HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-05; Arts Commission; 02; 2026 TGIF Summer Concerts in the Parks UpdateMeeting Date: March 5, 2026
To: Arts Commission
From: Terri Tooley, TGIF Coordinator
Staff Contact: Terri Tooley, TGIF Coordinator
terri.tooley@carlsbadca.gov, 760-473-4312
Subject: 2026 TGIF Summer Concerts in the Parks Update
District: All
Recommended Action
Receive a preview of the 2026 TGIF Summer Concerts in the Parks series.
Executive Summary
Staff will provide a preview of the 2026 TGIF Summer Concerts in the Parks season, including
key details on Pop-Up Art and pre-show activities, sponsorships and band line-up.
Explanation & Analysis
For 39 years, Carlsbad’s TGIF Concerts in the Parks have brought together residents and visitors
each summer to enjoy live music in local parks. As the longest running municipally sponsored
event in North San Diego County, TGIF has evolved from a small community gathering into a
large-scale concert series drawing approximately 30,000 attendees each season.
2026 Schedule and Performers
This year marks the 39th season of TGIF Concerts in the Parks. With approval from City Council,
staff scheduled nine concert dates: four concerts at Stagecoach Community Park, three
concerts at Calavera Hills Community Park, and two concerts at Alga Norte Community Park.
This year marks an exciting lineup with bands making their debut in San Diego County at TGIF,
along with the return of a few local fan favorites.
Pop-Up Art returned in the 2025 season to great success with over 2,200 budding artists
participating in hands on art projects. The crowd also enjoyed new pre-show activities including
dance lessons and a sing-along. Pop-Up Art and pre-show activities will be included in the 2026
season.
Concert Safety, Parking and Accessibility
The enhanced safety and crowd management measures the city implemented beginning in
ARTS COMMISSION
March 5, 2026 Item #2 Page 1 of 4
2024, have proven successful and continue to align with industry standards which support the
success of the event; the same measures will be in place for the 2026 season.
Due to unforeseen maintenance issues at La Costa Canyon High School, staff are developing
alternative parking for the first four concerts at Stagecoach Park.
Corporate Sponsorship
Sponsorship levels for 2026 can be found in Exhibit 1.
Staffing
Recruitment of the part-time summer TGIF crew members has already begun. TGIF is fortunate
again this year to have many returning crew members as most are college aged. The job posting
for this season is on the city website.
Two-Year Concert Schedule
TGIF is in its second year of the approved three-year concert calendar. This extended timeline
aims to allow ample planning time, facilitate inter-departmental collaboration and avoid
scheduling conflicts with other programs. It also addresses staffing challenges due to school-age
crew members being available only from late June to early August. Below are the approved
dates through the 2027 season.
2026
June 19 – Stagecoach
June 26 – Stagecoach
July 3 (Holiday - no concert)
July 17 - Stagecoach
July 24 – Calavera Hills
July 31 – Calavera Hills
August 7 – Calavera Hills
August 14 – Alga Norte
August 21 – Alga Norte
2027
June 18 – Stagecoach
June 25 - Stagecoach
July 2 - Stagecoach
July 9 - Stagecoach
July 16 – Calavera Hills
July 23 – Calavera Hills
July 30 – Calavera Hills
August 6 – Alga Norte
August 13 – Alga Norte
Community Engagement
An extensive communications plan is executed to promote TGIF Concerts in the Parks that
includes media releases, website, social media, e-newsletters and signage.
Fiscal Analysis
Funding for the TGIF Concerts in the Parks series is included in the Library & Cultural Arts
operational budget and the budgets of other city departments.
Options
None.
Next Steps
Staff will continue to partner with Parks & Recreation, Transportation, Fleet, Police and Fire,
Human Resources and Finance Departments to present the nine concert series to the Carlsbad
community.
March 5, 2026 Item #2 Page 2 of 4
Environmental Evaluation
The proposed action is not a “project” as defined by CEQA Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines
Section 15378(b)(5) and does not require environment review under CEQA Guidelines Section
15060(c)(3) and 15061(b)(3), because the proposed action to report on 2026 TGIF Summer
Concerts in the Parks is an organizational or administrative government activity that does not
involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant
physical impact on the environment. Any subsequent action or direction stemming from the
proposed action may require preparation of an environmental document in accordance with
CEQA or CEQA Guidelines.
Exhibits
1. Sponsorship Opportunities flyer
March 5, 2026 Item #2 Page 3 of 4
Headliner ($20,000)
Prominent logo on banners on stage signage, shared with
other “Opener” sponsors
Logo on promotional materials, including rack cards, website
and social media
Logo on shared barricade wraps
Onstage acknowledgment at every concert
Opportunity to set up a branded booth or activation in the
family-friendly activity area (10’ x 10’)
Mention in at least one social media post and news release
Option to provide branded merchandise or promotional
materials at concerts
Logo on prominent bike valet signage
Logo on shared barricade wraps
Logo on promotional materials, including
rack cards, website and social media
Mention in at least one social media post
and news release
Up and comer ($1,500)
The nationally recognized TGIF Concerts in the Parks
series has been a popular Carlsbad tradition for
decades. The concerts attract thousands of
community members from the surrounding area,
including young adults, families and active older
adults.
