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📆 Exciting Updates: Food Truck Events, Music Festivals, Local News in Carlsbad! 👀

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📆 Exciting Updates: Food Truck Events, Music Festivals, Local News in Carlsbad! 👀

📆 Exciting Updates: Food Truck Events, Music Festivals, Local News in Carlsbad! 👀
🎶 Live music, food events, local news, and more in Carlsbad! Check out what's happening in your city! 🌟

Kintaro Oku

Dec 22, 2025

Hey there from The Village Buzz! ❄️🐝

 

North County is actually cold right now — crisp mornings, chilly ocean breezes, and those stunning winter sunsets that feel extra sharp and golden against the cool coastal air. Carlsbad is giving full-on cozy vibes, and we’re here for it.

 

Winter has officially settled in, bringing sweater weather, hot drinks, comfort food, and neighborhoods lighting up with festive sparkle. ✨☕🌊

 

There’s so much happening around town, and we can’t wait to share it with you:

 

    🍴 Local foodie favorites perfect for warming up
    🎄 Festive community events to lift your chilly-day spirits
    🎁 And a few sweet surprises buzzing your way…

 

Got ideas for what you’d love to see in the newsletter?


Are you a local business interested in sponsoring, advertising, or being featured?

 

Bundle up out there — and buzz back anytime. We’d love to hear from you!


📩 Reach us anytime at news@thevillagebuzz.com 

 

Quote Of The Day

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”
Norman Vincent Peale

📆 Upcoming Food / Food‑Truck / Music Events in Carlsbad

Le Papagayo: Live Music

🗓 Date: Monday, December 22, 2025 - Helena Holleran🗓 Date: Tuesday, December 23, 2025 - Clay Colton

🗓 Date: Wednesday, December 24, 2025 - Johnny C

🗓 Date: Thursday, December 25, 2025 - Christmas

🗓 Date: Friday, December 26, 2025 - Maxwell the Great

🗓 Date: Saturday, December 27, 2025 - Steve Orr

🗓 Date: Sunday, December 28, 2025 - Jimmy Patton

🗓 Date: Monday, December 29, 2025 - Darion Good Vibes

🗓 Date: Tuesday, December 30, 2025 - Fercho

Time: Varies from 6 PM - 9 PM Sunday - Thursday | 7 PM - 10 PM Friday - Saturday

📍 Location: 1002 North Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

🔎 Details: Le Papagayo features unplugged live music every night, ranging across genres like blues, folk, jazz, rock, island groove, Motown, and samba. The setting is relaxed yet vibrant—think art-gallery vibe, indoor and outdoor seating, and a cozy atmosphere where diners can enjoy music along with their meals.

🍽 Menus: Dinner | Drinks
Reservations recommended | Make Dinner Reservations

Weekly State Street Farmers' Market

🗓 Date: Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Time: 2:30 PM ‑ 7 PM

📍 Location: 2907 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008

🔎 Details: The weekly State Street Farmers’ Market showcases local farmers, artisans, and food vendors offering fresh produce, handmade goods, and a community atmosphere where neighbors come together to shop, eat, and connect.

Baba Coffeehouse: Live Jazz at Nido d'Amore

📅 Date: Every Friday Night

🕒 Time: 6 PM - 9 PM
📍 Location: Nido d'Amore (Love Nest) 2727 State Street, Carlsbad CA 92008

🎟️ Admission: FREE

📄 Details: Baba Coffee's lounge, nido d’amore, hosts live jazz by @thesotosix every Friday night along with guest chefs. Have dinner with "James Beard Award" recipient and Winner of Chopped 2020, Celebrity Chef, @elizathechef | Follow @thesotosix on Instagram

Scroll Down For MORE Events...

🗞️ Local Carlsbad News 👀 

Julian Sayin, a quarterback from Carlsbad High School, finished fourth in the National High School Heisman trophy voting.

Sayin was recognized for his exceptional performance on the football field, leading his team to an undefeated season.

Despite facing stiff competition, he earned enough votes to secure a top-four finish in the prestigious award.

Sayin's impressive season and leadership skills were praised by his coaches and teammates, solidifying his reputation as a standout athlete in the high school football community.

Read More...
The Carlsbad Planning Commission approved a request by Costco to add more gas pumps at their location.

The addition of six new dispensers will allow for a total of 16 pumps, helping to reduce wait times and alleviate traffic congestion.

The Commission also greenlit the installation of a canopy over the pumps and additional landscaping to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the gas station.

