Newport Beach's longest-running outdoor art showcase won't happen this year. The Newport Beach Arts Foundation announced Friday, Aug. 7, that it is pausing its annual Art in the Park event for the first time in two decades, redirecting its support to the city's inaugural Art Week beginning Sunday, Aug. 9.
The Foundation's board said on its website that Art in the Park will not be held this year and that it will instead back the weeklong celebration hosted by the Newport Beach Arts Commission. The 21st Annual Art in the Park will return in a future year, with a date to be announced.
Art in the Park last ran in 2025 as its 20th annual edition, drawing artists, artisans and sponsors to what had become a reliable fixture for residents who browse and buy local work outdoors.
What Art Week offers instead
The citywide Arts Commission event runs Aug. 9–15 and opens with a free Pacific Symphony concert on the Civic Center Green, 6–7:30 p.m. Sunday at 100 Civic Center Drive. Parking and admission are free.
City Manager Seimone Jurjis previewed the week in an Aug. 4 community update, noting it includes exhibitions, performances, educational programs and community events hosted by local artists, businesses and nonprofits throughout Newport Beach.
The week also features Sculpture Exhibition Phase X and wraps up Saturday, Aug. 15, with the 59th Annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition at the Civic Center. That juried show will display more than 300 works from artists across the region, with a People's Choice vote judged by Laguna Art Museum's Julie Perlin Lee, live music, food trucks and free admission.
As we reported Aug. 6, John Williams biographer Tim Greiving will also speak at Witte Hall during the week.
How to get involved
Artists interested in exhibiting original work during the Art Exhibition can find details and the application process at newportbeachca.gov/culturalarts. Residents who want to support the Foundation's future programming can become members or donate at newportbeachartsfoundation.org.
No specific reason was given for the one-year pause. The Foundation's announcement framed the decision as a choice to channel energy toward Art Week rather than run both events simultaneously.
Upcoming Newport Beach community events
- Sunday, Aug. 9: Free Pacific Symphony concert, Civic Center Green, 6–7:30 p.m. (100 Civic Center Drive)
- Aug. 9–15: Inaugural Art Week, exhibitions and events citywide
- Saturday, Aug. 15: 59th Annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition, Civic Center, free admission
