CARLSBAD, Calif. — California Main Street (CAMS) is pleased to announce that Carlsbad Village will host the 2026 California Main Street Conference, taking place November 3–5, 2026, at venues throughout the Village.
Set against the backdrop of one of Southern California’s most vibrant coastal commercial districts, the conference will showcase Carlsbad Village’s walkability, public art, community events, oceanfront setting, and dynamic mix of locally owned shops, restaurants, and businesses.
This year’s theme, “The Next Wave of Main Street,” will explore the future of California’s downtowns and commercial districts, with a focus on innovation, small business support, placemaking, and community growth. Sessions and panel discussions will cover topics including emerging data tools for Main Street districts, streetscape design, commercial district revitalization, housing, tourism, promotional strategies, and economic development. Statewide and national experts will share best practices, innovative approaches, and legislative updates impacting California’s downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.
Conference programming will take place throughout Carlsbad Village, giving attendees the opportunity to experience the district firsthand. Venues include the Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort, the conference’s official hotel partner, New Village Arts, Carlsbad Village Books, State Street Farmers Market and other locations throughout the Village. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour nearby North County Main Streets on the Coastal Five Trolley Tour.
The conference kicks off Tuesday evening with a Sunset Welcome Reception & Meet and Greet, where attendees can reconnect with colleagues, make new connections, and experience Carlsbad’s coastal hospitality.
Event Details
Dates: Tuesday, November 3–Thursday, November 5, 2026
Location: Carlsbad Village, Carlsbad, California
Registration: Registration is now open at my805tix.com.
Sponsors & Partners
Co-Hosts: Carlsbad Village Association , Square, and Main Street America
Sponsors & Partners: Geocentric, California State Parks Office of Historic Preservation, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Visit California, City of Carlsbad and Visit Carlsbad
About California Main Street
California Main Street (CAMS) is the statewide coordinating program for Main Street America in California. Since 1986, CAMS has worked with more than 90 communities across the state to strengthen and revitalize historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts through place-based economic development and the Main Street Approach™. California Main Street communities have collectively generated more than $8.8 billion in public and private reinvestment, demonstrating the impact of locally driven revitalization across the state.
About Carlsbad Village Association
Carlsbad Village Association (CVA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the continued vitality of Carlsbad Village. Its mission is to enhance the Village’s business, cultural, and community vitality while strengthening its position as a premier destination for residents and visitors alike. Originally established in the late 1970s, Carlsbad Village joined the California Main Street network as an Affiliate Main Street community in 2019.
For More Information
Visit californiamainstreet.org/conference for conference details, registration information, and program updates.
