Taste of Laguna returns to the Festival of Arts on Thursday, October 1, 2026, bringing together food from Laguna Beach restaurants, live music, dancing and a silent auction for one of the community’s biggest culinary nights of the year.
The 21st annual Taste of Laguna Food & Music Festival will feature unlimited food tastings from participating restaurants and culinary partners, along with a live performance by The Mighty Untouchables. General admission begins at 6:00 p.m., while VIP ticket holders can enter an hour earlier at 5:00 p.m.
Whether you are comparing general admission and VIP tickets, deciding when to arrive or wondering what your ticket actually includes, here is everything currently announced for Taste of Laguna 2026.
Quick answer: Taste of Laguna takes place Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. at the Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. Tickets include unlimited food tastings, but most beverages are purchased separately. The event is strictly for guests age 21 and older.
Taste of Laguna 2026 at a glance
| Event detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, October 1, 2026 |
| General admission hours | 6:00–9:30 p.m. |
| VIP admission | Begins at 5:00 p.m. |
| Location | Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road |
| Entertainment | The Mighty Untouchables |
| General admission | $120 early bird; $140 standard |
| VIP admission | $180 early bird; $200 standard |
| Age requirement | 21 and older |
| Food | Unlimited tastings included |
| Beverages | Sold separately; two drink tickets included with VIP |
| Ticket policy | Final sale, transferable and valid for one entry |
| Weather policy | Event is held rain or shine |
What is Taste of Laguna?
Taste of Laguna is an annual food and music festival produced by the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce. It brings local restaurants, chefs, beverage providers, businesses and residents together for an outdoor evening at the Festival of Arts grounds.
Rather than purchasing individual dishes, guests receive unlimited food tastings from the participating restaurants and culinary partners. The evening also includes live music, dancing and a silent auction benefiting the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Organizers anticipate more than 30 local restaurants and chefs, although the complete 2026 restaurant lineup is still being announced.
How much are Taste of Laguna 2026 tickets?
Taste of Laguna offers general admission and VIP tickets for $140 and $200
General admission
- Early-bird price: $120 plus applicable tax
- Standard price: $140 plus applicable tax
- Entry time: 6:00 p.m.
- Includes: Unlimited food tastings and access to the live concert, bars and silent auction
- Does not include: Alcoholic drinks or other beverages
VIP admission
- Early-bird price: $180 plus applicable tax
- Standard price: $200 plus applicable tax
- Entry time: 5:00 p.m.
- Includes: Unlimited food tastings, one-hour early entry, private VIP area, private bar, two drink tickets and a VIP-only swag bag
Important pricing note
As of August 11, the two organizer-operated pages display different early-bird cutoff dates. The Taste of Laguna ticket page lists early-bird pricing through August 31, while the Chamber registration page lists August 15.
Check the final price shown during registration before completing your purchase. Tickets are nonrefundable, although the organizers state that they may be transferred to another person.
Is the Taste of Laguna VIP ticket worth it?
The VIP ticket costs $60 more than general admission at both advertised pricing levels.
Two $10 drink tickets are included, accounting for $20 of that difference. The remaining $40 premium provides:
- Admission at 5:00 p.m., one hour before general admission
- Shorter food lines during the first hour
- Earlier access to restaurant tastings
- A private VIP area
- A private VIP bar
- A VIP-only swag bag
VIP will probably provide the most value for guests who want time to visit as many restaurant stations as possible before the main crowd arrives. The private area may also be worthwhile for anyone who wants a place to step away from the busiest portions of the event.
General admission should be sufficient for guests who are primarily interested in the food, concert and social atmosphere and do not mind larger lines.
What does admission include?
Both general admission and VIP tickets include unlimited food tastings from the participating restaurants and culinary partners.
Drinks are not included with general admission. Drink tickets may be purchased inside the event for $10 each, plus applicable tax. One drink ticket can be exchanged for:
- One beer
- One glass of wine
- One cocktail
- Or two nonalcoholic beverages
Drink tickets are sold at the booth near the VIP lounge using cash or a card. Organizers also plan to have volunteers selling drink tickets near the bars, with card payment required for those mobile purchases.
VIP admission includes two drink tickets.
All admission and beverage-ticket sales are final.
Which restaurants are participating in Taste of Laguna 2026?
The restaurant lineup is still developing. As of August 11, the restaurants and culinary businesses appearing on the official 2026 participant page include:
- Golden Spoon
- Lost Pier Cafe
- Nick’s Laguna Beach
- South of Nick’s
- OTO Sushi
- Pizza Bar
- Rosey’s Famous Feast
Additional restaurants and chefs are expected to be announced before the event. We will update this guide as new participants are confirmed.
The format consists of tasting-size portions rather than full entrées. With numerous participating stations expected, guests should be able to sample a broad selection of Laguna Beach food during the evening.
See the currently announced Taste of Laguna restaurants.
Taste of Laguna 2026 schedule
The current event schedule is:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:00 p.m. | VIP admission begins |
| 5:00 p.m. | The Mighty Untouchables begin performing |
| 6:00 p.m. | General admission begins |
| 8:00 p.m. | Final entry permitted |
| 8:30 p.m. | Food service ends |
| 8:30 p.m. | Silent auction closes |
| 9:00 p.m. | Beverage service ends |
| 9:30 p.m. | Event concludes |
Guests arriving with general admission should consider getting to the venue before 6:00 p.m. Food service ends at 8:30 p.m., and no one will be admitted after 8:00 p.m.
