
Hello Back Bay Beaus, happy June!
The first weekend of the Summer did not disappoint with parades, art shows, farmers markets, and Brunch Clubs. We are trying to stay on top of all of the upcoming events, concerts, shows and openings, if you have a scoop you want us to mention, please give us a shout at [email protected] (or just reply to this email).
To our new readers—welcome! The Back Bay Buzz delivers just the right amount of news and events for locals in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. No crime, no politics, no spam—just the good stuff. We scan newspapers, blogs, social media, business journals, and Google alerts so you don’t have to.
In today’s Buzz:
Balboas’s 31st Annual Parade
Love Island Screening
$1 Movies at Regal
— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz


Balboa Loves a Parade

Balboa Island came alive yesterday with the 31st Annual Balboa Island Parade, drawing a cheerful crowd of locals, tourists, and everyone in between. This year’s theme was “Good Vibrations on Balboa Island”, setting a positive tone as the summer season kicks off.
The parade began at 11:00 a.m. and rolled into the afternoon, culminating in a lively afterparty concert featuring a Beach Boys tribute band. Onlookers lined the sidewalks to cheer on a vibrant procession that included veterans, active-duty first responders, local dignitaries, marching bands, cheer squads, musicians, and a beloved pack of Golden Retrievers, Frenchies, and other local pups.
Despite the strong turnout, the event maintained a relaxed, family-friendly feel. Parade-goers enjoyed open sidewalks and easy access to local businesses—standouts included Huskins’ Shaken latte (they have inexplicably nixed their Spanish latte, which is tragic) and a Hippo cookie from Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop.
The bridge closed to vehicles around 10:45 a.m., prompting many to walk in from nearby neighborhoods or take the auto ferry from the peninsula to avoid Balboa’s almost non-existent parking.
It was a festive, heartfelt day—one that honored those who serve our community and reminded us why Balboa remains one of the most spirited enclaves of Newport Beach.

♥ Know someone would appreciate the newsletter?
✨ Share the love, score some merch ✨
2 referrals = VIP Shoutout in the newsletter
5 Referrals = Back Bay Buzz exclusive Mug or Tote



“There’s no crying on the Duffy”

Preparing For Surgery? Read This.
Recovery increases your body’s demand for nutrients involved in healing, immune support, and tissue repair. HealFast was formulated specifically for pre- and post-surgery recovery support.


UPCOMING:
Newport Needlepoint Club Meetup - Newport Needlepoint
“2026 is the year for Grandma hobbies”
Tuesdays 6-8pm
InfoTrivia Night - Bootlegger’s Brewery
Tuesdays 7-9pm
DirectionsFree Yoga Class - Seed Peoples Market
Wednesdays @ 10am
InfoLove Island Screening - Helmsman Alehouse
Tuesday June 2nd
6pm
InfoDIY Craft Club - The Lab
Thursday June 11th
5-7pm
InfoImprov Comedy Experience - VEA Newport
Friday June 12th
6:45-8pm
InfoTalent Show - Neat Coffee
Satruday June 13th
5-9pm
InfoCompost Giveaway and Shredding Event - OCC
Saturday Jun 13th
8am-12pm
InfoSongs in the Canyon - Canyon Park (Costa Mesa)
June 12-14
InfoSummer Concert Series: Kayln & The New Frontier (Country) - VEA Newport
Thursday June 18th
5:30-7:30pm
InfoHouse Party on the Rooftop (at the pier) - Ruby’s Diner
Friday June12th26th
4-10pm
Tickets

WHAT’S GOING ON IN SOUTH OC?
Check out our great partner newsletter:



Ideal conditions for a mid-week ceremonial matcha run…
🌊 Water temp = 65º
Suit Rec: Spring suit/Full suit 3/2

THIS WEEK:
$1 Summer Movies at Regal
Monday, 01 June
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
InfoPages and Paws at Costa Mesa Mesa Verde Library
Tuesday, 02 June
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
InfoBarnes and Noble Storytime at Fashion Island Newport Beach
Wednesday, 03 June
11:30 am - 12:00 pm
InfoBaby Band at Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library
Thursday, 04 June
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Info
Plan Ahead:
🦈 Sharks After Dark - The Ocean Instiute Dana Point
Second Fridays June-August
5:30-8:30pm
$0 for 0-18 month, $14 kids, $18 adults
InfoCritter investigations - Upper Newport Bay
3rd Wednesday of each month
10-11am
InfoStem Workshop - Carters x Kiwi Co. (Tustin Market Place)
Second Saturday of Every Month
10am -12pm
RSVP“Galaxy” (Star Wars) Day at the OC Zoo
Saturday, 06 June
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
InfoPolice Officer Storytime at Newport Beach Central Library
Saturday, 06 June
10:30 am - 11:30 am
InfoMovie Mondays: The Parent Trap - Segerstrom Center
Monday July 6th
Info
Farmers Markets 🥬🥕:

Newport Pier Farmer’s Market
Costa Mesa - SOCO (Saturdays 9-2)
Corona Del Mar - PCH & Marguerite (Saturdays 9-1)
Newport Beach - Newport Pier (Sundays 9-1)
Newport Harbor - Dover Dr & 16th St (Saturdays 9am-1pm)
Mesa Verde - 1525 Mesa Verde Dr E, Costa Mesa (Sundays 10-2pm)
OC Fairgrounds Farmers Market - OC Fairgrounds, (Thursdays 9am-1pm)

🌴 Costa Mesa

Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor barely made it off Balboa island alive.
PS: Feel free to let me know any feedback or inside scoops you have for the newsletter. Just reply to this email, I read every one. Thanks!

SPONSOR THE NEWSLETTER!
Our readers are savvy, engaged, locals.
Email [email protected] to explore our sponsorship options.



