4 Must-See Laguna Beach Events This August

Laguna Beach is one of Southern California's most beloved coastal art towns, and August is when its cultural calendar hits full stride. Between world-class dance, a 60-year-old art tradition, free live music by the ocean, and a wellness moment overlooking the Pacific, this month offers something for every kind of visitor. Here are four Laguna Beach events in August 2026 worth planning your trip around.

1. Laguna Dance "We The People" (August 6–9)

Laguna Dance is launching a brand-new performance series this summer: Laguna Dance Summer Stage: "We The People." Running four nights from August 6–9, the series takes over multiple venues across Laguna Beach with programming centered on national identity, resilience, and artistic expression, timed to honor America's 250th anniversary.

Schedule highlights:

• Thursday, August 6 | MOVE with US! featuring Versa-Style Street Dance Company at Main Beach Cobblestone (free) and the Chinese Dance Company of Southern California at the Laguna Art Museum (free)

• Friday, August 7 & Saturday, August 8 | Rennie Harris Puremovement American Street Dance Theatre presents Nuttin' But A World at the Laguna Playhouse

• Sunday, August 9 | World premiere of Voices Unbound, an athletic contemporary work choreographed by Peter Chu.

Ticketed evening performances start at 7pm, with general admission at $78 and student tickets at $25. The lineup spans street dance, contemporary ballet, and culturally inspired choreography, making it one of the most ambitious dance events Laguna Beach has hosted in years.

Good for: dance lovers, culture seekers, anyone looking for a standout evening event in Laguna Beach this August.

2. Sawdust Art Festival (Through September 6)

No list of Laguna Beach events in August is complete without the Sawdust Art Festival, a beloved local institution now celebrating its 60th anniversary. Tucked into a shaded, garden-like setting just off Laguna Canyon Road, the festival showcases around 180 local artists working across painting, ceramics, jewelry, glass, sculpture, and more.

Beyond browsing and shopping original art, visitors can catch live artist demonstrations, join hands-on workshops, and enjoy live music and food throughout the grounds. It's a relaxed, walkable event that works well for families, art collectors, and casual visitors alike.

Hours: Sunday–Thursday, 11am–8pm; Friday–Saturday, 11am–10pm (running through September 6, 2026)

Good for: art collectors, families, anyone wanting a classic, laid-back Laguna Beach summer experience.

3. Music in the Park (Sundays Through August)

For a free way to spend a Laguna Beach summer evening, head to Bluebird Park for Music in the Park, a Sunday evening concert series running through the summer. Shows start at 5pm and feature a rotating lineup of local and touring acts across genres.

August lineup:

• August 9 | Missus Jones (a tribute to Amy Winehouse)

• August 16 | Rose's Pawn Shop (American roots music)

Bring a blanket or low chair, grab a spot on the lawn, and enjoy live music with a classic Laguna Beach sunset as the backdrop. It's free, family-friendly, and one of the best low-key things to do in Laguna Beach in August.

Good for: families, budget-friendly outings, a casual Sunday evening in Laguna Beach.

4. Seaside Sound Bath at Laguna Art Museum

Rounding out the month is a different kind of experience: a seaside sound bath at the Laguna Art Museum, perched on Cliff Drive overlooking the Pacific. Sound bath and meditation programming at the museum has featured local sound healers, including Rana Nader of the Alchemy Bowl Sound Temple, using crystal bowls and other resonant instruments to guide participants through a deep relaxation and meditation experience; all with an ocean view as the backdrop.

It's a fitting complement to a busy month of art and performance: a chance to slow down, breathe, and take in the coastline from one of Laguna Beach's most scenic vantage points.

Good for: wellness seekers, couples, anyone wanting a quieter, reflective experience in Laguna Beach.

Note: Exact August dates and times for the Seaside Sound Bath can vary by session be sure to check the Laguna Art Museum's event calendar directly before planning your visit.

Plan Your August in Laguna Beach

From the ambitious new dance programming of Laguna Dance's "We The People," to six decades of tradition at the Sawdust Art Festival, free Sunday concerts at Bluebird Park, and a moment of calm at the Laguna Art Museum's seaside sound bath, this August offers a full spectrum of what makes Laguna Beach one of California's most culturally rich coastal towns. Whether you're planning a weekend trip or you're a local looking to fill your calendar, these four events are a great place to start.