Watch CBS News

Guide to The 2017 Pageant of The Masters & Festival Of Arts

IrvineBowl_ElJaleo
(credit: Festival of Arts/El Jaleo)

A visit to Laguna Beach's annual Festival of Arts' Pageant of the Masters is a bucket-list worthy attraction for every art lover. One of the world's most unique festivals, the Festival of Arts boasts not only the stunning Pageant of the Masters production, but also an expansive art show, seminars, workshops, food demonstrations, live entertainment, and fine dining.

Pageant of the Masters | Festival of Arts
650 Laguna Canyon Rd
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-1145
www.foapom.com
Dates: July 7, 2017 - August 31, 2017

Sargent_ElJaleo
(credit: Pageant of the Masters/El Jaleo)

About Pageant of the Masters

The ninety minute show is a recreation of classical and contemporary artworks; real people pose live on stage to look like their painting and sculpture counterparts as you enjoy the show in a beautiful outdoor amphitheater. Live professional orchestra, original score, narration, stunning set pieces, and perfect lighting make the experience incredibly immersive. Tickets are required for each night's performance.
 
This year's Pageant of the Masters is sure to be better than ever. The 2017 Pageant of the Masters "The Pursuit of Happiness" will explore the many sources of happiness in life, both in ancient and modern times through living pictures. Lucky viewers will get to go on a sentimental journey through depictions of "pastimes and activities that gave people joy long before the instant gratification of the computer age."

Concert Schedule
July 11: The Stray Cats' Lee Rocker
July 25: Ellis Hall Presents Ray, Motown & Beyond
Aug 8: Chieli Minucci and Special EFX with special guest Marion Meadows
Aug 22: Russell Ferrante Trio with special guest Bob Mintzer

Family Art Day
Saturday, July 18, 2015
12pm - 3pm

Fun for everyone, Family Art Day is a kid-centric event that mixes culture with education and fun. A coupon booklet to be redeemed for exciting activities and treats like a marionette show, an "Art Quest" and printmaking encourages participation for even the shiest child.

Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate
Thursdays: July 9 – Aug. 27, 2015
5:30pm - 7:30pm

Chocolate and wine are the perfect accompaniment to an art festival. Learn how to pair the different flavors of XAN chocolate with notes in Kendall Jackson wine by experts in the field. Jazz artists perform throughout the event. There is an admission price for this event of $15.

Schedule of Jazz Performers

July 09: Steve Oliver
July 16: Billy Valentine
July 23:Carol Bach y Rita
July 30: Pretzel Logic
Aug 06: Bill Cantos
Aug 13: Gregg Karukas
Aug 20: Brian Bromberg
Aug 27: Terry Wollman

Limited seating available in reserved section for $25 per person per concert. Includes Festival admission. Call (800) 487-3378.

Festival Runway Fashion
Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015
12 - 3 p.m.

Fashion is also art and haute couture is always exciting to see. This year marks the seventh year of the Festival Runway Fashion Show. Artists compete using reclaimed, recycled and reused materials to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Celebrity judges and guests critique these unique creations.

Sunday Afternoon in the Park Music Series

Sundays: July 12 – Aug. 30, 2015
2-4 p.m.

The Sunday Afternoon in the Park Music Series offers a wide variety of live music performances from blues to country and Latin pop to string quartets. The park also provides a serene setting for picnics and just a beautiful place to relax.

FOA_LookingatArt_AndrewMyers
(credit: Festival of Arts/Andrew Myers)

Festival Art Show

As California's premier fine art show, this highly acclaimed festival has featured local Orange County artists for the past 80 years. A variety of mediums are on display including painting, photography, sculpture, glass, jewelry, ceramics, and more. This year, 140 award winning local artists are on display, in addition to live demonstrations, art workshops, tours, and live music.