The expansion project received positive feedback from commissioners and city staff, with the improvements expected to enhance the overall customer experience at the Costco gas station.

Read More...
The article discusses how former Carlsbad High School tight end Zack Marshall is finding success in his new role at the University of Michigan.

After transferring from Vanderbilt, Marshall has made a smooth transition to playing for the Wolverines and is embracing the challenges of competing in the Big Ten conference.

He credits his time at Carlsbad for preparing him both athletically and academically for the rigors of playing at a Division I school like Michigan.

Marshall's versatility and work ethic have helped him carve out a key role on the team.

Read More...
Johnny Vernazza, a famous blues musician, faced homelessness after his wife's sudden death.

His friend Ed Mann launched a GoFundMe campaign "Home by Christmas" to help him avoid eviction, and within weeks they raised enough money for Johnny to stay in his home.

The campaign not only saved Johnny's home but also brought hope and festive spirit to him, showing the power of community support during hard times.

Johnny's appreciation and gratitude for the overwhelming support he received are evident, as he looks forward to spending Christmas in his own home.

Read More...

Carlsbad Cravings

🍜 GONZO! 🍣

📍 300 Carlsbad Village Dr #201A, Carlsbad, CA 92008

 

📞 760-672-5111

 

🍜 GONZO! – Carlsbad’s Bold & Flavorful Ramen

+ Japanese Hideaway

 

If you have been craving a dining experience that’s both comforting and adventurous, GONZO! in Carlsbad is a can’t‑miss spot that’s captivating locals and visitors alike.

 

Tucked into the lively Carlsbad Village dining scene, this vibrant Japanese restaurant elevates every bowl, roll, and plate with bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a stylish yet welcoming vibe.

 

GONZO! has quickly earned buzz — and rave reviews — for its rich, deeply satisfying ramen bowls, where each sip of warm, savory broth feels like a hug for your soul.

 

Whether it’s the silky Tonkotsu with melt‑in‑your‑mouth chashu or the fiery spicy miso that punches all the right buttons, each bowl is crafted with care and intensity.

 

The noodles are perfectly springy, the toppings generous, and the balance of flavors is something your taste buds will remember long after the last slurp.

 

But ramen is just the beginning. GONZO! also delivers creative Japanese small plates, sushi rolls, and shareable bites that span from refined classics to imaginative twists you won’t find anywhere else in North County.

 

Think crispy tempura, creamy avocado rolls, and unforgettable house specials that pair perfectly with a chilled sake or a cold craft beer.

 

Inside, the atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between laid‑back and lively — a great place for a casual date night, dinner with friends, or a cheerful meal after a day at the beach.

 

With warm service and an aesthetic that’s equal parts modern and inviting, GONZO! makes every visit feel like a special occasion.

 

🎯 Why you will love it:

      • Soul‑warming, top‑rated ramen bowls steeped in umami

      • Creative Japanese fare and sushi that delivers big on flavor

      • A fun, energetic atmosphere perfect for casual dining or a night out

 

🔥 Insider Tip: Pair a signature ramen with one of their inventive sushi rolls for a full‑flavor experience your readers will be talking about all week.

Follow GONZO! on Facebook

Follow GONZO! on Instagram

👀 Small Business Spotlight 🔦

Aviara Acupuncture & Integrative Health

📍 6120 Paseo del Norte suite L-1, Carlsbad, CA 92011

 

📞 760-814-8196

 

🧘‍♀️ Rebalance Your Body & Mind at Aviara Acupuncture
& Integrative Health

 

If stress, tension, pain, or just the daily grind has you longing for a reset, Aviara Acupuncture & Integrative Health in Carlsbad offers a serene, supportive doorway to better wellbeing.

 

Here, ancient healing traditions meet modern holistic care in a calm, personalized space designed to help you feel more like you — body, mind, and spirit.

 

Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, migraines, hormonal imbalances, digestive issues, stress, or fatigue, their customized treatment plans are tailored to your unique needs.

 

Using acupuncture — a time-tested method focused on balancing your body’s natural energy flow — and complementary therapies like herbal medicine, Tui Na therapeutic massage, and lifestyle guidance, Aviara helps support your body’s ability to heal and restore itself without reliance on drugs or invasive procedures.

 

What truly sets this practice apart is the compassionate, individual attention you receive from experienced practitioners, creating a sense of comfort from the moment you walk in.

 

Many locals report feeling relieved, calm, and re-centered after sessions — with benefits that carry into their daily lives, from better sleep to reduced inflammation and improved energy.

