Much has changed with the opening up of California and the lifting of pandemic restrictions in mid-June.
One of the area’s favorite arts and craft fairs returns to Carlsbad Village this Sunday July 25th.
The Carlsbad Village Faire has a reputation as the largest outdoor 1-day fair in the US, other than its competitor, the November Carlsbad Village Faire in November in the Village. Whether that’s true or not doesn’t really matter, does it?
The Village Faire will take place from 8 am until 5 pm, so there is time for you to see everything vendors (over 600) have to offer, and shop to your heart’s content.
Not to be confused with the shopping center by the same name in the Village, the Village Faire takes place in the heart of downtown along Grand Avenue, from Carlsbad Boulevard to Jefferson, spilling over to some side streets including State Street north of Carlsbad Village Drive. [photo is from a previous art fair in the village]
Signs are out in the Village along many streets, warning everyone about this special event, since much of the parking on the streets will not be available due to vendor booths.
The Carlsbad Village Faire is an impressive arts and crafts fair. While it sounds a bit cliché-ish, I think it’s reasonable to say there is something for everyone, with hundreds of vendors to visit.
Expect a crowd of thousands to enjoy clothing, arts and crafts, home goods and accessories, collectibles, plants and garden items, antiques, products from around the world, and much more.
If you actually tire of all the Village Faire vendors you can explore all the Carlsbad Village restaurants and retailers on the side streets, including the popular Village Faire Shopping Center just north of the railroad tracks.
And with our beautiful weather why not also enjoy the Carlsbad beaches just a couple of blocks away, for a walk before or after the fair, if you have the time and energy.
Parking is very limited due to the crowds, and many spaces will be taken up by Carlsbad Village Faire vendors, so plan your time accordingly – the good news is parking is free in Carlsbad.
Another option is the free shuttle service offered throughout the day running at regular minute intervals (I’ve heard 15 minutes, and 20 – 30 minutes). The pick-up stops are located at the parking lot at the northwest corner of Sears at The Shoppes at Carlsbad (at the 78 and El Camino Real/Marron Road/Jefferson), and the Poinsettia Coaster Station on Avenida Encinas between Palomar Airport Road and Poinsettia.