In today’s Carlsbad Scoop:
Marathon weekend energy across North County, with night markets, live music, comedy, fitness pop-ups, family events, and plenty of ways to get out without going far.
What to know before Sunday morning, including Carlsbad Marathon road closures and how they could affect beach plans, errands, and brunch routes.
North County food and dining updates, from Isola Pizza Bar’s upcoming Encinitas opening to what’s new and noteworthy along the coast.
Community updates to know this week, including San Diego County’s largest new apartment complex opening in North County.
Let’s get to it.
🗓️ Upcoming Events in (and around) Carlsbad
Thursday 1/15:
🛍️ Pacsun Warehouse Sale | Alternative Retail, 2561 El Camino Real, Carlsbad | Thu–Mon, Jan 15–19, 10am–6pm
A limited-time warehouse sale with major markdowns on Pacsun staples like denim, tees, hoodies, outerwear, and kids styles, with new inventory added daily. Free ticket gives you one hour to shop. details🧠 Trivia Night at Pizza Port Carlsbad | Pizza Port Carlsbad, 571 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad | Thu, Jan 15, 6–8pm
Weekly trivia night on Pizza Port’s Portside outdoor patio, perfect for teaming up with friends while enjoying pizza, beer, and a little friendly competition. Runs every Thursday evening and is an easy, low-key way to kick off the night in the Village. details
Friday 1/16:
🍔 Vista Sustainable Night Market | The Boochyard at Local Roots, 1430 Vantage Ct, Suite 101, Vista | Fri, Jan 16, 5–9pm
North County’s favorite night market returns with a huge lineup of food vendors (think pizza, sushi, tacos, dumplings, donuts, and more), plus local shopping and live music. It’s family-friendly, dog-friendly, and set up for lingering with seating, games, and fire pits. Free to attend. details🎶 Atomic Groove’s Happy Place Dance Party Happy Hour | Belly Up, 143 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach | Fri, Jan 16, 5:30–8pm
Kick off the weekend with a feel-good dance party as Atomic Groove brings its high-energy Happy Place happy hour back to Belly Up. Expect live grooves, joyful vibes, and plenty of room to dance. Tickets are $12 advance or $14 day-of. details🤸♀️ SCEGA California Classic Gymnastics | Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar | Fri–Sun, Jan 16–18, 8am–8pm
The annual SCEGA California Classic brings more than 2,000 gymnasts from around the world to Del Mar for a high-energy, all-day invitational meet. A fun outing for families and sports fans, with competitions running all day. details
Saturday 1/17:
🌊 WSA Western Surfing Championship Tour | Oceanside Harbor South Jetty | Sat, Jan 17, 6:30am–all day
The Western Surfing Association brings its iconic amateur surf competition to Oceanside Harbor. This long-running, family-friendly event features surfers from across the West Coast competing for rankings and pride in one of the sport’s most established series. A great one to watch or participate in if you love local surf culture. details🛍️ Outdoor Vintage & Makers Market | Seahive Marketplace, 1555 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside | Sat, Jan 17, 11am–4pm
An outdoor market filled with vintage clothing, handmade accessories, and local artisan finds, all set at Seahive Marketplace. Easy to browse, relaxed, and perfect for anyone who loves unique pieces and supporting small businesses. details🧸 Kids Marathon Mile at LEGOLAND | LEGOLAND California, Carlsbad | Sat, Jan 17, 7:45am
A special one-mile fun run for kids of all ages inside LEGOLAND before the park opens to the public. Kids can run, walk, or stroll through the park, with proceeds supporting Merlin’s Magic Wand. details💃 Tantra Speed Date | Dance North County, 535 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas | Sat, Jan 17, 7–10pm
A guided speed dating experience focused on connection, movement, and fun rather than awkward small talk. Led by trained facilitators, the evening includes interactive exercises designed to help singles connect. details🎤 The Red Room Comedy Night | Red Tracton’s Steakhouse, 550 Via De La Valle, Solana Beach | Sat, Jan 17, 7–8:30pm
