🧑🎨 Sawdust 2025: Art, Music & a Few Surprises...
I happen to love my life here in Laguna Beach, but some days I REALLY love it. Each year, the Sawdust Art Festival’s “locals’ party” (an invite only “preview” party) is one of those days. For us here in Laguna Beach, it signifies two things …
First, that the rogue artist element that established the Sawdust Art Festival 59 years ago is still as remarkable as ever – it’s a true testament to the amazing cadre of talent we have here in Laguna Beach. Limited to just Laguna Beach resident artists, this year’s Sawdust features more than 185 artists of every possible art media imaginable.
Second, the “locals’ party” reminds all of us that we really do live in a small town of neighborly love, even with millions of visitors descending on an annual basis.
The Sawdust “Preview” party always occurs a few nights before the Sawdust’s grand opening, and is open only by invitation from the exhibiting artists to their friends and family. So, each year, about 1,000 (or more?) people congregate for the pre-grand opening and it is one happy party.
Pertinent details on this year’s Sawdust Art Festival …
In its 59th season, the Sawdust opens TODAY - Fri, June 27th through Sun., Aug. 31st. It’s open every day at 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, and to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
It’s amazing, original art, live art demos, free art classes, live music everywhere and seriously great food and drink. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for kids, ages 6-12. Save when you buy online here (and you don’t have to stand in long lines):
At the Sawdust Preview party, we adore our artist friends, and we adore each other. All evening long, it’s a whole bunch of friends and neighbors seeking out their favorite artists, rapping with coffee shop pals, dancing like crazy people to the live band, and hugging every other person that comes along because we all seem to know a whole lot of people here.
It is high energy cacophony.
It’s our first peek, too, at all the many individualized artists’ booths with their latest creations and newest treasures.
And… if you were there, did you notice one unexpected pop-up foodie hidden among the booths? Let’s just say my VIPs already got the full scoop.
👉 Not in the know yet? Click here to unlock the new secret castaway …
On Tuesday evening, I roamed with my besties, Ruben Flores and Nelson Coates, who know … everybody. I hugged Mike Brennan, hugged Baruck Kaufman, hugged Michelle Bert … caught up on the always-exciting lives of Lisa and Tessa Mansour.
I sought out Drake Sawyer for a replacement of his famed “Laguna Wave” ring. And, of course, I ran into Coco, co-keeper of the renowned Patch’s toe ring booth. I stepped right up (better now than waiting in those long lines that will undoubtedly queue up for the greatest toe rings in the land). You can’t exit a Laguna Beach summer without a Toe Ring from Patch!
Finally, the three of us (Nelson, Ruben and me) toured, row to row, for a quick look at thousands of handmade, one-of-a-kind treasures.
The Sawdust Art Festival is a must-see experience for visitors, yes, but it’s also a must-see each year for residents. While the long summer days of the Festival are usually a little quieter than the all-out party we had last night, its live bands, artist demonstrations, workshops and endless array of jewelry and art are a new discovery every single year.
Get your tickets in advance to avoid long lines:
Again, hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from this Friday, June 27 to Sunday, Aug. 31st.