Best Things to do in Carlsbad Fall 2023

Carlsbad is one of the best coastal villages in Southern California, with its European-style charm and plethora of fun things to do, it makes for a great staycation. Carlsbad is in North County San Diego, home to Legoland, in case you did not know. The city is eighty-seven miles south of downtown Los Angeles and thirty-five miles north of downtown San Diego. Which is a fantastic location for a variety of SoCal’s famous theme parks: SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, Disneyland, and Knott’s Berry Farm.
As a Carlsbad local for over 30 years, I am going to share with you the best of what Carlsbad has to offer this fall of 2023.
Things to do in Carlsbad Fall 2023:
Taste of the Windmill
Date: Aug 12th 11am
Location: Windmill Food Hall 890 Palomar Airport Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92011
Pumpkin Patch & Sunflower Maze
Sept – November
Location: 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad, CA 92008
During the fall, the Carlsbad Strawberry Company converts the field into an amazing pumpkin patch and event space. Check out their apple shooting cannons, tractor rides, a bounce land for kids, a haunted corn maze with a secret saloon, and a sunflower maze.
Live on Village Drive (Gregorio’s)
Sun, Oct 1, 1 PM
Location: Gregorio’s Restaurant
300 Carlsbad Village Dr Ste 208, Carlsbad, CA
Indulge in a delightful evening of dinner and live music at Gregorios Italian Restaurant inside Village Faire at 300 Carlsbad Village Drive.
41st Annual Oktoberfest Fall Festival
Date: Sat Oct 07 at 12:00 pm to 08:00 pm
Location: Carlsbad Strawberry Company, 1050 Cannon Dr, Carlsbad, CA, United States
Taste of Carlsbad Village
Thurs Oct 12th
Location: Carlsbad Village, CA 92008
From the essential culinary must-haves to the hottest new eateries, the Taste of Carlsbad Village presents the best restaurants, chefs, wineries, craft brew, and specialty drinks the Carlsbad food scene has to offer. Carlsbad Village Association limits the number of tickets sold to ensure a quality experience for all involved.
Fall Fun with Fleetwood MAX! at The Landings!
Date: Sat 14th October, 06:00 pm
Location: 2198 Palomar Airport Rd, Carlsbad, CA
Windmill Classic Cars and Music | Monthly | Carlsbad, CA
Sun, Oct 15, 12 – 4 PM
Location: Windmill Food Hall
890 Palomar Airport Rd, Carlsbad, CA
Windmill Classic Cars and Music is a cool monthly car meet combination event. Vintage cars are part of the fun. But there\’s also a group of scooter enthusiasts.
Halloween In the Village
Saturday, Oct 28, 2023
Location: Carlsbad Village
The Carlsbad Village Association will be hosting an afternoon of free, family fun for all ages at Halloween in the Village.
Weekly Jazz Evensong at St. Michael’s by the Sea
Every Sun 4pm
Location: 2775 Carlsbad Blvd. Carlsbad, CA 92008
These gatherings are a unique blend of exceptional jazz rooted in the context of Anglican meditation and prayer. Held outside every Sunday afternoon on St. Michael’s lawn, offered free of charge to the community.
LEGOLAND Brick or Treat Halloween
Open daily 10am Sept 16-Oct 29th
Location: One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
The party kicks off as Monsters take over LEGOLAND® and host the Halloween party of the year featuring:
- Live Entertainment & Shows
- Limited-Time Attractions
- Character Meet & Greets
- Costume Contest
- And of course, Trick-or-Treating!
South State 48 2023
Thu, Nov 2, 7 PM – Sun, Nov 5, 12 PM
Location: Carlsbad by the Sea Hotel
850 Palomar Airport Rd, Carlsbad, CA
Our 3rd annual Family-Friendly Bluegrass Event in Beautiful Carlsbad CA Bands – Jamming – Workshops – Kids Activities – Food Hall.
Carlsbad Village Street Faire Nov 5
Sun, Nov 5, 8 AM – 5 PM
Location : Village Faire
300 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad, CA
Over 800 unique vendors will take center stage in downtown Carlsbad at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Carlsbad Village Street Faire.
Carlsbad Farmers Market
Every Wed 3-7pm
Location: State Street, Carlsbad Village
Making Music Museum
Open Tues-Sun 10am
Location: 5790 Armada Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Watch videos, listen to audio clips, and pick up and play an instrument at this museum’s highly interactive exhibits and live events.