2,500 attendees per concert (average)
9 concerts
Stagecoach, Calavera Hills and Alga Norte parks
Sponsorship
Opportunities
Exclusive banner centered above the stage with
“Headliner Sponsor” and logo at every concert
Logo prominently displayed on promotional materials,
including rack cards, website and social media
Exclusive headliner barricade wraps
Onstage acknowledgment at every concert
Opportunity to set up a branded booth or activation area
on the field at every concert (10’ x 10’)
Meet the band and photo opportunity
Featured post on social media associated with concert
promotion
Two reserved season parking passes
Mention in at least one news release
Opener ($10,000)
Bike valet ($5,000)
Logo on shared entrance sign
Logo on promotional materials, including
rack cards, website and social media
Mention in at least one social media post
and news release
Reserve your sponsorship by May 1 to ensure your organization is included in print
materials and signs.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or would like to discuss a custom
package, please contact us at arts@carlsbadca.gov.March 5, 2026 Item #2 Page 4 of 4
Terri Tooley, TGIF Concerts in the Parks Coordinator
Library & Cultural Arts Department
March 5, 2026
TGIF 2026
Season Overview
ITEM 2: TGIF 2026
TODAY’S PRESENTATION
2026
Overview
Pop-Up Art &
Pre-Show
Activities
Sponsorships Band Line-Up
2
2026 OVERVIEW
3
Nine concerts Three community
parks
Enhanced safety
measures FREE bike valet
Pop-Up Art & pre-
show activities
Corporate
sponsorships
ITEM 2: TGIF 2026
CONCERT SCHEDULE & LOCATIONS
PARK # of BANDS DATE
STAGECOACH COMMUNITY PARK 4
June 19
June 26
July 10
July 17
CALAVERA HILLS COMMUNITY PARK
3
July 24
July 31
Aug 7
ALGA NORTE COMMUNITY PARK 2
Aug 17
Aug 21
4
ITEM 2: TGIF 2026
2026Nine concerts 2027Nine concerts
June 19 June 18
June 26 June 25
July 3 (Holiday)July 2
July 10 July 9
July 17 July 16
July 24 July 23
July 31 July 30
August 7 August 6
August 14 August 13
August 21
Stagecoach Calavera Hills Alga Norte
5
ITEM 2: TGIF 2026
Pop-Up Art & Preshow Activities
5
Pop -Up Art Activity Area
Preshow Activities
ITEM 2: TGIF 2026
Sponsorship Opportunities
7
Communication & Engagement identified a
framework for corporate sponsorship
Four-tiered program:
Headliner - $20,000
Opener - $10,000
Bike Valet -$5,000
Up & Comer -$1,500
Title sponsorships
ITEM 2: TGIF 2026
2026 Season
9
Genre: Country
This Tribute to the
Women of Country
will take the crowd
on a ride from Patsy
Cline to Carrie
Underwood.
STAGECOACH
COMMUNITY
PARK
June 19
ITEM 2: TGIF 2026
10
Genre: Funk/ Jazz
Brass Band
The Chunky
Hustle Brass Band
is a palette of
New Orleans
street funk along
with classic and
contemporary
R&B jams.
STAGECOACH
COMMUNITY
PARK
June 26
ITEM 2: TGIF 2026
11
Genre: Top 40 Dance
Band
Dance Dance Evolution
delivers high-energy
nonstop dance music
from disco to now.
STAGECOACH
COMMUNITY
PARK
July 10
ITEM 2: TGIF 2026
12
Genre: Yacht Rock
Harbor Party
celebrates the sun-
drenched radio hits
from the 70’s and
80’s.
STAGECOACH
COMMUNITY
PARK
July 17
ITEM 2: TGIF 2026
13
CALAVERA
HILLS
COMMUNITY
PARK
July 24
Genre: Latin Salsa
San Diego’s first
and only all female
salsa band will
bring Latin flair this
summer.
ITEM 2: TGIF 2026
14
CALAVERA HILLS
COMMUNITY
PARK
July 31
Genre: 90’s Alt
Rock
90’s ROCKSHOW
is a flannel-clad
fun band with the
iconic sounds of
grunge, alt-rock
and 90’s pop-
punk.
ITEM 2: TGIF 2026
15
CALAVERA HILLS
COMMUNITY
PARK
Aug. 7
Genre: R&B/ Funk
Brothers Igniting A
Groove are a SoCal
R&B Funk Band
with a 90’s Hip Hop
groove.
B.I.G.
ITEM 2: TGIF 2026
16
ALGA NORTE
COMMUNITY
PARK
Aug. 14
Genre: 80’s HITS
FlashPants
relives the iconic
sounds and
electrifying
energy of the
80’s thru
interactive
performances.
ITEM 2: TGIF 2026
17
ALGA NORTE
COMMUNITY
PARK
Aug. 21
Genre: Rock & Soul
San Diego based
band Daring
Greatly is a perfect
blend of 70’s rock
with modern soul,
folk and country
influences.
ITEM 2: TGIF 2026
18
The 2026 TGIF Concerts in the Park season
reflects the City of Carlsbad’s continued
commitment to delivering high-quality, safe and
community-centered programming.
With enhanced safety protocols, a dynamic and
diverse concert lineup, successful corporate
sponsorship and the return of an experienced
event crew, TGIF remains a hallmark of summer
in Carlsbad.
ITEM 2: TGIF 2026