The natural beauty of Laguna Beach has attracted artists since the late 1800s and by the early 20th century, the town had already become known as an artists’ village. The Laguna Art Association was founded in 1918 and hosted the first Festival of the Arts in 1932. Scheduled to attract tourists from the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, the first Festival was a huge success and marked the beginning of what has since become an annual tradition. The original festival featured the debut of the “Living Pictures” performance, later named The Pageant of the Masters, in which costumed actors recreated still paintings in real life.
The Festival of the Arts is located at 650 Laguna Canyon Road and is open daily from 10:30am until 11:30pm. General admission is $7, or $4 for seniors and students, and allows unlimited access to the Festival throughout the season, which runs from July 5 to August 31. Children under 12 and Laguna Beach residents may attend free of charge. The Pageant of the Masters shows nightly at 8:30pm and tickets range from $15 to $350. The theme of this year’s Pageant is “The Muse,” an exploration of creative inspiration. For more information about the Festival and the Pageant, visit www.foapom.com.
The 42nd Annual Sawdust Festival: Summer Arts Show runs from June 26 until August 30 and is open from 10am to 10pm daily. Located at 935 Laguna Canyon Road, the Sawdust Festival features fine arts and crafts from over 200 Laguna Beach local artists. In addition to viewing exhibitions and purchasing art works, visitors may attend art workshops and witness live art demonstrations. All variety of media can be found at the Sawdust. General tickets cost $7.50 for adults, with discounts available for children and seniors, as well as season passes. Free admission is available to Laguna Beach residents on selected days. Visit www.sawdustartfestival.org for further details.
The Art A Fair festival runs from June 26 until August 30 and is open from 10am until 9pm (10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.) Located at 777 Laguna Canyon Road, Art A Fair is the city’s only international arts festival and is known for showcasing both established and emerging talent. Boasting a garden setting complete with waterfall, Art A Fair features artist demonstrations and lectures, free workshops and children’s activities. General adult admission costs $7, with discounts available for children, senior, military members and large groups. Tickets allow admission throughout the year’s show. Visit www.art-a-fair.com for more information.
Check out all three of the above festivals and save nearly 50% with the Laguna Beach Passport to the Arts. This three-in-one pass allows unlimited access to all three festivals for the entire summer, and also includes a one-time free parking pass and free shuttle service. Go to www.lagunabeachpassport.com to order yours.
You may also want to participate in the Laguna Beach Art Walk, held the first Thursday of every month from July through December. Tour the many fine art galleries in Laguna from 6pm-9pm and also enjoy special events and free shuttle service. Visit www.firstthursdaysartwalk.com for more details.