4 Must-Do Orange County Art Events This Summer

Festival-of-ArtsINTEXT
Festival of Arts

Known for its annual summer art festivals and the Pageant of the Masters, Laguna Beach has some of the best things to do in Orange County this summer.

Art-A-Fair
June 28-Sept. 1. Browse the juried art festival that showcases works by 125 artists in a variety of mediums, including painting, drawings, photography, digital art, mixed media, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, glass and wood. Watch artists create, ask questions and learn what inspired them or just quietly absorb the lovely garden ambiance of this artist’s haven. All works are available for purchase. Live entertainment on weekends. Su-Th, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., F-Sa, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. $4-$7, 12 and under free. 777 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.4514. art-a-fair.com

Sawdust Art Festival
June 28-Sept. 1. View works by more than 200 Laguna Beach artists, all of whom create their own unique artwork in all art media including glass, painting, jewelry, ceramics, clothing and textiles, sculpture, scrimshaw, photography and more. Enjoy demonstrations, outdoor cafes and live music on three stages in a quaint outdoor eucalyptus grove. Daily 10 a.m.-10 p.m. $3.25-$20. Free trolley service in Laguna Beach runs daily from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.3030. sawdustartfestival.org

Festival of the Arts
June 30-Aug. 31. Explore this fine art show featuring 140 of Southern Orange County’s top artists in an open-air gallery setting. Tour the exhibit, catch an art demonstration, dine at one of the on-site restaurants, create your own masterpiece or simply sit back and enjoy the creative atmosphere. Enjoy a wide range of daily activities that the whole family can enjoy including nightly live music, jazz concerts, wine and chocolate pairings and daily art classes for kids. June 30-July 4, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; July 5-Aug. 31, 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m.; Aug. 24, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $7-10 adults, children under 12 are free. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.1145. foapom.com

Tip: Purchase a Laguna Beach Passport and receive unlimited admission all summer long to the three festivals listed above for $21.50 which includes one-time free parking in the Act V parking lot at 1900 Laguna Canyon Road and special values at select local shops and eateries. lagunabeachpassport.com

Pageant of the Masters
July 7-Aug. 31. Be amazed and enchanted by ninety minutes of tableaux vivants (“living pictures”), incredibly faithful re-creations of classical and contemporary works of art, with real people posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces. Celebrating its 80th anniversary with the theme “The Big Picture”, Pageant of the Masters has added a cinematic spin to its world-class presentation with classic masterpieces that inspired legendary filmmakers. A live narrator serves as a guide through the story of each living picture accompanied by the music of a professional orchestra. Shows are at 8:30 p.m. nightly. $15-$220. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.1145. foapom.com

 

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