Festival of Arts - Pageant of the Masters
The 2026 Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters summer season in Laguna Beach has concluded. Dates, hours, ticket prices and the Pageant theme for 2027 will be added when announced. Every summer, after the Fourth of July fireworks fade, a colorful celebration of fine art and live performance takes place in Laguna Beach, California. It’s the kind of event that will take over 100 gifted local artists, dozens of talented musicians, and a small army of staff to create.
We’re talking about a two-month long celebration of all things art… from acrylic painting to ceramics, jewelry to wood – and a lot of categories in between - located in one of the most beautiful towns in Orange County. Welcome to the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach.
Festival of Arts Details
Address: 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach California 92651
Phone: 800-487-3378
Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
Festival of Arts Show Dates & Hours
2026 Art Show (concluded): July 7 – September 3, 2026
2026 Pageant of the Masters (concluded): July 9 – September 4, 2026
2026 Pageant theme: The Greatest of All Time
2027 dates and theme: To be announced
2026 Art Show hours: Monday–Friday, 4 PM–11:30 PM; Saturday–Sunday, 11 AM–11:30 PM. Check the official website for the next season's hours.
Festival of Arts vs. Pageant of the Masters: Tickets & Admission
The Festival of Arts is an outdoor exhibition featuring fine art, demonstrations, music and other programming. The Pageant of the Masters is a separately ticketed theatrical production in which performers recreate famous works of art onstage. Pageant tickets have historically included Festival of Arts admission privileges, but ticket packages, re-entry benefits and prices can change by season. Check the official Festival of Arts website for current ticket options before purchasing.
About the Festival of Arts
If you’re looking for a family summer event that’s a little different, or an extra activity after your beach trip, the Festival is the place to go. It’s also a world-famous destination where you can surround yourself with amazing local art and a wide variety of family fun.
Depending on the season, programming may include live music, artist demonstrations, family activities, art workshops and special evening events. Check the current schedule for specific performances and age restrictions.
The Festival's Art Center has offered workshops in printmaking, ceramics and mixed media, along with youth arts education opportunities. Workshop times, registration requirements and age eligibility vary by season.
After the kids make their masterpieces, you can walk the exhibits on your own or take a free art tour with friendly and very knowledgeable docents who can help you learn about the mediums and processes that the artists use. You can watch as new pieces are created right before your eyes during scheduled artist demos. There’s even a space especially for talented young artists to be celebrated at the popular Junior Art Exhibit. The Festival really does have something for everyone.
Festival of Arts Parking & Accessibility
Parking in Laguna Beach can fill quickly on summer evenings. Allow extra time for paid lots or street parking, and check seasonal Laguna Beach trolley and shuttle options before your visit.
Festival of Arts does an amazing job accommodating everyone who wants to attend and enjoy the art, food, music and wine. It's nicely organized, smoke-free, and super accessible.
The venue has offered accessible drop-off, restrooms, seating and mobility accommodations. Contact the Festival in advance to confirm current wheelchair availability, accessible routes and assistance options.
The Festival has also offered accommodations for guests with hearing or visual disabilities. Confirm available ASL-interpreted performances, large-print materials and accessible seating directly with the box office before booking. That’s where art – very literally – comes alive in a gorgeous open-air theater under the stars.
Pageant of the Masters
Every year, hundreds of dedicated actors, phenomenal makeup artists, brilliant costumers, talented backdrop artists, and professional musicians put on a unique 90-minute production that combines the very best of live theater, professional orchestra, and classical art. The actors are meticulously designed to look exactly like the original painting or sculpture they mimic. They’re so realistic that first time visitors usually don’t even realize that there are actual people on stage, rather than a crafted piece.
Can’t tell a Carravagio from a Monet? Don’t worry. A friendly narrator will provide a quick background brief so that you learn a little while you’re busy being captivated by the artistry and skill of the performers. They’ll even show you a little of the magic. The Behind the Scenes feature is one of the most popular parts of the Pageant of the Masters. It’s where the audience can actually see the living picture being assembled right before their eyes.
And the Pageant staff makes this Broadway-quality extravaganza without anything more complicated than clever lighting, award-winning makeup effects, expertly painted backdrops, and very patient people. But don’t just take our word on how amazing this event is. Here are a few testimonials from past Pageant attendees…
“Fabulous!” “Wonderful!” “Beautiful!” “Must-see!” “Astonishing!”
Pageant tickets have included Festival of Arts admission benefits in past seasons, but confirm the current ticket terms and availability before booking. See official Festival of Arts and Pageant tickets for details.
Festival of Arts & Pageant of the Masters Tips
Do:
- Arrive early. This is a popular annual event, and parking gets full.
- Bring a sweater. The days may be sunny and golden, but the nights can be surprisingly cool.
- Check food and bag rules before you go. Picnic, container-size and amphitheater security policies may change from season to season.
- Trained service animals are permitted in accordance with applicable accessibility laws. Check current rules for pets and other animals before visiting.
- Wear good walking shoes. The festival has a lot to see before the Pageant starts, and downtown Laguna Beach is only a 5-minute walk away. If you don't want sore feet, plan accordingly.
- Bring the right stuff! Savvy Pageant-goers frequently bring seat cushions, binoculars, and a blanket to help them enjoy the tableau. If thousands of return visitors do it, you should probably, too. And if you forget, cushions and binoculars are available for rental, and blankets can be purchased at the souvenir shop.
- Review current beverage policies. Food and alcoholic beverages may be available for purchase, but do not assume outside alcohol is permitted. Follow the venue's posted rules.
Don't:
- Keep phones silent and avoid talking, photography or filming during the Pageant. Check the current minimum-age policy before bringing young children.
- Check the current amphitheater rules for glass containers and other prohibited items before arriving.
Do Not Bring
- Candles
- Selfie Sticks
- Laser pointers
- Personal furniture including chairs and tables
The Festival of Arts and the Pageant of the Masters are among Southern California's distinctive summer arts events. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time local, it’s well worth going. And since a Pageant ticket is also an all-access pass to the Festival, it’s also an event with long-lasting value.
So come by, listen to some great music, get a glass of wine, see some fabulous local art, and make the kind of memories that will last for many summers to come.
See you there!
