Art festivals combine

Laguna Beach’s “big three” arts festivals are usually competing vigorously for customers, but this year they are collaborating on an all-inclusive “Passport to the Arts.”
For $19, art lovers can have unlimited access to the Festival of Arts, Sawdust Art Festival and Art-A-Fair, plus other goodies.
The Passport to the Arts was announced with fanfare Monday at Tivoli Terrace. City arts officials hope the program will boost visitors at a time of economic uncertainty.

“Passport to the Arts is a response to the new economic climate,” said Siân Poeschl, the city’s cultural arts manager. “Our guests asked for ease of use to participate in all three festivals. This is a state-of-the art collaborative strategy to offer value and quality to our customers.”

The arts festivals, located just steps apart on Laguna Canyon Road, are open June 26 and run to Aug. 31, with more than 500 artists between them, plus entertainment and food.

Pageant of the Masters tickets are not included in the Passport.
Those who purchase a Passport before June 1 will be entered in a drawing for a two-night “Getaway for Two” at a Laguna Beach hotel in the fall.

In addition to season admission, Passport holders will have access to an array of special deals at 16 local restaurants, including free wine, 10% to 20% off of food, and other discounts.

The Passport also includes one free day of parking at the ACT V parking lot, a $7 value.

All together, Passport holders will get $36 worth of admissions and parking for $19.

“This makes attending the arts festivals more affordable than ever before,” said Cynthia Fung, spokeswoman for the Sawdust Art Festival.

The festivals have been working to attract more visitors over the last two summers, with free admission offers for locals and other incentives.

This summer, the Festival of Arts will again charge a daily admission price of $7, and will still allow free admission for Laguna Beach residents who present identification, said Sharbie Higuchi, marketing director.

To purchase a Passport to the Arts, visit www.LagunaBeachPassport.com or call (949) 497-0521.