In today’s Carlsbad Scoop:
A packed North County weekend with live music, fitness events, markets, and local pop-ups from Carlsbad to Vista and Encinitas.
A big local update as the iconic “Top Gun” house in Oceanside is getting a new gelato shop this summer.
San Marcos rolls out a new health initiative, raising the question of whether something similar could make its way to Carlsbad.
Let’s get to it.
🗓️ Upcoming Events in (and around) Carlsbad
Thursday 3/19:
🤠 Morgan Wallen Tribute Night | Belly Up, 143 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach | Thu, Mar 19, 8pm
Belly Up goes country for the night with a Morgan Wallen tribute set featuring all the hits and a packed Cedros crowd. It’s 21+, tickets start around $15, and a solid pick if you’re in the mood for live music and a lively start to the weekend. details🛍️ MIKOH Warehouse Sale | Alternative Retail, 2561 El Camino Real, Carlsbad | Thu–Sun, Mar 19–22, 10am–6pm
MIKOH’s Carlsbad warehouse sale is back with up to 80% off bikinis, one-pieces, cover-ups, dresses, and other beachy staples. Tickets are required for their standard 1 hour shopping windows. details
Friday 3/20:
🧠 90's TV and Movies Twisted Trivia | Arrowood Golf Course, 5201 Village Dr, Oceanside | Fri, Mar 20, 6–8pm
Arrowood is going full nostalgia with a trivia night built around Friends, Fresh Prince, Titanic, Clueless, and other 90s favorites. Expect game-show style rounds, prizes, and a crowd ready to party like it’s 1999. Free to attend. details🍷 Comedy Kitchen: A Food & Comedy Game Show | Witch Creek Winery, 2906 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad | Fri, Mar 20, 7:30–9pm
A fun mix of stand-up and game show energy where comedians go head-to-head in food-themed challenges, trivia, and crowd games. Expect laughs, prizes, and a lively wine bar crowd right in the Village. Tickets around $12. details
Saturday 3/21:
🍓 Strawberry U-Pick Soft Opening | Mellano Farm Stand, Oceanside | Sat–Sun, Mar 21–22, 10:30am–4pm
Mellano is opening up their U-pick strawberry fields for the season with a soft opening weekend. Pick your own berries, get a sneak peek at the lavender and ranunculus fields, and bring the kids for a free strawberry-themed coloring station. details🌿 Cultura Fest - Vista | Ascend Coffee Roasters, 802 S Santa Fe Ave, Vista | Sat, Mar 21, 3–9pm
Cultura Fest returns to Vista for an evening of live DJs, cultural dance, local food, artisan goods, vintage finds, and community connection. Great stop for anyone who loves shopping local and soaking up the creative energy that makes North County special. Free and all ages. details🧘♀️ Pints & Pilates | Moonlight Overlook, 430 Moonlight Ln, Encinitas | Sat, Mar 21, 11am–2pm
Start with a Pilates mat class overlooking the coast, then head to Modern Times for a casual happy hour after. The class is beginner-friendly, fun for anyone who likes their wellness with a social side. details🎸 KISSTROYER (KISS Tribute Band) | The Roadies Brewing Co., 1495 Poinsettia Ave #148, Vista | Sat, Mar 21, 6–10pm
A high-energy KISS tribute show with full rock vibes, costumes, and classic hits. Doors open at 6pm and tickets are about $10. details🎬 Keeping in the Shadows Premiere | La Paloma Theatre, 471 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas | Sat, Mar 21, 7–10pm
La Paloma hosts the premiere of Keeping in the Shadows, a new surf film following Noah Wegrich and a stacked crew of surfers across five countries. Expect cinematography, moody travel sequences, and a classic Encinitas surf crowd for opening night. Tickets are around $20. details🌞 Red Light Method Carlsbad First Look | 2588 S El Camino Real Ste M, Carlsbad | Sat, Mar 21, 2–5pm
Get a first look inside Red Light Method Carlsbad with studio tours, live demos, and a walkthrough of how red light therapy supports recovery, energy, and overall wellness. Worth checking out if you’re curious about the buzz and want to ask questions in person. Free to attend. details🎨 Lucky Charm Creations | 101 State Pl Suite N, Escondido | Sat, Mar 21, 12–1:30pm
This St. Patrick’s-themed arts and crafts gathering is geared toward seniors and designed for a cheerful afternoon of creativity and connection. Expect hands-on projects, festive decor, and an easygoing community feel. Free to attend. details💙 World Down Syndrome Day Celebration | Nobel Athletic Fields and Recreation Center, 8810 Judicial Dr, San Diego | Sat, Mar 21, 1:30–4:30pm
This community picnic celebrates World Down Syndrome Day with music, dancing, games, and family-friendly activities. Hosted by local Down syndrome organizations, it is a warm, welcoming afternoon centered on inclusion, connection, and community. Free for all. details
Sunday 3/22:
🐶 Pups and Pilates | Muttropolis, 227 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach | Sun, Mar 22, 10:15–11:05am
Bring your mat and your pup for a playful Pilates class in Cedros. Light, beginner-friendly workout with plenty of good vibes and puppy energy mixed in. Free to attend and a cute one for dog lovers who want to move a little on Sunday morning. details🎾 Glam Slam - Beginner’s Tennis Event | San Dieguito Academy High School, 800 Santa Fe Dr, Encinitas | Sun, Mar 22, 9:45am–12pm
This beginner-friendly tennis social mixes a clinic, a King/Queen of the Court-style game, featured drinks, and wellness goodie bags. Fun for anyone looking to ease into tennis, meet people, and spend a Sunday morning outside. 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 3/19
78 🌡️ 60 | ☀️
Friday 3/20
78 🌡️ 60 | ☀️
Saturday 3/21
74 🌡️ 59 | ☀️
Sunday 3/22
72 🌡️ 59 | ☀️
🍦 The “Top Gun” House Is Getting a Gelato Shop
One of Oceanside’s most iconic spots is getting a pretty great upgrade. The “Top Gun” house is set to become a new An’s Gelato location later this summer, taking over the space that used to be High Pie. If you’ve ever walked by and thought it needed something more, this is a solid answer.
An’s, recently named best gelato in the country, will turn it into their 5th San Diego shop, called “An’s Gate D5.” The house itself isn’t changing much, still the same bright blue cottage with the ocean view, but now you’ll actually have a reason to stop instead of just snapping a photo and moving on.
🌿 San Marcos Launches New “Blue Zones” Health Initiative
San Marcos is kicking off a new citywide effort aimed at making everyday life a little healthier. It’s called Blue Zones Ignite, and the idea is simple. Make it easier for people to move more, eat better, and stay connected through small changes to the places they live and spend time.
They’re starting with a full assessment to figure out what would actually move the needle, with help from local healthcare groups and community partners. It’s early, but it does make you wonder… if it works, could something like this make its way to Carlsbad too?
Until next time,
Carlsbad Scoop