An intimate live stand-up comedy night featuring top comedians from San Diego and Los Angeles, paired with a classic steakhouse setting. Doors open early for dinner and drinks before the laughs begin. details🎧 Free DJ & Beat Making Workshop | Cuts DJ Academy, 2101 S El Camino Real, Oceanside | Sat, Jan 17, 12–4pm
A hands-on intro to DJing and beat making in a supportive, inclusive setting for Oceanside and North County families. Kids and teens (ages 10–17) go from 12–1pm, and adults (18+) have a session from 3–4pm. Free and designed for beginners who are curious about learning the craft. details
Sunday 1/18:
🧘 ACTV Studio IRL: Vuori x LagreeRed | Vuori Forum Carlsbad, 1905 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad | Sun, Jan 18, 9–11am
An outdoor, mat-based workout led by LagreeRed, hosted by Vuori at The Forum. After class, guests are invited in-store for shopping and refreshments. Bring a mat, towel, and water. Free to attend with RSVP, but spots are limited. details🏃 Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K | Carlsbad | Sun, Jan 18
One of North County’s most scenic race weekends returns with ocean-view courses and multiple distance options. Start times begin at 6:15am for the full marathon, with the 5K at 6:40am and the half marathon at 7:45am. 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 1/15
72 🌡️ 50 | ☀️
Friday 1/16
71 🌡️ 53 | ☀️
Saturday 1/17
73 🌡️ 53 | ☀️
Sunday 1/18
73 🌡️ 49 | ☀️
🚧 Marathon Weekend Road Closures in Carlsbad
With the Carlsbad Marathon happening this weekend, several roads in north Carlsbad and along the coast will be closed from 5am to 2pm on Sunday, January 18.
Closures include key stretches of Marron Road, Monroe Street, Jefferson Street, Laguna Drive, State Street, and Carlsbad Boulevard, plus parts of Poinsettia Lane and Palomar Airport Road. While northbound lanes on Carlsbad Boulevard between La Costa Avenue and Poinsettia Lane will remain open, drivers should still expect delays and detours throughout the morning.
If you live near the course, plan errands early or later in the afternoon, and allow extra time if you’re heading to work, brunch, or the beach. Detailed route maps, parking info, and the full event schedule are available here.
🍕 Isola Pizza Bar Is Bringing Neapolitan Pizza to Encinitas
Encinitas is getting a new Italian standout. Isola Pizza Bar, known for its Neapolitan-style pizzas and ingredient-driven menu, is preparing to open its third San Diego County location at 569 South Coast Highway 101, moving into the former Death By Tequila space, which closed in late 2024.
Founded in 2012 by Italian-born chef Massimo Tenino, Isola built its reputation in Little Italy before expanding to La Jolla. The concept centers on traditional techniques like long-fermented dough made with double-zero flour and wood-fired ovens imported directly from Italy. The menu is expected to include classic pizzas like Margherita and Prosciutto e Arugula, along with housemade pastas, antipasti, gelato, and a full bar.
While there’s no official opening date yet, signage points to a first-half 2026 debut, pending permits and buildout.
🏢 San Diego County’s Biggest New Apartment Complex Isn’t Where You’d Expect
San Diego County’s largest apartment opening of the year isn’t downtown or coastal. It’s in San Marcos. The newly opened 222 North City complex brings 450+ apartments to the growing North City neighborhood near CSU San Marcos, officially making it the county’s biggest new apartment building to open this year.
The 12-story building offers everything from studios to four-bedroom units, with rents starting around $2,500 a month and penthouses topping $10,000. Amenities include a pool, hot tubs, a two-story gym, co-working spaces, resident lounges, and underground parking. The project is part of the larger $1 billion North City master plan, designed to create a true downtown hub for North County with restaurants, shops, parks, transit access, and nearby hospitals.
Until next time,
Carlsbad Scoop