Surftides Festival of Illusions 2023

There’s a magical, supernatural, hilarious spring break waiting for you at the Lincoln City Cultural Center.

The Lincoln City Cultural Center is delighted to announce the 2023 Festival of Illusions. This year’s festival is one of our biggest yet with new acts, returning magicians, concerts, workshops, photo opportunities and a mobile escape room. This family friendly event will have both daytime activities and evening performances for all ages, all taking place at the Cultural Center. Special thanks to Surftides Hotel, Amy Graham of Taylor & Taylor Realty Co., Oregon State Credit Union and Explore Lincoln City for their continued and generous support of local arts.

The Festival of Illusions began in 2011 as a way to provide weather-proof, affordable family entertainment during Oregon’s public school spring break. It was cancelled suddenly by COVID in 2020 but resumed in 2021. “This is always such an exciting time of year,” said LCCC Executive Director Niki Price. “The Festival of Illusions kicks off the busy season at the LCCC. We love the excitement these performances bring for all who attend. The audience arrives expecting some light-hearted entertainment, and they leave smiling ear to ear.”

With ten days of festivities planned from March 23rd to April 1st, there will be something happening every day, rain or shine. All evening show seating is reserved, so make sure to get your tickets early and claim your desired seats by calling the LCCC at 541-994-9994 or by clicking this link: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=lccc. Buy 4 or more tickets and get a group discount of 10% off your entire order.

Evening Performances

The Amazing Bubble Man

Thursday, March 23rd, 7:00 PM

Louis Pearl is one of the world’s leading bubble-ologists and a traditional favorite at the annual Festival of Illusions. He has been thrilling audiences around the world for nearly 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. An Edinburgh Fringe Festival favorite, he has sold out every year since 2007. Louis explores the breath-taking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerized. From square bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, fog-filled bubbles, giant bubbles, bubble volcanoes, tornadoes and trampolines to people inside bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man conjures shrieks of laughter and gasps of amazement from all ages. Reserved theatre style seating $20 adults/$18 seniors and students/$8 youth ages 6-18/free for children ages 0-5. For ticketing, call 541-994-9994 or click this link: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=163023

Carisa Hendrix

Saturday, March 25th, 7:00 PM

Magician and variety artist Carisa Hendrix is an award-winning entertainer featured in the Guinness Book of World Records and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! She’s the reigning Stage Magician of the Year at the world-famous Magic Castle, and has appeared on the cover of Genii, Vanish Magazine and Penguin Monthly. You’ve seen her on “Penn & Teller: Fool Us” and at festivals around the world. Based in Canada, Carisa is in Oregon as a headline performer in the Portland Magic Jam. Reserved theatre style seating $30 adults/$25 seniors and students/$15 youth ages 6-18. For ticketing, please call 541-994-9994 or click this link: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=166718

Jeff Evans Science Magic

Sunday, March 26th, 7:00 PM

Known as an innovative performer in the world of magic, Jeff Evans has earned 16 first place finishes at magic competitions around the country – including Stage Magic Champion at the Northwest Magic Jamboree, three times. An active member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Pacific Coast Association of Magicians and the Tacoma Magic Club, Evans offers an evening of quality entertainment. This year, he’s bringing his popular Science Magic show to the Lincoln City Festival of Illusions. Reserved theatre style seating $20 adults/$18 seniors and students/$8 youth ages 6-18/free for children ages 0-5. For ticketing, call 541-994-9994 or click this link: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=163857

Alex Zerbe the Zaniac

Monday, March 27th, 7:00 PM

Alex Zerbe The Zaniac has appeared on three national television shows, holds two Guinness World Records, and has sung in over 12,000 showers! Jaws drop and eyes pop as Alex juggles bowling balls and flaming torches, and slices vegetables in half with a flying playing card. Beatboxing, juggling, dancing, singing, music and magic are just a few of the things that led Piers Morgan of America’s Got Talent to call Alex, “The total package.” Reserved theatre style seating $20 adults/$18 seniors and students/$8 youth ages 6-18/free for children ages 0-5. For ticketing, please call 541-994-9994 or click this link: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=163869

The Magical Mr. B

Tuesday, March 28th, 7:00 PM

The Magical Mr. B is an award-winning performer with more than 30 years of experience in entertaining families with his funny illusions. He has performed in 47 of the United States and several countries abroad. He has fine-tuned his presentations to create a fun and amazing magic show for all ages. Laughter, audience participation and amazing surprises are just a few of the things in store for you when you attend the Magical Mr. B Family Show. Reserved theatre style seating $20 adults/$18 seniors and students/$8 youth ages 6-18/free for children ages 0-5. For ticketing, call us at 541-994-9994 or click this link: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=163861

Peter Irish, World Champion Foot Juggler

Wednesday, March 29th, 7:00 PM

Comedy, action, talent, charisma, danger and dashing good looks are a rare combination in variety entertainment, but not when you’re talking about the world’s greatest foot-juggler, Peter Irish. More than just a juggler; Peter is a legend in the variety arts with six world hacky sack championships and an Award of Innovation in Juggling. Pete has performed his “Feets of Comedy” around the planet with his one of a kind show. Reserved theatre style seating $20 adults/$18 seniors and students/$8 youth ages 6-18/free for children ages 0-5. For tickets, call 541-994-9994 or visit this link: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=163871

