Holiday Happenings in Laguna Beach

Artist Open Studios

*Photo Credit: Laguna Beach Indy

Get a look inside 25+ artists in working studios, the first Saturday of the month, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. now through March. Trolley service is available at 1900 Laguna Canyon Road every 15 minutes.

Annual Sawdust Art Festival Winter Fantasy

Transformed into a winter wonderland, the Sawdust Art Festival Winter Fantasy is the perfect place for holiday family fun. 170+ artists create and sell works, entertainment, art classes & demos, petting zoo and visits with Santa. Weekends Nov. 23-Dec. 15, 2013.

Holiday Tree Lighting at Montage Laguna Beach

Dec. 2, 2013 Montage Laguna Beach opens its doors for their spectacular tree lighting ceremony featuring carolers, children's activities, food, drink and music.

HospitalityNight in Downtown Laguna Beach

*photo credit: Laguna Beach Beat

Dec. 6, 2013 the festive Holiday tradition of welcoming Santa to Laguna Beach is happening. Santa arrives with his "reindeer" to light up the Pepper Tree at City Hall. Also enjoy live music, ice skating and shopping. Trolley service available from 5pm to 10pm.

Make Laguna Beach your winter escape with one of these special offers:

Inn at Laguna Beach 

Montage Laguna Beach 

Pacific Edge Hotel 

Surf & Sand Resort 

Val Kilmer’s Citizen Twain Comes to Laguna Beach Playhouse

 

Val Kilmer brings to life what many consider America’s greatest storyteller and first standup comedian, Mark Twain, in his one man show Citizen Twain. Kilmer's hilarious, raucous portrayal of Twain positions the character as a reluctant, recalcitrant, and downright defiant prophet whose undeniable skills as a story-teller and wordsmith compels the Almighty to call upon Twain to deliver a Sermon on Love to help us through our daily challenges. Kilmer's Twain aggressively attempts to escape the responsibility of the Almighty's calling only to find himself thwarted at every turn by divine interventions that range from slapstick to sublime. Not even Mark Twain, it seems, can avoid his eternal fate. “Val Kilmer brings to remarkable life one of the greatest legends of all time and we are honored to have him here,” says Ann E. Warham, Artistic Director at Laguna Playhouse.

 

Kilmer workshopped the piece at the Pasadena Playhouse, Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City, the Valley Performing Arts Center in Northridge, CA and the Wyly Theatre in Dallas before bringing it to Laguna. “It's a unique experiment,” explains Kilmer. “We're developing CITIZEN TWAIN without the benefit of a home theater, which is a challenge, so we're going to where the audiences are. Mark Twain traveled the world sharing his love of America and humanity, and part of discovering Twain is to do that with this show.”

 

Citizen Twain is at Laguna Playhouse for a limited five show engagement between November 21 and November 24, 2013. Every performance of Citizen Twain concludes with an audience talkback while the actor has his extensive make-up removed in full view, and select tickets are also available which include a backstage meet and greet with the actor.

 

All tickets are $65 (post show reception with Mr. Kilmer are $90) and can be purchased online at www.lagunaplayhouse.com

 



Festival of Music in Laguna Beach

This Saturday local radio station, KX 93.5, will be taking over the Festival of Arts grounds for the first Festival of Music fundraiser in Laguna Beach. This is the first music festival at this intimate setting approved by Laguna Beach city council and the Irvine Bowl Policy Committee in almost ten years. “We are honored the committee has trusted us to put on a music festival at this historic Laguna Beach location,” said KX 93.5 Program Director Tyler Russell.“We aim for the first ‘KX 93.5 Festival of Music’ to be a very important fundraiser for our public radio station and these other great, local causes.”

Founded Oct. 2012, KX 93.5 is Laguna's only FM radio station. It’s a non-profit, non-commercial, radio station, focused on the music, the listener, and the local community. The format is “Generational Alt Rock” from the 1960s until now, featuring public affairs, surf reports, sports broadcasts and more in Laguna Beach. The station provides a voice and a creative outlet for Laguna Beach musicians and beyond that are largerly ignored by commercial radio.The Festival of Music on Nov. 2, 2013 will be from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The lineup including Orange County’s indie folk troubadour Matt Costa, Colin Hay from Men at Work, upcoming California folk singer Carly Ritter and Los Angeles indie duo Trapdoor Social.

All funds from the festival will benefit future programs for non-profits KX 93.5, Mauli Ola Foundation, Tony Hawk Foundation, and the Boys and Girls Club of Laguna Beach. The fesival will also include local vendors, sponsors, food trucks and beverage companies. Tito’s Vodka and Tres Sietes Tequila are the exclusive drink partners.  A live auction with autographed items will add to the evening’s spirit of giving.  

