Column: Esco arts month ready

A monthlong celebration of local art, music and culture kicks off on April 1 setting the stage for a bigger and better 2026 event and regional arts movement in North County

ESCONDIDO — Sometimes I get ahead of myself. OK, maybe more than sometimes, but I like to think big and outside the box.

This mindset definitely applies to Escondido’s inaugural Arts, Culture and Creativity Month, which kicks off in six days. My mind has been racing at the future potential and the event hasn’t even begun, but we’ll get to that a little later.

For now, the monthlong event features dozens of events showcasing local and regional artists of all flavors, a contest set up by Mayor Dane White, a week of photography, mural walks, gallery exhibits and so much more.

The inaugural ACCM kicks off on April 1 from 2:30-6 p.m. at Heritage Gardens at the Escondido Farmer’s Market and features a live painting competition, free art activities, vendors and more.

The arts have been a critical staple for the city, and region, for decades. All across North County city, business and community leaders have pushed for more public art, beautification projects and more to highlight the unique, and beautiful, area we call home.