Laguna Beach’s Legendary Sawdust Art Festival Celebrates 60 Years

Southern California gears up to celebrate the 60th anniversary of its beloved creative institution, Sawdust Art Festival. This artist-found and -run festival celebrates the anniversary the only way it knows how: by staying true to its founding roots and focusing on the artists, community and creative energy that has defined Laguna Beach for six decades.

The festival started in 1965 as a small gathering of local artists looking for a space to show off their work. It has since grown into a one-of-a-kind cultural institution.

Sawdust kicks off its celebrations June 26 and runs throughout summer, ending Sept. 6. The festival takes place at eucalyptus-lined Laguna Beach Canyon grounds and will honor the artists, stories and generations that shaped the destination’s creative communities.

The festival was founded on the belief art should be made by and accessible to the community, and Sawdust continues to embody that authentic, artist-powered aspect of Laguna Beach’s formal gallery circuit.

Jay Grant, board president and 53-year Sawdust member, has been at the heart of the festival after helping build it more than 50 years ago. His wife, founding artist Nikki Grant, helps continue to generate the creative spirit and artistic independence of the event.

“Sawdust was born out of this passion for artistic freedom and people wanting to create something authentic and new,” said Jay Grant. “Back in the early days, we didn’t know if Sawdust would last, but there was this incredible creative energy everywhere you looked-music, lights, art, crafts and this incredible cast of characters expressing themselves however they wanted. 60 years later, that spirit is still here. Everything you see is handmade by the artists themselves, and that authenticity is what makes Sawdust so special.”

Travelers and locals heading to Sawdust Art Festival today can expect more than 180 local artists and tens of thousands of new and returning visitors. Guests are encouraged to explore the open-air paths and booths featuring live music; artist demonstrations; and handcrafted arts like jewelry, ceramics, glasswork, sculptures and more.