In today’s Carlsbad Scoop:
A Valentine’s weekend lineup across North County with Galentine’s movie night, a community clothing swap, yoga in red and pink, cookie and beer pairings, and hands-on breadmaking in Vista.
Big changes in the Village as Carlsbad Village Plaza prepares for demolition, plus a community farewell event to celebrate the shops and neighbors who made it a local staple for more than 60 years.
Housing updates in Carlsbad, where new ADU rules could mean more backyard builds, garage conversions, and rental options in neighborhoods citywide.
Coastal book crawls, sumo showdowns, wedding fashion on the runway, and anniversary celebrations.
Let’s get to it.
🗓️ Upcoming Events in (and around) Carlsbad
Thursday 2/12:
☕ YPN Coffee Club | Morning Lavender Café, 329 S Highway 101 Suite 120, Solana Beach | Thu, Feb 12, 8–9am
Start your morning with coffee and connection at this casual meetup that’s free to attend. It’s an easy way to meet other local professionals, support a North County café, and ease into your Thursday with good conversation. details🍞 Brewery Breadmaking Class – Valentine Flavors | Pure Project Vista, 1305 Hot Spring Way, Vista | Thu, Feb 12, 6:30–8pm
Bring your Valentine or Galentine for a 90-minute hands-on breadmaking class featuring romantic sweet and savory flavors like Dark Chocolate Cherry and Rosemary Sea Salt. Ticket are selling fast and includes instruction, dough to take home and bake, plus seasonal beers onsite. details
Friday 2/13:
💖 Hearts of Carlsbad Village | Carlsbad Village | Sat–Fri, Feb 7–13, 11am–5pm daily
This beloved weeklong tradition returns with 650 handcrafted glass hearts hidden throughout the Village. Stroll, shop, and dine while spotting hearts placed in plain sight along sidewalks and storefronts. A sweet way to rediscover downtown Carlsbad. details📚 Coast and Ranch Book Crawl | Encinitas, Solana Beach, Cardiff & Rancho Santa Fe | Fri–Sat, Feb 13–14
Pick up a passport and explore four beloved Friends of the Library bookstores during this weeklong crawl. Collect stamps, enjoy store specials, and enter to win prizes once your passport is complete. A cozy excuse to bookstore-hop while supporting local libraries across North County. details🍗 The Crack Shack 9th Anniversary | The Crack Shack, 407 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas | Fri–Sun, Feb 13–15
Celebrate nine years of crispy chicken favorites with exclusive food specials, playful Valentine décor, and new menu items alongside classics like the Firebird and Don Pastor Fries. Valentine’s Day brings games, prizes, vendors, and kid-friendly fun, making it an easy outing for couples, friends, and families. details🎬 Galentine’s Movie Night: Blue Crush | Shoots Fish & Beer, Oceanside | Fri, Feb 13, 6:30–8:30pm
Grab your besties for an outdoor screening of Blue Crush with the North County Women’s Surf Community. Expect relaxed beach vibes, a special Blue Crush margarita, raffle prizes, and plenty of girl power energy. Free to attend, with food and drinks available for purchase. Bring chairs or blankets. details
Saturday 2/14:
🧘♀️ Share the Love Flow – Free Yoga Class | The Forum Carlsbad | Sat, Feb 14, 10–11am
Join YogaSix for a heart-opening outdoor Vinyasa flow on the lawn next to Yeti. All levels are welcome, and pink or red attire is encouraged for a festive touch. Pressed Juicery will be onsite with post-class drinks. Bring your mat and celebrate Valentine’s morning with movement and community. details🥋 SoCal Sumo Open 2026 | Japanese American Cultural Center, Vista | Sat, Feb 14, 9am–5pm
California’s biggest sumo showdown returns with youth, women’s, men’s, and masters divisions competing all day. Beyond the matches, enjoy cultural demonstrations, food vendors, and a lively festival atmosphere. If you’re looking for a Valentine’s date idea that wins on originality, this is it. details🎲 GameKnights at Arcana Brewing | Arcana Brewing Company, Carlsbad | Sat, Feb 14, 6–9pm
Board games, card battles, and one-shot tabletop adventures take over Arcana every second Saturday. If you’re up for craft brews and friendly competition, this welcoming game night is easy to jump into and perfect for meeting fellow local gamers. details
Sunday 2/15:
👚 Palentine’s Clothing Swap | Village Rock Shop, 2815 Roosevelt St, Carlsbad | Sun, Feb 15, 11am–2pm
Refresh your closet the sustainable way at this free community clothing swap hosted by Soultry Sisters. Bring pieces to share, discover new-to-you finds, and enjoy a laid-back Palentine’s outing focused on collective care and secondhand style. details🍪 Valentine’s Cookie & Beer Pairing | Weir Beer Co., 1250 Keystone Way, Vista | Sun, Feb 15, 2–3pm
Treat your honey to five curated cookie and craft beer pairings during this 90-minute tasting experience. A sweet and spirited way to close out Valentine’s weekend in Vista. details👰 Couture in Carlsbad: Wedding Fashion Show | The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa | Sun, Feb 15, 11am–2pm
This bridal runway event showcases modern gowns, bridesmaid looks, groom’s fashion, and cultural couture overlooking the coast. Browse curated wedding vendors, enjoy signature sips and small bites, and gather fresh inspiration. details🎶 Erik Thor Record Release Show | Amplified Studios, Carlsbad | Sun, Feb 15, 3–5pm
Americana singer-songwriter Erik Thor celebrates his new album with an intimate listening party and live performance. Doors open at 2pm, music starts at 3pm, and a special guest kicks things off. Free with registration, seating is limited. Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic refreshments provided. 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 2/12
64 🌡️ 53 | 🌤️
Friday 2/13
65 🌡️ 49 | ☀️
Saturday 2/14
65 🌡️ 54 | ☀️
Sunday 2/15
63 🌡️ 56 | 🌤️
🏬 Farewell to Carlsbad Village Plaza
A longtime Village staple is preparing to close its doors for good. After more than 60 years serving locals, Carlsbad Village Plaza is set to be demolished following a City Council vote approving redevelopment of the site into two apartment buildings.
The aging shopping center has long been a neighborhood staple, home to the area’s only nearby grocery store, along with a pharmacy, liquor store, hardware shop, and longtime hangouts like the Golden Tee. The approved project will bring 213 housing units, including 27 designated as low-income, as the city works to meet state housing requirements.
Before it’s gone, the community is invited to gather for one last sendoff on February 21. The farewell event will include food, music, and shared memories, along with a chance to thank the employees who have served generations of Village residents. A meaningful goodbye to a place that has anchored daily life for decades (and scoop up some Lola’s).
🏠 ADU Fever? Carlsbad Updates the Rules
If you’ve been considering adding a granny flat, garage conversion, or backyard unit, Carlsbad just updated its ADU rules and the changes could matter for homeowners across town.
The City Council voted to align local regulations with newer state laws, adjusting limits on size, number of units, and parking requirements. On single-family lots, homeowners can now have up to three total units, including a junior ADU. Detached units can be up to 1,200 square feet, and in most areas, if you remove a parking space to build an ADU, you will not have to replace it.
Permitting fees typically range from $2,000 to $4,000, and construction costs vary widely depending on the project. To help offset planning expenses, the city offers free preapproved ADU plans that can save time and design costs.
Until next time,
Carlsbad Scoop