Weeklong Hearts of Carlsbad Village Celebration Begins Saturday

Beginning this Saturday, February 7, Hearts of Carlsbad Village once again invites residents and visitors to spend time downtown while searching for beautifully handcrafted glass hearts hidden throughout the Village. More than an event, it is a celebration of the people, places, and everyday moments that make this coastal downtown so special.

Hearts of Carlsbad Village first began as a love letter from the Carlsbad Village Association during the challenges of COVID. At a time when many businesses needed support, the goal was simple: encourage the community to return downtown, rediscover local boutiques and restaurants, and reconnect with one another. Visitors quickly embraced the tradition of searching for custom blown glass hearts created by Barrio Glassworks, and what started as a small gesture of encouragement has grown into one of the Village’s most meaningful annual events.

Now in its fifth year, the event has been thoughtfully reimagined after listening closely to feedback from past participants. This updated approach places less emphasis on rushing and more on enjoying the experience of being in the Village, supporting local businesses, and creating lasting memories along the way.

Explore the Village

Saturday, February 7 through Friday, February 13 | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

A total of 250 handcrafted glass hearts, approximately 35 per day, will be hidden in plain sight during standard business hours across Carlsbad Village. You may discover one while browsing a favorite shop, visiting somewhere new, enjoying lunch, or meeting a friend for coffee.

Take a stroll through downtown, enjoy a leisurely lunch, or meet a friend for a mid-afternoon coffee. Turn your lunch break into a visit to the Village, or set aside time for an unhurried afternoon of shopping and dining. The experience is intentionally relaxed, allowing space to slow down, look around, and appreciate everything the Village has to offer.

A boundary map with instructions will be posted on Wednesday, February 4, to help guide participants while preserving the excitement of discovery.

Additional Event Updates

The response from the community has been incredibly strong, with several event opportunities reaching capacity within hours.

Registration for the Scavenger Hunt opened at 10 a.m. on January 26 and closed at 6:31 p.m. that same day, after all 265 cards were claimed.

The community blood drive is also fully booked. The enthusiasm surrounding both opportunities is a meaningful reflection of the generosity and spirit that continue to define Carlsbad Village.

With those events now filled, the weeklong Explore the Village experience offers a welcoming and accessible way for everyone to participate.

From Our Hearts to Yours

At its core, Hearts of Carlsbad Village is about more than finding a glass keepsake. It is about connection. It is about stepping into a local business and being greeted with a smile, discovering a new favorite place, and experiencing the warmth that makes this community feel like home.

Beginning Saturday, we invite you to make time for the Village. Take a walk, enjoy lunch, grab a coffee, browse the shops, and linger a little longer than usual.