Dr. Delusion’s Illusions

Thursday, March 30th, 7:00 PM

Dr. Delusion’s Illusions Comedy Magic and Illusion Show featuring Bob Whitlatch, and Delusionettes, Amy and Krista. Mystery and fun for the entire family. See some of the big props (some 10 feet high), once owned by Kamarr The Discount Magician and seen on Late Night with David Letterman. Witness a huge gorilla appearing from an empty cage, watch as members of the audience float in mid-air and are sawed in half. See the delight on a youngster’s face when they help to “magically” create a gift that they get to keep. Last year’s performance drew the largest crowd at The Festival of Illusions, so be sure to get your tickets early. Reserved theatre style seating $20 adults/$18 seniors and students/$8 youth ages 6-18/free for children ages 0-5. For ticketing, call 541-994-9994 or click this link: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=163874

Fool’s Day Cabaret: A Benefit for Family Promise

Saturday, April 1st, 7:00 PM

Enjoy an evening of old-fashioned entertainment while you raise money for Family Promise of Lincoln County. Chehalem Valley Vaudeville cast members will be joined by local favorites Gary Burman and Nora Sherwood for an evening of song, dance, juggling, improv and good-natured fun – because homelessness is no laughing matter. Admission is $25 adults, $10 youth, with concessions, raffles and other fundraising fun inside. It’s all part of the Lincoln City Cultural Center’s annual Festival of Illusions schedule. To learn more or volunteer, call the Cultural Center at 541-994-9994 or Family Promise, 541-614-0964. For online ticketing, visit this link: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=166591

Daytime Activities

Magic Art Studio

Monday-Friday, March 27th-31st, 10:00 AM-Noon

Welcome to the NEW “Magic Art Studio” downstairs at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, part of The Festival of Illusions 2023. This year the newly repurposed art kit workshop room will be transformed into a Magic Makers Space, where kids of all ages can experiment with painting, printmaking, magic trick making, collage, clay and stop gap animation and enjoy our famous “Invention Station.” Four stations will rotate daily. No need to reserve a spot, just show up anytime during 10am to 12pm and jump into this art experience. Kids 8 and under need to be accompanied by an adult. Admission is $5 per person per day, all materials included. The Art Kit Pick Up Room will also be stocked with tons of Magical Art Projects “to go” for kids and families. These are all free or by donation. For information call 541-994-9994.

Boredom Busting Ballon Class with The Magical Mr. B

Monday, March 27th, 2:00 PM

Brett Belleque is an award winning balloon artist, puppeteer and magician with over 35 years of balloon sculpting experience. He has performed across the United States and in several foreign countries. He twists biodegradable latex balloons into amazing works of art, and he can show you how to get started. Pre-registration is required for his Boredom Busting Balloon Class, as he pre-inflates all the necessary balloons safely, at home. The fee is $10 per person, with all materials and instructions included. For registration, please call 541-994-9994 or click this link: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=163856

Harmonica Pocket-Free Morning Matinee

Tuesday, March 28th, 11:00 AM

Silly and sweet, The Harmonica Pocket is a young-at-heart band from Port Townsend, Wash. Singer-songwriter Keeth Apgar performs catchy, engaging songs with humor, improvisation and play generously sprinkled on top. Apgar incorporates a loop pedal to “build a band” right in front of the audience’s ears. Each instrument is played one at a time to create layers of sound – acoustic guitar, bass, ukulele, wah-wah guitar solos, harmonicas, and vocal harmonies. His shows are about connecting with the audience in a playfully positive environment with no wrong answers. Kids (and their grownups) are creatively empowered to answer questions and improvise rhymes, which are then woven into songs in the moment. Sparks and smiles fly as kids hear their ideas amplified onstage. Auditorium doors open at 10:30 am.

Paint a Puffer in the Ceramics Studio

Wednesday, March 29th, 12:00 PM

Make the doldrums disappear with this great ceramics activity for kids, parents and grandparents. Each participant chooses a pre-made “puffer” (fish, cat or dog) to glaze as they wish, with the help of Debra Hovey, LCCC Ceramics Manager. The finished products will be fired at the center, and ready to pick up (or ship) by Saturday, April 1. A wonderful activity for groups of families and friends. Fee is $25 per person. Seating is limited. To reserve a spot, call 541-994-9994 or click this link: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=166704

Princess Dress-Up & Tea Photo Shoot

Thursday, March 30th, 2:00 PM

An enchanting parent and child event, courtesy of the Lincoln City Playhouse. The Playhouse costume crew will provide princess dresses and beautiful backdrops for memorable pictures. Dress up and enjoy tea & nibbles, while you chat the afternoon away. Tickets are $25 dollars per person, with all proceeds going to the nonprofit Playhouse, Lincoln City’s own children’s theater company. Provide scholarships, costumes and sets while you make memories with your little Princess. Seating is limited and reservations are recommended.For details, contact lincolncityplayhouse@gmail.com. For ticketing, call 541-994-9994 or click this link: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=164977

My Petite Sweet Cookie Decorating Class

Friday, March 31st, 2:00 PM

Join the queen of sugar, Michelle Mausen of My Petite Sweet, to learn classic frosting and decorating techniques. Every participant takes home a dozen cookies to share (or not). Registration is limited. Fee is $30 per person. For tickets, call 541-994-9994 or visit this link: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=164979