Something larger-than-life is making its move in Laguna Beach at the end of this month. In partnership with the Laguna Beach Arts Commission and the City of Laguna Beach, the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters will bring a rare public spectacle to the streets as monumental chess set pieces parade to City Hall before becoming a new summer art installation for the community to enjoy.
On Friday, May 29 at 8:30 a.m., three oversized chess sculptures from the Pageant’s celebrated “Indian Chess Set” will make a grand public procession from the Festival of Arts grounds to Laguna Beach City Hall, creating a playful visual moment as towering pieces roll through town in a real-life artistic “opening move.” Laguna Beach Mayor Mark Orgill will join the 8:30 a.m. procession and help kick off the unique community art moment. The Pageant’s giant chess pieces are expected to arrive at City Hall at approximately 8:45 a.m., where they will be installed for public display through July 24, 2026.
The immersive installation features a King standing more than 13 feet tall, accompanied by a Bishop and Knight each standing more than six feet high. Hand-built and sculpted by Pageant artisans Dickson Janda and Alexandria Trudgen, the pieces were originally created for the 2025 Pageant of the Masters and inspired by an intricate 19th-century ivory chess set from the Norton Simon Museum.
Following the procession, the giant chess pieces will remain on display on the front lawn of Laguna Beach City Hall through July 24, inviting residents and visitors to stop by, take photos, and experience a piece of Pageant history in a new setting. Guests are also encouraged to participate in a social media photo opportunity by snapping a picture with the chess pieces and tagging @FestivalPageant and @LagunaBeachCulturalArts for a chance to win a four-pack of tickets to the 2026 Pageant of the Masters. The contest will start May 29, 2026 and end June 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
“This is a fun and unique way to bring art into the community while giving people a rare opportunity to experience the scale and artistry behind the Pageant re-creations beyond the stage,” said Sharbie Higuichi, Festival of Arts Marketing, Merchandising, and PR Director. “We love the idea of transforming the front lawn of City Hall into a place where public art can surprise people and create moments of curiosity and connection.”
For the first time, these monumental sculptures are making a rare move beyond the Pageant stage and into the heart of the community, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the artistry and craftsmanship behind one of Laguna Beach’s most beloved traditions up close. The installation arrives as excitement builds for this summer’s Pageant of the Masters production, The Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.), opening July 9, 2026. Celebrating legendary artists and masterpieces across history, this year’s production explores the timeless question: who truly deserves the title of “greatest of all time?”
This is a program of the Arts Commission and funded by the lodging establishments and the City of Laguna Beach. Laguna Beach City Hall is located at 505 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. The public and press are both invited to see the chess pieces “moving” from the Festival of Arts grounds through Laguna Beach to City Hall, starting at 8:30 a.m.
The Pageant of the Masters production of “The Greatest of All Time” will run nightly July 9 – September 4, 2026. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.foapom.com or call (800) 487-3378. To stay up to date on all things Pageant of the Masters and Fine Arts Show visit www.foapom.com or follow @FestivalPageant on social media. To support the Festival of Arts, please visit www.foapom.com/supportnow.
Credit: Festival of Arts.
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