Events_Jazz_PonchoSanchez
(credit: Festival of Arts/Pancho Sanchez)

Sunday in the Park Music Series

Each Sunday, the Festival of Arts features live music just perfect for a relaxing day browsing the galleries. This summer, there are plenty of great artists on tap for visitors, including David Correa & Cascada (July 12), Blues artist Peter Dobson (July 19), The Laguna Dance Festival (July 26), country and bluegrass artist Salty Suites (August 2), and many others until the finale on August 30. Learn more

Events_Cooking_CathyThomas2
(credit: Festival of Arts/ Cathy Thomas)

Cooking Demonstrations

Every Sunday, The Festival Of Arts presents the weekly event series 'The Art of Cooking' where guests can watch and learn as noteworthy chefs demonstrate recipes and let guests sample their creative culinary masterpieces.

Events_FamilyArtDay_03
(credit: festival of arts)

Workshops and Lectures

Want to learn more about the craft of producing art? The Festival's Art Center allows guests to create their own works of art with the help of local artists. Classes, workshops, and lectures are offered on a daily basis in a variety of mediums (including printmaking, ceramics, and mixed media), allowing everyone to join in the fun of creating art. Have your kids with you? Kid-friendly classes are also offered every weekday!

DINING OPTIONS

Two onsite eateries, and the opportunity to bring in your own picnic baskets full of goodies, offer the most convenient dining options for a visit to the Festival. Just a blocks away, downtown Laguna Beach offers a wider variety of fare.

Tivoli Terrace
650 Laguna Canyon Rd.
Laguna Beach, CA 92652
(949) 494-960
www.tivoliterrace.com

With a beautifully landscaped garden and gazebo as a backdrop, Tivoli Terrace offers lunch and dinner during the summer Pageant season. Enjoy fresh salads, seafood, and sandwiches for lunch or American cuisine, including an assortment of local seafood, for dinner. A full bar and live entertainment add the finishing touches to a meal at Tivoli Terrace.
 
Gina's Alfresco
Gina's Alfresco
610 N. Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 497-4421
www.ginaspizza.com

Festival guests looking for Italian cuisine should head to Gina's Alfresco, also offered on site at the Pageant's Festival grounds. From fresh baked pizza to salads, warm and cold sandwiches, and a meal topping tiramisu, Gina's has your favorites.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Looking to make your Festival visit a mini-getaway? Consider some of these great Laguna Beach lodging options.
InnLagunaBeach11
(credit: Inn at Laguna Beach)

Inn at Laguna Beach
211 N Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 497-9722
www.innatlagunabeach.com

Located just blocks from the Festival grounds (and an easy walk), the Inn at Laguna Beach features 70 newly refurbished guest rooms on ocean-front property adjacent to downtown Laguna. Their beach bungalow theme is perfected with modern luxuries for every visitor. Onsite restaurants (including an awesome ocean-view outdoor patio/bar), a fitness center, and rooftop pool combine to make the Inn at Laguna Beach a great Festival stay.

retreatinlaguna
(credit: The Retreat in Laguna)

The Retreat in Laguna
729 Gaviota Dr.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 376-7170
www.theretreatinlaguna.com

The Retreat in Laguna features the space and comforts of a vacation rental coupled with the ultra-luxury and inspiration of the French Riviera, all featuring stunning oceanfront views. Village Square, the hub of the numerous vacation rentals, boasts an ocean view deck just perfect for sunset views while sampling on fine wines and cheeses. Hungry? The Retreat will arrange for a private chef or cater dinner from one of their numerous local restaurant partners; the in-suite kitchens provide access to a do-it-yourself meal if you enjoy cooking.

hotel laguna
(credit: Hotel Laguna)

Hotel Laguna
425 S Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-1151
www.hotellaguna.com

The first hotel in Laguna Beach, Hotel Laguna has offered more than 100 years of nearly continuous service. Their 65 guest rooms offer a full variety of room types and themes from views of the Rose Garden, full ocean views, and windows that open to the vibrant downtown Laguna scene.

Katie Bodell is the Blog Editor for Trekaroo, the largest family travel website in the U.S. She is also a freelance writer, a happy wife to her best friend, and a mom to three sweet California girls. See more on: Trekaroo | CheapOair | Google+ | Twitter.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.