Art Walk Carlsbad

Annual Outdoor Art Show & Exhibition | California

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This event took place in 2024 and is planned to return in 2025.
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When?

Scheduled usually September 2025, with exact dates to be confirmed. Sign up for our newsletter below to stay updated.

Planned: Saturday in September, 2025 (Exact date TBD)
11 AM – 6 PM

Planned: Sunday in September, 2025 (Exact date TBD)
10 AM – 5 PM PST

Free Entry

Location of the Art Walk Carlsbad

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Carlsbad Art Walk Impressions

About Art Walk Carlsbad

The Art Walk outdoor event in Carlsbad has been a local tradition since 1984, showcasing a diverse array of artwork, from paintings and sculptures to other creative expressions, all displayed in artist booths. Each year, over 150 artists are selected by the Art Walk jury, ensuring a high standard of talent.

Many of the exhibitors are local to Carlsbad, as well as from nearby areas like San Diego and across San Diego County. In addition to the art, attendees can enjoy food from various food trucks stationed throughout the event.

What Can You Expect at the Art Walk Carlsbad?

While Art Walk Carlsbad is centered around showcasing fine art, it also offers a range of experiences that go beyond visual displays. Throughout the event, attendees can enjoy live music performances, a variety of food options, and activities that make the festival a well-rounded community gathering.

The music lineup features local talent from San Diego County, with performances ranging from solo artists to full bands. This mix of styles provides a laid-back, diverse musical backdrop as you explore the festival.

The art event’s atmosphere is enriched by these live performances, offering attendees a listening experience throughout the two days.

Food is another highlight of Art Walk Carlsbad, with an array of food trucks and stands offering everything from savory meals to sweet snacks. The selection is diverse, giving visitors plenty of options for a quick bite or a more filling meal as they wander through the festival.

For families, KidsWalk offers interactive art activities designed for children, allowing younger visitors to engage with creativity in a hands-on way. This section of the event is a great addition for those looking to bring the whole family along, offering something for everyone.

Who Are the Artists at the Art Walk Carlsbad?

Art Walk Carlsbad showcases a diverse group of talented artists, with participants welcome to apply from across the United States and Mexico. However, the majority of the artists featured typically hail from San Diego County and the surrounding areas. This focus on local talent highlights the incredible creativity within the region, giving attendees a unique opportunity to discover and support artists from their own community.

These artists, selected for their exceptional craftsmanship and creativity, present a wide variety of fine art, including painting, sculpture, glass art, fine jewelry, and photography. Each exhibitor brings a distinctive style and perspective, creating an inspiring and vibrant experience for art lovers of all tastes.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Carlsbad’s coastline, the festival offers a rare chance to meet the creators behind the art, learn about their processes, and purchase original pieces directly from them. This personal connection adds a deeper level of appreciation to the event, turning it into an immersive, interactive experience.

While the festival invites artists from across the U.S. and Mexico, Art Walk Carlsbad remains a celebration of the rich artistic spirit of the local community. Attendees can expect to encounter the incredible talent of Southern California artists in an atmosphere that fosters creativity, connection, and community.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Carlsbad Art Walk

What makes Art Walk Carlsbad unique?

Art Walk Carlsbad is more than just a fine art exhibition. The event includes live music performances featuring local talent from San Diego County, diverse food options from food trucks and stands, and family-friendly activities like KidsWalk, where children can participate in interactive art projects. This combination of art, music, and community activities creates a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

What types of art will be on display at the festival?

ArtWalk Carlsbad features fine art, including painting, sculpture, glass art, fine jewelry, and photography. The artists participating come from across the U.S. and Mexico, but the event particularly highlights talent from San Diego County, providing a unique opportunity to experience and support local artists.

Can I purchase art at the event?

Yes! ArtWalk Carlsbad gives attendees the chance to purchase original pieces directly from the artists. This allows for a more personal connection as you learn about the creative process and the story behind the artwork. It’s an excellent opportunity to support local talent and acquire one-of-a-kind art.

Are there any special considerations for families attending?

Yes, families are encouraged to attend, and the festival offers KidsWalk, a dedicated section with interactive art activities designed specifically for children. It’s a great way for younger visitors to engage with creativity and make art of their own while parents enjoy the broader festival offerings.

What kind of food and entertainment can attendees expect?

Visitors can enjoy a variety of food trucks offering both savory meals and sweet snacks. The live music lineup includes solo artists and bands, offering a mix of styles that enhance the overall festival experience. The event’s laid-back, coastal setting paired with these performances ensures a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for art exploration.

How can I apply as an artist exhibitor?

Artists must go through a jury process to participate. The application requires showcasing original fine art (crafts, mass-produced goods, and wearable art, except fine jewelry, are not accepted) and providing photos of a professional booth setup. Applications are currently being accepted for waitlist spots, and early applicants receive priority for booth space. All artists must comply with local regulations, including obtaining a California seller’s permit and liability insurance. For details on exhibiting, applications, or any other inquiries, artists and attendees can contact the organizers directly at sean@artwalksandiego.org.

What are the setup requirements for artists?

Artists need to bring their own professional-grade white display tents, though renting is an option. Booths should have walls like Pro-panels or grid walls for displaying art; easels and artwork placed on the ground are not allowed. Selected artists are required to attend the entire two-day event, rain or shine, and ArtWalk maintains a no-refund policy.

How to Participate as an Exhibitor at the Art Walk Carlsbad?

Artists interested in showcasing their work at Art Walk Carlsbad must go through a detailed application and jury process. The event is open to fine artists from the United States and Mexico, with applications currently being considered for waitlist spots only. Early applicants are given priority when it comes to booth space selection, emphasizing the importance of submitting applications as soon as possible.

Participation is limited to living artists, and only original fine art is accepted—items such as crafts, mass-produced goods, and wearable art (except fine jewelry) are not permitted. A jury evaluates each application based on the quality of both the artwork and the artist’s booth display. An essential component of the application is a photo showing a previous booth setup. This image must demonstrate a professional display, with artwork hung on walls using systems such as Pro-panels or grid walls. Easels and artwork placed on the ground are not allowed.

In addition to artistic requirements, all participants must comply with local regulations. This includes holding a California seller’s permit and liability insurance, with the latter needing to list both the City of Carlsbad and Art for People as insured entities. For artists conducting business in San Diego for six or more days annually, a San Diego City Business License is also required.

Artists selected by the jury are expected to be present at their booth for the entire duration of the two-day festival. The event runs from 11 AM to 6 PM on Saturday and from 10 AM to 5 PM on Sunday. While the festival provides the space for booths, artists must bring their own white, professional-grade display tents, although there is an option to rent one for an additional fee.

Art Walk Carlsbad is a rain-or-shine event, and once an artist is accepted, the festival maintains a strict no-refund policy. For further details or inquiries about the application process, interested artists can reach out to the organizers via email at sean@artwalksandiego.org.