If Pageant of the Masters is too fancy for you, hit up Sawdust Festival instead. Way more chill, way more hippie vibes.
200+ local artists selling handmade jewelry, pottery, paintings, woodwork — all the good stuff. You can actually WATCH artists create their work in real-time. It's like an Instagram feed but... real life?
What Is Sawdust Art Festival?
Sawdust Festival has been running in Laguna Beach since the 1960s. It started as a counterculture response to the more formal Festival of Arts, and that bohemian, artsy vibe is still VERY much alive.
Think: handmade everything, artists working in their booths, live music, eucalyptus-scented pathways, and a totally laid-back atmosphere. No stuffiness, no pretension — just art, creativity, and good vibes.
What you'll find:
- 200+ artist booths with original handmade work
- Live art demonstrations (watch artists paint, sculpt, throw pottery)
- Jewelry, ceramics, paintings, glasswork, woodcraft, textiles, photography
- Live music throughout the day
- Food trucks and snack vendors
- Wine and beer garden
- Family-friendly atmosphere
When Does It Run?
Sawdust Festival runs all summer, typically late June through August, running parallel with the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters.
Hours:
- Daily: 10 AM - 10 PM
- Open 7 days a week during the season
Unlike Pageant (which is an evening-only show), Sawdust is open all day. You can pop in for an hour or spend the whole afternoon browsing.
Admission & Tickets
Admission is super affordable compared to other Laguna summer events:
- Adults: $10
- Seniors (55+): $9
- Kids 12 & under: FREE
- Season pass: $25 (unlimited visits all summer)
If you're local or visiting Laguna multiple times, the season pass is a no-brainer. $25 for unlimited access? That's two visits and it pays for itself.
🎟️ Get Sawdust Festival tickets
What Makes Sawdust Different from Festival of Arts?
Both happen in Laguna Beach at the same time, both feature local artists, but the vibes are COMPLETELY different.
Festival of Arts:
- More formal and polished
- Juried artists (selective application process)
- Higher price points on artwork
- Includes Pageant of the Masters (separate ticket)
- More upscale crowd
Sawdust Festival:
- Casual, bohemian atmosphere
- Open to all local artists
- Wide range of prices (affordable to splurge-worthy)
- Live demonstrations and artist interactions
- More artsy, hippie crowd
If you want fine art and a fancy evening show, do Festival of Arts + Pageant. If you want handmade crafts and a chill afternoon vibe, do Sawdust.
(Or do both! They're only a few blocks apart.)
Types of Art You'll Find
The art at Sawdust is INCREDIBLY diverse. Every booth is different, and artists are happy to chat about their process.
Popular categories:
- Jewelry: Silver, beaded, stone, custom designs
- Pottery & Ceramics: Bowls, mugs, sculptures, decorative pieces
- Paintings: Acrylics, watercolors, mixed media
- Photography: Laguna landscapes, ocean scenes, abstract
- Glasswork: Blown glass, stained glass, fused glass art
- Woodcraft: Furniture, cutting boards, carvings
- Textiles: Handwoven scarves, clothing, tapestries
- Metalwork: Sculptures, wind chimes, garden art
Everything is handmade by the artist. You're buying directly from the creator, not some mass-produced import.
Live Demonstrations
One of the coolest parts of Sawdust: watching artists work in real-time.
Walk through the festival and you'll see painters at their easels, potters at their wheels, glassblowers shaping molten glass, jewelers soldering silver. It's mesmerizing.
Artists love talking about their craft, so don't be shy. Ask questions! Most are happy to explain their process or demonstrate their techniques.
Best Time to Visit
Weekdays (Monday-Thursday):
- Smaller crowds, easier parking
- More one-on-one time with artists
- Quieter, more relaxed vibe
Weekends (Friday-Sunday):
- Busier, more energetic atmosphere
- Live music and performances more frequent
- Harder parking, more crowded pathways
Time of day:
- Morning (10 AM-12 PM): Quietest time, artists are fresh and chatty
- Afternoon (1-5 PM): Moderate crowds, good browsing time
- Evening (6-10 PM): Cooler temps, live music picks up, romantic vibe
I love going late afternoon/early evening. The heat dies down, the festival lights start glowing, and the live music creates this magical atmosphere.
Food & Drinks
Sawdust has food trucks, snack vendors, and a wine/beer garden.
Food options:
- Food trucks (tacos, BBQ, pizza, etc.)
- Kettle corn and snacks
- Ice cream and sweets
- Coffee and tea
Drinks:
- Wine garden with local wines
- Craft beer selection
- Soft drinks and water
It's not a food festival — more like festival snacks. If you want a real meal, hit up a Laguna Beach restaurant before or after.
Parking & Getting There
Sawdust Festival is located at 935 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach.
Parking options:
- On-site parking: $10 (limited spots, arrive early)
- Street parking: Free but VERY limited
- Public lots downtown: $10-15, walk uphill to festival
- Rideshare: Easiest option, drop-off right at entrance
Laguna Beach parking is always tough. If you're driving, get there early or be prepared to walk a bit.
What to Buy (Luna's Picks)
The art ranges from $10 trinkets to $5,000 sculptures. Here's what I recommend for different budgets:
Under $50:
- Handmade jewelry (earrings, bracelets)
- Small ceramics (mugs, bowls)
- Prints and photography
- Greeting cards and stationery
$50-$200:
- Larger pottery pieces
- Original small paintings
- Custom jewelry
- Glass art ornaments
$200+:
- Statement sculptures
- Large original paintings
- Custom furniture pieces
- High-end glasswork
Pro tip: Bring cash. Some artists take cards, but not all. There are ATMs on-site but they charge fees.
Luna's Sawdust Festival Tips
1. Take your time: Don't rush. There are 200+ booths. Wander, browse, enjoy.
2. Talk to the artists: They WANT to chat. Ask about their process, inspiration, techniques.
3. Get a season pass if you're local: $25 for unlimited visits is a steal.
4. Bring a reusable bag: If you buy art, you'll need something to carry it.
5. Go on a weeknight for the best experience: Fewer crowds, more artist interaction.
6. Combine with dinner in Laguna: Make an evening of it — festival + dinner + sunset.
7. Support local artists: These are real people making a living from their craft. Buy something!
Where to Stay Nearby
If you're making a Laguna Beach weekend out of it:
- Montage Laguna Beach: Luxury beachfront resort
- Surf & Sand Resort: Ocean views, walkable to downtown
- Casa Loma Beach Hotel: Boutique hotel on the beach
- Pacific Edge Hotel: Cliffside location, more affordable
The Bottom Line
Sawdust Art Festival is one of my favorite low-key Orange County summer traditions. It's not flashy or Instagram-famous, but it's REAL.
Real artists, real handmade work, real community vibes. Plus it's affordable, family-friendly, and supports local creators.
Go browse, buy some art, support a local artist, and soak in those bohemian Laguna Beach vibes. 🌿🎨
— Luna