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 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.

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.

• Explore the Village February 7 – 13
• Give Blood, Give Love on Saturday, February 14
• Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, February 14