Today, the free-spirited city nestled along Pacific Coast Highway is a renowned artists’ colony known for its three premier summer festivals—Sawdust Art & Craft Festival, Art-A-Fair and Festival of Arts—as well as dozens of galleries, museums and theaters. This summer, take a dreamy day-trip to Orange County’s most well-known creative enclave located just 25 minutes from the heart of Anaheim.
Art-A-Fair
777 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Two- and three-dimensional works from more than 120 artists are on display at Art-A-Fair, which also offers workshops on a daily basis in creative endeavors such as jewelry-making, watercolors, leather work and oil painting. (June 30 - Sept. 30, 2017)
Festival of Arts
650 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
The juried art show brings together more than 140 Orange County artists to showcase original paintings, photos, sculptures, ceramics and more. Festival of Arts admission includes free events such as docent-led tours, artist demos, kids’ story time and Wednesday art talks, with options to purchase tickets for activities including wine and painting night and youth art classes. (July 5 - Aug, 31, 2017)
First Thursday Art Walk
Laguna Beach First Thursday Art Walk connects the city’s galleries in a unified event taking place the first Thursday of every month from 6 to 9 p.m. A free trolley gives art walkers access to artist receptions and special events taking place at participating galleries, such as Cove Gallery and Redfern Gallery in the south and JoAnne Artman Gallery and Sue Greenwood Fine Art at the northern end of the city.
Laguna Art Museum
307 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
The city’s only museum takes a local approach to exhibiting art, curating works created exclusively by California artists or those that represent the state. Rotating exhibitions span mediums, time periods and genres and change every few months.
Laguna Playhouse
606 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Performing arts holds a special place in the city’s creative landscape. Nestled in the Canyon, Laguna Playhouse provides a jam-packed schedule of musicals and plays. This summer, catch two Broadway musical productions: “Hairspray!” (July 5 - Aug. 5) and “A Night with Janis Joplin” (Aug. 16 - Sept. 10).
Pageant of the Masters
650 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Internationally renowned, Pageant of the Masters is a 90-minute narrated show of living pictures tied to the 2017 theme of “The Grand Tour.” Marvel as live actors and intricate sets come together to faithfully recreate artworks inspired by the European tradition of travel. (July 7 - Aug. 31, 2017)
Sawdust Art & Craft Festival
935 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
The Sawdust festival features an array of creative mediums in the artists’ village, ranging from ceramics, woodworking and glass-blowing to painting and photography. In addition to workshops for all ages, live demonstrations, on-site cafes and music, the artists’ village features 200-plus booths featuring works by Laguna Beach residents. (June 30 - Sept. 30, 2017)