Art
Artist Lectures
July 14 and Aug. 11, Laguna Art Museum
The “Faux Real” exhibition (running through Sept. 29) brings together contemporary works by a group of artists who have cleverly constructed sculptures and installations that mimic reality with a playful and often humorous twist. Join artist Matt Merkel Hess July 12 and husband and wife team Sandow Birk and Elyse Pignolet Aug. 11 for a chance to hear insight on their works, methods and inspirations. (949-494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org)
One Hour/One Painting
July 25, Laguna Art Museum
Learn the skill of art observation with author and critic Peter Clothier, who invites you to sit in front of a single piece of art for one hour. Peter will introduce closed-eye breath meditation and guide participants through the process of relaxing and refreshing the eyes while taking in the work. (949-494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org)
Festival of Arts
Through Aug. 31, Festival of Arts grounds,
Laguna Beach
Discover masterpieces in a variety of media at one of the country’s most renowned juried fine art shows, the Festival of Arts. In addition to offering the opportunity to peruse paintings, photographs, sculptures, jewelry, furniture and more, the festival also holds special events such as concerts, family art day Aug. 3, the Art of Cooking Sundays through Aug. 25 and Festival Runway Fashion Aug. 31. (949-494-1145; foapom.com)
Pageant of the Masters
Through Aug. 31, Irvine Bowl, Laguna Beach
Don’t miss your chance to see this year’s presentation of tableaux vivants in the Pageant of the Masters’ “The Big Picture.” This year’s theme takes both iconic artwork that has inspired films and artwork from the films themselves and brings them to the stage in a spectacular production. (949-497-6582; foapom.com)
Sawdust Art & Craft Festival
Through Sept. 1, Sawdust Festival grounds,
Laguna Beach
More than 200 Laguna Beach artists take over the Sawdust Festival grounds for the annual summer show, which runs daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Explore booths of hand-blown and fused glass, paintings, jewelry, ceramics, clothing and textiles, sculptures, photography and more. In addition, take advantage of the festival’s studio art classes (a full schedule with details can be found on the festival website). (949-494-3030; sawdustfestival.org)
“Ex-pose: Beatriz da Costa”
Through Sept. 29, Laguna Art Museum
The fourth show of the museum’s “Ex-pose” series features late artist Beatriz da Costa’s work, which consists of a video installation and an interactive collection, “Anti-Cancer Survival Kit,” meant for those living with cancer as well as their loved ones. (949-494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org)
Activities
Monarch Beach Couples’ Classic
Aug. 25 – 27, The St. Regis Monarch Beach, Dana Point
Enjoy a weekend of golf with your significant other at one of the top 10 resort golf courses in America, the Monarch Beach Golf Links. The Monarch Beach Couples’ Classic is a weekend of fun competition that includes two rounds of golf, daily breakfast, luncheons, welcome reception, putting competition, gift bag for each couple and an opening night event featuring Francis Ford Coppola wines. (949-248-3016; monarchbeachgolf.com)
Children’s Garden Workshop Series
July 14 and Aug. 11, Orange County Great Park, Irvine
These free, garden-themed workshops held at the Orange County Great Park are aimed to teach kids about the food they eat and the importance of environmental stewardship. July 14 brings a workshop about common birds in Southern California and their calls, and Aug. 11 will feature a lesson on composting and recycling techniques, as well as ways for children to turn their trash into garden art. Workshops are held every 30 minutes from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (866-829-3829; ocgp.org)
Author Talks at Laguna Beach Books
July 14 and 28, and Aug. 8, Laguna Beach Books
Laguna Beach Books welcomes Michael Goldman, author of “John Wayne: The Genuine Article,” and John Wayne’s son, Ethan Wayne, for a Q-and-A about the book July 14 (ticketed event). July 28 join Ron Carlson, author of “Return to Oakpine,” and Aug. 18 brings Anita Hughes, author of “Lake Como” (both free). (949-494-4779; lagunabeachbooks.com)
Transition Laguna Lunch and Classes
July 16, 19 and 27, private residence, Laguna Beach
On July 16, learn to cook with chef and slow food expert Linda Lewis Elbert during a summer garden grilling class from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. ($30). July 19 brings a vegetarian summer garden lunch at “The Basement Table” ($25) and foodies can discover the art of preserving summer vegetables July 27 ($50). Call Linda at 949-328-7131 for details and reservations.
