a sourdough pop-up. Free entry and good vibes all night. details
Sunday 11/23:
🎄 Encinitas Holiday Street Fair 2025 | 101 Coast Hwy, Downtown Encinitas | Sun, Nov 23, 9 am–5 pm | An annual tradition featuring 450+ vendors, local artisans, food stalls, kids’ rides, four live entertainment stages, and a dog-friendly beer garden. A full day of holiday shopping and seasonal fun along the coast. Free admission. details
🧘 Pilates & Sips | Crackheads Oceanside, 502 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside | Sun, Nov 23, 8:45–10 am | Start your Sunday with a 45-minute Pilates class led by Tali, followed by drinks, mingling, and community time hosted by Salt & Sun Social. All ages welcome, free parking available. details
🎨 Chaotic Goods Bazaar | Prohibition Brewing Co., 2004 E Vista Way, Vista | Sun, Nov 23, 12–6 pm | Local makers market featuring 20+ vendors with art, crystals, clothing, candles, jewelry, oddities, tarot, music, and food. A lively holiday-season pop-up with free admission for all ages. details
🍊🥑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 11/20
63 🌡️ 52 | 🌦️
Friday 11/21
65 🌡️ 48 | 🌦️
Saturday 11/22
68 🌡️ 45 | 🌤️
Sunday 11/23
69 🌡️ 48 | 🌤️
🥕🛒 Brother Benno’s New Indoor Market Brings Dignified Shopping and Free Groceries in Oceanside
Brother Benno’s recently opened a 1,400-square-foot Indoor Market in North County designed to feel like a neighborhood supermarket. The market offers free groceries exclusively to homeless and working-poor individuals, with a setup that lets customers shop with dignity by choosing what they want.
Opened last month, the market operates six days a week, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., closed Sundays. It serves around 150 people daily and distributes approximately 150,000 pounds of food monthly. Items include fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, breads, and even sweets, with limits in place to prevent waste.
Executive director Paul McNamara highlights the market’s thoughtful approach: homeless shoppers who may lack refrigeration can take smaller quantities suited to their needs, while others pick what they can store at home. The goal is to provide food efficiently and respectfully to those who rely on it most. For more details, check out this recent video.
🌊🚀 Carlsbad: Making Big Waves in the Startup Tech World
Carlsbad is fast becoming a major tech hotspot, ranking as the 4th hottest startup city in America. With over 600 companies in tech, life sciences, sports, active lifestyle, and cleantech, this coastal city combines natural beauty with a booming innovation economy. Major players like Viasat, Rockstar Games, and Thermo Fisher Scientific call Carlsbad home, complementing a strong startup ecosystem.
The city’s business community has fueled more than 1,800 patents in the past decade, a testament to its focus on innovation. Carlsbad offers entrepreneurs and tech professionals a rare package: a supportive community, ample resources, and an unbeatable quality of life by the ocean. It’s no wonder startups are thriving here and making waves beyond North County and Southern California.
🏠💸 Property Tax Reminder for Homeowners
Another reminder that property tax bills for homes, condos, and land are due. Your first payment was due November 1 (late if not paid by December 10), and the second is due February 1 (late after April 10).
Until next time,
Carlsbad Scoop