Pageant of the Masters is a unique blend: theatrical performance and fine art show. Watching the Pageant under a warm Laguna Beach night sky is a quintessential California experience.
In 90‑minutes, we watched live actors recreate iconic works of art by being painted into the art. The performers are beautifully costumed and made up to look exactly like their counterparts in original works. Most of the time I could not find the live human in the art, even with binoculars (bring your own or rent a pair at the venue). A narrator guides you through each “living picture,” while an orchestra sets the mood.
The Theme
The 2025 Pageant takes audiences on a visual road trip through California’s most celebrated art museums. You’ll “visit” legendary institutions like the Getty, LACMA, SFMOMA, and smaller hidden-gem collections, all without leaving your seat. From Gold Rush–era paintings to contemporary West Coast installations, each tableau celebrates the diversity and richness of California’s art heritage.
It’s a feast for the eyes, but go for the artistry, not the plot twists. The storyline changes every year, and after seeing the Pageant three years in a row, I found this one lagged a bit compared to past seasons. While the living art is as jaw‑dropping as ever, the 2025 storyline about a young woman snapping selfies and a drone “touring” California’s museums, unfolds at a slower pace than some past years.
The Festival of Arts Fine Art Show
Half the fun is exploring the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show. More than 100 local artists showcase paintings, photography, jewelry, ceramics and sculpture, turning the grounds into an open‑air gallery. There are live demonstrations, music and hands‑on workshops that even my 29‑year‑old son couldn’t resist.
One of our favorite parts of the show is the walls of award winning artwork created by kids from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Local Artist Participation
While the primary focus of the Pageant of the Masters is on the reenactment of artworks, local artists may be involved as actors, costume and makeup designers, set designers, prop creation, artistic direction and exhibition. A pageant of this scale takes a village.
Tips for the Best Pageant of the Masters Experience
- Buy your pageant tickets early. This Laguna art show is a popular event and tickets sell out quickly. Check Groupon for special pricing. If you plan to go to the art shows in Laguna, buy a Passport to the Arts ticket for $29 that provides access to all 3 shows plus free parking.
- Be prepared for any weather. This annual event, held in an outdoor amphitheater, is performed rain or shine, so check the forecast before you go and tuck a rain poncho into your purse.
- Dress comfortably. Because the show is held outdoors, it gets cool at night. Bring a jacket and a blanket. Blankets are available for purchase.
- Rent or bring binoculars and seat cushions. We had great seats, but it’s fun to see the amazing detail in each piece of living art. Plus with binoculars, you worry less about where you sit. I rented binoculars for Act 2 and what a difference!
- Bring the kids. The Pageant is family-friendly. Kids 4+ are welcome.
- Arrive early. There is a lot to see! The junior art exhibit is fantastic, featuring artists from grades 1-12. The showroom inside is packed full of all kinds of art. There are interactive art activities like stenciling, painting and more.
- Take the trolley. Don’t stress over parking. Laguna offers free trolley service to get you to the Pageant.
- Bring your own food and drinks. Personal snacks and beverages are allowed (coolers, picnic baskets or any other containers should be no larger than 14”x14”x14”). You can bring your own alcohol if you’re age 21 or older. Glass bottles and containers are not allowed.
- Food and Drinks are sold there. Terra, Intermission, and the Wine Bar on the Festival of Arts grounds sell food, alcohol, snacks and drinks. Concessions offer chicken Caesars salad, turkey or chicken sandwich, burgers and a charcuterie board. Terra has a full outdoor dining menu.
- Dining at Terra before the Pageant of the Masters show elevates the entire evening. Instead of hauling bags of food and rushing to eat at our seats, my daughter and I enjoyed a leisurely meal surrounded by the natural beauty of the Irvine Bowl. Terra’s California cuisine and atmosphere is a relaxing prelude to the artistry ahead. My daughter and I started with an elderflower martini that although was on the sweet side, tasted refreshing on a summer night followed by a deliciously crisp wedge salad and seared Scottish salmon. Unfortunately, a hanger steak was substituted for the Wagyu steak on the menu and it was tough and not a recommend. Note: Make a reservation. Walk-ins are welcome but a table is not guaranteed.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Go past the first bar to the concession stands for reasonably priced snacks and drinks.
Pageant of the Masters Details
- Accessible seating areas are available.
- The show starts promptly at 8:30pm, so you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to find your seats and get settled in.
- Intermission is 15 minutes.
- There are a number of restrooms located throughout the amphitheater.
- No photography or audio/video recording of any kind is permitted during the Pageant.
- Performances are nightly through August 29, 2025.
Getting There
The Irvine Bowl is located at 650 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.
There is a parking lot located next to the amphitheater, but it can fill up quickly. If you’re planning on driving, I recommend arriving early to secure a spot. Free trolleys are available to shuttle people to downtown Laguna and to distant parking lots.
Laguna Beach is 50 miles (1-1.5 hours) from Los Angeles, 85 miles (1.5-2 hours) from San Diego and 400 miles from San Francisco (6-7 hours).
If you aren’t driving, there are several transportation options depending on your starting location and preferences:
- By Air: The closest major airport is John Wayne Airport (SNA) Santa Ana in Orange County. From there, it’s about a 15-mile ride via car rental, taxi, ride-share service or shuttle.
- By Train: You can take Amtrak and Metrolink to the nearby cities of Irvine or Anaheim and then take a cab or ride-share to Irvine Bowl.
- By Bus: Various bus services operate within California, such as Greyhound and Megabus, which can take you to nearby cities like Santa Ana or Irvine. From there, you can take a cab or ride-share to the Pageant.
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