Arts & Entertainment

Festival Of Arts Returns To Laguna Beach

This summer, over 250,000 people will visit the gorgeous vistas of Laguna to celebrate art and culture.

LAGUNA BEACH, CA —This summer, as it has happened for 85 years, the Festival of Arts will return to Laguna Beach. With events happening all summer long, and activities for all who love to appreciate the arts, people will once again flock to the golden coast to drink in culture and enjoy all that Laguna has to offer.

Established in 1932, the Festival of Arts has produced two world-class events: The Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and the Pageant of the Masters.

Together both shows attract more than 250,000 visitors into Laguna Beach in late summer. Expect art talks, Tribute Tuesdays, Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate, as well as performance artists, youth art classes, and more.

Find out what's happening in Laguna Beachfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Find the full list of daily activities and special events here, and coming soon to the Patch Laguna Beach calendar.

July Calendar Listings

Find out what's happening in Laguna Beachfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • The Art and Story Time will run from July 5 - September 1, on Mondays at 12:30 pm. July dates include: July 9, 16, 23, & 30.
  • Art and Tea Talks will run from July 11 - September 1, on Wednesdays at 1pm. July dates include: July 11, 18, 25.
  • Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate will run from July 12 - August 30, on Thursdays at 5:30 pm. July dates include: July 12, 19, 26.
  • Step into the Spotlight Music Series will run from July 13 - August 31 on Fridays at at 5:30 pm. July dates include: July 13, 20 & 27.
  • Concerts on the Green will run from July 7 - September 1 on Saturdays at 1pm. July dates include: July 7, 14 & 21.
  • Family Art Day will be on Sunday, July 8 at 12 pm (noon).

August Calendar Listings

Art and Story Time

Dates: Mondays: August 6, 13, 20, 28

Time: 12:30pm – 1:30pm

Cost: Free with Festival admission ($10)

Art and Story Time is a weekly series for children 5 and under. Every Monday will feature a different book read aloud plus a hands-on art project. There may even be special surprise visits from illustrators, story characters, and more. Fun for children and their parents!

Aug 06: “Beautiful Oops!” by Barney Saltzberg

Aug 13: “Come With Me, Together We’ll See the Beauty of Hawaii” by Jeannie and Madison Fung featuring illustrator Patty Nunn Iba

Aug 20: TBD

Aug 28: “The Pout-Pout Fish” by Deborah Diesen featuring Ariel from the Little Mermaid

Tribute Tuesdays

Dates: Tuesdays: August 7, 14, 21, 28

Time: 5:30 – 7:30pm

Cost: Free with Festival admission ($10)

On Tuesday nights, the Festival of Arts’ brings to the stage some of Southern California’s most well-known tribute bands. Talented performers pay homage to music legends as they re-create popular songs. Looking for a fun evening on Tuesday nights? The Festival’s Tribute Tuesdays has you covered. Limited seating available in reserved section for an additional $20 per person by calling (800) 487-3378.

Aug 07: Anne Walsh and Tom Zink – The Music of Sergio Mendes and Brazil ‘66

Aug 14: Tony Guerrero and a Tribute to 1950’s West Coast Jazz

Aug 21: Here and Now: The Legacy of Luther Vandross with Terry Steele

Aug 28: Feelin’ Alright – A Tribute to Joe Crocker with Jason Feddy and friends

Art Talks and Tea

Dates: Wednesdays: August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Time: 1 – 2pm

Cost: Free with Festival admission ($10)

Whether you’re an informed connoisseur, an amateur collector, or an art lover, join us for fascinating and informative discussions with the Festival of Arts exhibitors at our “Art Talks and Tea.” Enjoy tea on the Festival’s green while listening to artists talk about their inspiration, history, and careers in art.

Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate

Sponsored by Charles Schwab of Orange County

Dates: Thursdays: August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Time: 5:30 – 7:30pm

Cost: $20 in addition to Festival admission ($10)

Chocolate, wine, and all that jazz sweetens up the Festival of Arts this summer! On Thursday nights, indulge your senses at the “Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate”series. Sample a wide variety of wines expertly selected to complement and enhance the nuanced flavor of specialty chocolates. The Festival’s casual and classy outdoor setting, together with the soulful sounds of jazz surrounded by fine art, creates an ideal evening for friends, sweethearts, and family.

Concerts are free; Wine and Chocolate pairings (21 and over) are $20 in addition to Festival of Arts admission. Limited seating available in reserved section for an additional $35 per person by calling (800) 487-3378.

Aug 02: Gregg Karukas and Michael Paulo

Aug 09: Pretzel Logic

Aug 16: Bill Cantos and Mari Falcone

Aug 23: TBA

Aug 30: Scott Wilkie

Step into the Spotlight Music Series

Dates: Fridays: August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Time: 5:30 – 7:30pm

Cost: Free with Festival admission ($10)

On Fridays the Festival brings to center stage some of those amazing voices that are usually seen (and heard) in the background with the music series “Step into the Spotlight.” There’s an extraordinary lineup of back-up singers or background vocalists who will take the stage this summer. Limited seating available in reserved section for an additional $20 per person by calling (800) 487-3378.

