What is the Sunset Beach Art Festival?
The Sunset Beach Art Festival is a free Mother's Day weekend tradition held on the greenbelt between N. Pacific and S. Pacific from Broadway to 7th Street. The 58th annual edition runs Saturday, May 9 (9 AM–6 PM) and Sunday, May 10 (9 AM–5 PM), 2026, with over 150 artists, live entertainment, food booths, and a Kids' Zone. It's hosted by Las Damas of Sunset Beach, a volunteer non-profit that's run the festival since 1962.
By Victor Vasu | May 8, 2026
If you've been hunting for a Mother's Day plan that doesn't involve a crowded brunch reservation, this one's worth the short drive up the coast.
The 58th Annual Sunset Beach Art Festival lands this Saturday and Sunday — May 9 and 10 — on the greenbelt that runs down the middle of Sunset Beach. It's free, it's outdoors, and it's been a Mother's Day weekend tradition since 1962.
What you'll find there
Over 150 artists set up booths along the grass strip between North Pacific and South Pacific, from Broadway down to 7th Street. The mix runs the full range — handmade jewelry, ceramics, paintings, photography, woodwork, textiles. Real makers, not mass-produced resale.
A few things worth knowing before you go:
Saturday hours: 9 AM to 6 PM
Sunday hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
Admission: Free
Live music runs throughout both days
Food booths on-site so you can make a half-day of it
Kids' Zone for families — the kids stay occupied while you shop
Quilt raffle — a Las Damas tradition. Volunteers hand-make a quilt every year, tickets sold during the festival, drawing happens Sunday at close
The festival itself is small enough to walk in an hour, but most people end up staying longer once they grab food and settle in along the greenbelt.
Parking and getting there
Parking in Sunset Beach is tight on a normal weekend, and Mother's Day weekend doubles the squeeze. The festival runs shuttle buses from two lots:
Peter's Landing (Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Harbour)
The lot at the end of Warner Avenue
Both shuttles run regularly throughout the day. Park once, ride in, skip the circling.
If you're driving up from Newport or Laguna, plan for roughly 25–35 minutes depending on PCH traffic. Earlier is better — Saturday morning between 9 and 11 is the easiest window before the crowds settle in.
Why it's worth the trip
Mother's Day gifts pulled from a small-batch artist booth tend to land better than something pulled off a shelf. And there's something to be said for a weekend that involves ocean air, a slow walk through 150 booths, and lunch on the grass — the kind of plan that doesn't need a reservation or a dress code.
The festival also funds Las Damas' philanthropic work in the community. Every dollar spent there stays close to home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sunset Beach Art Festival free?
Yes. Admission is free both Saturday and Sunday. You only pay for what you buy from artists or food vendors.
Where exactly is it held?
On the greenbelt between N. Pacific Avenue and S. Pacific Avenue, from Broadway to 7th Street in Sunset Beach. Closest cross-street landmark is 12th Street.
Is parking available on-site?
Street parking around Sunset Beach fills up fast. The festival runs free shuttle buses from Peter's Landing and the parking lot at the end of Warner Avenue. That's the easiest route in.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes. There's a dedicated Kids' Zone with activities so parents can shop and browse without rushing.
Who runs it?
Las Damas of Sunset Beach — a volunteer women's non-profit that's organized the festival since 1962. Profits go back into local arts, education, and community programs.
If you're looking for a low-stress Mother's Day weekend plan, this is one of the better ones on the calendar — and it only comes around once a year.
Call or text Victor & Suzanne Vasu for more information, 949-677-5268 | 760-776-3333
