Laguna Art Museum, O.C. Museum of Art Back Open for Business

Even as coronavirus cases surge across the country and in California, Orange County remains in the red tier (Tier 2), for now. That means museums are still open, which may come as a surprise to some.

Since mid-September, many Orange County museums have reopened their doors. But they must operate at 25% capacity and with some modifications, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state’s "Blueprint for a Safer Economy."

The Laguna Art Museum (LAM) reopened Sept. 10 and has made its facilities what appears and feels to be extremely safe. When a visitor enters, a staff member checks the visitor’s temperature at the door. Those who are visibly sick are not allowed to proceed. Visitors and staff are required to wear face masks. Social distancing of six feet is strongly recommended.

You may need to buy your tickets in advance, which you can do on the museum's website. But if you buy your tickets at the museum, chances are you'll be able to get in right away. It's not like people are clamoring in droves to the museums these days, or anywhere for that matter.

Philharmonic Society Cobbles Together a COVID Season, Looks Forward to Live Events in January

You may not have noticed, but the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, our area’s oldest presenter of classical music, has quietly put together a 2020-2021 concert season and has, in fact, already launched it. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, as many orchestras, opera companies and other performing groups have canceled performances through as late as June 2021, the Philharmonic Society decided to forge ahead.

A glance at the schedule reveals just about the usual number of big-name artists, too, though only one orchestra. The season starts out virtually, but in January, the group plans to switch over to live concerts in Segerstrom Concert Hall and other local venues.

"We don't see an option this year of just hibernating or weathering the storm," said Tommy Phillips, the Society’s president and artistic director. "We want to make sure we remain relevant and that we have a voice."

With Orange County in Tier 2 of the California Re-Opening Plan, many of Orange County's arts and culture organizations and venues remain physically closed; but virtual and streaming offerings are thriving, and more venues are beginning their phased re-openings in accordance with State guidelines. Arts Orange County is pleased to combine its recommendations for online enrichment with some good news about places you can visit personally. ArtsOC continues to urge everyone to save lives by wearing masks and respecting social distancing protocols. 

Livestream Concert with Taj Mahal

The Muckenthaler Cultural Center is the local presenter for the first-ever livestream concert by the multi-Grammy winning Blues legend  DETAILS »

Yoga on the Argyros Plaza

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Shakespeare Aloud

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Dance & Storytime with Backhausdance!

Reading skills and movement/play skills are creatively combined in these unique workshops for those age 3-6 that teach dance moves inspired by a beloved children's book  DETAILS »

Coast Film Festival in Laguna Beach

The longtime Southern California celebration of sports and outdoor culture on film is offering a hybrid event - viewers from home can stream films, while those who want to watch in person can attend small-capacity events produced outdoors under CDC Safety Guidelines at The Ranch  DETAILS »