 

Local Tip: Even if you’ve never tried acupuncture before, a consultation can open the door to a transformative wellness journey — helping you reduce stress, support immunity, and rediscover what it feels like to live pain-free.

 

Follow Aviara Acupuncture & Integrative Health on Facebook

Follow Aviara Acupuncture & Integrative Health on Instagram

 Carlsbad Cravings

🥢 Phở Central 🍜

📍 5814 Van Allen Way #140, Carlsbad, CA 92008

 

📞 760-209-5514

 

🥢 Carlsbad’s Hidden Gem for Soulful Ph
& Authentic Vietnamese Comfort

 

When the craving hits for something warm, aromatic, and deeply satisfying, nothing compares to a steaming bowl of phở — and Ph

Central in Carlsbad has mastered the art.

 

This cozy, family-owned Vietnamese spot is a local favorite, quietly earning a reputation for serving some of the most flavorful phở in North County.

 

Step inside and you’re greeted with the rich scent of simmering broth, fresh herbs, and grilled meats — an instant comfort that sets the tone for a memorable meal.

 

Phở Central keeps things simple but authentic, with recipes that lean on tradition and ingredients that speak for themselves.

 

Their signature Ph Dac Biet (house special) arrives brimming with tender beef slices, tripe, brisket, and meatballs in a deeply savory, aromatic broth.

 

The noodles are soft yet springy, and each bowl is topped with a colorful bouquet of cilantro, basil, lime, and jalapeño — letting you customize your flavor experience to your liking.

 

Beyond pho, the menu offers a full range of Vietnamese comfort dishes, from crispy egg rolls and fresh spring rolls to vermicelli bowls layered with grilled lemongrass chicken or pork.

 

It’s the kind of place where every dish is made with care, and you can taste the difference in every bite.

 

🌿 What to try: The Phở Dac Biet with an iced Vietnamese coffee on the side — or go all in with a combo of phở, spring rolls, and a grilled pork vermicelli bowl.


🎯 Perfect for: A comforting solo lunch, family dinner, or any time you want a flavorful escape without the fuss.

 

With its welcoming vibe, generous portions, and broth that warms you from the inside out, Ph Central is exactly the kind of hidden gem your readers will love discovering — and returning to again and again.

 

Follow Phở Central on Facebook

Follow Phở Central on Instagram

Carlsbad’s diverse neighborhoods each bring a vibrant energy and distinct lifestyle to the city.

 

The Coastal Zone (Carlsbad Village + Beaches) pulses with walkable charm, ocean views, local dining, and arts, drawing tourists, date nights, and beachgoers alike.

 

The Lagoon & Coastal Open Space Zone offers calm waters, scenic trails, and wildlife watching, making it a haven for family outings and wellness seekers.

 

Adventurers head to the Northeast Calavera Zone, where rugged trails wind around Lake Calavera’s extinct volcano, attracting hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

 

Inland Villages & Neighborhoods like Bressi Ranch and La Costa are family-friendly, featuring parks, local schools, and classic community activities.

 

The Resort & Destination Zone (Aviara, LEGOLAND) blends resort luxury, golf, and theme park fun for out-of-towners and staycationers.

 

Rounding it out, the Employment & Innovation Zone near Palomar Airport buzzes with commerce and tech, powering Carlsbad’s thriving economy.


Read More...

The Village Buzz just launched a brand-new 16-week health series called "Decades of Health — Carlsbad Edition."

 

Each week, we’ll dive into the surprising truths of thriving through your 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s — and share local Carlsbad tips to help you stay strong, sharp, and energized at every age.

 

From metabolism slowdowns and hormonal curveballs to heart health, brainpower, balance, and purpose — this series is your insider’s guide to feeling your best in every decade of life. 🏄‍♀️💪🌊

 

Month 4 — Thriving in Your 60s

    • Week 13: Balance Becomes a Superpower 
    • Week 14: Your Bones Are Talking — Listen Up

    • Week 15: Heart & Energy Need Extra Care

    • Week 16: Purpose & Connection Matter More Than Ever

 

🩺 What They Don’t Tell You When You Hit 60 ❤️‍🩹

Your Bones Are Talking — Listen Up

 

By the time you hit 60, your bones are having conversations you can’t afford to ignore.

 

Bone density naturally declines, especially for women post-menopause, making fractures more likely from even small accidents.

 

But brittle bones aren’t inevitable — lifestyle choices still play a huge role.