Aug 03: Tony Guerrero presents “Girls Jazz Night”

Aug 10: Melanie Taylor

Aug 17: Nita Whitaker

Aug 24: Terron Brooks

Aug 31: Tony Guerrero presents Leslie Page

Concerts on the Green

Dates: Saturdays: August 4, 11, 18 and September 1

Time: 1 – 2:30pm

Cost: Free with Festival admission ($15)

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the sounds of award-winning musicians as they perform live as part of the Festival of Arts “Concerts on the Green” series. Groove to the sounds of these living legends in a casual outdoor gallery setting that offers a memorable and unique concert experience unmatched in Southern California. The Festival of Arts continues to build on its nationally and critically acclaimed reputation as one of the finest outdoor art venues.

Limited seating available in reserved section for $40 per person by calling (800) 487-3378 in advance.

Aug 04: Jeff Lorber Fusion

Aug 11: TBA

Aug 18: Lee Ritenour

Sep 01: Side Deal

Festival Runway Fashion Show

Date: Sunday, August 19, 2018

Time: 12 – 3pm

Cost: Free with Festival admission ($15)

The Festival of Arts is known for putting on truly unique and imaginative events, and this summer Festival artists are making fashion their medium at the “Festival Runway Fashion Show.” Just like TV’s Project Runway, see who’s IN and who’s OUT this year as Festival artists compete to create the most inspired couture using reclaimed, reused, or recycled materials. This event will include a celebrity host and a panel of expert judges selecting the winners. Limited seating available in reserved section for $40 per person by calling (800) 487-3378 in advance.

ART WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

August Calendar Listings

Youth Art Classes

Dates/Times: July 5 – August 17, 2018

Monday – Friday 1pm & 3pm

Cost: $25 - $35 per class

Bring out that creative spark in your young artist at the Youth Arts Classes this summer at the Festival of Arts. Kids will enjoy art classes taught by professional Festival artists in mixed-media, jewelry making, collage and more. Meanwhile, parents will have free time to view the artwork on display throughout the Festival grounds. Festival artists will also share some of their creative techniques in a fun and friendly environment that will inspire your kids to come back every week! Open to children ages 5 - 12. Reservations required. For schedule and reservations, visit LagunaFestivalofArts.org.

Adult and Teen Art Classes

Dates: Friday – Sunday, July 6 – August 25, 2018

Time: Fridays at 5pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm

Cost: $60 fee per person, per class

Let your creativity run wild this summer in Laguna Beach! Discover your inner artist at the Festival of Art’s Adult and Teen Art Workshops! Award-winning talented artists will lead you step-by-step through the process of creating your own masterpiece. These classes are perfect for vacationers and locals alike looking to try something new, have fun, and soak in the artistic atmosphere. Ages 13 and up. Reservations preferred. For schedule and reservations, visit LagunaFestivalofArts.org.

Wine and Painting Nights

Dates: Saturdays, July 7 – August 18, 2018 and Friday, August 24, 2018

Time: 8:30 – 10pm

Cost: $75 fee per person, per class

Uncork your creativity this summer at the Festival of Arts! Enjoy a fun painting workshop, while surrounded by beautiful art. Beginners and all levels are invited – take home your finished masterpiece! All supplies and complimentary wine or beverage are included. For adults 21 and up. Reservations required, visit LagunaFestivalofArts.org.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL OF ARTS FINE ART SHOW

The Festival of Arts is one of the most highly-acclaimed juried fine art shows featuring the artwork of 140 award-winning artists. In the newly renovated facility, patrons may enjoy the work of exhibiting artists, demonstrations and art workshops, daily art tours, live music, special events, on-site restaurants and much more. For a full listing of events, visit LagunaFestivalofArts.org. The Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters are sponsored in part by Southern California Acura Dealers, Fidelity Investments, KOST Radio 103.5, and the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel.

DATES & TIMES

July 5 – September 1, 2018

Open weekdays: 12noon – 11:30pm

Open weekends: 10am – 11:30pm

Early closing August 25 at 1:30pm

TICKET INFORMATION

General Admission: Weekdays $10, Weekends $15

Students & Seniors: Weekdays $7, Weekends $11

Children 6 – 12: Daily $5

Free Admission for Children 5 and under, Military, and Laguna Beach Residents.

Passport to the Arts:

A special promotion (funded in part by Bank of America): Passport to the Arts for only $29. Includes unlimited admission all summer long to the Festival of Arts, the Sawdust Art Festival and Laguna Art-A-Fair. Enjoy works of art by more than 500 artists, 300 hands-on workshops, dozens of special events, plus a one time, all-day free parking pass with each Passport purchased. Order online at www.LagunaBeachPassport.com. Passports also available for purchase on-site at each festival location during the summer. Offer excludes Pageant of the Masters. Valid June 29 – September 2, 2018.

LOCATION

Festival of Arts Grounds

650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

FOR INFORMATION & TICKETS

(800) 487-3378

Photos courtesy: www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org

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