Last Updated on September 23, 2026 by Betsy Ramsey
The Pageant of the Masters is one of the most unique live art events in the world, held each year in the small, idyllic town of Laguna Beach, California. The event lets spectators witness famous artworks come to life.
The Pageant has been on my bucket list for years, and when I heard this year’s theme was “The Greatest of All Time“, I knew we had to make plans to go! Today I’m going to share everything I learned about a trip to the Pageant as well as some of our real-life experience.
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How to Attend the Pageant of the Masters
What Is the Pageant of the Masters?
The Pageant of the Masters is a living art display in which the production team uses a mixture of background/foreground sets, costumes, props, and makeup to recreate famous works of art. Founded in 1936 by Roy and Marie Ropp, the Pageant is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.
The Festival of the Arts, which is now a governing board, was first hosted in 1932 by Laguna Beach artist John Hinchman. The Festival’s goal is to promote and encourage the appreciation, study, and performance of the arts. In 1936, the festival board approved a request by the Ropps, leading to the first Pageant of the Masters performance, a recreation of The Last Supper. Audiences were awed, and the Pageant has been evolving ever since.
Each year, a theme is chosen. Previous themes have included things like Made in America, The Art of Fashion, and Treasure of California. In 2026, the theme is The Greatest of All Time.
The Pageant of the Masters Visitor’s Guide
The Pageant is performed nightly at 8:30 PM in an open-air amphitheatre from early July to early September. Tickets typically go on sale late November to early December for the following year. Weekday performances come with fewer crowds, less traffic congestion, and easier parking options.
Tickets and Seating Options
We purchased our tickets in mid-March and had no trouble getting decent seats on the night we wanted. I’ve checked back several times throughout the season, and last-minute tickets do seem to be available, although prices can be higher. Another benefit of purchasing early will be realized if you need to book a hotel room. Both room availability and prices go up dramatically as you get closer to the event.
Loge tickets closest to the stage are the most expensive, with prices dropping as you move toward the Director’s Tier. Our Center Loge platinum seats were $110 each for a Friday night. We felt this was quite reasonable given the proximity to the stage. Platinum seats are both closest to the stage and have the best sightlines.
I recommend buying tickets directly from the Festival/Pageant website as opposed to a reseller. Note: Your Festival ticket will also give you unlimited admission to the Festival Art Show. If you are only interested in the art show and not the Pageant (why?), general admission tickets are $16.
The Pageant has wheelchair accessibility and complimentary wheelchairs available. Additionally, there is a wheelchair platform area for those who wish to remain in their chair throughout the show. This platform is offered at the lowest available ticket price. There are also special provisions available for patrons who are deaf/hard of hearing or blind/have low vision.
Transportation + Parking
If your lodging is within walking distance of the theater grounds, I’d highly recommend doing so. If this isn’t possible, you have several other options.
- Use a rideshare service. A rideshare will be able to drop you off and pick you up right outside the festival grounds. It’s super convenient. The only caveat is timing. Leave early and plan to wait a bit after the show, as drivers are limited and traffic can cause additional delays.
- Use the FREE Laguna Beach trolley system. Laguna Beach has several free trolley lines that stop right in front of the Pageant entrance. There’s even a line that runs to nearby Irvine. Download the app (Android/Apple) and plan. The frequency of pickups can be up to a half hour or forty minutes, and traffic can slow that down even more.
- Drive. Note that there is no on-site parking available. Download the Laguna Beach Parking app (Android/Apple) and refer to its map to see available on-street parking areas and off-street lots. You can also pay for your parking via this app. Alternatively, you can check Laguna Beach Parking. There was quite a bit of road construction going on in July 2026, and I personally think this option is more trouble than it’s worth!
Pre‑Show Activities & Nearby Dining
The Festival grounds open at 4 PM Monday through Friday and at 11 AM on Saturday and Sunday. It can be relaxing and enjoyable to enter early and take in some of the entertainment.
A limited number of tables and chairs are on-site, so you may want to consider bringing a picnic. Coolers or picnic baskets must be no bigger than 14″ square and be able to fit underneath your seat.
