Movies, and festivals, and concerts! Oh, my!

Looking for summertime fun? Unable to skip town and jet to the Bahamas? No problem. Staycations are your new best friend. Allow me to introduce you to some great local events that don't require a suitcase, a station wagon, or your life savings. Some of these local happenings start as soon as today, some are happening this weekend, and some are going on all summer. These outdoor movies, festivals, and concerts will remind you why OC is so wonderful, and even though we practically celebrate summer all year long, these events only come once a year - and you won't want to miss out. Invite a few friends, and enjoy your staycation!

Movie Mondays at the Orange County Performing Arts Center 

1. FREE Movie Mondays at OCPAC - Beginning Monday, July 12th

Orange County Performing Arts Center presents their enormously popular FREE Movie Mondays on the Center's outdoor community plaza. The films are projected on the side of Segerstrom Hall - how cool is that? Guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs (setup begins at 5:30 p.m.), pack their own snacks or picnic dinner (leave your barbecue at home), and there is even a costume contest (at 7:30 p.m.)! Dress like your favorite character from the night's film for a chance to win prizes such as tickets to the OC Fair, goodies from Broadway shows, and other fun-filled prizes. The film series returns next Monday, July 12th with The Wizard of Oz, starring the beloved Judy Garland. Movies start at dusk (approximately 8 p.m.).

 

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Movie Mondays summer lineup:
July 12 - The Wizard of Oz
July 19 - Some Like it Hot
July 26 - Oliver!
August 2 - Dirty Dancing
August 9 - Mad Hot Ballroom

2. Passport to the Arts - On sale now!

"One price. One pass. Three art festivals. All summer long." The Laguna Beach Passport to the Arts will get you unlimited admission all summer to three of Laguna's famous art festivals (Festival of Arts, Sawdust Art Festival, and Art-A-Fair) for only $19! Included in the low price is a one-time use free parking pass ($7 value) and tons of special offers and discounts from local businesses and restaurants - The Rooftop Lounge, Tivoli Terrace and Tivoli Too!, Sundried Tomato, Hennessey's Tavern, k'ya Bistro Bar, and more. Yum!

• Festival of Arts - Just outside the main entrance to the Pageant of the Masters lies the ever-interesting premier fine art exhibition, Festival of Arts. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., the Festival has been a canyon tradition since 1932. With plenty of exhibitors and demonstrators, this is truly a unique event with a wide spectrum of art media. You can also meet many of the artists live at their booths! Don't miss Beatles Sunday (every Sunday) with Jason Freddy and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. It's a great show, covering some of our favorite classic Beatles tunes. Check out the events calendar for more info! General admission is $7, and only $4 for seniors and students.

"Down to the Wire" by Lindsay Buchman (meet her at the Festival of Arts)

• Sawdust Art Festival - One of my favorite summer family outings happens at the Sawdust Festival. Featuring fine art and crafts from over 200 Laguna Beach artists, the Festival is an excellent venue for taking a leisurely stroll, grabbing a cold beer over at the Festival's terrace, and exploring different art mediums. Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily through August 29th. Save $1 off the admission price (limit four discounts with each printout). Print the coupon here! Be sure to check out the entertainment schedule and calendar of events. There's always a live demonstration or musical performance happening somewhere! And ladies, be sure to get some foot bling over at the ever-popular toe-ring booth!

Glass artist Christopher Jeffries at the Sawdust Festival

• Art-A-Fair - Celebrating its 44th year, the Art-A-Fair-Festival displays works from over 125 local, national, and international artists. Dine in a beautiful courtyard at Tivoli Too!, which serves Southwest cuisine, and try one of their award-winning margaritas.

"Elephant Walk" by Keith Alway (see his work at Art-A-Fair)

Explore art in a serene garden setting, from oil paintings and watercolors to sculpture and ceramics. Be sure not to miss a variety of afternoon and evening musical performances. View the event calendar here.

Print this ticket to save $3 off admission!

Open Sunday - Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. This festival ends on August 29th.

3. Pageant of the Masters - July 7th through August 31st

One of our most treasured, famous, local art shows, the Pageant of the Masters captivates the Laguna Canyon each summer season. Beginning at 8:30 in the evening, "living pictures" take the stage as famous pieces of art are recreated with live actors. The show takes place in a tucked away outdoor amphitheater, nestled into the canyon, and is accompanied by live narration, intricate sets, sophisticated lighting, and a live orchestra. (Read about the Pageant's history in our archives.) The Pageant's annual grand finale, Leonardo's "The Last Supper", provides an epic ending to this magical evening under the stars.

This year's theme "Eat, Drink and be Merry" is dedicated to "exploring the collective capacity for seizing the moment, letting our hair down and raising a heartfelt toast to the good life. From Bacchus to Bourbon Street, from the elegant fetes of 17th century Europe to the flappers of the Jazz Age ..." Arrive early to enjoy the wonderful art at the Festival of Arts just outside the Pageant's amphitheater entrance (entrance is free with your show ticket).

4. Music for a Cure benefit with Sugar Ray - Sunday, July 11th

The District at Tustin Legacy will host a special benefit this Sunday in support of Music for a Cure, a local non-profit organization (founded by members of Sugar Ray) that brings music therapy to critically ill children. Proceeds from the event will go toward music therapy services for referred patients and families with CHOC Child Life Development. Tickets are $50 and go towards a great cause! OC rock band Sugar Ray, who was recently recognized by the OC Music Awards with this year's Orange County Impact Award, will give a special performance following a silent auction just outside the Borders Books & Music at The District Stage. The event begins at 6 p.m.

The Union Line at HOB 12/11/09 

5. House of Blues, Anaheim - Friday, July 9th

Support local artists! This Friday at the House of Blues in Anaheim local bands will be dropping some sweet rock beats. The lineup includes The Rye Douglas Band, San Juan Capistrano-based band The Union Line, Santa Ana indie rockers Pacific Hurt (formerly Aushua), Kiev, and Huntington Beach-based surf/garage rock band Hindu Pirates. The show starts at 8 p.m. All ages. Tickets are only $12.50!

6. Yarning and Yakking, Tales and Snacking - Wednesday, July 7th, 14th, and 21st

OC Parks and South Coast Storytellers Guild present their 4th annual storytellers event at Heritage Hill Historical Park in Lake Forest from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. "Yarning and Yakking, Tales and Snacking" features live music, refreshments, and the finest storytellers from across Southern California weaving wonderful tales that will entertain the whole family. Admission is only $5 per person. Parking is free!

Enjoy your staycation and don't forget your sunscreen!

- Sara

Listening to "Love It All" by The Kooks