When you are fortunate enough to live in a beach town with an endless summer, actually going to the beach is not the high point of the season. At least not for me. Since we can go to the beach any time of the year, even daily, there are other things we most look forward to during the summer months. Summer in Orange County means longer days, fun in the sun and special annual events that make living here extra special. I personally look forward to the following every year: the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach, Hotel Irvine’s Backyard Movie Nights, the OC Fair and the VANS U.S. Open of Surfing.
In this blog post, I want to give you the scoop on the first two events I mentioned.
FESTIVAL OF ARTS
The Laguna Beach Festival of Arts runs from July 5 to September 1. This year is the festival’s 86th anniversary. The juried fine arts show showcases original art original artworks from 140 of Orange County’s finest artists and offers interactive art workshops, demos, special events, live music, wine and chocolate pairings, guided art tours, and more. The highlight of the annual festival is the Pageant of the Masters, a world-famous theatrical celebration of art recreated in tableaux vivants –“living pictures”– it never fails to awe audiences nightly with spectacular stage illusions choreographed to original, live orchestra performance and engaging narration. I caught this year’s show and it was amazing but that’s a blog post for another day!
By the way, the Pageant tickets are different from the Festival tickets. See ticket information below and visit foapom.com Festival of Arts is located at 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Festival of Arts Fine Art Show
July 5 – September 1, 2018
Open weekdays: 12noon – 11:30pm
Open weekends: 10am – 11:30pm
Early closing August 25 at 1:30pm
Pageant of the Masters Dates and Times:
July 7 – September 1, 2018
Performances Nightly at 8:30pm
TICKETS:
Festival of Arts Fine Art Show:
Purchase tickets online at www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org
General Admission: Weekdays $10, Weekends $15
Students & Seniors: Weekdays $7, Weekends $11
Children 6 – 12: Daily $5
Free Admission for Children 5 and under, Military, and Laguna Beach Residents.
Pageant of the Masters Ticket Information:
Purchase tickets at http://www.pageanttickets.com/
Tickets start at $15 per person
Pageant of the Masters ticket grants access to the Fine Arts Show
BACKYARD MOVIE NIGHTS
There’s only one movie left in the Backyard Series at Hotel Irvine, but if you want a chill and fun way to end the summer of 2018, I recommend you grab your lawn chairs and blankets, grab a friend or the whole family and get ready to visit “Wakanda!” I caught the first movie in this year’s series. “The Greatest Showman,” and let me tell you it was a blast to be outside under the stars, dining on Hotel Irvine’s delicious grub among friends, all while watching Hugh Jackman and company sing and dance across the screen.
On August 31, one can enjoy an alfresco evening viewing of “Black Panther” and the Chef’s Backyard BBQ, which includes delicious burgers, sandwiches, salads and of course, movie snacks like popcorn, cookies, and candy! A pre-film DJ will be there, and all night happy hour at Red Bar and Lounge is offered to moviegoers. There’s also a special Movie Night Retreat package available for guests who want to extend their fun and pampering by staying overnight at Hotel Irvine
Those who want to step it up a notch can opt-in for the VIP experience for two, which includes:
Two tickets to the movie of choice
Reserved front-row seating
Unlimited access to chef’s backyard BBQ
A bottle of rosé or prosecco
Complimentary valet parking
Schedule:
Friday, August 31st – Black Panther
General admission is $10 per person. Doors open at 6 p.m. with movies starting at dusk. Open seating. Guests bring blankets, low chairs, pillows or cushions. VIP experience is $55 for two guests. Ten VIP packages available per movie night. Advanced purchase recommended and based on availability. A wristband is needed for all night happy hour after the movie in Red Bar and Lounge. Blankets will be available for purchase. For a complete schedule, tickets, menus, and FAQ, visithotelirvine.com/happenings/movienights.
Hotel Irvine
17900 Jamboree Rd.
Irvine, CA 92614
888-230- 4452
www.hotelirvine.com
