The Forum Carlsbad is throwing its annual Fall Art & Wine Walk, and this one’s packing in local art, nine wines, live music, and a cheese wheel cracking demo you genuinely don’t see every day.

Bring your walking shoes and maybe skip a big lunch, because there’s a lot to take in.

Art, Wine, and Live Music All Afternoon

Stroll through the center to discover artwork displayed inside participating shops and restaurants, then make your way to the Wine Garden near YETI for complimentary tastings presented by Jimbo’s, San Diego’s natural and organic foods grocer.

Mirabelle Charcuterie will be serving bites alongside samples of Jimbo’s Asparagus Parmesan Pistachio Salad, and Freddie Walton will keep live acoustic music going throughout the afternoon. Just know the Wine Garden is 21 and up.

Don’t want to just stroll around beforehand? Meet Barry’s in the breezeway between Abercrombie & Fitch and ULTA for a workout before the wine starts flowing.

A Rare Look at the Art of Cheese

Cheese lovers, this one’s for you. Certified Cheese Professional Eric Meredith is leading a live demonstration cracking a full wheel of authentic organic Parmigiano Reggiano, giving you a rare, up-close look at the precision behind opening one of the world’s most iconic cheeses.

Freshly cracked samples follow right after, so come hungry. It’s the kind of moment that turns casual cheese fans into serious ones.

Nine Wines Worth Tasting

The tasting lineup features nine wines presented in partnership with Massanois, Opici, and Vino Norte, spanning California, Oregon, Washington, Italy, and France:

• 2022 Stanley Groovy Vinho Tinto (Washington State)
• 2024 Vitae Springs Pinot Gris (Willamette Valley, OR)
• 2025 Joyce Sauvignon Blanc Arroyo Seco (Monterey, CA)
• Carpineto Dogajolo Rosso (Tuscany, Italy)
• 2025 Carpineto Dogajolo Bianco (Tuscany, Italy)
• Carpineto Dogajolo Rosato (Tuscany, Italy)
• 2025 Chateau Pas du Cerf “Le Merle” Rosé (Côtes de Provence, France)
• 2023 Sea Shell “Low Tide” Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles, CA)
• 2023 Maison Areion Chardonnay (Santa Cruz Mountains, CA)

Meet the Artists in Store

Several Forum Carlsbad retailers are hosting artists and special experiences throughout the afternoon:

• Anthropologie – Rania Malas’ colorful, abstract-meets-expressive art
• Geppetto’s – a create-your-own LEGO buildable figure experience
• Madewell – Coco Maloo’s acrylic and vintage collage work
• McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams – art alongside its signature ice cream
• Outerknown – jewelry by local artist SAND+GRIT
• SusieCakes – a bakery artist creating an edible painting in buttercream
• The Henry – jewelry by local artist Diane of Designs Del Mar
• Warby Parker – mixed-media paintings by Isabella Weaver
• YETI – resin-covered artwork by Just Because Resin Art

Pop-Up Artists Around the Center

Beyond the retailers, artists from San Diego and beyond will be showing off their work in the common areas:

• Angela Palacios – coastal paintings and hand-painted reclaimed surfboards
• Artisan Collective – featuring Originals by Yesim, Tracey Renner Pottery, and WDBD Art near Anthropologie
• Gather Wild – handcrafted jewelry and home décor made from beach and trail finds
• Inger Larson – contemporary abstract paintings
• Jessica Fuller – bright, nature-inspired art
• Joanna Barratt – portrait photography
• Kelly Villasenor – “open impressionism” style paintings
• Leticia Demeuse – expressive abstract paintings

Supporting Shelter to Soldier

While the event itself is free, donations are welcomed at the Wine Garden to support Shelter to Soldier, a local nonprofit that trains rescue dogs into psychiatric service dogs and emotional support animals for veterans and active-duty military.

“The Fall Art & Wine Walk is one of our favorite opportunities to gather as a community and celebrate the incredible creativity found throughout our region and beyond,” said Karis Ashton, marketing manager at The Forum Carlsbad.

“We’re especially proud to bring the community together while supporting Shelter to Soldier and the important work they do.”

See you there!

Art around every corner, nine wines to work through, and a cheese wheel cracking you’ll be talking about later. This is one Saturday afternoon worth clearing your calendar for.

📆 Saturday, September 12, 2026 | 2 PM – 5 PM
📍 1923 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad
🎟️ Free admission
ℹ️ Get more details here

See you there, San Diego!