Newport Beach is turning the coming week into a citywide celebration of the arts.
The city’s inaugural Art Week runs Sunday, Aug. 9, through Saturday, Aug. 15, bringing together live music, exhibitions, workshops, children’s activities and other cultural programs across Newport Beach.
A free concert on the Civic Center lawn
The week opens Sunday with Pacific Symphony’s Symphony in the Cities at the Newport Beach Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Drive.
Preconcert activities begin at 5 p.m. with a Musical Playground for children, including crafts, a conducting clinic, a drum circle, face painting and balloon animals. The concert runs from 6–7:30 p.m., with conductor Michael Repper leading a program of classical favorites, Broadway selections, film music and patriotic selections.
Admission and parking are free, and no tickets or advance registration are required. Seating is first-come, first-served, so visitors should bring lawn chairs or blankets. Food trucks will be on-site, and alcohol is not permitted.
Free parking is available in the Civic Center structure. Additional parking is planned near 12 Corporate Plaza Drive. The city asks concertgoers using the structure to enter from Avocado Avenue and Civic Center Drive.
Exhibitions, workshops and more
The full Art Week schedule includes dance workshops at Sherman Library & Gardens, children’s art classes, a free historical photo contest, gallery exhibitions and literary programs. Some activities are free, while others require admission or advance registration, so check the individual event listing before heading out.
A free closing exhibition
Art Week concludes Saturday, Aug. 15, with the 59th Annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition, held from noon–5 p.m. in the Civic Center Community Room.
The free community event will showcase more than 300 paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures and mixed-media works by California artists. Artwork will be available for purchase.
Visitors can also enjoy live music from local band BSide, food and beverages for purchase, children’s art activities, native-plant tours and voting for the exhibition’s People’s Choice Award. The awards ceremony begins at 4 p.m.
For the latest schedule, registration links and possible changes, visit the City of Newport Beach’s official Art Week page.