General admission is $35. Limited height beach chairs or blankets will be permitted for more comfortable seating on the grass.

 

Tivoli Terrace will host the limited “VIP Experience,” featuring complimentary cocktails, dinner, gift bags, entrance to the Nov. 1 pre-show, reserved seating and a meet-n-greet with radio hosts and talent. The “VIP Experience” ticket is $150.

For tickets

5 Ways to Tour Laguna Beach; Five for 5

Our Five for 5 blog series focuses on what to visit, see and do in Laguna Beach. This fifth and final story will be about how to tour Laguna Beach.

FLAVORS OF LAGUNA BEACH

On this two-hour culinary walking tour, you will literally get a taste of Laguna Beach and see why our beachside town is becoming a foodie destination. The Flavors of Laguna tour is a MUST DO for both locals and visitors. Along with the fantastic food you get to sample, you'll receive a mini history lesson on one of the oldest cities in Orange County. Each tour is different and Flavors of Laguna will gladly customize a tour for your group. Read more about this tasty tour here. 

Need to Know:

Flavors of Laguna

949-464-8830

Year-round tours available

On Facebook 

DOLPHIN AND WHALE WATCHING TOURS

See Laguna Beach's most spectacular residents, our marine mammals, on a whale/dolphin watching tour. Since Laguna is a protected marine environment, our shores are teeming with sea life like no other spot in Southern California. In fact, we have the highest population of dolphins off our coast than anywhere in the US (more than Florida, Hawaii and the Caribbean combined!) While on the tour, you're almost guaranteedto see dolphins, sea lions, and may even get a look at some of the more elusive whales or sunfish (read more about these huge prehistoric looking fish here). Tours are family-friendly and run year-round, but if you want to maximize your chance of seeing the whale migration, book your tour between May and October for the Blue Whales and November through April for the Gray Whales.

Need to Know:

CaptainDave's Dolphin & Whale Safari 

DanaWharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching 

NewportLanding 

Prices vary

LAGUNA BEACH WALKS

Want to get some exercise, see the sights and learn about Laguna Beach?  Laguna Beach Walks will give you all that, and more.  Janelle Naess, a local resident, tour guide and founder of Laguna Beach Walks, will escort you and your group around Laguna Beach during her two-hour walking tour. She provides interesting historical facts throughout the tour as you see historical landmarks and breathtaking sights and pieces of public art. Laguna is filled with hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered.

Need to Know:

Laguna Beach Walks

949-533-0889

Be sure to book your tickets in advance

On Facebook 

LA VIDA LAGUNA KAYAK TOUR

See Laguna from its most stunning vantage point, the Pacific Ocean. Your tour will begin with a lesson from a trained professional before you push off from Fisherman's Cove to explore the coastline. On your tour you'll be treated to sweeping views of hidden coves, the abundant life in and around a kelp forests and even a colony of sea lions on Laguna's famed Seal Rock. Tours are just over an hour and are suitable for kids as young as three. La Vida Laguna also offers paddle board and surf lessons, bike rentals and customized eco adventures.

Need to Know:

La Vida Laguna

949-275-7544

On Facebook

LOCA (Laguna Outreach for Community Arts)

Tour Laguna Beach in a non-traditional way; through your paintbrush and easel. Laguna Outreach for Community Arts, also known as LOCA, is a unique non-profit organization that advocates hands-on art education for all ages. Through a network of dedicated volunteers and artists, LOCA offers several mini art retreats for all ages and skill levels. From one-day programs exploring tide pools (http://lagunabeachinfo.blogspot.com/2011/04/art-sea-adventure.html) and using water colors to paint sea stars, to weekend retreats exploring art through a variety of mediums, LOCA offers something for everyone.

Need to Know:

LOCA

Easy to book online 

Custom retreats available

On Facebook 

By Anne-Marie S.

5 Outdoor Activities to do in Laguna Beach; Five for 5

Our Five for 5 blog series focuses on what to visit, see and do in Laguna Beach. This fourth story will be about some of the outdoor activities to enjoy in Laguna.

MAIN BEACH FUN

Main Beach is the hub of activity with people passing by on the boardwalk and relaxing on the beach. Main Beach is truly the heart of Laguna and offers several FREE and fun activities. Pick up a game of basketball on the courts that are steps from the sand, or jump down in the sand and enjoy a game of beach volleyball. Skip down to the water's edge and swim or body surf in the refreshing Pacific Ocean. Whatever youchoose, Main Beach has something for you.

