In today’s Carlsbad Scoop:
A full weekend lineup across North County, with live music, dance parties, wellness pop-ups, markets, theater, and family-friendly events from Carlsbad to Oceanside.
San Diego Restaurant Week kicks off, with several Carlsbad favorites offering prix fixe menus that make date nights, girls’ nights, and casual dinners easy to plan.
A look ahead to spring, with the San Diego Zoo Safari Park announcing the March opening of its all-new Elephant Valley experience in Escondido.
Community updates and local happenings to keep you in the loop as January winds down.
Let’s get to it.
🗓️ Upcoming Events in (and around) Carlsbad
Thursday 1/22:
🛍️ BYLT + Barefoot Dreams Warehouse Sale | Alternative Retail, 2561 El Camino Real, Carlsbad | Thu–Sun, Jan 22–25, 10am–6pm
A cozy crowd favorite returns with major markdowns on Barefoot Dreams and BYLT apparel for women, men, and kids. One ticket gives you one hour to shop all brands onsite. Tickets required for ages 15+. Barefoot details, BYLT details💻 Vibe Coding (Lovable) Hackathon & Meetup | The Film Hub Inc. Coworking Space | Thu, Jan 22, 9:30am–6:30pm
A full-day hackathon and tech meetup where local builders create real products using Lovable’s AI-powered platform. Compete for prizes, collaborate in person, and stick around for evening talks from industry leaders. Registration required to attend. details
Friday 1/23:
🎶 Atomic Groove Happy Hour | Belly Up, 143 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach | Fri, Jan 23, 5–8pm
Kick off the weekend with Atomic Groove’s longtime dance party happy hour, bringing feel-good grooves, live vocals, and nonstop energy to Belly Up. Expect a packed dance floor, joyful vibes, and a fun early-evening crowd. Tickets are $12 advance ($14 day-of). details🎭 Dead Moose World Premiere | Brooks Theatre, 217 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside | Fri, Jan 23, 8–9:30pm
The world premiere of a bold new musical that follows an 18-year-old survivor of a life-altering accident as he grapples with fate, faith, and identity. Thought-provoking and emotionally layered, with strong music and storytelling. details
Saturday 1/24:
🧊 Dry January Sips & Dips | Union Kitchen & Tap, Encinitas | Sat, Jan 24, 12–2pm
A feel-good wellness pop-up with cold plunges, craft mocktails, live music, and local vendors, hosted by Union Kitchen & Tap and Pink7. Enjoy light bites, detox juice shots, and an easygoing midday atmosphere. First 25 RSVPs are free, then $5. details🎨 Ocean Watercolor Painting Class | CoLabCrafts, Escondido | Sat, Jan 24, 3:30–5pm
A guided watercolor workshop for ages 6+ focused on creating an ocean-inspired painting. Learn basic techniques, relax, and take home a finished piece. $40 includes all supplies and is beginner friendly. details🎉 Free Winter Party + Vendor Village | YogaSix Solana Beach | Sat, Jan 24, 4:30–6:30pm
A free, festive mix-and-mingle celebrating YogaSix Solana Beach and Carlsbad–The Forum. Enjoy local vendor pop-ups, cozy community vibes, and a potluck-style gathering. Open to members, non-members, friends, and family. details🧘 Club Pilates Solana Beach Open House | Club Pilates Solana Beach | Sat, Jan 24, 8:30am–3:30pm
A drop-in open house featuring a free Intro Pilates class, local wellness vendors, studio tours, and New Year specials. Ideal for anyone Pilates-curious and ready to try the reformer in a welcoming, low-pressure setting. details🎶 Kimba Light Salsa Night | Witch Creek Winery, Carlsbad | Sat, Jan 24, 5:30–9pm
A high-energy Latin dance night with Kimba Light playing salsa, merengue, bachata, and more. Enjoy wine, cocktails, and a lively patio atmosphere. Tickets are $15. details🌿 Lake Calaveras Volcano Hike | Lake Calaveras Trailhead, Tamarack Ave, Carlsbad | Sat, Jan 24, 9–11am