There’s plenty to do on the grounds before the Pageant. The festival art show highlights the works of over 100 local artists. You can browse their wares and make purchases directly from the artists. There are also occasional live art demonstrations, live musical performances, and opportunities to meet the artists. Check the calendar for specific events.
If toting a picnic isn’t your thing, a couple of dining options are available on-site. A casual cafe with grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, charcuterie boards, and snacks, and Courtside Kitchen, a seasonal pop-up restaurant. You can book reservations for Courtside Kitchen on OpenTable.
Several other restaurants are in town, but within walking distance for most. We ate at Lumberyard, set in a French Normandy-style building in the heart of downtown. Other possible venues include:
- 230 Forest Avenue (Californian cuisine)
- Zinc Cafe (Californian cuisine)
- Nirvana (American)
- Izakaya Sora (Japanese)
- Hapi Sushi
If booking a meal before the show, I recommend making your reservation no later than 6 PM. A 5 or 5:30 PM seating is probably ideal. You’ll want to allow time to peruse the Festival Art Show as well as walk to the venue.
What to wear
Even during a heat wave, the amphitheatre cools down quickly once the sun sets. Bring a wrap, sweater, or jacket to ward off any chill. With regard to formality, we saw a wide variety of clothing styles. I think smart casual/country club casual is a safe bet for this event that will leave you feeling neither under- nor overdressed.
What to Expect During the Show
The show begins at 8:30 PM and runs for about two hours with a 15-minute intermission at approximately 9:30. Amphitheatre doors open at 7:30, so you can be seated any time after that, but there is really no need to rush.
Our performance included the depiction of 30+ famous artworks created by a dozen different artists. The show has musical accompaniment and is narrated throughout, highlighting the significance of both the artist and the artwork. Some of my personal favorites include:
- Norman Rockwell’s “Triple Self-Portrait“
- Diego Rivera’s “Fresco Showing the Building of a City“
- Michelangelo’s “Pieta“
- The Lincoln Memorial
- Winslow Homer’s “Snap the Whip“
At one point in the show, they deconstructed a scene and described how they are built, from creating the background to placing the actors in the foreground and finally setting the frame around the picture and lighting.
NOTE: Photography of the event is heartbreakingly prohibited. To preserve your memories, souvenir programs are available for $20. The Gallery of Living Art and Behind the Scenes pages of the Festival’s website document some creations from prior years’ festivals.
Tips for First‑Time Visitors
- Plan for parking. This summer, the construction in downtown Laguna Beach further complicated an already hectic situation. Consider taking the trolley or a ride share, or plan well in advance for where you want to park.
- Arrive early. At minimum, you will want time to buy a program, peruse the art show, and grab a drink before getting settled.
- Bring a wrap, sweater, or light jacket. The temperature falls dramatically once the sun goes down!
- Bring binoculars. It is hard to believe these scenes are made using real people! Binoculars allow you to spot the occasional blink of the eye or a twitch of a child’s hand.
The show runs for 2 hours including one 15-minute intermission.
The grounds open at 4 PM Monday through Friday and 11 AM on Saturday and Sunday. The amphitheater opens at 7:30 PM, and the show begins at 8:30 PM.
Children under 4 will not be admitted. I would not recommend this event for children under middle school age.
You may not take photos of the Pageant itself, but you can take photos elsewhere on the grounds. Photos of artwork are only allowed with the artist’s explicit permission.
There is no official dress code. Smart casual is recommended. Bring layers to ward off the chill once the sun goes down.
Definitely! Many people anticipate and attend each year. Check the theme and see what appeals to you most!
Conclusion
This bucket list item of mine certainly lived up to the hype, and I’m so glad we planned to attend this year’s event. Do you know of someone who might also enjoy these living pictures? Send them this post and remember that you can purchase tickets here.
In my next post, I’ll be reviewing Laguna Beach hotel properties. If you’re planning a longer getaway to Southern California, consider adding a road trip to the state’s two Presidential Libraries to your itinerary.
Until next time…keep adventuring!
