One of Southern California’s most enduring creative traditions is marking a major milestone this summer. The Sawdust Art Festival turns 60 in 2026, and if you’ve never made the trip to Laguna Beach for it, this is the year to go.

Founded in 1965 by local artists seeking an independent space to show their work, Sawdust has grown into one of the most authentic, artist-driven cultural experiences in the region – and it hasn’t lost an ounce of that original spirit in six decades.

What Makes it Worth the Trip

Set along eucalyptus-lined canyon grounds in Laguna Beach, the festival brings together more than 180 local artists across open-air paths filled with live music, artist demonstrations, and handcrafted work spanning paintings, jewelry, ceramics, glasswork, sculptures, and more.

The defining quality of Sawdust is that everything on display is made by the artists themselves – and many of those artists have been part of the festival for decades.

It’s the kind of place where you can have a genuine conversation with the person who made the piece you’re considering buying, which makes the whole experience feel different from any other art fair.

The Culinary Side of Things

The 60th anniversary edition brings an expanded culinary lineup worth knowing about. The Cove by Starfish returns with a coastal-inspired menu featuring signature bowls, sushi rolls, bánh mì, dim sum, and a new churro bao bun.

AhbA, inspired by classic Americana and the 1960s, is serving Wagyu burgers with homemade sauce, sandwiches, and their first-ever soft serve.

Rounding things out is Taco Loco, helmed by Gonzo Rebollar – a Laguna Beach dining institution in his own right with over three decades in the local food scene.

Six Decades of Creative Community

What started as a small gathering of artists pushing back against the formal gallery circuit has grown into a nonprofit institution that continues to foster creativity year-round through art classes, workshops, and community giveback initiatives.

The Sawdust Enrichment Fund supports philanthropic art programs and provides resources for local schools and underserved communities throughout the region.

The festival is very much still built on the founding belief that art should be made by and accessible to the community – and 60 years later, that shows.

See you there!

A summer day in Laguna Beach, open-air art paths, live music, and food worth sticking around for – the 60th edition of Sawdust is a strong excuse to make the drive up the coast.

📆 Friday, June 26 – Sunday, September 6 | 11 AM – 8 PM
📍 935 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach
🎟️ Grab your tickets here
ℹ️ Explore the full festival here

See you there, San Diego!