A guided, family-friendly group hike with a summit stop at the Lake Calaveras volcano. Easy to moderate pace, leashed dogs welcome, and perks like coffee discounts included. Free to attend. details🎤 Solomon King Live | KI’s Restaurant, Cardiff | Sat, Jan 24, 7–9pm
Catch Solomon King live for an easygoing night of music, great food, and coastal vibes. A fun local show that’s perfect for a relaxed evening out in the heart of Cardiff. details📚 New Year, New Books: Bookish Bazaar | Weir Beer Company, 1250 Keystone Way, Vista | Sat, Jan 24, 1–6pm
A cozy, all-ages book lover’s market with 20+ vendors and authors, raffles, and a community book swap. Sip a beer, browse unique finds, and settle into the relaxed, literary vibe. Free to attend. details
Sunday 1/25:
🧘♀️ Paws & Pose: Kitten Edition | Cameron Fitness, 302 Pier View Way, Oceanside | Sun, Jan 25, 1–2pm
An all-levels yoga class paired with adoptable rescue kittens roaming the room for maximum cuteness and calm. Expect a relaxed, playful flow with plenty of cuddle breaks. $35 adults, $25 kids, with proceeds supporting Furballs Furever. details🧘 ACTV Studio IRL: Vuori x YogaBox Encinitas | Vuori Encinitas | Sun, Jan 25, 8–10am
An upbeat in-store yoga class led by YogaBox Encinitas, followed by private shopping and refreshments. Bring a mat and enjoy a relaxed, community-focused morning that blends movement with a little retail therapy. Free with RSVP. details💪 Free Workout & Shop with Nike + Orangetheory | Nike La Costa, Carlsbad | Sun, Jan 25, 8–10am
Kick off your Sunday with a high-energy Orangetheory-style workout led by Coach Jacob, then stick around for exclusive Nike shopping and a post-workout juice from Fresh Monkee. Open to all fitness levels, with limited spots available. details🎸 Guitar Swap Meet | Amplified Studios, 2796 Loker Ave W, Carlsbad | Sun, Jan 25, 10am–1pm
Buy, sell, or trade used music gear at this all-ages swap meet featuring live music and food for sale. Free admission and a great stop for musicians and gear lovers. details
🍊🥑Farmers Markets:🍓🧺
Wednesday: Carlsbad: 2:30pm-7pm | State Street | 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 1/22
62 🌡️ 53 | 🌦️
Friday 1/23
62 🌡️ 54 | 🌤️
Saturday 1/24
62 🌡️ 46 | 🌤️
Sunday 1/25
64 🌡️ 46 | 🌤️
🍽️ San Diego Restaurant Week Is Back Next Week
San Diego Restaurant Week returns January 25th through February 1st, a perfect excuse to try somewhere new or revisit a favorite. With more than 100 restaurants countywide, North County has a strong showing, especially right here in Carlsbad. Menus range from casual to elevated, making it easy to plan anything from a date night to a girls’ night or family dinner. Reservations are strongly recommended, but no tickets are required.
Locally, highlights include Napatini Wine Bar with a $44 dinner that includes a drink as a course, Ember & Rye offering lunch and dinner with its signature seafood and steaks, and Seasons Restaurant, serving both lunch and dinner menus at approachable price points. You’ll also find crowd favorites like Casa de Bandini, Draft Republic Carlsbad, Chart House Cardiff by the Sea, and Benihana Carlsbad participating this year.
🐘 Elephant Valley Is Coming to the Safari Park Soon
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park will open Denny Sanford Elephant Valley on March 5th, marking the largest project in the organization’s history. Located in Escondido, the new experience is designed to deepen understanding of elephants while highlighting conservation work in Africa, especially partnerships in Kenya.
A major highlight is Mkutano House, a two-story restaurant with multiple dining spaces inspired by African flavors blended with global influences. Elephant Valley will be included with regular Safari Park admission and is designed for guests of all ages.
Until next time,
Carlsbad Scoop