For nearly a century, Laguna Beach has hosted one of the most distinctive art events in the world.
The Festival of Arts is an open-air fine art showcase that dates back to 1932, when local creatives first came together to stage a downtown exhibition. It’s especially famous for the Pageant of the Masters, a breathtaking “tableaux vivants,” or living picture performance, which premiered during the festival’s second year in 1933.
Luckily for local art lovers, the 2026 Festival of Arts finally opens its 2-month run on Tuesday, July 7!
Pageant of the Masters
The Pageant of the Masters runs nightly at the Festival of Arts from July 9 through September 4 under the theme “The Greatest of All Time.”
It features a 90-minute production with live performers who remain perfectly still as they recreate iconic paintings and sculptures on stage, accompanied by a narrator and a live orchestra. Elaborate sets, lighting, and costumes work together to bring each masterpiece vividly to life.
Tickets start at $42 for the show, held each evening at the outdoor Irvine Bowl amphitheater.
Festival of Arts
The Pageant is part of the larger Festival of Arts, an open-air fine art event taking place along Laguna Canyon Road from July 7 through September 3, 2026.
More than 120 Orange County artists showcase and sell a wide range of work, including paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, glass, and more.
Your Pageant ticket also grants unlimited access to the festival, where you can browse artist booths, connect with creators, and join in various activities. Here are a few activations to look out for:
- Music series: Live music for Flashback Fridays, Showstopper Saturdays, Southern Songbook Sundays, and more.
- Art workshops: Food and drink-based art workshops, including Paint & Sip and Prints & Pinots.
- Art tours: Daily free art tours through the festival at 4:30pm on weekdays and 3pm on weekends.
- Exhibits: Including the Junior Art Exhibition, Emerging Artists Exhibit, and Art-to-Go Exhibit.
- Special events:
- July 12: Junior Art Exhibit Awards and Family Art Day
- July 19: Cultural Arts Day
- Aug 9: Festival Runway Fashion Show
- Aug 23: Battle of the Arts
If you’re planning to make the drive from L.A., make sure you also look into the Sawdust Art Festival, which is happening simultaneously just down the road.
🌐 Learn more: Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach
