The Art of Laguna Beach: Sawdust Festival Returns for its 59th Season

On June 27, the iconic 59th Annual Sawdust Art Festival reopens its legendary eucalyptus-lined canyon in Laguna Beach for a nine-week celebration of art, creativity, and community. This non-juried, artist-driven showcase brings together more than 185 Laguna Beach resident artists, transforming the festival grounds into an immersive artisan village of handcrafted booths, live art demonstrations, hands-on classes, music, and now, elevated culinary delights.

Since its founding in 1968 by artists who sought to break free from traditional juried exhibitions, Sawdust has remained rooted in its original mission. All participating artists are residents of Laguna Beach, and the festival proudly embraces a wide range of media and artistic voices.

This year’s lineup features a dynamic blend of veteran artists and exciting newcomers. Among the returning talents is Christie Repasy, widely known for her vintage-inspired floral paintings and hand-painted furniture. A staple of the festival, Repasy has been capturing hearts with her romantic aesthetic for decades.

Doug Miller, another long-standing participant, brings his whimsical and meticulously crafted woodcarvings. Visitors will also find a diverse array of styles and forms from artists such as Nikki Grant, Dion Wright, David Nelson, and new ceramic innovators Olomana Studios, a husband-and-wife duo combining traditional techniques with contemporary form.

Additional featured artists include Amy Rose Hammond with her vibrant watercolors, Sheila Anderson’s detailed mosaic pieces, and jewelry designer Kelly Akins whose metalwork captures oceanic inspiration. Visitors can also look forward to the expressive abstracts of Lorraine Adler, the soulful oil paintings of Paulette Auster, and intricate textiles by PattiJo.

More than a gallery experience, Sawdust invites guests to witness the artistic process firsthand. Live demonstrations of glassblowing, pottery, printmaking, metalwork, and other mediums are offered daily. These interactions provide insight into the artistry behind each creation and forge deeper connections between artists and festivalgoers.

Interactive art classes are available each day and included with admission. Children and families can enjoy projects like leaf birds, flip-your-own-art, and collage design, while adults may choose to explore watercolor techniques, sewing, enameling, or fused glass.

The energy of the festival carries into the evening with three dedicated music stages, each presenting a rotating lineup of live performances. From laid-back acoustic folk and world rhythms to upbeat jazz and indie pop, the musical programming reflects the eclectic nature of the festival. The intimate Waterfall Deck, lit with lanterns and framed by a cascading fountain, offers a particularly magical setting for evening concerts.

Opening weekend will feature the Heussenstamm Trio in the Saloon and the crowd-pleasing Kenny Hale Band at the Waterfall Deck. Throughout the summer, both local legends and emerging talents will take the stage, enhancing the ambiance of art under the stars.

This year marks a culinary milestone for Sawdust with the debut of The Cove by Starfish, a dedicated food enclave curated by Laguna Beach’s celebrated Starfish restaurant. Known for its Asian coastal cuisine and vibrant flavors, Starfish has been a local favorite for over 14 years.

The Cove presents a bold menu of handcrafted bowls, sushi rolls, and small plates. Guests can indulge in signature offerings such as Sunset Sushi Roll (ahi, hamachi, salmon sashimi over krab & avocado roll, cucumber, sweet soy, sesame avocado sauce), Industry Roll – Panko Deep Fried (salmon, avocado, cucumber, cream cheese, sriracha aioli, sweet soy), Thai Curry Chicken Forever Bowl, and the Candy Dragon Prawn (4 large lightly crispy prawns, tossed in honey citrus, candied walnuts.) For plant-based diners, the 100 percent vegan Naked Buddha Roll is a must-try. Festival-exclusive creations include a perfected Fifty Nine Banh Mi (katsu braised pulled pork, pickled carrot, daikon and red onion, spicy herb aioli, cilantro, and greens) and the savory Treasure Island Beef Filet.

In keeping with the festival’s commitment to sustainability, all meals are served in fully compostable and recyclable packaging, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact.

For the first time, Sawdust will offer more than beer and wine. The Sand Bar at The Cove serves sake and soju-based cocktails like the Wild Lychee Martini, Coco Mojo, and Laguna Lemondrop. Wine aficionados can also explore The Annex to the Saloon, featuring tasting flights, reserve wines from Kendall-Jackson, and beautifully prepared charcuterie boxes. Menu items range from $14 to $28, and a dedicated kids’ menu is available.

Know Before You Go

Festival Dates:
June 27 through August 31, 2025

Daily Hours:
Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Please note, the festival will close at 4 p.m. on July 4

Location:
935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California 92651

Admission:
Adults: $12
Seniors (65 and older): $10
Youth (ages 6 to 12): $5
Children 5 and under: Free

Passes:
Summer Pass: $29 (includes unlimited entry)
Annual Pass: $49 (valid for summer and winter festivals)

Special Offers:
Use the code SUMMER25 online for $2 off adult single-day admission.
Orange County residents enjoy free entry on select days between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. with valid ID. Laguna Beach residents receive free admission all day every Thursday.

Parking is available, with a convenient free trolley shuttle that runs from downtown Laguna Beach to the festival grounds. Entry is capped at 2,300 guests at a time to ensure a spacious and relaxed experience for all.

More than a festival, Sawdust is a living, breathing art experience. From the scent of sawdust beneath your feet to the sparkle of molten glass in motion, the event remains a beloved summer tradition for locals and visitors alike.

Whether you come to shop for original art, learn a new technique, hear live music, or savor creative cuisine, the 59th Annual Sawdust Art Festival offers a rich and unforgettable journey through the arts. This summer, walk beneath the eucalyptus trees and discover the many ways art can nourish the soul.