In 1932, during the height of the Great Depression, the artists of Laguna Beach were looking for a way to lift the community spirits and promote their artwork. The answer was a week-long summer art fair­ the Festival of Arts.

Since its humble beginnings, the Festival of Arts has matured into a world-renowned cultural institution, famous for its summer juried fine art exhibition and the Pageant of the Masters. The Festival’s prestigious juried art show includes a wide variety of media such as paintings, photography, printmaking, sculpture, jewelry, handcrafted wood and furniture, ceramics, glass and more by some of Orange County’s finest artists. Find affordable and unique works of art perfect for your home or business. In addition, the Festival’s open-air gallery features art workshops, several dining options, nightly musical entertainment and hands-on demonstrations. Special art-related attractions and events, such as jazz concerts, wine and chocolate pairings, guided art tours, art discussions and activities for children, provide entertainment for all throughout the eight-week run.

During the summer season, Festival of the Arts presents The Pageant of the Masters- arguably one of the most unique productions in the entire world. Audiences are 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. An outdoor amphitheater, professional orchestra, original score, live narration, intricate sets, sophisticated lighting, expert staff and hundreds of dedicated volunteers have won recognition for the Pageant of the Masters as the best presentation of its kind.

The Festival’s mission is to promote, produce, and sponsor events and activities that encourage the appreciation, study, and performance of the arts. In addition to the summertime shows, the Festival of Arts conducts year-round arts education workshops, seminars, lectures and special events. Through its Foundation, the Festival awards over $100,000 annually in art scholarships and grants to local students and art organizations.