The Newport Beach Arts Foundation is putting its annual Art in the Park on hold for 2026 to support the city's inaugural Arts Week instead.
Arts Week runs Sunday, August 9, through Saturday, August 15, at the Newport Beach Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Drive. The city's official Arts Week page describes the event as Newport Beach's "first-ever Art Week," a citywide celebration of creativity, culture and community.
Arlene Greer, president of the Newport Beach Arts Foundation, and Vice President Jeff Herdman announced the pivot on the Foundation's website. The board said it will support the Newport Beach Arts Commission's programming throughout the week and plans to bring Art in the Park back in 2027 as the 21st annual edition.
Art in the Park drew more than 2,000 visitors to the Civic Center during its 20th annual run in September 2025, featuring over 100 Southern California artists, live music, food and a wine-and-beer pavilion.
What's on the schedule
The City Arts Commission kicks off Arts Week with a summer concert on Sunday, August 9, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Civic Center. The Arts Foundation also lists a Pacific Symphony concert among the week's highlights, though the city has not confirmed the specific performer for the opening night show.
The anchor event is the 59th Annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition, a juried competition on Saturday, August 15, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Civic Center. Admission is free. The exhibition will feature more than 140 original artworks spanning oils, acrylics, pastels, watercolor, charcoal, pen and ink, sculpture, photography and mixed media, according to the city's Cultural Arts Division.
Attendees can meet the artists, listen to live music, vote for a favorite piece, grab food and drinks from the Food and Beverage Pavilion, and bring kids for craft and painting activities.
Sculpture Exhibition Phase X, a collection of 10 new sculptures recommended by the Arts Commission for Civic Center Park, will also be on display. The City Council has approved the installation, and the pieces are set to remain for three years.
How to participate
Artists interested in exhibiting original work at the 59th Annual Art Exhibition can find details and the application at newportbeachca.gov/culturalarts. For questions, contact the Cultural Arts Division at 949-717-3802.
The full Arts Week schedule beyond the opening concert and closing exhibition has not yet been published. The city describes the week as including exhibitions, live performances and classes across Newport Beach.
Upcoming community events in Newport Beach
- Sunday, August 9: Arts Week opening concert, 6–7:30 p.m., Newport Beach Civic Center
- Saturday, August 15: 59th Annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition, noon–5 p.m., Newport Beach Civic Center (free)
