The Sawdust Art Festival is a juried art show and sale held annually in Laguna Canyon. Unlike gallery shows, artists build their own booths from raw materials (hence "sawdust") and sell directly to visitors. The festival emphasizes handmade, original work and live demonstrations.
History
The Sawdust Festival started in 1966 as an alternative to the more formal Festival of Arts. A group of artists who hadn't been juried into the Festival of Arts set up booths across the road on a eucalyptus-shaded lot. The counterculture spirit of the era fueled growth, and the Sawdust became a Laguna Beach institution in its own right.
The Experience
The grounds cover approximately 2.5 acres of eucalyptus forest. Dirt paths wind between over 200 artist booths. Live music plays on multiple stages. Glass blowers, blacksmiths, woodworkers, and ceramicists demonstrate their craft in real time.
Categories of work include: painting, sculpture, ceramics, glass, jewelry, woodwork, fiber arts, photography, and mixed media. All exhibiting artists must be Laguna Beach residents.
Season
The summer festival runs late June through August, concurrent with the Pageant of the Masters and Art-A-Fair. A shorter Winter Fantasy runs November through December with holiday-themed art and entertainment.
Practical Information
- Hours: 10 AM - 10 PM daily during summer run
- Admission: ~$12 adults, children free
- Located at 935 Laguna Canyon Road
- Free entertainment included with admission
- Food and drink vendors on-site
- Dogs welcome on leash