Enjoy Summer Festivals in Laguna Beach

Summer is “festival time” and Laguna Beach’s spirited summer festivals beckon.  For the thousands of art lovers that visit Laguna Beach each year, a full spectrum of new original creations will be available in this coastal artists colony.  The Sawdust Festival, Art-a-Faire and The Festival of Arts, along with the world-renowned Pageant of The Master’s will be opening their doors within the next few weeks.  In addition, there are other local festivities ahead.  What’s new and notable this season?  Read on to find out!

Fete de la Musique Celebration

First up, Fete de la Musique!  Saturday, June 15th, our 12th Annual International Day of Music celebrates the beginning of summer and Laguna Beach’s “sister city” relationship with Menton France.  The city of Menton, situated in the Côte d’Azur area of the French Riviera, is known as the la Perle de la Franche (the “Pearl of France”).  Laguna’s sister city is world-famous for its scenic coastline and beautiful public gardens.  Menton also has a similar climate and topography to Laguna Beach.  Encompassing secluded coves, deep canyons, beach and hilltop homes ringed by lush mountains – our cities have much to share and rejoice!  To that end, there will be live music throughout the streets of Laguna Village at over 48 locations with musicians on almost every corner.  Come and join the fun!

The festivities begin at 12 noon and continue throughout the day.  From live jazz, blues, international guitarists and opera – there is sure to be music to please everyone!  In addition, mime’s and dancers will perform at various venues.  Children can have their faces painted and march along the boardwalk in the Children’s Parade that starts at 12:30 pm on the Main Street cobblestones.  This is a free event with opening ceremonies at Main Beach at 1:00 pm followed by a variety of performances until closing ceremonies at 4:00 pm.  More information is available at LagunaBeachSisterCities.com/fetedelam.  For Trolley Tracker and parking information view LagunaBeachTrolleys/parking.

Gypsy: The Music of Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac

Laguna Playhouse celebrates “Gypsy: The Music of Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac” from June 20 to the 23rd.  Led by Rikki Lee Wilson performing the artist’s chart-topping, iconic rock songs (with Sid Cherry on the keyboard and Kyle Wilson on guitar).  This long weekend event honors a modern-day gypsy’s poetic and mystical contribution to Rock & Roll.  Stevie Nicks was considered one of the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time by Rolling Stone.  Notably, Nicks was twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  Stevie is known for her symbolic lyrics, vocal harmonies, and impassioned theatrical performances.  With #1 one hits including Dreams, Rhiannon, and Landslide, Rikki Lee Wilson captures the vocal magic of Nicks velvety refrains and channels her ethereal muse.  For details see LagunaPlayhouse.com

Laguna Beach Sawdust Arts & Crafts Festival

Artwork from more than 200 local artists is displayed for sale in this whimsical, hand-crafted “village” nestled within a three-acre eucalyptus grove in Laguna Canyon.  Featuring individual “open-air” booths tucked along sawdust-covered pathways, this unique collection ranges from fine art to mixed-media, photography, glassblowing, jewelry, and pottery.  Outdoor eateries and cafes spill out around three stages with live musicians, further adding to the fun.  There is always something entertaining to see or do at the Sawdust.  Watch glass-blowing demonstrations and discover your own “inner artist” by taking an art workshop.  Over 500 classes will be offered through the summer season.  That amounts to approximately seven different art projects each day – many of which are complimentary!  Enjoy the music while spending the day shopping for one-of-a-kind artistic treasures.  Running June 28th through September 1st.  See event schedule and workshops at SawDustFestival.org

Laguna Art-A-Fair

This Fine Art exhibition features over 120 diverse artists from around the world.  With works ranging from painting, photography, blown glass, ceramics to fiber arts and mixed media, all fine art mediums are represented here.  Celebrating its 53rd Season, this bustling venue was awarded “critic’s choice premiere arts festival”.  A wide variety of live music is offered Thursday through Sunday every week to keep the ambiance upbeat.  In addition, daily art workshops taught by professional artists, are available for all skill levels.  On-site restaurants Seven7Seven offers a full-service bar and casual menu along with many other gourmet options just steps away at The Hive.  Located right between Festival of Arts and The Sawdust Festival at 777 Laguna Canyon Road, it’s an easy stroll to enjoy all three shows.  Information is available at Art-a-fair.com.  Runs from opening night on June 28th through the end of August.

Festival of Arts

Over 140 highly acclaimed artisans will launch their latest new collections at this year’s Fine Arts show.  With media ranging from paintings, sculpture, photography, blown glassworks, ceramics, printmaking, handcrafted wood, jewelry and more.  This is definitely the spot to find a perfect treasure to add to your collection!  Furthermore, with daily workshops, art activities and demonstrations, special events, a fashion show, and live music on the grounds, there will be much to see and experience.  The Festival of Arts Fine Arts Show begins on July 5 through August 31st.  Open daily, Monday to Friday from 12noon to 11:30 pm and Sat/Sun from 10 am to 11:30 pm. More details are available at FOApom.com. See Calendar of Events at https://www.foapom.com/events/

