Hearts of Carlsbad Village
February 7-14, 2026
An "all-new" format with more ways to participate—and more ways to share the love.
Hearts of Carlsbad Village began as a love letter from the Carlsbad Village Association, with incredible support from Visit Carlsbad, the official Destination Marketing Organization for Carlsbad, 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—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 the event from 50 hearts in 2021 to 400 hearts in 2025, frustration sometimes overshadowed the joy.
Now in its fifth year, Hearts of Carlsbad Village is being thoughtfully reimagined taking into consideration the suggestions from past participants on how to improve the experience.
A Reimagined Hearts of Carlsbad Village
In 2026, the event will feature 600 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) Give Blood, Give Love
Saturday, February 14
Community response has been overwhelming, and the blood drive is now fully booked. 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.
2) Explore the Village
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.
Stay tuned for daily themes, hints, and tips to make the most of your search posted starting Monday, January 26th.
3) Join the Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, February 14
Register for one of 250 scavenger hunt cards and take part in a 90-minute Village-wide adventure that will include exploring the Village, solving riddles, posting photos on social media, and more. Complete the hunt successfully and you’re guaranteed to receive a blown glass heart. Registration will open the morning of Monday, January 26 via the CVA website, on this page, so please check back.
Bonus Ways to Win
4) Acts of Kindness Giveaway at the Farmers Market
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 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.
5) Stay & Celebrate
Book a Hearts of Carlsbad Village package at one of our participating downtown hotels (while supplies last) and receive a custom welcome basket valued at $100, filled with local goodies—including a glass heart. Booking links with more detailed package information is below:
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
We invite everyone to celebrate Hearts of Carlsbad Village in the spirit it was created: supporting local businesses, giving back to the community, and finding joy in the experience—not just the heart.