Need to Know:

Parking along PCH and Ocean Ave. Make sure to have money for meters

Beach is open 5am to 1am year round

CANYON HIKES

Laguna has more than 20,000 acres of land designated as a wildlife sanctuary. The preserved land is in and around the canyon, off Highway 133, and stretches out nearly to the shores of the Pacific. Here you can find thousands of miles of trails to explore that transport you out of the ‘city feel’ and into a diverse wilderness oasis. The Laguna Canyon Foundation sponsors a variety of guided hikes that cover topics from how the indigenouspeople of the area lived, to the native horticulture and animallife found in the area.

Need to Know:

Laguna Canyon Foundation

Recommended $2 donation

Parking $3

For full listing of events and to RSVP click HERE.

SURFING AND PADDLE BOARDING

It's no secretthat Laguna Beach has an amazing coastline that draws millions of visitors each year to its shores. One of the most popular activities is grabbing a board and harnessing the pour of the ocean for a thrilling ride. On any given day, you’ll see surfers, body boarders, skim boarders and paddle boarders in the water. Laguna Beach is home to the innovation of skim boarding back in the ‘20s when lifeguards used driftwood to skim and jump the waves. With many coves offering calm waters, Laguna Beach is a popular spot for paddle boarders. If you'renew to the sport of surf, there are several local companies that offer lessons and board rentals.

Need to Know:

SUP 

La Vida Laguna 

For a rundown of the best surf, paddle, skim boarding spots click HERE. 

 SNORKELING AND DIVING

Get below the ocean’s surface and take a dive into its depths to view sea life. In the early morning hours, you'll often see local scuba divers at Diver's Cove, named such for the excellent diving spot. Another popular spot is Cleo Street Beach that has a shipwreck 200 yards offshore that divers enjoy exploring. Treasure Island with its unique rock formations and tide pools is another fantastic spot for snorkelers.

Need to Know:

Be sure to check tide tables and water conditions before heading out.

Beaches are open 5am to 1am year round

MOUNTAIN BIKING

With a myriad of trails that traverse the changing terrain of Laguna, mountain bikers have found a reason to keep returning to Laguna Beach. From the highest point at 'Top of the World,' attracting downhill bikers to the steep climbs, coupled with the rocky terrain of El Moro, which entice  expert cross-country riders. Willow and Big Bend are popular staging areas for the beginner to intermediate rider. No matter the trail you choose to ride, you'll surely be treated to gorgeous canyon and ocean views.

Need to Know:

Check OC Parks for trail conditions and information

Remember bikes must yield to hikers on all trails.

By Anne-Marie S.

The Big Picture

This year the Pageant of the Masters celebrates its 80th year by paying homage to the art of film. The Big Picture is a look at the masterpieces that have informed and inspired the films of the past and present. Everyone from Vermeer and Michelangelo to Rockwell and Hooper make an appearance, or two.

With an army of 150 volunteers, the Pageant is truly a unique representation of world-class art in action. With a year of planning and preparations headed by Artistic Director Diane Challis Davy, this majestic ship has set sail to take its passengers on a voyage that is like no other. From the moment the orchestra hits the first note (playing original scores) and the lights dim, we are treated to a visual spectacle that can only be seen in Laguna Beach. This year we see how great filmmakers like Kubric found inspiration in Gainsborough paintings for many of his films. Classic slap stick actors like Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd were represented both in 'tableaux vivants' (living pictures) and guest appearances (you'll have to watch the show to see how they pull that off!) Of course movie poster art gets the tableaux treatment from Alfred Hitchcock's classics Psycho, Vertigo and North by Northwest to Disney's first full-length animated film, Snow White.

One of the gifts of the Pageant is how Davy and her team manage to bring to light interesting historical facts that the audience may not have known. This year I learned how Bette Davis, a former Laguna Beach resident, volunteered at the Pageant in 1957 and how she was going to perform in one of the tableauxs, The Tragic Muse by Sir Joshua Reynolds, before scheduling conflicts prevented it. Davy included The Tragic Muse in this year's show as a tribute to the support that Bette Davis lent. As the lights shone down on the final tableaux, Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, I smiled to myself thankful to have had the chance to be a passenger on another one of the Pageant's artful and inspiring voyages.

To board your ship to The Big Picture:

Pageant of the Masters

Showing now thru August 31

Tickets starting at $15

www.pageanttickets.com 

(800) 487-3378

(949) 494-1145

By Anne-Marie S.