Also – not to be missed!  Art-To-Go “FULL CIRCLE”!  The 2019 Art-to-Go Fundraising Sale on the grounds of The Festival of Arts includes over 100 original works of Art by Festival Exhibitors.  Showcasing contributors selective artworks from July 5th-August 25.  Join us for a special awards event on July 7th at 5:00 pm on the main stage.  The Artists Fund at the Festival of Arts provides financial aid to artists suffering from economic hardship due to medical necessity or debilitating circumstances.  For more information view Info@TheArtistsFund-FoA.org

Pageant of the Masters

The famed Pageant of the Masters is gearing up for another exciting summer show.  This year’s theme is “The Time Machine” which promises to take us on an incredible adventure through time and space.  From Laguna’s creative beginnings to the future and beyond, art will come to life in front of our eyes in tableaux vivant style.  In these “living pictures” actors will step into famous works of art by artists Dali, Da Vinci, Rockwell, and more for an incredible theatrical experience.  The stunning stage illusions, backed by a live orchestra, all take place under the stars within the Festival of Arts grounds.

The show has been a Laguna Beach tradition since the 1930s, attracting over 140,000 patrons annually.  This event runs nightly from July 7th through August 31st with tickets starting at $15 per person.  Your Pageant Ticket also becomes a season pass to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show!  For more information see https://www.foapom.com/pageant-of-the-masters/

Bonus:  Passport to the Arts super savings for just $29 per person.  Art lovers can enjoy unlimited access to all three Canyon Art Festivals all summer long together with a one-time parking pass and special prices at participating shops and restaurants.  Purchase a Passport at any of the festival box offices or online at lagunabeachpassport.com throughout the summer season

Independence Day Fireworks

Last, but not least – Independence Day!  Laguna Beach celebrates the July 4th event with a fabulous fireworks display from Monument Point at Heisler Park after sunset.  Arrive early and bring beach towels because the crowds can be fierce.  The ideal place to catch the show is on Main Beach, where fireworks are launched just over the ocean in front of the broad stretch of sand.

Note, it is always best to park in the designed parking lots in Laguna Canyon and take the Trolley into town, otherwise, you are likely to get stuck in the downtown traffic.  To that end, check out the Trolley Tracker and parking information view www.VisitLagunaBeach.com/parking.

Vacation Rental Homes in Laguna Beach

If you need a place to stay to enjoy all the summer festivities, check out our Vacation Rental Homes available along the Laguna Coast.  From quaint beach cottages to luxury estate homes, we have the perfect coastal retreat for you!  Click HERE to view our currently available Vacation Rentals or call me at #949-494-0490 to discuss your preferences.

Here are two Vacation Rentals available right now:

1293 OCEAN FRONT, LAGUNA BEACH

Your ultimate Southern California lifestyle awaits at this stunning contemporary on the sand, where tasteful design, high-end features, and dramatic white-water views await. This Luxury Ocean Front, turn-key furnished Rental is situated in the heart of Laguna Village.  Just steps from all the shops, restaurants and galleries of the “Hip District. Long or short term rental with Pristine panoramic whitewater and Catalina Island views from nearly every room.  Expansive wrap-around deck for BBQ entertaining and lounging. Beautifully remodeled, fully furnished and equipped for the most discriminating clientele. Chef’s kitchen, plasma tv’s wireless internet, full access garage, and private laundry.

This Vacation Rental offers direct beach access at Cress Street Beach. Step down to the sand or stroll around the corner to fun, local amenities – festivals, beaches, and tidepool coves. Famous surf beaches at Brooks and Oak Street are just below this spectacular beach house. Accommodates 4 people comfortably in this coveted location! Long or short-term rentals will be considered. Variable rates apply, depending on season and term, please inquire. Now available beginning July 7th!  For more details and photos click HERE.

2210 CRESTVIEW DRIVE, LAGUNA BEACH

Need more room?  Our turn-key furnished Mediterranean-style Villa with panoramic 180-degree Coastline, Catalina and Village views is reminiscent of  Riviera Estates. Available now for long or short term rentals.  This luxurious remodeled Villa has 3 large bedroom suites plus a bonus room and office overlooking Woods Cove.

Featuring High-beamed ceilings, spacious living areas and expansive decks on both levels with sweeping ocean vistas to enjoy breathtaking Catalina Island sunsets. Hardwood floors, 3 fireplaces, and open floor-plan offer comfort and style along with complete privacy. Huge Living room with fireplace has a wall of windows to panoramic coastline views framed by Eucalyptus and Palm Trees. Gourmet kitchen with granite counters and high-end appliances opens to a large dining room with seating for eight. Master Retreat has a cozy fireplace and french doors open to a secluded ocean view deck.  The secondary en-suite bedroom opens to a lovely courtyard with lush landscaping, fountains, and pathways to further enjoy the view.  Lower level has a large office with fireplace and inspiring views, perfect for working while on holiday.  The third bedroom is also en-suite with ocean views and is furnished with a queen sized bed.

This estate is situated on a double lot with patios, gardens, and courtyards that are evocative of Mediterranean estates of the Cote d’Azur, complete with jaw-dropping panoramas and cool ocean breezes. Ample parking with an attached two-car garage and additional three driveway spaces. Just a short stroll or drive down the hill to Woods Cove Beach, restaurants and shopping.  For more details and photos click HERE.

We welcome you home to Laguna Beach, our beautiful seaside artists colony!

Thank you for reading!

~ Cynthia Ayers, Broker/Owner Laguna Coast Real Estate

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