Carlsbad Food Tours
Tours offered daily 11:30am
Location: Carlsbad Village, CA 92008
3 hours guided walking tour with 6 stops at unique eateries for food, wine tastings. Learn about Carlsbad’s history, culture and architecture while eating your way through the village.
Book your tour today at www.carlsbadfoodtours.com
Craftsmanship Museum
Open Thurs-Sat 9am
Location: 3190 Lionhead Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92010
Miniature models of engines, buildings & vehicles made of metal & wood are displayed at this museum.
Carlsbad Lagoon – California Watersports
Open Daily 9am
Location: Carlsbad Lagoon Recreation Area, 4215 Harrison St, Carlsbad, CA 92008
From paddleboards and kayaks to wave runners and power boats, California Watersports has something for everyone.
Carlsbad Aquafarm
Open daily 9am
Location: 4522 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Southern California’s only oyster farm.
New Village Arts:
Head to the local theater for an intimate musical production by an incredible cast of local talent.
They also offer Comedy shows and Salsa:
Open daily
Sat, Sun & Mon 9am
Tues – Fri 12pm
Location: 2787 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008
A Weekend with Pablo Picasso
Aug 12 – Sept 3rd
Gary & Friends
Wed 6pm
Join Gary Banks and special guests for live jazz standards, blues, and popular tunes on the White Family Next Stage.
The Village Comedy Show
Fridays 8pm
Nerd Comedy
Sat 8pm
Salsa Bachata & Vino
Sun 6pm
Witch Creek Winery
Open daily 12pm
Location: 2906 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Wine Tasting, Music, Paint & Sip and or Stand-Up Comedy
Every Fri, Sat, Sun
Handled Pottery Studio
Tuesday, & Thursday, 6 pm – 8:30 pm
Saturday 10:30 am – 1 pm
Location: 2680 State St suite D, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Carlsbad Candle Bar
Daily 12pm
Location: 520 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Make your custom candle today.
Barrio Glassworks
Daily 10am
Location: 3060 Roosevelt St, Carlsbad, CA 92008
A public glassblowing studio and retail gallery located in the California Coastal town of Carlsbad.
Napatini Bistro and Wine Bar
Open 3pm Tues-Thurs & 2pm Fri-Sun
Location: 3088 State St #100, Carlsbad, CA 92008
An exceptionally unique wine tasting experience
Gemological Institute of America
Open 8am Mon-Fri
Location: 5355 Armada Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Established in 1931, GIA is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls.
Shop the Village
Shops open daily 10am
Location : Carlsbad Village, CA 92008
Batiquitos Lagoon
Speaker Series
Second Saturday each month| 10:00 am | Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane, Carlsbad
Carlsbad Alkaline Water
Open daily 11:30am
Historical landmark for delicious local alkaline mineral water.
2802 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Needle in a Fabric Stash
Open 10am Mon/Tues & 10:30 Fri/Sat
2832 State Street, Carlsbad, CA 92008
+1 442-500-2007
Knitting and Crochet Classes
Aviara Golf Club
Open daily: 6:30am
Location: 7447 Batiquitos Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92011
Golf at a hillside course designed by the one-and-only Arnold Palmer
Pedego Bikes
Open daily: 10am
Location: 2978 Carlsbad Blvd #130, Carlsbad, CA 92008
A Pedego electric bike rental is the absolute best way to experience Carlsbad and beyond!
Beach Vibe Rental & Sales Golf Cart & E-bikes
Open daily 10am & Sat/Sun 9am
Location: 2721 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Carlsbad Beaches:
South Carlsbad State Beach
Robert Frazee State Beach
Terramar
Sound Bath
Wed from April to Dec
Location: Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa7100 Aviara Resort Drive Carlsbad, CA 92011
Yoga & Mimosa
Sat from April – forever
Location 890 Palomar Airport Road Carlsbad, CA 92011
Carlsbad is the Perfect Year-Round Destination for any activity – check out Visit Carlsbad for more information about events and things to do in Carlsbad.
Carlsbad is one of the best coastal villages in Southern California, with it’s European-style charm and plethora of fun things to do, it makes for a great staycation. Carlsbad is located in North County San Diego, home to Legoland, in case you didn’t know. The city is 87 miles south of downtown Los Angeles and 35 miles north of downtown San Diego. Which is a great location for a variety of SoCal’s famous theme parks: SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, Disneyland, and Knott’s Berry Farm, to mention a few.
As a Carlsbad local for over 30 years, I am going to share with you the best of what Carlsbad has to offer this fall of 2023.