Events/Best of the City

Newport in Water Boat Show

3400 Via Oporto Newport Beach, CA 92663

Description: Beautiful Lido Marina Village is no stranger to an impressive vessel or two, but things are taken to the extreme each spring when the "Big Yacht Show" kicks off. Open to anybody who buys a ticket, this prestigious yacht exhibition rivals the legendary scene at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and is a great opportunity to see how the proverbial "other half" lives.

»More Details

Newport Beach Film Festival

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Description: Filmmakers from around the world descend upon Newport Beach every April to participate in this acclaimed festival, which lets more than 300 independent feature, short, documentary and animated films compete for jury and audience awards. In addition to screenings at Fashion Island and other venues, the festival offers Q&A sessions with featured screenwriters, directors, and cinematographers, giving fledging filmmakers the chance to pick the brains of more established peers.

»More Details

Balboa Island Artwalk

Marine Ave Balboa Island, CA 92662

Description: One of Balboa Island's most well-attended and anticipated annual events, Artwalk is a must for collectors, casual and serious alike. Along the South Bayfront (from Marine Avenue to the ferry landing), booths display jewelry, oils, photographs, watercolors, sculpture, and ceramics by artists from all over the region, and the free event features live music throughout the day. Since space is limited, parking is not permitted on Balboa Island attendees are encouraged to park at nearby Newport Dunes or in the Balboa Pier lot (those choosing the latter option can take the ferry over for a small fee).

»More Details

Newport Beach Summer Jazz Festival

1107 Jamboree Rd Newport Beach, CA 92660 949-729-1234

Description: This spectacular weekend of live jazz features some two dozen performers and draws crowds that often number into the thousands. Held on the grounds of the Hyatt Regency, the event takes advantage of the beautiful landscape to stage 18 live concerts over its three-day slate. Washing down the great music doesn't pose an issue since food, wine, and other refreshments are available. Tickets may be purchased directly from the hotel or via Ticketmaster. Lawn and reserve seating are available.

»More Details

Balboa Island Parade

Marine Ave Balboa Island, CA 92662 949-760-8368

Description: Each June, thousands of folks gather along Marine Avenue to cheer a procession of veterans, antique cars, decorated tricycles, bands, floats, golf carts, and even pink poodles. Few things exemplify the quirky spirit and quality of Balboa Island like this fun-filled opportunity to parade, eat, drink, and socialize. Arrive early and stay late so that you can enjoy the island's many shops and restaurants.

»More Details

Fashion Island Summer Concert Series

401 Newport Center Dr Newport Beach, CA 92660 949-721-2000

Description: Every summer since 1967, Fashion Island has found its groove thanks to this concert series, which draws several thousand people per show. The line-up changes, ensuring that warm summer nights never get stale one week it may be Grammy-winner B.J. Thomas, and the next week a tribute band may take the stage. Plenty of shopping and dining are available just steps from the concert area, so it's easy to make a full night of the event. Tickets are available through the Fashion Island concierge.

»More Details

Taste of Newport

Newport Center Dr Newport Beach, CA 92660 949-729-4400

Description: To be sure, Newport Beach doesn't have a singular, defining "taste" no, it's a myriad of tastes, as this fall festival attests. More than 30 restaurants and 15 wineries join forces to let folks sample the international flavor of the local dining scene. Featured restaurants specialize in everything from Texas-style brisket to pad Thai. In addition to great food and drink, the festival books big-name musical acts like the B-52's, Macy Gray and KC and the Sunshine Band. Free and valet parking are available.

»More Details

Lido Yacht Expo

3421 Via Opporto Newport Beach, CA 92663 949-757-5959

Description: If you're in the market for a cutting-edge 100-footer no expenses spared all you need do is show up at the marina for this five-day showcase. Billed as one of the West Coast's top "big boat shows," the Lido Yacht Expo is known far and wide for the luxurious watercraft it showcases. Of course, smaller craft (and shallower pockets) get their fair share of attention, too, since most vessels on display fall in the 40-foot range.

»More Details

Corona del Mar Sand Castle Contest

Ocean Blvd Corona Del Mar,

Description: Castles made of sand melt into the sea eventually, but this fall festival ensures that the most spectacular of them get a fair shot at the limelight before the tides turn. Held at Big Corona, the event pits some of the West Coast's most amazing sand sculptors against one another, and the results are nothing short of stunning. In addition to competitors, the Sand Castle Contest draws several thousand spectators each year.

»More Details