The Festival of Arts is set to host the biggest event of the summer— kicking off the final week of its season with a celebration that can only be found in Laguna Beach. On Saturday, August 23, California Dreamin’: A Benefit for the Arts brings together the two things Laguna is best known for: breathtaking beaches and world-class art. Guests will have the opportunity to support the arts while enjoying the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and a concert by legendary soul and R&B band Jack Mack and the Heart Attack. Capping off the evening is a special performance of the Pageant of the Masters’ “Gold Coast: Treasures of California,” which has received glowing praise from audiences all summer. Acclaimed actor and star of CBS’ Matlock, Jason Ritter, will introduce the performance as the evening’s celebrity guest host. Tickets are available at www.PageantTickets.com. Funds raised will benefit the non-profit organization and its programming.
The evening begins at 5:30 pm with red carpet arrivals where guests are invited to show off their coastal chic style and grab photos at the on-site booths. From there, attendees can explore the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show, a juried exhibition that continues to captivate visitors with its rich diversity and the exceptional quality of the work on display. Guests with Loge Center Pageant tickets receive early access to the event at 4:30 pm, complete with a complimentary glass of champagne.
At 6pm, Jack Mack and the Heart Attack will light up the Festival Green with their signature mix of rock, soul, and blues, setting the tone for a memorable summer evening. Discovered by Eagles founder Glenn Frey, the band is renowned for their extraordinary musicianship and dynamic live shows. Having toured worldwide and collaborated with icons like Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and Bruce Hornsby, they deliver a sound that’s uniquely their own. Early arrival is encouraged, as seating is first-come, first-served.
Following the concert, guests can look forward to a special presentation of the 2025 Pageant of the Masters, introduced by celebrity host Jason Ritter. Ritter is currently starring in Matlock for CBS alongside Kathy Bates. He was most recently seen in Poker Face for Peacock and will appear in HBO Max’s upcoming series Lanterns in 2026. His television work includes leading roles in Raising Dion (Netflix), Kevin (Probably) Saves the World (ABC), and Another Period (Comedy Central), as well as recurring roles on A Million Little Things, Goliath, Drunk History, Girls, and Parenthood, for which he earned an Emmy nomination. On the film side, Ritter’s credits include the Emmy-nominated HBO film The Tale opposite Laura Dern, The Intervention, and The Meddler with Rose Byrne and Susan Sarandon. In animation, he is best known for voicing “Dipper Pines” in Disney’s Gravity Falls, “Fox Dad” in Apple TV’s Slumberkins, and “Jonathan Fall” in Netflix’s Captain Fall.
Just before the show begins, Ritter will draw the winning ticket for a brand new 2025 Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra (valued at $47,000) or $10,000 cash in lieu of a car. Since July 1st, visitors have been purchasing their raffle tickets in hopes of being the lucky winner. Raffle tickets will continue to be sold right up until 8pm that night: $5 for one ticket, $20 for five tickets (winning ticket holder need not be present to win). This highly anticipated raffle has been building excitement all summer long and will conclude with the grand prize winner being announced live during the event.
Culminating the night, attendees will enjoy the 2025 Pageant of the Masters production, “Gold Coast: Treasures of California,” a theatrical journey through some of the Golden State’s most iconic museums, renowned art collections, and unforgettable public art installations. Receiving rave reviews from audiences, this year’s production captures the spirit of adventure through a California art road trip brought to life on stage with living pictures, original music, and storytelling.
The event is sponsored by Volvo Cars, KOST 103.5, and Yamaha. Tickets for California Dreamin’: A Benefit for the Arts are on sale now, starting at $77, with proceeds benefiting the Festival of Arts and its arts programming. Order tickets at www.PageantTickets.com or call 1-800-487-3378.
The Festival of Arts is a non-profit organization that produces the Festival of Arts and the Pageant of the Masters. A portion of your ticket is tax deductible. All proceeds go to art programming at the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters. There is limited and open seating for Jack Mack and the Heart Attack’s performance and assigned seating for the Pageant of the Masters. Tickets are required for this event. Festival of Arts grounds will be closed to the public.