Carlsbad TGIF Concerts in the Parks Series for 2025
The first day of summer is June 20, and the annual TGIF Concerts in the Parks series begin that day.
The free TGIF Concerts in the Parks are the highlight of summertime in Carlsbad for many residents.
This free outdoor concert series might be the best entertainment option around North San Diego County! Indeed, the series was voted the 4th best outdoor concert series in the US in the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards by USA Today for 2023 and was the runner-up in the 2024 awards.
You can’t miss with a combination of great live music, in a beautiful Carlsbad park, on a Friday summer evening? What more can you ask for in free summer entertainment!
2025 is the 38th season of Carlsbad’s popular TGIF Concerts in the Parks series, presented by the City of Carlsbad’s Cultural Arts Office. The TGIF concerts take place on 9 consecutive Friday nights in 3 of Carlsbad’s largest community parks (with the exception of the 4th of July holiday).
You can read about the security enhancements at the venues here – these were put in place for the first time in 2024. They include perimeter fencing at the venues and security screening at the entrance gates.
The TGIF Concerts in the Parks are popular with visitors and residents and have been for several decades. So what should you expect? Hundreds of people dining al fresco on a sea of blankets and low-back chairs, dancing, kids, and 2 hours of terrific live music.
The TGIF concerts start at 6 and run until approximately 8 pm, with intermission generally around 6:45 or 7 pm when they raffle off great prizes. Funds raised from the raffles support a variety of Carlsbad arts programs.
Here’s the 2025 schedule. Note - there will be no concert on Friday July 4:
June 20, June 27, July 11 and July 18
Stagecoach Community Park
3420 Camino de los Coches in 92009
July 25, August 1 and August 8
Calavera Hills Community Park
2997 Glasgow Drive in 92010
August 15 and August 22
Alga Norte Community Park
6565 Alicante Road in 92009
You can read about the bands for each concert here.
The TGIF concerts get crowded so arrive early for the best parking and seats up front. The venues open at 4 pm. You can plan on walking a distance if you arrive near concert time!
There are free shuttles at the Calavera Hills and Alga Norte venues and you’ll find signage about where to park. 2 to 3 shuttles will operate continuously from 4:15 until 9:15 pm. At Stagecoach Park there is parking across the street at La Costa Canyon High School.
A complimentary bike valet service is also available at each venue.
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