Hearts of Carlsbad Village
February 7-14, 2026
An "all-new" format—more ways to share the love.
Hearts of Carlsbad Village began as a love letter from the Carlsbad Village Association to our downtown businesses during the challenges of COVID. Created to encourage people to return downtown, rediscover local boutiques and restaurants, and reconnect with the community, the event invited visitors to explore the Village while searching for custom blown glass hearts handcrafted by Barrio Glassworks.
Over the years, the event grew in popularity—thanks to incredible ongoing support from Visit Carlsbad, the official Destination Marketing Organization for Carlsbad, and Barrio Glassworks, the artistic force behind this event—but also evolved in ways that shifted focus away from its original spirit. While many participants enjoyed spending the day in the Village, the experience increasingly became centered solely on finding a heart. Even as we expanded from 50 hearts in 2021 (even before it was an official event) to 400 hearts in 2025, frustration sometimes overshadowed the joy.
Now officially in its fifth year as an event, Hearts of Carlsbad Village has been thoughtfully reimagined based on the suggestions from past participants on how to improve the experience.
A Reimagined Hearts of Carlsbad Village
In 2026, the weeklong event will feature more than 650 handcrafted glass hearts and multiple ways to participate over the course of one full week—each designed to celebrate community, kindness, and our local businesses.
Ways to Participate
1) Explore the Village - Still Available
Saturday, February 7 – Friday, February 13
Shop, dine, and explore Carlsbad Village throughout the week. A total of 250 hearts (approximately 35 per day) will be hidden in plain sight during standard business hours. You might just stumble upon one while discovering a new favorite spot.
A boundary map has been provided below (you can download it too) to help you as you explore Carlsbad Village. Remember, hearts are hidden in plain sight in front of businesses, possibly on a window ledge, or maybe in a planter, beneath a bush, or at the base of a tree or business entrance. Hearts are hidden along or within (facing businesses) the red boundary lines and will be visible or accessible from the sidewalks and will only be placed in safe places. Please be respectful of landscaping and property when searching.
Please use common sense. Hearts will never be hidden anywhere near or on the train tracks. They will never be hidden in a parking lot or near vehicles. They will only be hidden in safe, accessible places. Remember, this is a business activation event, so we want you to find them as part of a typical, enjoyable day in the Village. Use crosswalks and obey all traffic signals.
2) Acts of Kindness Giveaway at the Farmers Market - Still Available
Wednesday, February 11
On Wednesday, February 11, the CVA team will be at the Carlsbad Village Farmers Market for an Acts of Kindness giveaway. While strolling the market, shoppers may be surprised with a gifted heart from the CVA team between the hours of 3pm and 6pm as a small token of appreciation. This initiative is a way to celebrate everyday kindness and recognize those who support the Village by shopping local and engaging with the community.
3) Instagram Giveaway for a Locally Curated Basket - Still Available
Monday, February 9 - Thursday, February 12
Starting Monday, February 9th, we will roll out an exciting Instagram Giveaway for a locally curated Valentine's themed basket complete with a gorgeous glass heart, chocolates, cookies, and other local delights! Visit us on Instagram @carlsbadvillage and join in the fun. The contest will run Monday through Thursday with the winner announced Thursday evening. The basket can be picked up Friday or Saturday, in Carlsbad Village, and would make a perfect Valentine's gift for that special someone! Follow us now and stay tuned!
Participation Opportunities (Now Full)
Give Blood, Give Love - Fully Booked
Saturday, February 14
Blood drive appointments are fully booked at this time. Community response has been overwhelming. If people cancel their appointments and spots open up, a link will be reposted here. The Carlsbad Village Association extends sincere thanks to everyone who registered. Your participation helps support local hospitals and patients in need and truly embodies the spirit of giving.
Scavenger Hunt - Registration Closed
Saturday, February 14
Registration is closed as of 6:31pm January 26, 2026. All 265 scavenger hunt cards have been spoken for.
Stay & Celebrate - All room packages booked
Thank you to our participating downtown hotels who bundled a custom welcome basket valued at $100 filled with local goodies—including a glass heart - with room nights. A total of 35 hotel packages were booked!
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Carlsbad - 3136 Carlsbad Blvd.
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sansc-springhill-suites-san-diego-carlsbad/overview/
Beach Terrace - 2775 Ocean Street
https://beachterraceinn.book.pegsbe.com/promo?offerCode=HEART&hotel=CABTI
Ocean Palms Beach Resort - 2950 Ocean Street
https://bookings.oceanpalms.com/promo?offerCode=HEARTS&hotel=SANOPB
Thank you for embracing Hearts of Carlsbad Village in the spirit it was created: supporting local businesses and incredible art while giving back to the community and finding joy in the experience.