THE ART SCENE

Early July, and particularly the long Fourth of July weekend, marks the traditional kickoff for a host of summer-long festivities, many of them centered around Laguna Beach. Here’s how you can partake:

Today:

Sawdust Festival opens, 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Annual summer art festival features work by more than 200 artists, as well as artists’ demonstrations and workshops, continuous live music, singing, comedy, storytelling and food booths, all set in a eucalyptus grove and gardens. Open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily today-Aug. 29. $2-$6. (949) 494-3030.

Laguna Artwalk, shuttle from Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach. More than 30 galleries throughout downtown Laguna Beach will be open with fine-art displays, demonstrations, lectures and refreshments. 6-9 p.m. First Thursday of each month. Free. (949) 497-0722.

The 33rd Annual Art-A-Fair Festival, 777 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Features work by more than 130 artists, including crafts, paintings and drawings in every media, photography, sculpture, printmaking and more. Includes demonstrations and workshops in painting, ceramics, paper mache, photography and other skills. Opens today, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Continues every Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m. through Aug. 29. $3-$5. (949) 494-4514.

July 7:

Pageant of the Masters, Irvine Bowl, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. 8:30 nightly July 7-Aug. 28. $10-$50. Call: (949) 497-6582 or (800) 487-3378.