 

Weight-bearing exercise keeps bones strong, while calcium and vitamin D give them the building blocks they need.

 

Strength training, walking, and dancing are all fantastic for bone health.

 

And don’t forget regular screenings: bone density scans can give you a clear picture of where you stand and what to focus on.

 

Carlsbad Tip: Make bone health part of your everyday rhythm. Walk Tamarack Beach for gentle impact, add light weights at a Carlsbad gym, or dance at a community event in the Village.

 

Then refuel with leafy greens, dairy, or fortified alternatives from the Farmers Market.

 

Bottom line: Strong bones aren’t just about avoiding fractures — they’re your ticket to staying active and adventurous in your 60s and beyond.

 

👀 Next Week - Age 60: Heart & Energy Need Extra Care 👀

 

📆 More Upcoming Events in Carlsbad

Army & Navy Academy Chapel: 25th Annual Christmas Eve Festival of Lessons & Carols

🗓 Date: Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

📍 Location: Army & Navy Academy Chapel 2549 Ocean St, Carlsbad, CA 92008

🔎 Details: Oceanside United Reformed Church invites the community to its annual Festival of Lessons & Carols on Wednesday, December 24 at 6:30 p.m., held at the Army & Navy Academy Chapel, located on the border of Oceanside and Carlsbad.

 

This cherished Christmas Eve service beautifully weaves together ten Scripture readings—from Genesis through the Gospels—telling the story of God’s promise of a Savior and its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Throughout the evening, the congregation joins in singing twelve beloved traditional Christmas carols.

 

Following the service, guests are warmly invited to stay and enjoy Christmas cookies and hot cider. The event is free and open to the public. Street parking is available, and the chapel offers a quiet space for families with young children. 🎶✨

Blue Terrace: Christmas Eve Stretch & Sound Bath

🗓 Date: Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Time: 10 AM - 11 AM

📍 Location: Beach Terrace 2775 Ocean St, Carlsbad, CA 92008 (NOT AT HAPPY BLUE MARBLE)

🎟️ Admission: $22* | Book Now

🔎 Details: Begin your holiday morning grounded, calm, and fully present—before the day unfolds. 

 

This isn’t a workout; it’s a gentle reset for your mind, body, and spirit. We’ll ease into slow, nourishing stretches to open the body and reconnect with the breath, then melt into stillness with a guided sound bath meditation set to the natural rhythm of the ocean. We’ll close with a soft gratitude meditation, helping you anchor into the deeper meaning of the day. Each guest receives hands-on Tibetan sound healing, with bowls placed gently on and around the body, along with a soothing tuning fork moment over the heart.

 

All levels are welcome—you’ll feel right at home from the moment you arrive.

 

We gather directly on the sand during low tide. If the tide is high, we’ll move to the Deck, where sweeping ocean views and the calming sound of the waves create an equally magical setting. 🌊

New Village Arts: Hollywood Stars of Magic 

📅 Date: Wednesday, December 29, 2025
🕒 Time: 7 PM - 9 PM
📍 Location: White Family Next Stage 2787 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008

🎟️ Admission: $35 Online* & at the Door* | *All orders subject to a flat $3 processing fee | Grab 2 tickets for just $25 when you use code COSMIC2 at checkout | Reserve Tickets

📄 Details: Step into an unforgettable evening of awe and amazement as Hollywood Stars of Magic • At the Village transforms our intimate Next Stage into a world of wonder. Featuring elite magicians from Las Vegas and Los Angeles, this rotating monthly showcase—produced by Tim Wise—delivers mind-bending illusions, masterful sleight of hand, and high-energy audience participation. Expect big laughs, dropped jaws, and that magical moment when you’re left asking, “How did they do that?” ✨🎩

🌤️ Weather Forecast 🌧

 

We are looking for Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to contribute to
The Village Buzz. The goal is simple: to give our readers more value by featuring local businesses and professionals directly in our newsletter. When those businesses share their feature, their friends and customers see it too — creating a win-win for visibility and community connection.

 

If you are a business owner with subject matter expertise in any field
that could benefit our readers, please send me your name, 
logo, and a summary to news@thevillagebuzz.com 


☀️ Thank you and h
ave a great day!☀️

 

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The Village Buzz is Carlsbad’s cheerful guide to all things local. From community news and upcoming events to hidden gems and small business highlights, this newsletter keeps neighbors connected and in the know — with a friendly buzz that brings Carlsbad closer together.

© 2026 The Village Buzz.