Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters
Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters
Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters
4.5
Art GalleriesConcertsTheatresLiterary, Art & Music ToursTheatre & Performances
4:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Monday
4:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Tuesday
4:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Wednesday
4:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Thursday
4:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Full view
About
Laguna Beach is home to the Festival of Arts, which produces two world-class events in the summer from early July to late August. Set in an open-air gallery, the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show features the work of over 100 award-winning local artists. The Festival showcases a variety of mediums and styles for avid collectors and festival goers to browse and purchase directly from the artists. In addition to the artwork on display, the summer event calendar with live music, wine tasting, art classes and more. And when the sun goes down, the lights go up on one of the most unique theatrical performances in the world, the Pageant of the Masters. Each night in the outdoor amphitheater, works of art are re-created with real people posing in elaborate costumes and extravagant sets. Know the saying "Life imitates art"? You need to see how the professionals do it! Early ticket purchase is recommended, as this is a highly sought-after event that draws art enthusiasts from around the world.
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Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters
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4.5
979 reviews
Excellent
767
Very good
122
Average
40
Poor
22
Terrible
28
Tom Moser
Fallbrook, CA159 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
This was my 3rd visit and I recommend this wonderful experience to all. You can google this event but nothing can prepare you for the presentation of master painting you will see in this unique style. It will become an annual event. Some tips are:
1. Go early and have dinner at Alissa’s. Parking in town or the Pageant lot is easy even with crowds.
2. Go an hour early and peruse the wonderful exhibit and sale of local art before the show.
3. Take water as it is outrageously expensive, $5.00 a bottled.
4. There are restaurants inside the theatre, but pricey. Might as well get a great meal in the village.
5. No photography equipment. They are serious about this.
6. You don’t need the most expensive tickets as the viewing is good in all seats. However, binoculars are good even if close to view the details.
7. If you come to the show from the south, PCH (the coast hey fir you non natives) is a good choice when exiting. The Toll Road is also good but that can back up as most people use that.
8. Bring a jacket, yes it is California, because you are in the coast and the show gets over at 11:00 PM. It gets chilly!
I’m sure you will enjoy the show and make it an annual event. I think it runs Tues thru Sunday most of August into September, check this on the web where you buy your tickets. Also, be sure to get your will call tickets outside before entering. Enjoy snd see you next year!
1. Go early and have dinner at Alissa’s. Parking in town or the Pageant lot is easy even with crowds.
2. Go an hour early and peruse the wonderful exhibit and sale of local art before the show.
3. Take water as it is outrageously expensive, $5.00 a bottled.
4. There are restaurants inside the theatre, but pricey. Might as well get a great meal in the village.
5. No photography equipment. They are serious about this.
6. You don’t need the most expensive tickets as the viewing is good in all seats. However, binoculars are good even if close to view the details.
7. If you come to the show from the south, PCH (the coast hey fir you non natives) is a good choice when exiting. The Toll Road is also good but that can back up as most people use that.
8. Bring a jacket, yes it is California, because you are in the coast and the show gets over at 11:00 PM. It gets chilly!
I’m sure you will enjoy the show and make it an annual event. I think it runs Tues thru Sunday most of August into September, check this on the web where you buy your tickets. Also, be sure to get your will call tickets outside before entering. Enjoy snd see you next year!
Written 23 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SnowAviation
Escondido, CA22 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
My wife drug me to one of these shows about 12 years ago. We have been going ever since, I am still in awe every time. The transformation of people into works of art is pretty dang amazing. Tips, go early, park your car, walk around town, get something to eat or go to the park area with your own snacks and drinks (Yes they will allow you to bring wine into the venue) Bring binoculars, bring a seat cushion if your but can't stand sitting for a long time, check the temps and bring a blanket or light jacket as it can get chilly. Get LOGE tickets if you can afford them, don't sit in the first three or 4 rows as it's too close to appreciate the art on stage at that range and you will miss some things that happen on the sides of the stage. Don't show up late and try to find your seats, it will frustrate you and really irritate those who have to be interrupted in the opening moments of this great show.
Written 17 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea S
22 contributions
Aug 2021
This event is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced as people become part of an actual painting and you try to figure out which figures are human versus paint. Be sure to take a strong pair of binoculars or rent them at the venue. We were far back at the venue and needed them to have a good experience. Per the website FAQs we took seat cushions and you can BYOB as long as it’s not in glass.
Allow time before or after to view the art exhibited on site. It’s worth every penny!
Allow time before or after to view the art exhibited on site. It’s worth every penny!
