Events

⚓Enjoy our events page with upcoming and past activities. ⛵Let’s sail into California culture! 70 Degrees facilitates these events with our partners. Our team has chaired in-person, multi-day events and conferences. We can help you host your next event virtually or in-person. Let us know how we can collaborate!

Field Notes is a series of posts dedicated to highlighting current exhibitions and cultural events in your community. We primarily list community functions in California. Subscribe to receive our monthly newsletter. View our the Historic & Research Sites page. Visit our Resources page for more details.

Events

The American flag flies high above the entrance to Dana Point Harbor on a newly installed wooden flagpole that is comprised of salvaged materials from the historic tall ship The Pilgrim, a harbor mainstay for many years until it sank in 2020. Photo: Courtesy of Dana Point Harbor Partners
Dana Point is a unique treasure of timeless beauty and creative innovation. You're invited to discover the new and classic beauty that makes this community one of a kind. Explore the harbor on "The Spirit of Dana Point" that is anchored at the Ocean Institute that has adventure sails.
Ocean Institute Maritime Festival

Ocean Institute is hosting its 42nd Maritime Festival in September at the Dana Point Harbor with live music, local vendors, food trucks, kids’ activities, sailor reenactors, marine life exhibits, and visiting tall ships. We are thrilled to continue celebrating Dana Point’s maritime history.  Reserve tickets to participate in the reenacting cannon battles with a crew who wears period clothing and sings shanty songs. While on board The Mayflower, learn about maritime history and help the crew.

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Ohana Festival is every September in Dana Point.
The Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival is on Saturday, June 13th. Attendees can explore over 40+ iconic boats on land and water, engage with boat owners and hear their stories, tour our featured vessel, the Spirit of Dana Point, and enjoy food and entertainment while celebrating maritime traditions. ​ ​ ​
Sawdust Art Festival runs from June 26th - September 6, 2026 is open daily from 11:00 a.m. Sunday-Thursday until 8:00 p.m., Friday-Saturday until 10:00 p.m. Experience the tradition of the Sawdust Art Festival beneath the eucalyptus groves of Laguna Beach. Discover handmade artwork from 180+ local artists. Enjoy live music, art demonstrations, and soak in the vibrant creative community of Laguna’s favorite summer tradition.
Since 1998, First Thursdays Art Walk in Laguna Beach supports member galleries and sponsors. Start the evening at the 1888 built Hotel Laguna for a featured exhibit, live music, and performing art!
The 2026 Festival of Arts Fine Art Show runs from July 7 to September 3, and the world-famous Pageant of the Masters runs from July 9 to September 4 in Laguna Beach, California.
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Mission San Juan Capistrano presents Mission Treasures featuring art, objects, and special guest books from the Mission’s Museum Collection from 1776 through the 21st century. The fine art has been conserved for the long-term care of the collection. We joined the OC Parks and Historical Commissioners for a private tour of Serra Chapel with Mechelle Lawrence-Adams. “En Plein Air” featuring Plein Air art from the early 1900s to 2016 from the Mission San Juan Capistrano’s collection. The term “en plein air” literally means  “open air”.
Experience the 120th anniversary exhibition at the Balboa Island Museum.
View the Virtual Exhibition courtesy of 70°.

Visit the Newport Beach Historical Society on Thursdays – Sundays from  2pm–6pm. They are located at the Balboa Fun Zone at 600 E. Bay Ave. Newport Beach, CA 92661. Join us for Newport Beach events!

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Frank Cuprien: For the Love of the Sea at Laguna Art Museum from March 21 – September 7, 2026 
The Hilbert Museum offers current exhibitions in the 22,000 square feet location. Reserve your tickets in advance.

“Echoes of Conflict: Remembering Vietnam” is now open for you to explore. Discover powerful stories from the Vietnam War through personal artifacts. View the virtual exhibit and schedule your visit ocfair.com/heroeshall.

Oceans Institute

The Ocean Institute unveiled an incredible mural created by renowned ocean advocate and artist NöcHe, in collaboration with the Mares Foundation. This 17 feet tall and 56 feet wide mural highlights native marine species and ecosystems. It is a triptych as it captures morning, day, and night on this wrap-around mural. Jennifer Keil attended the unveiling ceremony as a Dana Point Arts Ambassador.

The Dana Point & Sorrento Sister Cities exhibit is featured at the Dana Point Historical Society. Schedule your visit in advance or stop by on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays from 1-3pm.

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