Jul
10,
2026
The Festival of Arts is bringing even more excitement to its 2026 summer season with a lineup of special events designed to entertain, inspire, and engage visitors of all ages.
From the debut of an all-new Cultural Arts Day to the return of beloved traditions like Family Art Day, Festival Runway Fashion Show, and the 2nd annual Battle of the Arts, the Festival offers unique experiences nearly every weekend throughout the summer.
In addition to exploring artwork by 120 exhibiting artists, guests can enjoy daily live music, hands-on workshops, art classes, and an exciting lineup of special events throughout the summer. All special events are included with Festival admission unless otherwise noted.
Images Courtesy of The Festival of Arts
The 2026 special events calendar includes:
Family Art Day Returns with a Big Top Twist
Sunday, July 12 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Returning with an exciting new circus theme, Family Art Day transforms the Festival grounds into a colorful celebration of creativity and family fun. The day begins with the Festival’s Junior Art Awards, recognizing talented young artists featured in the Junior Art Exhibition, sponsored by California First Leasing Corporation, Mark Porterfield and the FOA Foundation. Families can enjoy free hands-on art projects in the Festival Art Center, sponsored by Bank of America, along with face painting, carnival games, and a spectacular aerial performance by Orange County Aerial Arts.
NEW! Cultural Arts Day Celebrates Creativity Around the World
Sunday, July 19 | 3 – 6 p.m.
5:30 p.m. ADAAWE Performance
Making its debut this summer, Cultural Arts Day invites guests to experience artistic traditions from around the globe through live performances, interactive workshops, and family-friendly activities. Highlights include Chinese Lion and Dragon dancers, Hawaiian hula accompanied by live ukulele, and a special performance by ADAAWE (A Dance and African American World Expressions), whose acclaimed production Global Soul blends music, storytelling, and movement into a vibrant celebration of cultures worldwide. Presented in collaboration with the Bowers Museum, the event also features hands-on cultural art activities. Guests can create paper leis, explore Asian brushstroke painting, make African-inspired art, and complete a cultural scavenger hunt throughout the Festival grounds.
Fashion Takes Center Stage at the Festival Runway Fashion Show
Sunday, August 9 | 12 p.m. Noon
Festival artists will trade their paintbrushes for the runway as they unveil wearable works of art crafted entirely from recycled, reused, and reclaimed materials. This crowd-favorite event showcases extraordinary creativity while highlighting the possibilities of sustainable fashion. Guests can also create a custom fragrance at the Fragrance Boutique. If attending this event, bring a donation of gently used clothing items benefiting Working Wardrobes and receive free Festival admission on Sunday, August 9. (Limit one admission per person).
Battle of the Arts Returns
Sunday, August 23 | 12 p.m.Noon
Back by popular demand, Battle of the Arts brings Festival exhibitors together in an exciting live paint competition where guests watch original artwork come to life and vote to determine the day’s winner. Guests can watch the full creative process unfold from a blank canvas to the finished masterpiece, then vote for their favorite piece. Watch the creative process unfold from a blank canvas to a finished masterpiece, then vote for your favorite artwork. Visitors can also watch ceramic artists throw down on the wheel to create incredible sculptures while enjoying additional interactive art activities throughout the day.
The Festival of Arts Fine Art Show runs July 7 – September 3, 2026, in Laguna Beach. Visit www.foapom.com
