How To Coast

Experience the coastal lifestyle and beauty of our picturesque little town through films, live music, art workshops, and more as you curate your ideal festival week using our "How to Coast" guide.

Festival Info + Activities

Important Festival Info

➜ To create a smooth festival experience, multi-day GA + VIP pass holders must pre-register for their favorite films and activities via the link in your order confirmation email to guarantee access. Don’t miss out on some of the festival’s most popular events!

➜ Seating at all venues is first-come, first-served.

➜ VIP reserved seating is available up to 10 minutes before showtime.

➜ If you have questions or want to pick up or purchase tickets or passes in person, visit our COAST Information Desk at Rivian South Coast Theater, open Nov 9th - 17th, 10 AM - 5 PM.

➜ Introducing COAST’s “Shop for Good!” An online auction loaded with goods and services generously donated by local businesses and supporters. All proceeds support the Coast Film Foundation. #GoodStuff

➜ We have several meet-and-greet opportunities for our VIP guests to meet filmmakers, athletes, and guest speakers during our scheduled blocks. Meet us at the Lounge at Festival of Arts! VIP pass holders do not need a reservation.

  • Friday, November 15th, 5 - 6 PM

  • Saturday, November 16th, 12 - 1 PM and 5 - 6 PM

  • Sunday, November 17th, 5 - 6 PM

➜ FREE EVENT!
Films on Forest Ave Promenade on Thursday, November 14. Join us on Forest Avenue from 6 - 8:30 PM for a pop-up movie screen under the stars! Presented by ROARK.

➜ FREE ACTIVITIES!
#Getoutside by joining us for a trail run with ROARK, REI, and Asics, move your body with a Vuori yoga class or hike, or grab your mountain bike and join Troy Lee, Hans Rey, Richie Schley, and other athletes for some of the best mountain bike trails in California! Reservations are required.

EXPERIENCE LAGUNA BEACH

Throughout the week, experience more than just films. We’ve curated a range of activities that showcase the true Laguna Beach experience!

  • Laguna Art Museum’s Art x Nature Activation | November 2 - November 11
    An annual event celebrating the dynamic exchange between artistic expression and environmental awareness.

  • Trail Stewardship with Laguna Canyon Foundation | November 16
    Join LCF staff for a morning of trail stewardship at Old Emerald Trail, where volunteers of all skill levels can help with tasks like clearing drains, pruning vegetation, and restoring eroded areas. For more information and to register, visit lagunacanyon.org.

  • Do Good Village | November 16 + November 17 | Check out the schedule of events!
    Visit the Do Good Village to explore eco-friendly initiatives, chat around the fireside, or participate in drawing and community activities.

  • Outdoor Activities | November 16 + November 17 | Check the festival schedule for sign-ups!
    #GETOUTSIDE with a lineup of activities! Kayak or Paddleboard with La Vida Laguna, move your body in a yoga session or hike with Vuori, trail run with ROARK, REI, and Asics, or grab your mountain bike and join Troy Lee, Hans Rey, Richie Schley, and other athletes for some of the best mountain bike trails in California!

  • For the best beaches, hiking, mtb riding, rooftop bars, cafes, shopping, and more, check out Visit Laguna Beach!

Rivian South Coast Theater | 162 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach

Festival Venues

This year, we’ve expanded our festival to several locations throughout beautiful Laguna Beach. Enjoy nine days of films from around the world, including features, shorts, documentaries, animations, youth, and student films.

  • All of our theaters will have snacks and beverages available for purchase. Outside food or beverage is not allowed.

  • Please be respectful to the filmmakers and audience by silencing your phones upon entrance and limiting coming and going once the films have begun.

Festival of Arts
650 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach

Forum Theater @ Festival of Arts
650 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center
235 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach

Hobie Surf Shop
294 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach

Photo credit: Mary Hurlbut @lagunabeachphotographer

Parking + Transportation

Coast Film and Music Festival theaters and venues are located Downtown and are all within about a 10-minute walk from each other. Lots of paid parking can be found, or take a ride on the FREE Laguna Beach Trolley! Find the live trolley schedule HERE.

All day, paid parking lots near venues:
Lot 10 - Laguna Canyon Rd lot - $4 all day
Lot 11 - Forest/Laguna Canyon lot - $4 all day

3-Hour limit, free after 7pm paid parking:
Lots 1-5 - Broadway, Peppertree, Ocean Avenue A + B, and Mermaid lots

Check out City of Laguna Beach’s trolley and parking lot map.

Rivian Demo Drives

Schedule your Rivian demo drive today. Discover electric trucks and SUVs crafted with the performance, handling and capability for wherever your journey takes you. Take a demo drive and receive 25% off Coast Film & Music Festival tickets. Discount code for tickets will be shared via email within 48 hours of booking. 

There will be drives Friday, November 15 - Sunday, November 17 from 9 AM to 4 PM at Festival of Arts.

Dining Partners

Huge thank you to our dining partners for offering delicious food options to our festival goers at Festival of Arts, November 15-17. Check out their restaurants on your quiet festival days!

Ahba: Craft beer, cocktails and natural wine served alongside gourmet comfort food in a cozy indoor/outdoor space. *We confirm, best burger in town!
Wahoos: Best quick bite on the west coast. Fresh and delicious Mexican food with an Asian & Brazilian twist.
Starfish: Asian fusion cuisine with a great happy hour.
Harvest at The Ranch: Organic farm to table restaurant with stunning patio views!
Jedidiah Coffee: Keeping us caffeinated throughout the festival! Family owned + operated ♡

Lodging Partners

Whether you’re looking for a luxurious resort, a sustainable boutique hotel, or a cozy beachfront rental, Laguna Beach has accommodations to suit every traveler’s style. Our lodging partners have offered our festival goers a discounted rate! Book Now!

VISIT LAGUNA BEACH RESPONSIBLY

Make the most out of your festival experience by checking out Visit Laguna Beach for the best restaurants and activities in town. While you’re here, we ask you to respect the local community by following the "Leave No Trace" principle, using reusable items, and opting for eco-friendly transportation. Littering, smoking, or drinking alcohol on City beaches, parks, and trails is NOT permitted. Help us keep Laguna Beach beautiful —together, we can preserve this special place for everyone to enjoy.