Crystal Cove Movies at the Beach
July 18 and Aug. 15, Crystal Cove State Park,
Laguna Beach
Bring family and friends down to the beach for free screenings of vintage flicks as part of Crystal Cove’s summer film series. July 18 brings “The Creature from the Black Lagoon” starting at 8:15 p.m., and Aug. 15 brings the 1934 version of “Treasure Island,” partially filmed at Crystal Cove, showing at 7:45 p.m. (949-376-6200;
crystalcovebeachcottages.com)
Yappy Hour
Aug. 8, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
Four-legged friends need to unwind and socialize too, and The Ritz-Carlton provides the perfect setting for pooches to party. Bring your pup down for the monthly cocktail party made for canines, with libations like bacon-, beef- or liver-flavored water and handmade biscuits, as well as burgers, brews and wines for their owners. Proceeds support a local animal rescue organization. (949-240-2000; ritzcarlton.com)
Entertainment
“I Do! I Do!”
Through Aug. 11, Laguna Playhouse
Davis Gaines and Vicki Lewis star as Michael and Agnes in a charming musical about the joys and struggles of their 50 years of marriage. The heartwarming and humorous tale is directed by Alan Souza and features music and lyrics by Tom Jones. (949-497-2787; lagunaplayhouse.com)
“Sister Act”
Through Aug. 18, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
Your favorite singing nuns hit the stage in the Broadway adaptation of the Whoopi Goldberg comedy. Nominated for five Tony Awards, “Sister Act” features hilarious antics, a touching story, a glittering ensemble and, of course, the soulful, high-energy songs that make audiences want to get up and sing along. (714-556-2787; scfta.org)
Wavelength Festival of Music
Aug. 22-25, Pacific Amphitheatre, Costa Mesa
Experience the first Wavelength Festival of Music, a unique new blend of contemporary and classical music presented by the Pacific Symphony. Popular musicians will perform each night at the OC Fair & Event Center at Pacific Amphitheatre, some with members of the Pacific Symphony. Bonnie Raitt opens the festival Aug. 22, and the final concert will be Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon” played in its entirety with the Pacific Symphony. Tickets available on ticketmaster.com. (wavelengthfestival.org)
Ongoing
Live! at the Museum Second Thursday of the month, 7 p.m., Laguna Art Museum (949-494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org) Food and Wine Classes Various dates/times, Laguna Culinary Arts (949-494-0745; lagunaculinaryarts.com) Sawdust Studio Art Classes Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Sawdust Art Festival grounds (949-494-3030; sawdustartfestival.org) Monthly Wine Tasting Party First Friday of the month, Laguna Canyon Winery (949-715-9463; lagunacanyonwinery.com) Zero Trash—Adopt Your Street and Beach First Saturday of the month, 10 a.m. to noon, various locations (zerotrashlaguna.org) Saturday Afternoon Tasting Room Saturdays, 1 to 4 p.m., Laguna Culinary Arts (949-494-0745; lagunaculinaryarts.com) First Thursdays Art Walk First Thursday of the month, 6 to 9 p.m. (firstthursdaysartwalk.com) Free Yoga in the Park Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m., Treasure Island Park (949-494-9928; yogainthepark.blogspot.com) Laguna Beach Farmers Market Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, Forest Avenue and Laguna Canyon Road Laguna Laughter Yoga Sunday – Friday, 8 a.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m., Main Beach (lyinstitute.org) Dimestories Second Sunday of the month, 5:30 p.m., Laguna Culinary Arts (dimestories.org) Nature Hikes Various dates/times, Laguna Canyon Foundation (949-497-8324; lagunacanyon.org)
