Living Art in Laguna: Behind the Scenes at the Pageant of the Masters
There’s nothing quite like it.
Every summer, the Pageant of the Masters turns the quiet hills of Laguna Canyon into a stage where art literally comes to life.
And if you've ever sat under the stars at the Irvine Bowl and watched real people transform into famous paintings, you know it’s not just impressive — it's a little surreal in the best way.
This year’s theme, Gold Coast: Treasures of California, is a love letter to the Golden State’s most iconic artwork, museums, and historic landmarks.
From San Francisco’s Mechanics Monument to pieces pulled from the Getty, LACMA, and the Norton Simon Museum, it’s a celebration of California’s creative legacy told through the Pageant’s signature blend of storytelling, music, and theatrical magic.
So What Exactly Is the Pageant?
If you're new to town — or have just somehow never made it to a show — here's the deal:
The Pageant of the Masters is a one-of-a-kind production where real people pose in elaborate sets to recreate famous works of art.
We're talking full-scale paintings, sculptures, even architectural landmarks, all brought to life with painstaking precision, lighting tricks, costuming, and makeup.
It’s what they call “living pictures,” and it’s been happening here in Laguna Beach since 1933.
The idea first came to life as part of the Festival of Arts, a summer-long fine art show that launched in 1932. The first living pictures were presented a year later under the name Spirit of the Masters Pageant. By 1935, it had evolved into the Pageant of the Masters we know today — with real local artists, volunteers, and a whole production team putting in months of prep behind the scenes.
A Little History
The Pageant is one of the oldest traditions in Laguna, and honestly, it’s amazing how long it’s been going.
It has run almost every year since 1933 — the only exceptions being four years during World War II (1942–1945) and one year during COVID (2020).
The first shows were held near Hotel Laguna on a little street called El Paseo. After a few years of bouncing around different locations downtown, the production found its long-term home at the Irvine Bowl in 1941 — an outdoor amphitheater tucked into Laguna Canyon that now holds up to 2,600 people per show.
Today, the Pageant is run by the nonprofit Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach and draws about 225,000 attendees each year.
It’s a massive community effort: over 500 volunteers contribute more than 60,000 hours to pull the production off. From set builders and costume designers to makeup artists and on-stage models (yes, people literally freeze in full body paint for 90 minutes), it’s a true labor of love… and locals!
This Year’s Theme: Gold Coast
Every year, the Pageant picks a new theme, and Gold Coast might be one of the most personal yet. It’s all about California — the landscapes, the art, the people, the stories.
Pageant Director Diane Challis Davy (who’s been running the show for decades) said the idea was inspired by a visit to the Hilbert Museum in Orange. She wanted to honor the rich, artistic legacy of the state we call home — and to encourage people to explore the world-class art institutions right in their own backyard.
Some highlights this year include Claude Monet’s In the Woods at Giverny from LACMA, Edgar Degas’ Little Dancer, Aged Fourteen from the Norton Simon Museum, and Roman Pool sculptures from Hearst Castle.
Even local artist Susan Hoehn, who’s known for her vibrant paintings of museum-goers, is featured as part of the show’s opening.
What It’s Like to Go
The whole experience is pure summer magic. People arrive early to stroll through the Festival of Arts fine art show, grab a glass of wine or a bite to eat, and browse the booths of 100+ exhibiting artists — many of whom are longtime locals. By the time the sun starts to set, the amphitheater starts to fill, and the buzz builds.
Then the music begins. The curtain lifts. And the audience — even if they’ve been coming for years — falls silent.
Each scene is revealed like a moving painting. Some are instantly recognizable, others feel like hidden gems. Every piece has a story, narrated live with the kind of drama that pulls you in without ever feeling stuffy.
There’s a full orchestra, sound effects, and just enough humor to keep it light. And as each work of art fades back into darkness, you’re left wondering: How did they just do that?
Plan Your Visit
The 2025 Pageant of the Masters runs nightly through August 29. Performances start at 8:30 p.m., but you'll want to get there early to explore the Festival grounds. Tickets range from around $40 to $300 depending on the night and seat — and yes, it does sell out.
Get tickets at the Festival of Arts official site: FOAPOM.com.
Whether you’ve seen it ten times or never been at all, the Pageant is one of those things that really does live up to the hype — not because it’s flashy, but because it’s so uniquely Laguna. It’s creative, a little weird (in the best way), and made possible by hundreds of passionate locals who care about keeping this tradition alive.