There is no re-entry. Once a guest leaves the Festival of Arts grounds, that ticket cannot be used to return.
Live music by The Mighty Untouchables
The Mighty Untouchables will provide live music throughout the evening. The Southern California event band is known for performing a broad mix of dance, pop, rock, soul, funk, disco and contemporary hits.
The band is scheduled to begin when VIP admission opens at 5:00 p.m. Music continues into the evening as the event shifts from restaurant tastings to dancing and entertainment.
Where is Taste of Laguna held?
Taste of Laguna is held at the Festival of Arts:
Festival of Arts
650 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
The venue is located along Laguna Canyon Road near the Laguna Playhouse.
Taste of Laguna is an outdoor event. Organizers recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a light jacket for later in the evening.
Where should I park for Taste of Laguna?
Parking near the Festival of Arts can be difficult, especially for a large evening event. Taste of Laguna does not advertise a dedicated attendee parking lot, so guests should allow extra time to locate legal public parking.
The event organizers recommend planning ahead or using Uber, Lyft or another transportation service.
Practical parking and arrival advice:
- Do not assume parking will be available directly beside the venue.
- Allow additional time for traffic on Laguna Canyon Road.
- Check all posted parking restrictions before leaving your vehicle.
- Consider rideshare if you plan to purchase alcoholic beverages.
- Arrange your pickup location before the event ends.
- Remember that the final admission time is 8:00 p.m.
Because parking and transit operations can change, verify the latest transportation information shortly before October 1.
Is Taste of Laguna only for adults?
Yes. Taste of Laguna 2026 is strictly a 21-and-older event.
Anyone younger than 21—including children and infants—is not permitted to enter. Guests must bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Identification may be checked at entry and again when purchasing alcoholic beverages.
The official FAQ mentions that a late-night childcare option may be offered through the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, but the 2026 childcare details remain listed as “to be determined.” Parents should not rely on that service until the organizers publish final arrangements.
What can and can’t you bring?
Bags, backpacks and purses are subject to security screening.
Guests may not bring:
- Outside alcoholic beverages
- Beverages or beverage containers
- Weapons of any kind
- Personal tables
- Personal chairs
- Other items considered unsafe by event security
Pets are not permitted inside the Festival of Arts grounds. Smoking and vaping are also prohibited throughout the venue.
Is Taste of Laguna accessible?
The Festival of Arts grounds have accessible restrooms and are described by the organizers as ADA accessible.
A guest with a disability and one companion may also request early entry by contacting the event organizers at least three days before the event and providing the requested documentation. Contact the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce directly to arrange assistance.
What happens if it rains?
Taste of Laguna is scheduled to take place rain or shine.
Ticket sales are final, with no refunds or exchanges. Tickets may be transferred to another person, but every attendee must meet the event’s 21-and-older requirement.
Taste of Laguna 2026 frequently asked questions
When is Taste of Laguna 2026?
Taste of Laguna is Thursday, October 1, 2026. General admission runs from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m., while VIP entry begins at 5:00 p.m.
Where is Taste of Laguna?
The event takes place at the Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach.
Is food included with admission?
Yes. General admission and VIP tickets include unlimited food tastings from participating restaurants and culinary partners.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
Alcoholic beverages are not included with general admission. Drink tickets cost $10 each, plus applicable tax. VIP admission includes two drink tickets.
What does a VIP ticket include?
VIP admission includes entry at 5:00 p.m., a private VIP area, a private bar, two drink tickets and a VIP-only swag bag.
Can anyone under 21 attend?
No. Taste of Laguna is strictly limited to guests age 21 and older. Children and infants are not permitted.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Pets are not allowed inside the Festival of Arts grounds for this event.
Can I leave and return?
No. The event has a no-re-entry policy. Each ticket provides one-time admission.
What is the refund policy?
All admission and beverage-ticket sales are final. Admission tickets may be transferred to another eligible attendee.
What should I wear?
There is no formal dress code published. Comfortable shoes and a light jacket are recommended because the event is outdoors and continues into the evening.
Should you attend Taste of Laguna 2026?
Taste of Laguna offers an opportunity to sample food from numerous Laguna Beach restaurants in one location while enjoying a full evening of live music and community activity.
For visitors, it can serve as an introduction to restaurants they may want to visit during the rest of their stay. For residents, it is a large social event that brings many familiar local businesses together at the Festival of Arts.
VIP makes the most sense for guests who value early access, shorter lines and a private area. General admission remains the more economical option and includes the central attraction: unlimited restaurant tastings and the concert.
Purchase official tickets: Register for Taste of Laguna 2026 through the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce.
How We Verified This Guide
SoLaguna independently reviewed the official Taste of Laguna website, the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce event listing and the published policies for the 2026 event. We compared the announced date, hours, venue, admission prices, food and beverage inclusions, age restriction, participating restaurants, entertainment, accessibility information, parking guidance and entry policies.
The official sources currently show different early-bird cutoff dates: the Taste of Laguna ticket page lists August 31, while the Chamber registration page lists August 15. Because prices and ticket availability can change, visitors should confirm the final amount on the registration page before purchasing.
Information last verified: August 12, 2026
- Official Taste of Laguna event information
- Official Taste of Laguna ticket information
- Official Taste of Laguna policies and FAQs
- Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce event listing and registration
SoLaguna is an independent Laguna Beach community organization. It does not produce Taste of Laguna, sell its tickets or represent the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce. Official sources are linked so readers can confirm time-sensitive information directly.