Written 22 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fredsplayland
San Diego, CA57 contributions
June 2020 • Friends
I purchased 17 tickets for The pageant of the Masters this season. That was done months ago. since the covid-19 virus it's been impossible to get customer service from this organization. I've sent several letters to them about getting a refund for my group.the first few letters got no response at all. Then I got a letter telling me how short-staffed and busy they were. A month after the cancellation was announced I sent them another letter requesting a refund. With no response. I recently received a letter from the president David Perry basically stating the same thing I've heard in the past. They're working as quickly as on processing refunds. I've been waiting for a refund 3 months now and that is absolutely unacceptable. Today I have sent them six emails and still no results. I have a responsibility for my group just as the pageant of the Masters has a responsibility to me as a customer. Up to now they are totally shirking their responsibility. I have asked several times for someone to just pick up a phone and give me a call but no response. I am absolutely convinced that this group has no regard for its patrons or members. Even those of us who've been attending for years.I have lost all faith in this organization's management and I will never attend an event at this venue again.I will also never have a positive word to say about anyting associated with the pageant of Masters. You have definitely showed your true colors.
Written 13 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gypsybam
Sunnyvale, CA74 contributions
Aug 2023
I have come to the Pageant of the Masters/Festival of the Arts for years and became a member because I believe in what they do. Each year I bring family and friends, get a VRBO and enjoy! Over the years I have loved the history I learn about art pieces....last year I got the full scoop on Nellie Bly! I loved it all. We come and bring wine and a charcuterie and enjoy the live music. Then we enter the theater which is always magical with the stage, full orchestra and narrator. The 1 st time I ever came, the narrator was the voice of "Tony the Tiger". What fun! I appreciate all the artists and those in the pageant. It is a special time each year.
Written 16 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nina W
Colorado Springs, CO1 contribution
Aug 2021
It is an annual event for a group of friends. We were very sad that last year was cancelled but we were back this year and it was amazing as usual. It was particularly meaningful this year as it celebrated MADE in AMERICA and featured many diverse artists from the beginning our our history!
Written 22 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NorthStar11325175843
1 contribution
July 2024 • Family
We were able easily park on Monday on the road with paid meter 15 min before performance. Have seen 2 times in past years, and this was my favorite. Love the film themes, Hitchcock film history. Theme was art of fashion. Fascinating history. Well written. Live orchestra is great. Weather was great. Keep in mind staff will shine a flashlight on you if they see your lighted phone during performance. Reccomend binoculars really helps one appreciate the details. Did not need blanket maybe a light jacket. The models volunteers are working hard for your entertainment!
Written 23 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JSTravels
San Francisco, CA25 contributions
July 2022 • Friends
I have gone twice and definitely plan to keep going. The art show is filled with talented artists. The pageant is an amazing show you will not see anywhere else. Live actors recreate notable artwork onstage in a way you can’t imagine until you see it.
Written 10 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TrippieA
Laguna Niguel, CA29 contributions
July 2022 • Couples
Pageant of the Masters used to be one of our favorite summer activities. We went to see every couple of years and recommended it to many friends. We went again last night and what a shocking disappointment! There is a total new direction and the artistic nature and quality has been replaced by a school play of dancing characters etc. The little bit of what the Pageant used to be about is not worth paying for. My husband and I left after first act. Never again!
Written 31 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MartyandJim
Orange, CA37 contributions
July 2023 • Couples
We go to the Pageant every summer. The production is excellent and there is always a new twist every year. Snack bar is mediocre but you can probably find something you like. Only complaint is the seating. The seats are metal old-style theatre seats which is ok since the Pageant is outdoors. The problem is they are too small so you’re elbow to elbow with your neighbor, and you have to stand up to let someone pass.
Written 9 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there free parking when attending the pageant of the masters in Laguna Beach California
Written 1 August 2022
Yes, there are free parking lots there and a very good free trolley system if you park further away.
Written 3 August 2022
We're being dropped off by bus, but being picked up by friends to go elsewhere for dinner. Where is the best place for pickup close to the entrance to the event
Written 6 August 2021
I will be there tomorrow - and cannot walk more than from car to shuttle - and need to know where I can park, eat in town, and shuttle to Festival.
I have a handicap plaque.
Written 18 July 2021
The free trolley runs everyday during the summer festival season, usually early July thru 1st week of September. The rest of the year, it runs only on weekends. You can check by googling Laguna Beach free trolley.
Written 28 July 2019
Can you bring food and wine in prior to show?
Written 12 July 2019
I know many people sneak little snacks in but the noise of paper or foil annoys patrons ans ushers are watching an wul say something, so I am sure you can eat outside the theater in designated areas. I am sure they have a price for breathing too loud. Just kidding, just plan on a drink or a lite snack and I am sure you will survive if you dine late or dine early, just nothing major while the Pageant is on so others are not disturbed..
Written 14 July 2019
Hbsac010155
Huntington Beach, California
How long is the pageant of the Masters show?
Written 15 August 2018
Is there a place to board dogs during the show? Or do you have a suggestion where dogs could be boarded?
Written 29 July 2018
There are NO boarding facilities at the Pageant.
You would have to at Kennel right across from the Pageant.
Written 30 July 2018
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